Noumea - Palau Expedition Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Palau - the magic of small, hidden Pacific gems

Are you well travelled and looking for a destination that will make a real impression? With fascinating talks and travel reports, your team of experts on board will get you in the mood for this exotic wonderland. The legendary Solomon Islands open the door to the Garden of Eden with remote beaches and often mysterious cultures. On Nendo, you will be greeted by the village elder and swept away by traditional dances. On a Zodiac landing on the beach of Santa Ana Island, look forward to an impressive welcome ritual by the village “warriors”, brandishing their spears. Off Roderick Bay you will explore the wreck of the "World Discoverer" in a Zodiac. At over 2,300 m (7,546 ft), Mount Popomanaseu dominates the island of Guadalcanal. Honiara – the capital of the island kingdom – boasts delicate inlay work on its eaves, gables and canoes.

Standing in Australia’s shadow, the unspoilt island state of Papua New Guinea seems to have been almost forgotten by civilisation. This picture-book world is filled with colour, from the azure sky to the turquoise sea and lush green jungle. Equally vibrant are the cultures of the numerous tribes, with enigmatic rituals and hundreds of languages. Words will escape you when you visit the Louisiade Archipelago. Enjoy true South Seas feeling when the Zodiacs take you to the beach to swim and snorkel. Feel like an explorer when the HANSEATIC inspiration calls at volcanic Fergusson Island. A walk with your experts will lead you through dense eucalyptus forests to hot springs and geysers. Swimwear and snorkelling equipment will be as much a part of your visit to the Trobriand Islands as the masks, grass skirts and feathers worn by the locals.

The Trobriand Islands are also called the “islands of love”. Will your heart beat here for the masks, grass skirts and feathers worn by the inhabitants? Or how about a rendezvous with the fabulous underwater world? A declaration of love for village traditions opens up Kitawa to you: the custom of exchanging rings continues to this day here, with bracelets and necklaces made from mussels. After a welcome ceremony with beautifully adorned dancers on Kaileuna, the second largest island in the archipelago, you will gain an insight into the yam houses.

With the robust motorised rubber boats, you will explore the region of Tufi – with its green fjord landscapes, rugged stretches of land and active volcano Mount Victory. The remote coral atoll Tambiu Island is full of originality and mystery as well. The Zodiacs will take you into a world where communal life is celebrated in colourful ceremonies.

The modern city of Madang will prove a real contrast to unspoilt nature and will be your starting point for a flight to the Goroka Highlands¹, home of the “mudmen”. Delve into the culture of these former warriors.

Your thrilling experiences continue on a Zodiac ride on the Sepik River: travel through lush green forests on lateral canals and be greeted by the colourfully adorned residents of Kopar. Pioneering spirit fills the air again when your ship heads for the small settlement of Vanimo – once a station for merchant ships belonging to Indonesian princes and still inaccessible by land.

Bring your expedition to a fantastic conclusion in the island state of Palau, which has over 300 islands. Swim, snorkel and let your spirits soar: enjoy daydreaming on Koror and soak in this paradise – for example, on a scenic flight over the island world¹ or a boat trip through the “floating gardens” of the Rock Islands¹. Your memories will be as varied as the colours displayed by the many regions visited.