Pacific Islands
Pacific Explorer

Arrive in Nadi, the joining point of our tour. Check-in time is usually 1400hrs. Overnight Tanoa International Hotel or similar.

Today we visit Navala Village. Take the path that takes you back in time where the Fijian villagers of Navala are still living traditionally in their thatched roofing ‘bures’. Navala village is neatly set up or carved into the side of the mountain of Ba. These villagers rely mostly on nature to supply their daily livelihood. They plant their own food supplies of root crops, fruits and vegetables. They get their seasonal supplies of wild fruits, yams and wild pigs from the jungle, bathe in cold waters of the upper source of Ba River and get refreshed with fresh air from the mountain ranges guarding the village. Enjoy the ‘sevusevu’ inside a Fijian ‘bure’ before being guided around the village by your local guide, visiting the remote primary school, get first-hand knowledge by your host about Fijian traditional lifestyle and get tucked into a tasty traditional lunch of vegetables in coconut milk, fried eggplants, stir-fries of vegetables with (on some occasions) meat to suit guests taste eaten with root crops like cassava, yam, dalo vudi (plantane) and lots of green vegetables and fruits in season. Overnight at Tanoa International Hotel or similar (BL)

Today is spent at leisure. Overnight at Tanoa International Hotel or similar (B)

Venture into Nadi’s heartland through the beautiful Sabeto valley to the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, housing the largest and most varied orchid collection in Fiji. Then travel to Viseisei Village, the legendary landing site of the first Fijians, where you will be shown through the village and handicraft displays. The Vuda Lookout affords a 360-degree bird’s eye view of the West’s mountain ranges, Nadi Bay, Nadi International Airport and the beautiful Yasawa Group of Islands. Relax in a Fijian Bure and enjoy a tropical fruit juice and seasonal fruit from an orchard. Your next stop is at Namaka Market to explore some local produce and finally, visit Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, largest Hindu temple in the Southern hemisphere. Return to the hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at Tanoa International Hotel or similar (B)

After breakfast spend the morning at your own leisure, check out at 11am and transfer to the airport for a flight to Noumea where we stay for 2 nights. Upon arrival in Noumea transfer to our hotel. Overnight Hotel Le Lagon or similar (B)

Today we start with a tour of the city and a stop at the market before driving to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre for a 3.5hr guided tour. We visit the main points of interest including the Place d’Cocotilers, and some of the city’s museums including the Museum of New Caledonia and the Maritime History Museum. Overnight Hotel Le Lagon or similar (B)

We take an early morning flight to Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu. On arrival we are met and transferred to the hotel where we are given a tour briefing by our local guide. In the afternoon enjoy a city tour taking in the main points of interest including Vanuatu’s National Museum, where you can discover the Ni-Vanuatu art of storytelling through sand drawings and visit their 24hour main market. Overnight Holiday Inn Hotel or similar (B)

After breakfast we depart for a full day circular tour of the island. Our first stop is at Iarofa Custom Village where we will experience some of the traditional practices and skills, and be mesmerised by an amazing fire-walking display. We continue with a visit to the Rarru Cascade waterfall where there is the opportunity for some swimming before visiting Pangpang to see huge ancient banyan trees and learn how they were used by ancestors. Later we will return to Port Vila. Overnight at Holiday Inn Hotel or similar (BL)

There are complimentary kayaks available at the cascades on a first come, first serve basis.

Full day tour to Artok (a World Heritage Site)– the revered mass burial site of Chief Roi Mata and the 50+ individuals who accompanied him to the afterlife.  After Roi Mata’s burial around 400 years ago a prohibition was imposed on the island preventing people from residing there.  The maintenance of this prohibition over four centuries has led to the development of a unique biodiversity on the islands, where a number of rare and endemic plant and animal species have found refuge.  Visitors will be treated to an exclusive day-long adventure that will provide people with an appreciation of the World Heritage values of this spectacular island and its rich cultural and environmental history.

Highlights:

* The breath-taking beauty of Artok’s rich cultural landscape, protected by custom law for over 400 years

* The mass burial site of the great Chief Roi Mata, buried with over 50 members of his family and court.

* A guided tour through an ancient rainforest, unique to Vanuatu

* Fels cave – where the great chief took his last breath; and ancient rock paintings

* Scenic boat trips to and from the World Heritage sites

* BBQ Lunch included 

Overnight Holiday Inn Hotel or similar (BL)

After an early breakfast transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Tanna Island. The flight to Tanna Island takes in spectacular views of Port Vila Harbour, South Efate and Erromango with its beautiful coastline (clouds permitting).

