LEAST VISITED COUNTRIES GROUP 1

Friday, 11th July – Koror, Palau

• Palau is an island nation in the western Pacific Ocean, consisting of over 340 islands. The region has a complex history marked by periods of Spanish, German, and Japanese colonial rule before becoming a United Nations Trust Territory administered by the United States after World War II. In 1994, Palau gained full independence, establishing a Compact of Free Association with the United States that provides economic assistance and defense.
• Arrive in Koror – the largest and commercial centre of Palau and transfer to the Palasia Hotel at your own convenience and meet your fellow group members.

Saturday 12th July – Koror

Sunday 13th July – Koror – Peleliu – Koror

• Breakfast at the Palasia Hotel.
• 8:00 AM departure for a boat trip through the famous rock islands of Palau, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its stunning beauty. We will pass by the natural cave nicknamed the “Gas Station”, where Japanese patrol boats used to refuel, and also see Coral Arch island, which, according to local legend, was created by a giant snake!
• After cruising for a bit, we will dock at Peleliu, the site of one of the bloodiest battles of World War 2 Pacific Theatre. Designated by the US government as a “National Historic Landmark,” our expert local guide will bring you through various battle sites, tanks and plane wreckage, museum, shrines and monuments, including a hike into Death Valley on Bloody Nose Ridge, as well as the tunnel systems where 33 Japanese soldiers held out until 1947!
• Picnic lunch with a scenic view.
• Note: Please note that YPT does not arrange permits for Jellyfish Lagoon. If you wish to visit, you will need to organize this individually in advance of the tour, as it is considered a separate activity. However, we recommend against pursuing this option due to the declining jellyfish population in the lagoon.
• Return to Koror and freshen up at our hotel.
• Dinner and drinks at The Canoe House Bar & Grill (Note: This is the recommended option as it is conveniently located near our hotel. There is a diverse selection of restaurants nearby, offering everything from local cuisine to Thai and Indian dishes. It’s worth noting that this will be the only stop on the tour with such a wide variety of choices, as options will become more limited after Palau), which not only boasts a great American and Asian Fusion menu, but our thirsty customers can sample the local Red Roaster brewery’s five varieties: Amber, Light, Stout, Wheat and a Tropical Ale, plus a cider for sale (don’t worry, sample flights are available so things don’t get too crazy!).
• Catch a few hours of rest at the Palasia Hotel before departing at 11:30pm for our 2:05am flight to Pohnpei (via Guam – non-American citizens must have a valid US visa unless they’re from a Guam and CNMI visa waiver country, in which case an approved ESTA is required).

Monday 14th July – Koror – Pohnpei, Micronesia 

Morning

• The Federated States of Micronesia is an independent nation comprising four states: Yap, Chuuk, Kosrae, and Pohnpei. The country consists of over 607 islands in the western Pacific and has a population of just over 100,000, with fewer than 35,000 tourists visiting each year. These remote islands are characterized by a subsistence economy focused on farming and fishing, alongside strong clan-based social structures that trace lineage through the maternal line. Like Palau, FSM is in a Compact of Free Association with the United States. This agreement, established in 1986, provides FSM with financial assistance, access to certain U.S. programs, and defense by the U.S. in exchange for certain strategic and military privileges for the U.S. in the region.

Afternoon

• Arrive in Pohnpei, capital of FSM at 12:45pm.
• After check-in and a short rest, we will meet our local guide and spend the afternoon exploring the landmarks of Kolonia, the capital of Pohnpei, which has a diverse history influenced by several foreign occupations. It was founded by Spain in 1887 as a military and administrative center. After the Spanish-American War, Germany acquired Pohnpei in 1899, leading to the construction of infrastructure, though few settlers chose to stay. During World War I, Japan took control of the island, bringing in thousands of settlers who sometimes outnumbered the indigenous population, further shaping the region’s cultural identity.
• We’ll see the Japanese WWII tank graveyard followed by Japanese heavy gun batteries on a hike up Sokeh Viewpoint.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Pohnpei.

