Least Visited Countries Summer Combo Tour

LEAST VISITED COUNTRIES GROUP 1

Friday 10th July – Koror, Palau

• Palau is an island nation in the western Pacific Ocean, consisting of over 340 islands. The region is 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 at your convenience – the largest and commercial centre of Palau and transfer to our hotel.

Saturday 11th July – Koror – Babeldaob – Koror

Morning

• A relatively late rise after late flights coming the previous night, and meet our local guide at 10:30 AM in the lobby of our hotel for a brief orientation followed by a 11:00 AM departure for the day’s activities.

Afternoon

• Head out with our local guide and over the Japan-Palau Friendship bridge to Babeldaob island, Palau’s largest island and the seat of its government. After visiting parliament, located in Ngerulmud, the administrative capital of the country, we’ll stop by the excellently preserved Melekeok Bai (traditional men’s meeting house), which features ornate traditional designs and paintings. Not far from it, we will see a recreation of a traditional “Kabekel”, a war canoe once used in warriors’ expeditions to neighbouring villages until colonial powers banned warfare in Palau in the 18th century.
• Quick stop at a local supermarket to grab a convenient lunch for the road.
• Arrive at Babeldaob’s northernmost tip for the day’s highlight: the Badrulchau Stone Monoliths, considered to be the most enigmatic and oldest archaeological site in Palau.
• After exploring Babeldaob, head back to Koror to sample some local street food at the 680 Night Market. (Please note that the 680 Night Market operates on irregular hours. If it is unavailable, we will stop at Palau’s biggest shopping center followed by dinner out on the town in Koror)
• Overnight in Koror.

Sunday 12th July – Koror – Peleliu – Koror

Morning

• 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 Imperial 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 II 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!

Afternoon

• Picnic lunch with a scenic view.
• 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 before our early morning hotel departure to catch our flight to Nauru.

Monday 13th July – Koror – Rock Islands – German Channel – Carp Island – Koror 

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel before departing for a full day exploring the spectacular southern Rock Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Palau’s most iconic natural attractions.
• Our first stop is the famous Long Beach, a stunning white sandbar that emerges only at low tide. If tide conditions permit, we’ll have the opportunity to walk across this picturesque stretch of sand surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters.
• Continuing through the Rock Islands, we’ll visit the German Channel, an historic man-made passage originally cut by German miners and today one of Palau’s best-known marine environments. The channel is a migratory route for majestic manta rays, and we’ll stop to snorkel in the hope of encountering these graceful giants, along with an abundance of tropical fish and coral reefs.

Afternoon

• We’ll then make our way to Carp Island Resort, the only resort located within the Rock Islands, where we’ll enjoy a BBQ lunch. The resort offers hot showers, modern restroom facilities, kayaks, hammocks, and a beautiful beach, providing the perfect opportunity to relax or enjoy the idyllic island surroundings.
• Before returning to Koror, we’ll stop at the famous Milky Way, a sheltered lagoon renowned for its white limestone mud. Guests can apply the mineral-rich mud, famous for its skin-softening properties, before rinsing off in the warm tropical waters—a uniquely Palauan experience and one of the country’s most photographed locations.
• Return to Koror in the late afternoon.
• Dinner and overnight in Koror.

Tuesday 14th July – Koror

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel before setting out to explore the cultural heart of Palau with a full day discovering the history, traditions, and marine life of Koror.
• Our first stop is the Belau National Museum, the oldest continuously operating museum in Micronesia. Established in 1955, the museum offers an excellent introduction to Palauan history and culture, with exhibits covering traditional village life, ancient stone and shell money, colonial history under Spain, Germany, Japan, and the United States, as well as a beautifully reconstructed traditional bai (meeting house) located within the museum grounds.
• We’ll then continue to the Etpison Museum, which complements the Belau National Museum by focusing on Palauan customs, craftsmanship, and daily life. Highlights include traditional storyboards, canoe building, fishing techniques, rare seashell collections, ceremonial artifacts, and exhibits showcasing Palau’s cultural heritage.

