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Pacific Islands19 daysMax 8 travellersSolo-friendly

Pacific Islands Explorer – Pacific Shores to Tribal Heartlands (Part 2)

Explore the volcanic shores of Vanuatu, ancient kingdoms of Tonga, WWII history of the Solomon Islands, and the tribal heartlands of Papua New Guinea — in a small group of just 8.

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About this journey

What to expect on this trip

This journey across the South Pacific offers a rare opportunity to explore some of the region’s most captivating islands, each with its own distinct character and traditions. From the relaxed shores of Tonga and the cultural encounters of the Solomon Islands to the dramatic landscapes of Vanuatu and the tribal heartlands of Papua New Guinea, this is a voyage through remote and remarkable destinations. Highlights include a traditional Tongan feast, meeting village communities in the Solomon Islands, standing on the rim of Vanuatu’s fiery Mount Yasur, and discovering the unique tribal cultures of Mount Hagen. Combining natural beauty, ancient traditions, and vibrant local life, this itinerary provides an in-depth introduction to one of the world’s most diverse and fascinating regions.

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The journey

Pacific Islands Explorer – Pacific Shores to Tribal Heartlands (Part 2)

Key moments

What makes this trip special

Drawn from the full tour dossier — the standout days, encounters and views our specialists keep coming back to.

Your route
map

  1. Polynesian Traditions and Ancient Kingdoms

    Tonga's three days offer an unparalleled immersion into living Polynesian culture — preparing and eating the traditional Lu feast cooked in a volcanic umu, tasting ceremonial kava, and learning mat-making techniques still practised today. The island's archaeological sites, including ancient royal tombs and the Abel Tasman landing site, add a powerful layer of historical depth to the experience.

  2. Pacific Island Life and WWII Heritage

    The Solomon Islands days balance natural beauty with hard history. A scenic boat trip to the sheltered cove of Rodrick Bay delivers a beachside BBQ and community village visit, while Honiara's city tour takes in the Parliament House, busy central market, US Peace War Memorial, and National Museum — a vivid portrait of a nation shaped by both ancient tradition and the violence of the Second World War.

  3. Volcanic Spectacle and Kastom Culture in Vanuatu

    Vanuatu delivers two of the expedition's most dramatic days. An evening climb to the rim of Mount Yasur on Tanna Island — one of the world's most active volcanoes — is followed by a visit to Yakel Kastom Village, where ancient ceremonies and daily practices remain vibrantly alive. A 4WD journey across Tanna also takes in a historical weapons cave, a cannibal village, and Port Resolution's extraordinary black sand hot-water beach.

  4. Tribal Heartlands of the Papua New Guinea Highlands

    The tour's final three days in the Wahgi Valley and around Mount Hagen represent one of the most extraordinary cultural encounters available anywhere in the world. The Melpa, Huli, and Mulpa peoples continue to live largely traditional lifestyles, and an encounter with the legendary Asaro Mudmen — wearing haunting white clay masks — is among the most memorable experiences in Pacific travel. The highlands also reward naturalists with a rich array of birds and orchids.

Key moments for Pacific Islands Explorer – Pacific Shores to Tribal Heartlands (Part 2)

Full itinerary · 19 days

Prefer a PDF? Get the printable dossier
Dates & prices

Choose your departure

Reserve your place with a £3,390 per-person deposit; the balance is due 70 days before departure. Prefer your own space? A single room is available on every departure.

  • Departure
    2 Oct 2026 → 20 Oct 2026
    Guaranteed
    From
    £16,950 pp
    Single supp. +£1,900
    Contact for availability
  • Departure
    23 Jul 2027 → 10 Aug 2027
    Guaranteed
    From
    £16,950 pp
    Single supp. +£1,900
    Book now

Can’t find the right fit?

Every one of our Pacific Islands journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.

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What's included

What your tour price covers

Included in the price

  • Arrival and departure transfers
  • All accommodation
  • Transport throughout
  • Services of local English-speaking guides (please note that the group will travel unaccompanied between each island state. A local guide will be allocated in each island state for all sightseeing and excursions)<em>|</em>All regional flights – as referred to in the itinerary
  • Meals as listed
  • Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary

Budget separately for

  • International flights
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visas, if required
  • Drinks
  • Tips (discretionary)
  • Covid-19 test/s and related procedures, if required
Before you go

Essential information

Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.