Tuesday 15th July – Pohnpei – Nan Madol – Pohnpei 

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• After breakfast, we stop to pick up snacks and provisions before visiting Nan Madol. Showcasing one of the best-preserved architectural ensembles in the Pacific region, the ruins of this ancient city were the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Micronesia. Built with basalt and coral boulders, it features the remains of stone palaces, temples, tombs, and residential areas constructed between 1200 and 1500 CE, which served as the ceremonial center for the Saudeleur dynasty.

Afternoon

• After exploring Nan Madol, we’ll stop for a picnic lunch at the picturesque Kepirohi Waterfall. This scenic location offers a chance to take in one of Pohnpei’s most breathtaking sights, and you can even enjoy a refreshing dip in its cool waters!
• Dinner and overnight in Pohnpei.

Wednesday 16th July – Pohnpei – Majuro, Marshall Islands

Morning

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• Free morning in Kolonia before our late-morning departure for the airport to catch our 2:00 PM flight to Majuro, capital of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and home to approximately half of the country’s 40,000-ish population. In the 19th century, the Marshall Islands became a point of interest for European powers, eventually coming under Japanese control after World War I, and later being occupied by the United States during World War II. Following a period of U.S. administration under a trusteeship, the Marshall Islands became an independent nation in 1986, entering into a Compact of Free Association with the United States that continues to influence its political and economic landscape.

Afternoon

• 6:45 PM arrival in Majuro.
• Transfer to the Marshall Islands Resort, the atoll’s largest and most popular hotel. Dinner and drinks at the hotel’s restaurant and while overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
• Overnight at Marshall Islands Resort.

Thursday, 17th July – Majuro – Eneko Island – Majuro 

Morning

• Breakfast at the Marshall Islands Resort.
• After breakfast, we’ll walk down the road to the island’s largest supermarket to pick up BBQ and BYOB provisions before heading back to our hotel’s boat launch to catch our 11:00AM private boat for the 30-minute boat journey to the paradise of Eneko Island. Bring your snorkel gear – if you have it – as we will pass by underwater WWII plane wreckage, which is a great spot to jump out and have a look below. Eneko Island is a genuine island paradise and a great place to spend a relaxing day.

Afternoon

• Eneko Island offers plenty to do, with a pontoon to jump from, a small island to explore, and pristine beaches for soaking up the Pacific sun. If this island were anywhere else in the world, it would be packed with tourists. However, it’s not packed, and there are usually some locals hanging out playing volleyball who are more than happy for you to join in! We will head back on your boat at around 3:00 PM, passing through a number of islands and atolls to get perfect sunset shots – weather permitting!
• After being dropped off at the dock of our hotel, we recommend that you freshen up and we’ll make our way to the Tide and Table restaurant, located a few miles away within the Robert Reimers Hotel, a landmark established in the 1970s that pays tribute to its namesake, a prominent figure celebrated for his impactful contributions to the Marshall Islands’ business and tourism sectors. Tide and Table is known for serving some of the Pacific’s finest tuna sashimi, and we’ll also have the chance to sample the resort’s BoB Whiskey, crafted from the native pandanus fruit.
• After dinner, YPT can recommend some watering holes for those looking to experience Majuro’s nightlife, to some local bars before heading to a local night club for a nightcap.
• Overnight at the Marshall Islands Resort.

