Papua New Guinea

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel to check in. Later this afternoon, tour the National Museum and Art Gallery with its impressive collection of traditional art, historical artifacts, and cultural treasures from all corners of Papua New Guinea. Toast the start of our journey at a welcome dinner this evening.

Transfer to the airport this morning for a scheduled flight to Mount Hagen, located in the Wahgi Valley of the Western Highlands, where some of the oldest evidence of agriculture in the world has been found. Check in to our lodge, perched high on Mount Kuta with unbelievable views of the Wahgi Valley, and enjoy our own mini cultural festival showcasing the bright colors of the Highlands culture.

Join an early morning forest walk in search of the various birds-of-paradise that are endemic to the Papua New Guinea Highlands. Following breakfast, venture to the local villages of Mount Hagen to meet the Melpa people, who maintain traditional farming methods that can be traced back 9,000 years and who were unknown to the outside world until the mid-1930's. Meet with residents who discuss ceremonies surrounding marriage and funerals, the rituals of tribal warfare, and some of their daily customs. Later, visit a coffee plantation to sample some of the finest coffee from the region.

This morning, board light aircraft for our flight to the Sepik region and Karawari Lodge, located in one of the more remote areas of Papua New Guinea, where there are no roads. Following lunch, travel by barge to a nearby village to learn about the ancient tradition of harvesting and preparing the sago palm, a staple food of the Sepik people for generations. Later this afternoon, head out in search of the elusive twelve-wired bird-of-paradise, keeping an eye out for cockatoos, parrots, hornbills, cormorants, and other water birds.

This morning, travel along the waterways of the Karawari River. Stop in small villages that line its shores to see traditional homes and marvel at displays of locally created sculptures and art. Witness ceremonial dances and learn about the education system during a visit to a local school.

Bid farewell to the Sepik region this morning as we board our light aircraft to return to Mount Hagen and connect with a charter flight to Rabaul, located on the northern tip of the island of New Britain. Tour the local Kokopo market this afternoon and then attend a lecture on the local cultures and the shell money called tabu, which is displayed in the hotel. Our dinner this evening is prepared by a local women's fellowship group.

Today we take a boat ride to the Duke of York Islands, keeping an eye out for dolphins, dugongs (manatee), and the colorful fishing canoes that dot the seascape. Snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and behold the remarkable sight of a Japanese Zero airplane, serenely resting in a mere 15–25 feet of water, and a tank that was sunk whilst trying to make its way to the island during WWII. PADI-qualified travelers may opt to explore the vibrant shelf of Pigeon Island and go to the depths of the second deepest trench in the world on a dive through two remarkable wreck sites.

This morning, journey to the Tavurvur Volcano to take in awe-inspiring views and explore the terrain of this active stratovolcano. Then visit the Japanese tunnels and Yamamoto Bunker, the underground command center for the Japanese naval antiaircraft defenses during WWII. Continue to the harbor that played a significant role in both WWI and WWII. This evening, learn about the Bainings people and their intrinsic connection with the jungles. Hear about the Fire Dance and the incredible masks worn by the men in this sacred ceremony that celebrates life and death and initiates young men into adulthood.

Visit a local village this morning, stopping at the church to listen to the choir’s beautiful hymns. Then take part in preparing a traditional meal, using hot stones to cook a coconut stew with chicken and organic vegetables. Return to the hotel for some time at leisure before departing in the late afternoon to attend a Baining Fire Dance.

Board a scheduled flight to return to Port Moresby and check in to our hotel. Then gather this evening for a farewell dinner.

Transfer to Port Moresby International Airport to board flights bound for home.