PNG & the Solomon Islands

Arrive Port Moresby & Fly to Rabaul

Welcome to Papua New Guinea! On arrival at Port Moresby’s Jacksons International Airport, you’ll be met by a South Sea Horizons team member who will assist you with your domestic connection to Rabaul.

After checking in, you’ll have access to the Executive Lounge before boarding the approximately 90-minute flight to East New Britain. On arrival in Rabaul, our local team will welcome you and transfer you to Rapopo Plantation Resort in Kokopo.

You’ll have time to settle in and relax before enjoying a welcome dinner at the resort, where your guides will introduce you to the experiences ahead.

Volcano Climb, Rabaul History & Karavia Village

It’s an early start this morning as we head out for a sunrise volcano climb, with spectacular views across Rabaul’s dramatic volcanic landscape. After breakfast, we’ll begin exploring the fascinating history of Rabaul, a town shaped by both WWII and major volcanic eruptions.

Travelling from Kokopo, we’ll stop at scenic locations along the way before visiting important historical sites, including Admiral Yamamoto’s bunker, Japanese underground tunnels, the former submarine base and the Rabaul Volcanic Observatory.

You’ll learn about Rabaul’s role during the Pacific War and the eruptions that dramatically changed the town once known as the Pearl of the Pacific. From here, we continue to Karavia Village, where you’ll be welcomed by the local Tolai community with a choir performance. During a guided village walk, you’ll learn about traditional customs and everyday life while exploring WWII hospital and barge tunnels built by hand during the war. Return to the resort in the afternoon for some time to relax before dinner.

Kokopo History & Baining Fire Dance

After breakfast, we’ll head out to explore Kokopo, beginning with a visit to the town and its local markets. From here, we continue to the Kokopo War Museum, where you’ll discover a collection of wartime artefacts and displays that tell the story of the region’s WWII history.

Our next stop is Bitapaka War Cemetery, a peaceful and beautifully maintained memorial honouring those who lost their lives during the war. After returning to the resort for lunch, you’ll have some time to relax before one of the most memorable cultural experiences of the journey. In the late afternoon, we’ll head out for an exclusive Baining Fire Dance, known locally as the Linganga.

As darkness falls, Baining performers gather around a large fire, dancing to the distinctive rhythm of bamboo instruments. It’s an extraordinary traditional performance and a fascinating opportunity to experience the culture of East New Britain. Return to the resort later in the evening.

Rabaul to Port Moresby & Kokoda

Today begins with an early flight from Rabaul back to Port Moresby, where you’ll be met by the South Sea Horizons team and transferred to the Hilton Hotel. Later, we’ll visit Port Moresby Nature Park, where you’ll have the opportunity to see some of Papua New Guinea’s remarkable native wildlife, including birds of paradise, cassowaries, crocodiles and tree kangaroos.

After lunch at the hotel, we’ll head towards Owers’ Corner, the southern end of the historic Kokoda Track. Here, you’ll visit the Kokoda Memorial and learn more about the important role the track played during WWII and the experiences of the soldiers who fought along it.

If time allows, we’ll also stop at Bomana War Cemetery, a beautifully maintained memorial honouring those who lost their lives during the fighting in Papua New Guinea. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon for dinner and preparation for tomorrow’s journey to the Solomon Islands.

Port Moresby to Honiara

After an early breakfast, we’ll transfer to Port Moresby International Airport for the approximately two-hour flight to Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. You’ll have access to the Air Niugini Executive Lounge before departure.

On arrival in Honiara, we’ll head straight out to explore the city with our local guide. Our first stops include the National Art Gallery, National Museum and Parliament House, where you’ll discover more about the history and culture of the Solomon Islands.

We’ll also visit the bustling Honiara Main Market, filled with fresh produce, local arts and crafts. After the tour, we’ll transfer to the Heritage Park Hotel for check-in and a late lunch, with the afternoon free to relax before dinner.

Guadalcanal & Bonegi Beach

Today we’ll explore some of Guadalcanal’s most significant WWII sites, discovering the history of one of the Pacific War’s defining campaigns. Our journey begins along the Thin Red Line, an area closely connected to the fighting on Guadalcanal. Your local guide will share stories of the battles that took place here and explain the importance of the surrounding hills, villages and coastline.

We’ll continue through the Guadalcanal Eastern Battlefield, visiting locations associated with the events of 1942 and 1943. After a morning exploring the island’s history, we’ll head to Bonegi Beach, a beautiful stretch of coastline just outside Honiara.

The beach is well known for its WWII shipwrecks lying just offshore, making it a fascinating place to snorkel. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the water, followed by time to swim, snorkel or simply relax on the beach before returning to the hotel for dinner.

Honiara to Tulagi Island

After an early breakfast, we’ll transfer to Point Cruz Yacht Club and board our private boat for the approximately one-hour journey to Tulagi Island. Along the way, we’ll cross the historic waters of Iron Bottom Sound, named for the many ships and aircraft lost during fierce naval battles in WWII.

Your guide will share the stories behind these events as we travel through the beautiful tropical waters towards Tulagi. On arrival, we’ll explore the island and discover more about its fascinating wartime history, including surviving bunkers, artefacts and a visit to the island’s museum.

Tulagi is also known for its lush tropical scenery, coral reefs and beautiful clear waters, offering a wonderful change of pace after the historical experiences of Guadalcanal. Later, we’ll check into Raiders Hotel & Dive, where you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon drink as the sun sets before dinner.

Full day snorkelling around Tulagi Island

Today is all about enjoying the beautiful waters and marine life surrounding Tulagi.

After breakfast at Raiders Hotel & Dive, we’ll head out by private boat to explore some of the island’s best snorkelling locations. The reefs around Tulagi are home to colourful coral, tropical fish and an incredible variety of marine life, with clear water providing wonderful opportunities to see what’s beneath the surface.

You’ll have plenty of time to swim, snorkel and explore different locations, with breaks throughout the day to enjoy the scenery and relaxed island atmosphere. After a full day on the water, we’ll return to Raiders Hotel & Dive in the late afternoon, with the evening free to unwind.

Tulagi to Honiara

Enjoy breakfast at Raiders Hotel & Dive before heading out for one final morning of snorkelling around Tulagi. It’s another opportunity to explore the island’s beautiful reefs, colourful coral and tropical marine life before returning to the hotel to freshen up. Later, we’ll board our private boat for the return journey across Iron Bottom Sound to Honiara, taking in the views of the surrounding islands and coastline along the way.

On arrival, you’ll be transferred to the Heritage Park Hotel for your final night in the Solomon Islands. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy the hotel before dinner.

Depart Honiara

Enjoy your final breakfast in the Solomon Islands before checking out of the Heritage Park Hotel. A private transfer will take you to Honiara International Airport for your onward flight.

After ten days exploring volcanic landscapes, significant WWII sites, local cultural traditions and some of the South Pacific’s most beautiful tropical waters, it’s time to farewell the Solomon Islands.