——————————————-

LEAST VISITED COUNTRIES GROUP 2

Saturday 19th July  – Majuro – Tarawa, Kiribati

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Group 1 Members: tour concludes in Majuro – YPT can arrange post-tour accommodation or advice for ongoing flights.
• Group 2 Members: arrive in Tarawa at your convenience and transfer to the hotel where you will meet the rest of the group.
• Full Group Members: Free morning to explore Majuro before you transfer to the airport at 11:30 AM for the 2:05 PM flight to Tarawa – the capital of Kiribati. Kiribati gained independence from British colonial rule in 1979. The country consists of 33 islands, with a unique political structure that includes a parliamentary system and a President as the head of state and government. Kiribati has faced significant challenges, particularly related to climate change and rising sea levels, which threaten its very existence. The government has actively sought international support and collaboration to address these pressing environmental issues while promoting sustainable development and the preservation of its cultural heritage. With its highest point a mere 3 meters above sea level, it is predicted that the country will be underwater by 2100 if the effects of climate change are not reversed or slowed.
• 5:20 PM arrival in Tarawa, transfer to the Betio Lodge.
• Dinner and drinks at our hotel. After this, those wishing for an early night can do so, and your YPT guides can also recommend a local nightclub located nearby for a sundowner.
• Overnight in Tarawa.

Sunday 20th July – Tarawa

Morning

• Breakfast at the Betio Lodge.
• Accompanied by your local guide, who has organized tours as well as large events for returning WWII veterans, we will dive into the history of the Battle of Tarawa, fought from November 20 to 23, 1943.
• Head to Red Beach, the site of the US Marine landings, where some of the fiercest fighting occurred. Observe the remnants of the battle, including vehicles stranded in the lagoon, such as a well-preserved Sherman tank stopped in its advance by Japanese gunfire.
• Make a poignant stop at the US War Memorial, dedicated to the 1,143 marines who lost their lives during the battle. Learn about the monument’s time capsule set to be opened in 2143.
• Visit Black Beaches 1 & 2 – Here we will get to see and photograph well-preserved British 8″ inch guns, as well as the Japanese and Korean war memorials, and the British-New Zealand-Australian Coast watchers memorial.

Afternoon

• See 1st Lt. Alexander Bonnyman’s bunker, who received the Congressional Medal of Honour after his remains were excavated in 2010, and was amongst 1,000 US marines and 4,500 Japanese marines who died in the battle.
• We will also pass by the Japanese commander’s bunker, where he and the rest of the Japanese command staff were killed whilst attempting a retreat to a new command centre.
• Conclude the tour at Green Beach, a contingency landing site used on November 21, 1943. Examine the remains of artillery, including the largest gun locally referred to as “the mountain.”
• For lunch, we will enjoy Kiribati-style Chinese cuisine.
• After a day of exploration, head back to your hotel to rest.
• In the evening, we will enjoy a local dance performance known as Taroa, which translates to “fishing line,” over drinks and dinner a popular local bar and restaurant with the best drinks and views in Betio.
• For those inclined, we’ll head out to our favourite bars and mingle with the locals.
• Overnight in Tarawa.

Monday 21st July  – Tarawa – Nauru

Morning

• Breakfast at the Betio Lodge.
• Check out and pick up for our early morning tour. Journey across the causeway, constructed in 1986 by the Japanese to connect Betio and Tarawa. Along the way, you’ll visit the largest cathedral in Kiribati, which houses a women’s handicrafts shop and community center. We’ll also explore the Nuns’ Library, where you can learn about the history of the first missionaries to arrive in Kiribati. This library also features the historic and well-preserved Japanese Declaration of the Occupation, originally affixed to a government store by the Japanese in December 1941.

Afternoon

• Visit the post office to browse a selection of Kiribati postcards and commemorative stamps available for purchase.
• Lunch at one of the newest and poshest spots in Tarawa, which has a large menu featuring delightful seafood and Chinese entrees.
• After lunch, drive up the atoll to the Parliament of Kiribati for a guided tour (provided parliament is not in session!).
• Visit Te Umanibong, the Kiribati Cultural Museum to view displays of artifacts and other items of cultural and historic significance for the country.
• Conclude our visit to Kiribati with a memorable photo opportunity at the highest point in Eita, standing just 3 meters above sea level. This unique vantage point serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent threat that global warming poses to this serene Pacific paradise.
• Have a quick bite to eat at a cafe located near the airport before checking in for our evening flight to Nauru.
• Head to the airport for the 7:30pm flight to Nauru arriving at 8:45pm.
• On arrival in Nauru we transfer to our hotel for dinner and drinks.
• Overnight in Nauru.

