Visit the Melanesian village of Hnathalo, where ancient customs are still practiced religiously and traditional island values are held in high esteem. Hnathalo is also the name of the tribe living there. Following a welcoming coconut drink, you will walk among the village’s thatched huts, hand-carved totems and open expanses shaded by swaying palms and towering Royal Poinciana trees. It will be like traveling back in time, as little has changed over the years because traditional Melanesian ways are still fervently practiced in Hnathalo. That is especially true in the preparation of dishes such as bougna, a concoction that you will sample after seeing how it’s cooked over red-hot stones in a cleverly designed ground oven. You will also be invited to enter the circular Chief’s Hut, one of the largest of its kind in New Caledonia, and view a church that French Catholic missionaries constructed in 1883. It is decorated with period furnishings that enhance the authenticity.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Learn about the traditional Melanesian way of life in the rural village Hnathalo.
• Sample the Melanesian dish bougna, which is cooked in banana leaves in an earthen oven.
• See the interior of the revered Chief’s Hut and a missionary-built, 19th-century church.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Gain an understanding of life on Lifou by visiting a prosperous vanilla plantation and the village of Jokin, which overlooks one of the island’s most gorgeous seascapes. Although Lifou’s terrain is rugged, especially along the coast, it is ideal for growing vanilla beans, as you will see firsthand on the plantation. The majority of the vanilla grown on the island is exported to flavor everything from ice cream to perfume, but a small quantity is always reserved for use by the islanders. After a tour of the wonderfully aromatic plantation, you will have the chance to sample a cup of vanilla-enhanced coffee. In the northernmost village of Jokin, you will enjoy free time to wander around and mingle with the residents, who will eagerly share the details of daily life in their small, rather remote village. Jokin perches high atop a fossilized coral cliff overlooking one of the island’s most magnificent bays, and the views are breathtaking.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Visit a vanilla plantation to see how this aromatic flavoring is derived from orchids.
• Sample a cup of vanilla-enhanced coffee and discover other uses of versatile vanilla.
• Mingle with the villagers in remote Jokin and admire the ocean views from its coral cliffs.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Meander through a tropical forest and explore a grotto, where you will discover how the local Melanesians have gained great benefits from the natural environment. They have lived off the land for centuries, in particular, by hunting and using native flora for medicinal purposes. New Caledonia boasts more than 2,400 species of indigenous plants, so the islanders have always had a vast array of flora at their disposal. Some plants are used to treat ailments while others contain toxins that are sometimes added to rivers to temporarily paralyze fish so they can easily be caught. This is the sort of engaging information that the guide will impart during the forest walk. Later, you will explore a grotto by torchlight, which will eerily illuminate the interior, so you can see the odd shapes of the stalagmites and stalactites. You will also learn how the Melanesians use traditional methods to gather coconut crabs, trap birds and hunt wild pigs.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Take a leisurely walk through a forest with a naturalist guide that will describe the flora.
• Hear how the Melanesians use plants for medicinal purposes and hunt in the forest.
• Explore a grotto by torchlight, which will make the interior look all the more dramatic.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Explore the natural side of Lifou on an inspiring driving tour along its sparsely inhabited northern shore, followed by a relaxing stop at a pristine beach that rims a lagoon. Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of coral cliffs, turquoise seas and lush foliage, punctuated with splashes of brightly colored flowers. This is a true tropical paradise with little or no development, much like it has been for centuries. Still, you will drive through the island’s administrative center of We on beautiful Châteaubriand Bay at the end of a sugar-white beach on the east coast. Nearby, you will find Luecila Beach, an unspoiled stretch of sand that ranks as one of Lifou’s most picturesque and enjoyable as there are no resorts or shops to detract from the natural beauty. You will be free to do as you please there, whether it be swimming, beachcombing or simply relaxing in the shade of a coconut palm.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Marvel at Lifou’s natural beauty on a panoramic drive along its undeveloped coast.
• Pass through the island’s administrative center of We on lovely Châteaubriand Bay.
• Spend free time relaxing on Luecila Beach, a serene stretch of sand near We.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Capture the scenic views of the island and visit a recreated traditional Samoan village where the ancient ways of island life are still faithfully practiced. Drive towards the idyllic western side of Tutuila. So many breathtaking views await you, each worthy of a brief stop for photos. There's the monolithic Fatu-ma-Futi or Flowerpot Rock that rises straight out of the ocean as if standing sentinel at the entrance to beautiful Pago Pago Bay. You’ll stop for photos along the way, to capture some of the best views of the island’s villages, coastline and lush mountains.