On arrival we will be met and taken to our accommodation to check in and refresh before setting out to visit Lowinio, a village of the Yakel tribe and of cultural interest.  Untouched by western influence for thousands of years this primitive friendly village will capture your hearts and imagination as they step you back in time to discover what few tourists in the world get to experience.

Return to hotel with the remainder of the afternoon and afternoon at leisure. Overnight Evergreen Resort or similar (BLD) 

Please note: Due to the small number of cars available, the tours on Tanna Island, provided by Evergreen Resort, may be shared with other tourists.

Our volcano tour begins with a 4WD journey across the island, passing local villages, dense native bush, and crossing plains of volcanic ash with stunning views as we approach Yasur Volcano. Once we reach the summit it is a short 10-minute uphill walk to the rim of the crater, where we will observe the awesome power of the world’s most accessible active volcano! This ancient volcano is conspicuously located in one of the most pristine, and unspoiled corners of the globe. Late evening return to our accommodation at Evergreen Resort or similar (BLD)

Please note: Due to the small number of cars available, the tours on Tanna Island, provided by Evergreen Resort, may be shared with other tourists.

After breakfast visit the World’s largest Banyan Tree.  Over 200m around its girth this tree and environment is not be missed.  Welcome to swing within it on its immense vines before heading back down over white beaches for a picnic lunch.  Later we return to your hotel with the remainder of the day at own leisure. Overnight Evergreen Resort or similar (BLD)

As part of this morning’s excursion there is an option for a visit to the Blue Cave for those confident in water and competent in swimming as entry is only by sea. This can be done before or after the Banyan Tree and beach picnic.  As this activity is weather dependent it can only be confirmed on the day. Please advise your guide before leaving the hotel if you are interested.

Breakfast at the hotel before a transfer to the airport for the morning flight back Port Vila. On arrival transfer to the hotel. Enjoy this day at your own leisure. Alternatively, in the afternoon and evening there is an opportunity to visit the nearby downtown area for shopping or for a stroll with options to try the famed Vanuatu beef or eat at an iconic Ni-van place like L’Houstalet and try a local delicacy like flying fox (fruitbat). Overnight Holiday Inn Hotel or similar (B)

Today we leave Port Vila on an early flight to Honiara, capital of the Solomon Islands. Upon arrival, we transfer to hotel to drop off our luggage and begin our visit to Sikaena Village. After our visit to Sikaena village we then head to Ginger Beach for lunch before taking an afternoon drive to the west of the Capital. Overnight Coral Sea Resort & Casino or similar (BL)

The city tour to allow us to discover many points of scenic, cultural and historic interest about Honiara and the Solomon Islands. The Honiara central market is busy, colourful, and offers local produce and crafts, after which we will visit the Parliament House, built for the people of Solomon Islands. With a commanding position, the US Peace War Memorial was constructed in 1992 for the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal. It provides an excellent view of Iron Bottom Sound and the surrounding mountainous regions of Honiara and Guadalcanal. The small National Museum accommodates the diverse cultural artefacts of the Solomon Islands. Return to our hotel or to another venue for lunch before the afternoon tour.

After lunch, you will visit the Red Beach and Polynesian village; this will give you an insight to the day to day living of the Polynesian people of the Solomons.  On our way, back there is an opportunity to stop at Betikama School and a carving shop. Overnight Coral Seas Resort or similar (B)

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. On arrival you will be met and taken on a sightseeing tour. Visits include Nature Park, Gabi Village and walk over the water to see the house. There will be a lunch stop at Daikoku Restaurant. Also tour downtown Port Moresby City, APEC House, Toguba Hill lookout, Koki Fish Market then transfer to your hotel. Overnight Grand Papua Hotel or similar (BL)

Today take a full day tour to Sogeri Plateau and Koiari Village to see traditional singsing dance, fire making demonstration and traditional cooking. We have a lunch stop at Koitaki Country club. Return drive to Port Moresby visit Adventure Park, Bomana War Cemetery then return to your hotel. Overnight Grand Papua Hotel or similar (BL)

This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Nadi. Due to flight schedules, one night in Nadi is necessary. Overnight Tanoa International Hotel or similar (B)