Tuesday 22nd July – Nauru 

Morning

• Nauru has a complex history marked by colonialism and economic challenges. Originally inhabited by Micronesian and Polynesian peoples, Nauru was annexed by Germany in the late 19th century, later taken over by Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom during World War I. The island gained independence in 1968, and its economy flourished in the late 20th century due to phosphate mining, which led to significant wealth but left the environment severely degraded. In recent years, Nauru has faced political instability and economic difficulties, prompting reliance on foreign aid, particularly from Australia, which has included controversial immigration detention facilities on the island.
• The Island Ring Road Tour is a great introduction to Nauru. Not only is it the least visited country in the world, with around 200 tourists per year, but it is also the third smallest country in the world, after the Vatican and Monaco, with an area of only 21 km² (8 square miles).
• Visit all the main hotspots with our local guides who will relate the history and stories of each spot, including Anibare Bay, Pinnacle Rocks, Ewa Beach, Orro Congregational Church, Christian Missionary Monument, Civic Center, Post Office (who doesn’t want a postcard from the world’s least visited country?) and Buada Lagoon.

Afternoon

• Enjoy a lunch break at a local cafe, where we will also visit the island’s largest shopping center, where, in addition to a bottle shop, as well as cold drinks and snacks, you can also purchase Nauru souvenirs like t-shirts, mugs, and magnets.
• After lunch, continue the Island Ring Road tour, with a stop at a WWII memorial, and a topside stop at Western Bay to see the sunset before dinner at Anibare Boat Harbor restaurant, where you can savor authentic Nauru-style Chinese cuisine. Remarkably, 8% of Nauru’s population is of Chinese descent, leading to a unique and delightful fusion of island flavors and traditional Chinese dishes that you won’t find anywhere else.
• For those eager to dive into Nauru’s nightlife, our guides can bring us to a local kava and karaoke bar, where we can savor the mellow flavors of kava, a traditional drink made from the ground roots of the South Pacific. Join in the fun and sing along to a mix of classic and contemporary pop hits with friendly locals!
• Overnight in Nauru.

Wednesday 23rd July – Nauru

Morning

• *OPTIONAL ACTIVITY* Ever walked around an entire country? Ok, maybe you have, but have you ever done it in one day? Nauru is the only country in the world where it is genuinely possible to do this in a few hours, and we suggest getting up early for a 7 AM departure to enjoy a beautiful sunrise over Anibare Bay, with the morning lights enhancing the beauty of the pinnacle rocks. The walk is 19km and takes around 4 hours.

Afternoon

• After freshening up and having lunch at our hotel, we’ll head back out with our local guides to visit the Naoero museum, the national museum of Nauru, providing insight about life on the island. The museum was initially based on a private collection of Second World War material (including remains of a Japanese Zero fighter plane) and it was originally funded by the Nauru Phosphate Corporation. See if you can find the 1968 picture captioned “per head of population, Nauruans are said to be the wealthiest people in the world”!
• Though Nauru is famous for being a country without a capital, it does have a capital village, and you will head there to check out the parliament building, high court, and even peek into the President’s office.
• Ever done a national pub crawl in a day? We’ll visit all of Nauru’s 4 pubs before settling at the last one for our dinner at Bayview restaurant, widely considered the best bar and restaurant on the island. (Note: Please be aware that Nauru’s bars have irregular operating hours on weekdays, so the number of bars we can visit will depend on which ones are open.)
• Overnight at in Nauru.