Still, staggeringly beautiful settings and historic attractions aren't the only draws in western Tutuila. You'll also have the opportunity to observe the traditional Samoan way of life at a uniquely laid-back small recreated village. The villagers live together communally and their thatched wooden structures, known as fales, which are open and without walls, symbolic of the villagers' unrestricted culture. Each fale is devoted to a specific purpose, such as sleeping or food preparation.

During your visit, you will observe demonstrations on daily activities that illustrate how the Samoans live their lives. Samoans are the only islanders that cook their family meals aboveground on an umu of hot river rocks, which are covered with banana fronds to create an oven of sorts. Following a cooking demonstration, you will get to sample the resulting dishes. Relax, and savor this unique opportunity to participate in traditional Samoan culture.

Discover how vanilla pods are cultivated and processed for export at a plantation and walk along a forest trail looking for Lifou’s fascinating wildlife. Although the vanilla orchid originated in Mexico, it flourishes in the Loyalty Islands, where it was introduced in 1850. You will watch the pods being prepared step by step and gain an understanding of the economic importance of vanilla, which is significant on Lifou. As you will see in the plantation’s gift shop, vanilla is readily infused into merchandise such as soaps, liqueurs and perfumes. Lifou is also known for its wildlife. Accompanied by a naturalist guide, you will meander through a forest where you may spot tropical birds, including endemic ones such as the New Caledonian cuckooshrike and two species of Lifou white-eye. The massive coconut crab is another creature commonly found in the forest. The name refers to its uncanny ability to crack open coconuts with its powerful pincers.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Visit a vanilla plantation to see how this aromatic flavoring is derived from orchids.
• Recognize how vanilla is used in products such as soaps, liqueurs and perfumes.
• Follow a trail through the forest while looking for birds and enormous coconut crabs.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

This wonderful combination tour allows you to explore Bora Bora’s magical lagoon on board a covered boat, snorkel and relax on a pristine beach. You’ll have excellent photo opportunities of the hidden, eastern side of Bora Bora, so be sure to bring your camera.

Cruise from Vaitape Bay, past beautiful Raititi Point and the enchanting islets of Motu Toopua and Motu Tapu. During your cruise, you'll be treated to some wonderful views on the crystal clear lagoon as well as the island highest peak, Mount Otemanu. Upon reaching the motu (coral islet), you'll enjoy a typical island beach break and refreshments. Relax, sunbathe, or dip your toes in the shallow waters.

Since snorkeling from the motu is limited due to shallow waters, a snorkel stop is done at another location during the tour.

You’ll first be treated to a brief tour of Brisbane's highlights before leaving the city behind and traveling along winding roads to the base of Lamington National Park and the beautiful surroundings of the Gold Coast.

You’ll visit the Rainforest Skywalk and Eco Discovery Centre and upon arrival you’ll have free time to explore the center and choose from a variety of walks through the rainforest. You can begin on the spectacular elevated walkway through the middle and upper canopies of the rainforest. The walkway is a stable, steel structure allowing you to explore the canopies safely. As you descend into the lower canopy, there are points of interest that include rock pools and waterfalls, a butterfly lookout and local history enclosure.

