A Voyage through Melanesia: New Guinea Sepik River, and the Solomon Islands

20 DAYS FROM $21,540

• Visit stilt villages on Lake Sentani and cruise Papua New Guinea’s Sepik River. • Snorkel or dive the spectacular reefs of West Papua and the Solomon Islands. • Encounter rare birdlife and World War II relics on idyllic tropical islands.

Expedition Cruise Light or Moderate

DAYS 1–8 I U.S./BALI, INDONESIA/ WEST PAPUA/PAPUA Fly overnight to Indonesia and spend a night in Bali. Take a charter flight to Sorong and embark the ship. In Cenderawasih Bay, kayak through mangroves and snorkel pristine reefs in search of epaulette sharks, dugongs, and whale sharks. From Jayapura, travel to Lake Sentani to visit its fascinating stilt villages. Go on a birding walk before a day at sea. Grand Hyatt Bali (or similar); National Geographic Orion through Day 18 Meals: 6B, 6L, 7D DAYS 9–14 I PAPUA NEW GUINEA Cruise the Sepik River past timeless villages, learning about local artistic and spiritual traditions. Witness a traditional sing-sing in Haya, and hike in search of cassowaries and other wildlife. Then explore the markets of Madang. Take a rainforest hike on Crown Island; and snorkel, dive, or ride a glass-bottom boat over the reefs of Garove Island before a sing-sing and a village tour. Wander through lunar-like Rabaul, buried in volcanic ash since 1994, and explore the ruins of a Japanese ship from World War II. After sunset, watch the fire dance of the Baining people. Meals: 6B, 6L, 6D

DAYS 15–20 I AT SEA/SOLOMON ISLANDS/ BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA/U.S. After time at sea, arrive in the Solomon Islands, where fierce World War II battles took place against a backdrop of emerald peaks and idyllic beaches. Visit Kennedy Island, where John F. Kennedy swam ashore after his PT-109 boat was sunk. Snorkel, dive, or kayak Marovo Lagoon, and meet local woodcarvers. Disembark in Honiara and visit the wartime sites of Guadalcanal. Fly to Brisbane for your final night and depart the next day. Brisbane Marriott (or similar) Meals: 5B, 4L, 5D

An Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and a team of naturalists will accompany this trip.

David Doubilet and Jen Hayes Underwater Photographers Husband-and-wife team David Doubilet and Jennifer Hayes are underwater photographers who have photographed the ocean depths from Greenland to Indonesia on assignment for National Geographic. David has published more than 70 stories in National Geographic magazine. Find the departure(s) David and Jen will join on our website.

INFORMATION

This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions. Dates: This expedition is offered in October. 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. 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.

Visit website for complete details and dates.

PRIVATE EXPEDITIONS | |

Travel independently—with all the benefits of traveling with National Geographic. Choose a unique itinerary curated by National Geographic and pick dates that work for you. Then set out to explore a fascinating place with just the companions you choose, whether it’s your spouse, your family, or a group of friends. You’ll be accompanied by your own private guides and occasionally join small groups for a safari or an afternoon cruise, depending on your destination. Stay in top accommodations, including some of the world’s leading sustainable lodges; and enjoy plenty of free time to pursue your interests and the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

MONGOLIA PRIVATE EXPEDITION

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COSTA RICA PRIVATE EXPEDITION

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YELLOWSTONE AND GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARKS PRIVATE EXPEDITION

PAGE 104 • A wide variety of daily activities and excursions that can be tailored to your pace and your interests

• The insight and expertise of Englishspeaking private guides who accompany you throughout the trip, as well as local experts you meet along the way

• Outstanding accommodations selected for their location, character, and high level of service, including some of the world’s leading sustainable hotels and lodges

• All breakfasts and select lunches and dinners, including specially arranged meals with local entertainment

• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure and transportation during your trip

• Entrance fees and local taxes

THE PRIVATE GUIDE EXPERIENCE

During your trip, you’ll be accompanied by top private guides who share their wealth of knowledge and their inside perspective about the place you’re exploring. They’ll have recommendations to help you make the most of your free time. As you travel, you’ll also be joined by local experts, who shed light on the culture and natural history you encounter.