Thursday 24th July – Nauru – Nadi, Fiji 

Morning

• Ever done a national pub crawl in a day? We’ll visit all of Nauru’s 4 pubs before settling at the last one for our dinner at Bayview restaurant, widely considered the best bar and restaurant on the island. (Note: Please be aware that Nauru’s bars have irregular operating hours on weekdays, so the number of bars we can visit will depend on which ones are open.)
• We will also stop by a former phosphate facility to learn about Nauru’s phosphate mining industry. Revenues from the mining operations are estimated to have been AUD$100-120 million annually from independence through virtual resource exhaustion in the early 1990s. Nauru is, however, widely regarded as a classic example of the “natural resource curse,” when countries fail to translate substantial mineral wealth into sustainable long-term development.

Afternoon

• After a lunch at a restaurant specializing in traditional island cuisine, we will visit John Short’s Handicraft Workshop for unique Nauru woodworks.
• Check out of our hotel and check in for our flight. Head over to a nearby Cantonese restaurant for dinner before our evening flight to Fiji.
• After a late arrival in Nadi, we will transfer to our hotel situated near the airport, where the staff will keep the kitchen and bar open for us.
• Overnight at the Ace Airport Hotel.

LEAST VISITED COUNTRIES GROUP 3

——————————————-

Friday 25th July – Nadi – Apia, Samoa

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Group 2 Members: After two weeks of travel, embrace a leisurely morning, allowing yourself a late start to reconnect with our routine and catch up on emails, laundry, and other essentials.
• YPT will arrange transportation to Sri Siva Temple, the largest Hindu temple in the South Pacific, followed by Natadola beach. Considered one of Fiji’s best beaches, it is known for white sands, snorkelling, horseback riding, and it’s also a great place to relax.
• After returning from the beach and sightseeing, we’ll have some time to freshen up before going to dinner for traditional Fijian cuisine and kava.
• Overnight in Nadi.
• Group 3 Members: Arrive in Nadi at your convenience and transfer to the hotel where you will meet the rest of the group.
• Full Group Members: Depart the hotel at 7:30 AM to catch the 10:15 AM flight to Apia, the capital of Samoa. Samoa’s history dates back over 3,000 years, with Polynesian settlers establishing their culture and social structure. In the late 19th century, Samoa became a focal point for colonial competition, leading to the division of the islands into two territories: American Samoa, which remains a U.S. territory, and independent Samoa, which gained sovereignty in 1962. Politically, Samoa operates as a parliamentary democracy, with a Prime Minister serving as the head of government and a ceremonial O le Ao o le Malo as the head of state. The nation has made significant strides in recent years toward economic development while maintaining its cultural heritage and addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change and natural disasters.

Afternoon

• We’ll arrive in Apia just after 1:00 PM where we will hop on our resort’s traditional Aiga bus for a guided tour of downtown Apia where we will pass by parliament, visit a local market, snap photos of Apia’s amazingly unique public buses, walk along the sea wall, stop by the post office, visitor’s center and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral known for its blend of colonial and Samoan architecture.
•  We’ll have a seafood lunch on Apia Wharf and then check in at Karl’s Getaway to freshen up before a traditional Fia Fia buffet feast with local entertainment featuring traditional song and fire dancing!
• After dinner, your YPT guide’s are happy to take anyone looking to experience Apia’s lively nightlife down to the wharf which boasts live music and bars overlooking the water. Anyone feeling lucky can place a bet at the Black Sands Casino.
• Overnight at Karl’s Getaway.

Saturday 26th July – Apia 

Morning

• Group 2 member: Tour concludes in Nadi – YPT is able to arrange post-tour accommodation or advice for ongoing flights.
• Group 3 & Full Group members: After breakfast, it’s back on the resort’s Aiga bus and we’ll make our way through the island’s interior and visit the museum and home of author Robert Louis Stevenson (The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde).

Afternoon

• We’ll continue further into the island’s interior and pass by the scenic Sopo’aga Falls Viewpoint, before going for a sunset dip in the To Sua sinkholes. 
• We’ll return to Karl’s Getaway to fresh up before our final dinner in Apia at the island’s – and perhaps the Pacific’s – most renowned Italian restaurant, Giordano’s Wood-Fire Pizza.
• Overnight at Karl’s Getaway.

