Rites and Relics: A Voyage from the Solomon Islands to Fiji

15 DAYS FROM $12,990

• Encounter World War II sites and spirit houses in the Solomon Islands. • Witness timeless rituals, from the Rom dance of Ambrym to the firewalkers of Fiji. • Kayak or stand-up paddleboard in serene lagoons, and snorkel among vibrant reefs.

Expedition Cruise Light or Moderate

DAYS 1–6 I U.S./BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA/ SOLOMON ISLANDS Arrive in Brisbane after an overnight flight, gather for a welcome briefing, and fly to the Solomon Islands. Tour sites around Honiara associated with the Battle of Guadalcanal before boarding the ship. On tiny Owaraha, witness a traditional greeting dance and see “spirit houses” containing the bones of ancient chiefs. Then relax during a full day at sea. Brisbane Marriott (or similar); National Geographic Orion for the remainder of the trip | Meals: 3B, 3L, 3D DAYS 7–11 I VANUATU Take local canoes to the Riri Blue Hole on Vanuatu’s main island of Espiritu Santo, or enjoy a phenomenal wreck dive at the S.S. President Coolidge. On mystical Ambrym, watch a Rom dance, a secretive ritual involving elaborate costumes. Ride Zodiacs to Lelepa to visit 17th-century Chief Roi Mata’s domain, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and see ancient cave paintings in Fels Cave. Enjoy a leisurely day on Tanna Island, visiting with the residents of Port Resolution. See the active volcano of Mount Yasur before sailing to Fiji. Meals: 5B, 5L, 5D

DAYS 12–15 I FIJI/U.S. Our first stop in Fiji is Beqa, where we’ll hike, snorkel the lagoon, explore by boat, and witness a firewalking demonstration. Spend a day on the “garden island” of Taveuni, discovering waterfalls and rare birds in Bouma National Heritage Park. In Waitabu, participate in a kava ceremony. Then join naturalists for a hike on Kadavu, snorkel or dive, or kayak or paddleboard on the serene lagoon. Disembark in Lautoka and tour western Viti Levu before your flight home. Meals: 4B, 4L, 3D

A diverse expedition team, including an Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and local naturalists will accompany this trip.

Jonathan Kingston National Geographic Photographer Jonathan Kingston travels to remote corners of the natural world to photograph life on the edge—from vibrant tribal dances to underwater archaeological expeditions to climbers scaling cliffs. His work has appeared in National Geographic, the New York Times, and elsewhere.

INFORMATION

This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions. Dates: This expedition is offered in March and September. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. The internal flight is an additional cost per person. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.