27 days in Islamabad, Sydney & Melbourne Itinerary

The country's capital since 1963, Islamabad has the look and feel of a planned administrative city because, by and large, that's exactly what it is.

Give yourself a bit of retail therapy at Itwar Bazar and Giga Mall. Go for a jaunt from Islamabad to Rawalpindi to see Nila Sand about 58 minutes away. Next up on the itinerary: take in the spiritual surroundings of Faisal Mosque, don't miss a visit to Pakistan monument, identify plant and animal life at Bird Aviary, and head outdoors with Trail 3.

To find other places to visit, maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Islamabad trip itinerary maker.

If you are flying in from Pakistan, the closest major aiports are Islamabad International Airport, Peshawar International Airport and Sialkot International Airport. May in Islamabad sees daily highs of 42°C and lows of 26°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Sydney.

Lent iconic status as a result of its famous bridge and opera house, Sydney has a down-to-earth charm that enhances its spectacular setting and functional efficiency.

Give yourself a bit of retail therapy at Sydney Fish Market and Queen Victoria Building. You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Bondi Beach and Manly Beach. Get out of town with these interesting Sydney side-trips: Wentworth Falls (Falls Gallery & Wentworth Falls Lookout), Manly (Shelly Beach & After Dark Nature Tours) and Katoomba (Gallery ONE88 Fine Arts, Katoomba Cascades, &more). There's still lots to do: take a stroll through Darling Harbour, take in the dramatic natural features at Mrs Macquarie's Chair, look for all kinds of wild species at Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, and admire the natural beauty at Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

For where to stay, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Sydney trip builder website.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Islamabad to Sydney. The time zone difference moving from Pakistan Standard Time (PKT) to Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) is 5 hours. When traveling from Islamabad in May, plan for colder days in Sydney, with highs around 24°C, while nights are little chillier with lows around 14°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Wed) to allow time to fly to Melbourne.

The state of Victoria crown jewel, Melbourne boasts shaded streets, leafy residential neighborhoods, vibrant street life, and a picturesque city center.

Do your shopping at Melbourne Central and Tyabb Packing House Antiques. Change things up with these side-trips from Melbourne: Conservation Hill Reserve (in Rhyll), Wildlife Coast Cruises (in Cowes) and Pyramid Rock (in Ventnor). Dedicate the 14th (Wed) to wine at some of the top wineries in the area. Next up on the itinerary: admire the natural beauty at Royal Botanic Gardens, contemplate the long history of Old Melbourne Gaol, stop by Minotaur Entertainment Melbourne, and take a stroll around Federation Square.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, read our Melbourne trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Sydney to Melbourne takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Prepare for little chillier weather when traveling from Sydney in June: high temperatures in Melbourne hover around 16°C and lows are around 6°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Wed) so you can travel back home.