Sunday 27th July – Apia – Nadi 

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel before our 2:30 AM departure to catch the 5:00 AM flight to Nadi.
• We’ll transfer to the Ace Airport Hotel to relax for a bit before afternoon activities.

Afternoon

• YPT will arrange transportation to Sri Siva Temple, the largest Hindu temple in the South Pacific, followed by Natadola beach. Considered one of Fiji’s best beaches, it is known for white sands, snorkelling, horseback riding, and it’s also a great place to relax.
• After returning from the beach and sightseeing, we’ll have some time to freshen up before going to dinner for traditional Fijian cuisine and kava.
• Overnight at Ace Airport Hotel

Monday 28th July – Funafuti

Morning

• After breakfast, it’s an early departure for our flight to the third-least-visited country in the world, Tuvalu – this is where the trip really gets into least visited territory! Tuvalu gained independence from British colonial rule in 1978. The country is made up of nine islands and atolls, which have historically relied on subsistence agriculture and fishing. Politically, Tuvalu is a parliamentary democracy, with a Prime Minister serving as the head of government and a ceremonial Governor-General representing the monarch of the United Kingdom. In recent years, Tuvalu has gained international attention for its efforts to combat climate change and rising sea levels, which pose a significant threat to its low-lying islands. Unlike Kiribati, to which Tuvalu was previously adjoined when the two countries comprised the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, Tuvalu has effectively implemented a range of green policies and land reclamation initiatives designed to address the impacts of climate change.  
• Late-morning arrival in Tuvalu and greet our local guides. Funafuti is hardly a sprawling metropolis, and the island’s main proper hotel is conveniently only a 50-meter walk from the airport. We will have time to freshen up and eat lunch before heading out to explore Funafuti

Afternoon

• Funafuti bus tour! As we journey through both ends of Funafuti, we’ll stop for a photo op at the island’s narrowest point. You’ll also check out shipwrecks and visit Darwin’s drill site, which was pivotal to his research on the origins of atolls. Additionally, we’ll encounter remnants of WWII machinery left behind by the Americans, who utilized the island as a staging ground for the Battle of Tarawa and bombing raids on Nauru.
• One of the highlights of the island drive is seeing how the runway of the airport turns into a playground in between the handful of international flights which come and go each week, and in the evening we will see locals gathering to play all sorts of games, including Kilikiti (a regional variant of cricket) and Te Ano (a distinctive form of volleyball).
• Indulge in a delightful buffet-style, welcome dinner featuring the finest island cuisine in Tuvalu, lovingly prepared by our local guide and his family in the warmth of their home. As you savor this delicious meal, you can engage in conversation with your guide and his family about life in Tuvalu, while being entertained by a fun dance performance put on by your host’s family.
• Overnight at the Funafuti Lagoon Hotel.

Tuesday 29th July – Funafuti – Nadi – Nuku’Alofa, Tonga

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• We kick off our final morning in Tuvalu with an insightful guided tour of Funafuti’s main government building, which is home to all the nation’s government departments, including the Prime Minister’s office. We’ll take a moment to peek into his office and see if we can catch a brief hello!
• Following our visit to the government building, we’ll make a stop at the Women’s Handicraft Center. Here, we can explore a wide array of local handicrafts, including exquisite wood carvings, beautifully crafted necklaces, and unique items made from shells and feathers.
• Visit the Tuvalu Post Office, where, in addition to being able to mail a postcard, you’ll discover one of the most eclectic collections of commemorative stamps for sale in any of the countries we visit on this tour. The themes range from “The Women of Star Trek” to significant political events and anniversaries, making it a fascinating stop for stamp enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Afternoon

• We’ll board our 12:20pm flight for the long trek to Nuku’alofa Tonga via Suva and Nadi, arriving in Apia just after 1:00AM on 30th.
• Tonga has a rich history marked by its status as one of the few remaining monarchies in the region. The Kingdom of Tonga has maintained a constitutional monarchy since 1875, with the current monarch, King Tupou VI, ascending to the throne in 2012. The country has experienced significant political changes in recent years, particularly with the introduction of democratic reforms that expanded voting rights and political participation. Despite its small size, Tonga plays a vital role in regional politics and has been involved in various international organizations, working to address issues such as climate change and sustainable development.
• Overnight at the Emerald Hotel.