Today take a flight to Kiribati, another truly remote island nation, and one of the world’s smallest, situated in the middle of the Pacific. Fewer than 6,000 visitors make it here each year, making it the 4th least visited country in the world. This geographically isolated nation is untouched thanks to its seclusion and inaccessibility. Upon arrival at Bonriki International Airport, located on South Tarawa, we will be met and transferred to our accommodation on North Tarawa. Relax and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight Tabon Te Kee Kee EcoLodge or similar (D)

Please Note: Accommodation at Tabon Te Kee Kee Ecolodge consists of traditional style buias (huts) which offer simplistic, comfortable living. Each hut is a pandanus wood structure with a locally thatched roof and raised floor, ideally suited to the island climate with cooling ocean breezes and shade. Most buias are land-based. In addition, there are 2 overwater buias to accommodate couples and larger parties which subject to availability maybe allocated to the group. Kindly note that we are unable to guarantee a particular type of buias in advance of your arrival.

After breakfast take a living cultural tour through the village of Abatao. Return to the accommodation for lunch. Visit a clam farm this afternoon before transferring to South Tarawa for a two-night stay. Overnight Utirerei Hotel or similar (BLD)

Today we enjoy a half day sightseeing tour to explore the sites and hear the stories of one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific during World War II. Explore relics of the battle, view the landing sites, and visit memorials to the battle and the lives lost. In the afternoon and subject to the water levels, we will make an excursion by traditional Te Wa-Kiribati canoe in the nearby lagoon. In the evening experience traditional dance.  Overnight. Utirerei Hotel or similar (BLD)

Transfer to Kiribati’s international airport for a late morning flight to Nadi, Fiji. Arrive in Nadi mid-afternoon and then transfer to our hotel. Overnight Tanoa International Hotel or similar (B)

Transfer to Nadi airport for a mid-afternoon flight to Apia, the island of Upolu, Samoa. Upon our arrival we will be met and transferred to our hotel. Afternoon at own leisure without any activities arranged. Tonight, enjoy dinner and a cultural show at the hotel. Overnight Sheraton Beach Hotel or similar (BD)

Early pick up from “Tua o le Mauga Lodge” for departure on 08:00 ferry to Savai’i. On arrival in Savai’i start a combined tour of Southern and Northern areas of the island including lunch. Highlights of the Southern tour include the island’s colourful market, Taga Blowholes and surrounding area, tapa making demonstration and Afua’au falls. Highlights of the Northern tour include the lava fields and old buildings destroyed by the lava, turtle sanctuary and endemic birds. Continue to hotel and check-in. Overnight Amoa Resort or similar (BLD)

Drop off at Salelaloga for the 10am ferry back to Apia, Upolu. On arrival in Apia transfer to Faimafili Resort restaurant for a traditional Samoan lunch. After lunch we visit Sua Ocean Trench in Lotofaga Village.  ‘Sua’ translates as ‘big hole’ – here we will see a natural deep swimming hole surrounded by lush tropical foliage.

This beautiful scenic drive follows the North East coast of Upolu passing the spectacular Falefa Falls and through the Le Mafa Pass (1700ft above sea level) which has breathtaking views of the East and South coastlines.  The scenic drive takes us through lush green forests, waterfalls, plantations and traditional Samoan villages.  Enroute we stop for a viewing of the famous To Sua Ocean Trench in Lotofaga Village.  To Sua translate as ‘big hole’ – here you will see a natural deep swimming hole surrounded by lush tropical foliage.  Access to the water is via a long ladder giving clients the opportunity to swim should they wish to do so.  Continuing on, we then stop at the beautiful white sand Faofao beach with a chance to relax and take in the magnificent surrounds.  We then begin our return trip following the scenic South West Coast and over the cross-Island path where you will experience the lush tropical rain forests.  Our last stop is Papapaiatai Falls, which spectacularly drop into a dormant volcanic crater.  We then pass the Bahai temple experiencing great views as we descend towards Apia. Overnight Tanoa Tusitala or similar (BLD)

In the morning we explore Apia on a guided tour. Today much of Apia looks as it did when Robert Louis Stevenson settled here in 1889. Our sightseeing will include a visit to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, situated in the hills to the south of Apia. This museum, with its spectacular setting, showcases and preserves the memories and lifestyle that drew him and his family to Samoa. After lunch (at own expense) we transfer to the airport for our afternoon flight to Nadi, Fiji. Upon arrival transfer to our hotel for the last night of the tour. Overnight Tanoa International Hotel or similar (BL)

Our tour ends after check-out from the hotel. A transfer will be provided to the airport for your international departure (B)