Foreign Office travel advice

We constantly monitor official travel advice, including the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Pacific Islands Travel Advice, and will always advise clients of any warnings before departure. At the time of writing, there are no specific warnings against travel to the parts of the Pacific Islands that we visit on our tours.

Please contact us if you have any specific concerns or would like to understand what measures are in place to ensure your trip remains safe and trouble-free.

Voices from the road

What travellers say about us

Reviews from across our small-group programme — Mongolia, Madagascar, the Silk Road and beyond. Independently rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ travellers.

“Jason was very helpful and the booking process was quick and easy. UD offers itineraries that many competitors do not. I thoroughly enjoyed both trips I've taken with them. While they may not suit everyone, I have happily recommended the Senegal tour to fellow travellers.”

Bernice Hird

UK

“Excellent customer service, reliable itineraries and ability to solve local issues when they arise”

Gustavo Musto

Uruguay

“I like the small size of groups, the range of destinations and excellent itineraries. This is my third holiday with your company and I have found your itineraries really good.”

UK Traveller

“Lots of intersting tours to less-visited destinations.”

Traveller

“Excellent company to book with. Complex tour mostly delivered as per itinerary with professional and pleasant local representatives. ”

Adam Choonara

UK

“Jason was outstanding, patiently answering my many questions about the Senegal trip, particularly regarding accessibility. He was professional, supportive, warm and friendly, giving me the confidence to book. I truly appreciate his exceptional service and support.”

Ramnit Bassi

UK

“Undiscovered Destinations is able to find wonderful support staff and will go to the far corners of the earth.”

Patricia Taylor

UK

“This is my third trip with UD and all have been first rate. ”

Judith Hoyle

UK

“I am very satisfied with every trip that I have doe with you since you match my interests in culture and tribal peoples.”

Eric Ferkins

UK

“Jason was incredibly helpful and efficient in getting us booked last minute on this trip when our trip with another company was cancelled with no notice.”

Sarah Keir

UK

Want to customise this tour?

Make Pacific Islands Explorer – Pacific Shores to Tribal Heartlands (Part 2) your own — adjust the route, dates, pace or who travels, or start from a blank page with a specialist. We'll bring the details of this trip straight into your enquiry.

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More to explore

More tours in Pacific Islands

Pacific Islands Explorer
Pacific Islands
4.9
Small Group
28 Days

Pacific Islands Explorer

This remarkable journey through the South Pacific and beyond offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience some of the world’s most remote and culturally diverse destinations. Beginning in Brisbane, this Pacific Islands guided tour explores Micronesia’s ancient ruins at Nan Madol, the phosphate landscapes of Nauru, and the wartime history of Kiribati. Continue to Samoa for vibrant cultural traditions and volcanic scenery, before discovering Tonga’s island heritage and the Solomon Islands’ blend of natural beauty and poignant wartime history. In Vanuatu, marvel at traditional kastom villages and witness the raw spectacle of Yasur, one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes. The adventure concludes in Papua New Guinea, where visitors encounter tribal communities in the Wahgi Valley, rich with birdlife, orchids, and ancient customs. This is a rare voyage across scattered island nations and untouched cultures, offering a truly once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.

From

£24,950

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Start planning your Pacific Islands adventure

Join a small-group departure, or let our Pacific Islands specialists craft a private journey shaped around your dates and interests.

Start planning your trip+44 (0)191 2316005

Common questions

Things travellers usually ask

  • How many travellers will be in my group?

    Maximum 8 travellers — that's the cap on every Undiscovered Destinations small-group tour. Small enough to eat in a local family home; large enough to share the wonder with other like-minded travellers.

  • Can I travel solo?

    Yes — there's no compulsory single supplement on our small-group tours. You get your own room at no extra cost. About 60% of UD travellers come solo, so you'll be in good company.

  • How fit do I need to be?

    Fitness requirements vary by itinerary, from gentle to demanding. The day-by-day tour dossier sets out walking distances, terrain and any altitude so you know what to expect. If you have specific concerns, speak to our team before booking — they can talk you through a typical day.

  • When are the next departures?

    The next available departures are 2 October 2026; 23 July 2027. See the "Choose your departure" table further up the page for the full schedule and per-departure pricing.

  • What's included in the tour price?

    Included items vary by tour — see the full list above. On this trip, expect: Arrival and departure transfers; All accommodation; Transport throughout; and more. International flights and travel insurance are not included.

  • Where exactly does this trip go?

    This tour visits Pacific Islands. Each destination has its own page with practical information, climate, and the attractions our specialists recommend — linked from the itinerary above.

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