Wednesday 30th July – Nuku’alofa 

Morning

• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the Emerald Hotel, followed by a relaxed start to the day after yesterday’s extensive travel.

Afternoon

• We will take a boat to Pangaimotu Island, there will be snorkeling opportunities and the most impressive sight is a shipwreck that the locals have turned into a makeshift diving platform.
• Return to the hotel to freshen up, then the group for a buffet-style Tongan dinner at a renowned resort on the opposite side of the island, complete with traditional Tongan performances and exhilarating fire dancing.
• Overnight at the Emerald Hotel.

Morning

• After breakfast, we will head out for a full island tour, first taking in the Royal Palace of Tonga and Royal Tombs.
• Purchase souvenirs at Nuku’alofa’s central Talamahu market.

• For lunch we will have a quick BBQ stop before continuing on our island tour.
• Next, we take our bus out of town to see the pristine beaches on the other side of the island, the infamous 3-headed coconut tree, Tsunami Rock, before stopping by the Mapu’a Vaea where waves crash into ancient volcanic rock forms, creating an impressive and unique blowhole phenomena.
• Visit the Mu’a, the previous capital of Tonga, where we can see the numerous tombs of Tongan kings. Explore Haʻamonga ʻa Maui, meaning “The Burden of Maui,” a stone trilithon known as the “Stonehenge of the Pacific.”
• Dinner at Friends Cafe, one of downtown Nuku’Alofa’s most popular restaurants.
• Overnight in Nuku’alofa at the Emerald Hotel.

——————————————-

LEAST VISITED COUNTRIES GROUP 4

Saturday 2nd August – Nuku’alofa – Port Vila, Vanuatu

Morning

• Group 3 Members: Tour concludes in Nuku’alofa, Tonga – YPT is able to arrange post-tour accommodation or advice for ongoing flights.
• Group 4 Members: Arrive in Port Vila at your convenience and transfer to the hotel where you will meet the rest of the group.
• Full Group Members: 3:00 AM transport to the Nuku’alofa airport for our 6:00 AM flight to Vanuatu via Nadi, arriving in Port Vila at 4:05 PM and transfer to our hotel.
• Vanuatu gained independence from joint British and French colonial rule in 1980, marking the culmination of a nationalist movement that sought self-determination. The country operates as a parliamentary democracy, with a President serving as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government, reflecting a blend of traditional Melanesian leadership and modern political structures. Vanuatu’s political landscape has been characterized by frequent changes in government and coalition politics, often influenced by regional issues and international relations, particularly with Australia, New Zealand, and China. Additionally, Vanuatu, like other island countries in the region, has been active in advocating for climate change awareness and resilience, given its vulnerability to natural disasters and rising sea levels.

Afternoon

• As it will have been a long travel day for our full group members, and likely those joining us for Group 4, we’ll take a few hours to freshen up and rest at our hotel before a group dinner at the legendary L’Houstalet french restaurant, famous for its wild pigeon, coconut crab and flying fox!
• Overnight in Port Vila.

Sunday 3rd August – Port Vila 

Morning

• After breakfast, we will head out with our local guide to see Port Vila city highlights, including the Parliament, Chief’s Nakamal, Erakor Landing, Mahitahi handicrafts market, Independence Park, and the WWII memorial and lookout – though a recent earthquake caused the memorial stone to topple! You will also learn about Vanuatu’s unusual colonial history: France and the UK both claimed parts of the archipelago and eventually agreed to manage it through an Anglo-French condominium.

