Highlights of Papua New Guinea & Solomon Islands

Fly to Singapore. 

Land Singapore. Transit and board the overnight flight to Port Moresby. 

Land Port Moresby and transfer to the hotel. Freshen up before departing on a short drive out of the city to the Port Moresby Adventure Park. The park offers the chance to see local wildlife, including tree kangaroos, various birds of paradise and Victoria crowned pigeons, at close quarters. 

Fly to Rabaul. Land and drive to the hotel before heading out on to discover the sights. Explore one of numerous Japanese war tunnels to see abandoned goods barges and climb to the hidden lookout point to enjoy sweeping views of Blanche Bay. (B)

Drive to the Gazelle Peninsula, a journey on roads which are metres thick in volcanic ash. Spend time at the New Guinea Club and Rabaul Museum and take a peek into nearby Admiral Yamamoto's bunker. Continue to the barren landscape surrounding Mt Tavurvur to meet the Matupit villagers. These locals still live in the shadow of the volcano - there may be chance to cook a megapode egg in the hot sulphurous waters. End the day at the Vulcanology Observatory to enjoy views of the bay and volcanoes below. (B)  

Jump on a small boat and head out to the Duke of York Islands. The journey passes Mt Tavurvur and many small islands along the way. Arrive to the warm smiles of the village children and enjoy time to explore the island and learn a little about their way of life. After a light packed lunch there may be chance to enjoy a spot of snorkelling on a nearby reef before returning to the hotel. (B,L)

Fly to Tufi via Port Moresby. Transfer to the Tufi Resort and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to relax. (B,D)

Take a guided walk along the ridge top between the fjords to discover friendly village life and local wildlife. End the excursion at Suicide Lookout which offers sweeping views of the fjords. Return to the resort for the afternoon at leisure - why not hire a kayak or head to nearby Komoa Beach for a spot of snorkelling on the reef. (B,L,D)

This morning board a traditional outrigger for a journey upriver passing jungle scenery to nearby McLaren Harbour. Accompany a village elder through untouched forest and learn the art of sago making, fire making, traditional tattooing and bush medicines. Return to the resort and enjoy free time - maybe arrange a sunset cruise on the fjord. (B,L,D)

Fly to Port Moresby and drive to the small but really interesting National Museum which boasts a host of traditional artefacts including tribal carvings, masks and headdresses. Continue to the nearby Parliament Haus with its unique design before ending the day at the hotel. (B)

Fly to Honiara and transfer to the hotel for the afternoon at leisure. (B)

Explore the island. Visit the small National Museum to learn about the role of the coastwatchers and discover traditional artefacts and relics from the battle of Guadalcanal. Stroll the grounds of the pretty Botanical Gardens before continuing to the bustling central market. Enjoy panoramic views of the town from the US War Memorial. (B)

Take a boat to small Savo Island where the surrounding waters are home to large pods of playful dolphins. Take a walk through a Melanesian village to a remote waterfall before enjoying lunch. Return to Honiara. (B,L)

Fly to Port Moresby and connect with the international flight back to the UK. (B)