Papua New Guinea

Upon arrival in Port Moresby, transfer to the hotel. Gather with fellow travelers this evening for a welcome reception and dinner.

Return to the airport for a flight to Mount Hagen, connecting with a private charter flight to Karawari. From there, take a scenic boat ride up the Karawari River to Karawari Lodge, situated on a lone ridge, high above the riverbanks and overlooking an endless expanse of dense tropical lowland rain forest. After settling in and enjoying lunch, head out to a nearby village to meet with the Sepik inhabitants and learn about their traditional lifestyle. With no roads or shops, the Sepik live completely off the land and river, weaving baskets to catch fish and gathering and preparing food from the sago palm.

For bird enthusiasts, there is an optional early morning birding tour. Following breakfast, embark on a barge for a day on the mighty Karawari River. We stop at a local school to learn about the challenges and successes of education in this remote region. Back on the barge, enjoy lunch as we continue down the river to another village where we observe master carvers at work and explore the spirit houses, which are significant to the initiation rites of the local men. Return to the lodge mid-afternoon, then reembark our barge to enjoy a sunset beverage as we take in the sights and sounds of village life.

Bid farewell to Karawari Lodge and return by charter flight to Mount Hagen. From there, we drive to Goroka, stopping en route to visit the Bone Men of the Chimbu Province, also known as Omo Masalai. Hear their fascinating stories and narratives, which have been passed down through generations. Next, visit a Huli village to learn about their traditions and customs, including the colorful headdresses worn by the men.

This morning, we travel to the Asaro Valley for a cultural performance of the famous Asaro Mudmen, known for their ghostly ceremonial masks and clay-coated bodies. Following lunch, take an in-depth tour of a local coffee estate to learn about the production process, from the tree to the cup as well as the various levels of the coffee supply chain and Papua New Guinea's place in the world market.

Transfer to the airport for our flight to Port Moresby. Just outside of the bustling port city is Hunuabada, a stilt village of the sea-faring Motu. After a visit there, have lunch downtown and check in to our hotel. This afternoon, visit the Parliament House and learn about Papua New Guinea’s road to independence. We also take a guided tour of the National Museum and Art Gallery with its vast collection of traditional artifacts, archaeological finds, contemporary art, and photographs, including objects from all over Papua New Guinea. Enjoy dinner on our own this evening.

After breakfast, return to the airport for the flight to Tokua Airport outside Kokopo. Take a stroll through the Kokopo Market among stalls of fruit, vegetables, smoked fish, and crabs. Next, visit a local school and learn about the education system in East New Britain.

After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Rabaul, stopping to take in the spectacular views of the harbor. Visit Yamamoto's Bunker, the strategic command center of Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, the architect of Japan's naval triumphs during WWII. Explore the remains of the Old Niugini Club, now a private museum, offering insights into Rabaul's era before the volcanic eruption and independence. Also stop at the bubbling Hot Springs and view the volcano of Mount Tavurur. On our return to Kokopo, stop and visit a section of the nearly 300 miles of tunnels that the Japanese dug into the volcanic soil around the peninsula during WWII.

This morning board our private motorboat to visit the Duke of York Islands. This area provides a contrast to village life in Karawari, having hosted trading ships for over 200 years. Sample the local flavors during a beach barbecue. This afternoon, our boat takes us for a snorkel excursion over pristine reefs teeming with fish and to a Japanese Zero wreck. Enjoy dinner at leisure tonight.

Early this morning, embark on a unique experience to meet the resident spinner dolphins and swim with them in their natural habitat. After returning to the hotel to change and have breakfast, we visit the local cocoa factory where we learn all about the cash crop that keeps the local economy running. Enjoy lunch back at the hotel and some time to rest. Later this afternoon, depart for a special performance of the Linganga, known to westerners as the Fire Dance, followed by a festive farewell dinner.

This morning, transfer to the Kokopo Airport for our flight to Port Moresby. Connect with independent flights returning home.