Afternoon

• After savoring some delicious street food for lunch, we’ll embark on a scenic drive to Rarru Waterfalls. This picturesque cascade features crystal-clear waters, a jumping platform and a rope swing for a refreshing dip.
• Head back to your hotel to refresh before indulging in dinner at the exquisite Blue Stone Grill. Renowned for its stunning views and mouthwatering surf and turf delicacies served on sizzling hot stones, this dining experience promises to be unforgettable.
• Overnight in Port Vila.

Monday 4th August – Port Vila

Morning

• After breakfast, embark on a day tour of Port Vila’s cultural and natural sites, starting with a window into Vanuatu’s traditional history at Iarofa Cultural Village with demonstrations on hunting and fishing, fire walking, a welcoming song, and a lively music sing-along, and then the serene beauty of Blue Lagoon, a tranquil oasis filled with shady spots and stunning scenery. Located just a convenient 30-minute drive from Port Vila, its cool waters are refreshing on a hot, humid day, and there are plenty of shaded areas to relax and enjoy a fruit platter provided by our local guide.

Afternoon

• Following our visit to the Blue Lagoon, we’ll treat ourselves to lunch at Lil & Takau’s Kitchen, the perfect spot to indulge in fresh island flavors.
• Finally, we finish our city tour at an authentic Vanuatu Kava Bar where our guides will give us a proper demonstration on how to drink Kava, known for its sedative qualities, replete with pallet-cleansing snacks called “washemout.”
• Dinner and drinks at Banyan Beach Bar.
• Overnight in Port Vila.

Tuesday 5th August – Port Vila – Brisbane, Australia

Morning

• After breakfast, we have a free morning to explore Port Villa before heading to the airport at noon to catch the 3:15 PM Air Solomon flight to Brisbane, arriving at 6:50 PM.

Afternoon

• We will clear customs and check in to a transit hotel near the airport.
• Dinner and overnight in Brisbane.

Wednesday 6th August – Brisbane – Honiara, Solomon Islands

Morning

• 6:00 AM departure from the hotel to catch the 9:05 AM flight to Honiara, arriving at 1:25 PM.
• The Solomon Islands gained independence from British colonial rule in 1978, following a period of political agitation and a growing desire for self-governance among its diverse island communities. The country has a parliamentary democracy, with a Prime Minister serving as the head of government and a Governor-General representing the British monarch as head of state. Political stability has been challenged by ethnic tensions, particularly during the civil unrest known as the “Tensions” from 1998 to 2003, which prompted international intervention and peacekeeping efforts. In recent years, the Solomon Islands has sought to strengthen its diplomatic ties with both Australia and China, navigating regional influences while addressing domestic issues such as economic development and climate change.

Afternoon

• On arrival, we head right out and explore Honiara central market, which is where real Solomon life occurs, and have a chance to buy local souvenirs such as handicrafts and shell money necklaces.
• Following this, we do a full city tour including all the monuments to WW2, parliament and the national museum.
• We’ll grab lunch at a local restaurant situated within a local crafts and souvenir market.
• After lunch, we will check in to the Honiara Hotel. This hotel is a local institution – we’ll get the chance to talk to the eccentric owner, Sir Thomas Chan, about his life in politics on the island, as well as his experiences meeting various members of the Royal Family and being invested as a knight by the Queen.
• We have the choice to dine in the opulent Club Havana or poolside at the Oasis Restaurant and finish with drinks by the pool at our hotel. If you fancy an after dinner treat, the Cathliro Chocolate Haus also offers excellent fresh brewed espresso and locally made chocolate.
• Overnight at the Honiara Hotel.

Morning

Friday 8th August – Honiara

• The tour concludes in Honiara, where YPT can assist in arranging post-tour accommodations and activities. Additionally, we offer exciting tour extensions to the breathtaking Gizo Island in the Solomons, as well as our popular Papua New Guinea Mt. Hagen Festival Tour.