Enjoy lunch at an authentic Aussie pub offering an incredible view over the valley. Travel a short distance to Gallery Walk at Eagle Heights, an artistic center that boasts a variety of craft shops and galleries, as well as numerous cafés. Whether you are looking for a special gift or something unique to take home as a memento, you'll no doubt find it here. From here, your coach will next make its way to a local winery for a wine tasting. As you travel through this magnificent National Parks region, you will be afforded spectacular panoramic views of the Gold Coast and brilliant blue Pacific Ocean.

Witness one of the most esteemed ceremonies in Samoan culture, performed at a traditional village and enjoy a scenic drive with photo stops along the way. Begin your tour with a drive east, during which you'll delight in the island's natural beauty and natural landmarks. Highlights include the photo stop at Camel Rock, a rock formation resembling a lonely camel laying on the bay. Your tour carries on towards the east end of Tutuila. Stopping at Auasi wharf to take photos of the beautiful island of Aunu’u off in the distance and watch locals board local fishing boats utilized as taxis between the two islands. Before returning to your ship make a stop at Fagatogo Marketplace to shop, local handicrafts, jewelry, or local clothing.

OVERVIEW

Walk through the fields of an organic farm to see how the produce is grown and sample herbal teas at the on-site restaurant. The venue for this farm-to-table immersion will be Tukuni, an acclaimed restaurant that serves Indo-Fijian cuisine. The ingredients for every dish are locally sourced from Tukuni’s own farm, other organic farms and local fishermen. Not a single raw material is imported so as to protect the Fijian suppliers that were severely affected by the Category 5 cyclone that devastated Fiji in 2016. Tukuni not only wants to inspire Fijians to produce and preserve their own natural foods but also to encourage visitors to do the same once they return home. To this end, you will watch a demonstration of a solar dryer that eliminates moisture from fruits and vegetables so they can be readily available year-round. You will sample the farm’s organic teas while learning about solar dehydration.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Observe the methods used to grow organic produce at Tukuni restaurant’s on-site farm.
• Learn how Tukuni empowers Fijian farmers and fishermen to become food suppliers.
• Watch a solar dryer demonstration meant to encourage you to preserve your own foods.
• Sample flavorful herbal teas grown on Tukuni’s farm.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Cruise the Kailea Princess catamaran around Bora Bora’s breathtaking lagoon, a sea of blues and greens dotted with beach-rimmed islets known as “motus.” As you sail along, you can’t help but be struck by the uninterrupted panoramic views. Many people consider Bora Bora to be the most beautiful island in French Polynesia, and it has been the backdrop for countless movies, including “Mutiny on the Bounty” with Marlon Brando. The main island is especially photogenic, as it is volcanic in origin, alluringly mountainous and lushly landscaped. The surroundings look even more spectacular at sunset, a time of day when the sky reflects an ever-changing palette of colors and the water sparkles like a field of diamonds. Since being discovered in 1722, Bora Bora has continued to gain fame for its boundless beauty and impossibly clear water, the ideal setting for this memorable sunset cruise.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Cruise through Bora Bora’s gorgeous lagoon on a sleek catamaran.
• Take in the phenomenal natural beauty, which is even more stunning at sunset.
• Enjoy a cocktail and light snack while cruising back to the pier.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Spend time on a private beach-rimmed island known as a Motu, doing whatever interests you the most. Bora Bora is one of the world’s most photogenic destinations, and it is especially spectacular from sea, as you can take in the entire island at once. You will disembark at a Motu, a privately owned which will make your experience more special. During the hours spent here, you will be free to do as you please. You might stretch out on the powdery beach and bask in the sun, take a leisurely walk along the shoreline or do nothing more ambitious than read in the shade of a coconut palm. The water around a Motu couldn’t be more inviting or refreshing, so swimming is an excellent way to enjoy the island experience. You can count on the clarity of the water to be remarkable.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Spend hours relaxing on a privately owned island known as motu.
• Relax however you see fit at the uncrowded beach.
• Swim in the sea, which is revered for the clarity of the water.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.