Wilderness Travel Cultural Cruise Collection for 2022-23

Discover the Secrets of Melanesia ABOARD THE HERITAGE ADVENTURER This epic journey reveals the extraordinary diversity of landscapes, marine life, and people in far-flung Pacific outposts. Your adventure begins in Papua New Guinea, a land of magic and spirits, steaming volcanoes, and coral atolls. From the culturally rich waterways of the Sepik River, sail across the Bismarck Sea to wild and rugged islands where ancient customs remain unchanged. A highlight is a rare visit to long-isolated Bougainville Island, with its great biodiversity. In the Solomon Islands, enjoy incredible birding opportunities, underwater adventures in turquoise waters, and village visits replete with welcoming song and dance. And in Vanuatu, swim in crystalline waters, search for plants and birds with local naturalists, and experience a kaleidoscope of cultures (more than 100 indigenous languages are spoken here!).

DAYS 1-4 MADANG AND THE SEPIK RIVER TO MANUS From Port Moresby, explore the colorful street markets of Madang, then head to the Sepik River, home to a number of traditional artists. Take Zodiac rides down channels and tributaries in search of wildlife, as well as meet locals in their villages and marvel at their artistry. Biologically isolated, Manus Island is home to many endemic species and your stop here is a birding highlight. DAYS 5-8 NEW HANOVER TO BOUGAINVILLE Discover wild and rugged islands with dense rainforests, waterfalls, and exceptional beaches fringed by reefs. Villages here are sparsely populated and enjoy a subsistent, traditional lifestyle. Six beautiful cone-shaped volcanoes ring Rabaul’s dramatic, flooded-caldera harbor and you’ll see fascinating reminders of the Japanese

DAYS 13-17 SANTA CRUZ ISLANDS TO VANUATU Nendö is the home of red feather money, sourced from the scarlet honeyeater. With its five islands surrounded by a dramatic barrier reef, the Vanikoro archipelago offers superb snorkeling. In Vanuatu, swim in the crystalline waters of Champagne Beach with its famed powdery white sand and witness a traditional Rom dance on Ambrym, isle of volcanoes. Disembark in Port Vila on Day 17.

occupation. Enjoy fantastic snorkeling at Nissan Island, with its extensive coral reefs, and be among the first to re-discover the treasures of Bougainville, long isolated and home to some of the greatest biodiversity in the region. DAYS 9-12 SOLOMON ISLANDS Search for the rare roviana rail and other endemic bird species in the volcanic New Georgia Islands, and watch for leatherback turtles near Tetepare. On Malaita, enjoy a warrior welcome from the Kwaio people, one of the most traditional communities in the Solomon Islands. Explore the mangrove forests of Makira by Zodiac.

DATES Oct 24-Nov 9, 2022 Oct 23-Nov 8, 2023

TRIP COST From $9,445

Price is per person and depends on cabin type

PACIFIC OCEAN

Manus Is.

New Hanover Is.

M E

L A

Rabaul/Kokopo Nissan Is.

N

E

Mandang

S I

A

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Bougainville Is. Malaita

Port Moresby

Makira

New Georgia/ Tetepare Islands

Nendö

SOLOMON ISL ANDS

Vanikoro

Espiritu Santo Ambrym

CORAL SEA

Port Vila

VANUATU

500 mi

500 km

32

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