Afternoon

• Following the museums, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Koror.
• In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Palau Aquarium, operated by the Palau International Coral Reef Center. The aquarium recreates Palau’s diverse marine ecosystems – from mangrove forests and seagrass beds to coral reefs and the deep ocean – providing an excellent opportunity to identify many of the fish and marine species encountered while snorkeling throughout the tour.
• There will also be time to browse the local shops and pick up souvenirs before returning to the hotel in the late afternoon.
• Dinner and overnight in Koror.

Wednesday 15th July – Palau – Guam – Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia 

Morning

• Early morning transfer to Koror International Airport for our flight to Chuuk, one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia.
• 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.
• After arriving on Weno, the state’s capital and main island, we’ll transfer to the island’s largest resort overlooking the world-famous Chuuk Lagoon. Once known as Truk Lagoon, this vast natural harbour was the Japanese Imperial Navy’s principal base in the Central Pacific during World War II before being devastated during Operation Hailstone in February 1944. Today, it is regarded as one of the world’s premier wreck diving destinations.
• Upon arrival at the resort, we’ll enjoy lunch and have a few hours to relax after our journey.

Afternoon

• In the afternoon, we’ll set out to explore downtown Weno. Our tour includes a visit to a Japanese coastal cannon overlooking Chuuk Lagoon, a reminder of the island’s strategic importance during World War II and offering panoramic views across the surrounding islands and lagoon.
• We’ll also visit the former Japanese communications centre, a wartime installation that has since been transformed into Xavier High School, one of Micronesia’s most respected educational institutions.
• Dinner and overnight in Chuuk.

Thursday 16th July – Truk Lagoon – Tonoas Island – Eton Isla

Morning

• Breakfast at the resort before boarding our boat for a full-day excursion exploring the legendary waters of Chuuk Lagoon.
• Once the principal anchorage of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II, Chuuk Lagoon became the site of Operation Hailstone in February 1944, when Allied forces sank dozens of ships and hundreds of aircraft. Today, the lagoon is internationally renowned for its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and remarkably well-preserved wartime relics resting beneath the surface, earning it a reputation as one of the world’s greatest underwater heritage sites.
• Our first snorkeling stop is the Zero Fighter, where a Japanese Mitsubishi A6M Zero aircraft rests in shallow water, making it one of the most accessible and photogenic wartime wrecks in the Pacific.
• We’ll then continue to a Japanese patrol boat, another shallow wreck that has gradually been reclaimed by the reef.

Afternoon

• Around midday, we’ll stop at a small private island for lunch and time to relax. Enjoy the white sand beach, swim in the warm lagoon, or simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere before returning to the water.
• Return to the resort in the late afternoon before enjoying dinner and another overnight stay in Chuuk.

LEAST VISITED COUNTRIES GROUP 2

Friday 17th July – Truk Lagoon – Tonoas & Eten Islands 

Morning

• Breakfast at the resort before boarding a boat across the lagoon to the historic islands of Tonoas and Eten, where we’ll spend the day exploring one of the Pacific’s most important World War II.
• Formerly known as Dublon, Tonoas served as the administrative and military headquarters of the Imperial Japanese Navy in Chuuk Lagoon during World War II. At its peak, the island was home to more than a thousand military buildings, hospitals, fuel depots, communications facilities, tunnels, and command centres supporting Japan’s operations throughout the Central Pacific.
• Travelling by local transport around the island, we’ll visit a number of surviving wartime sites, including the remains of the Japanese Naval Headquarters, underground bunkers and tunnels, military buildings, and the ruins of what was once one of Micronesia’s largest Japanese military hospitals. Along the way we’ll also visit several local villages and gain an insight into everyday life on one of Chuuk’s lesser-visited islands.

Afternoon

Saturday 18th July – Chuuk – Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands

Morning

• Have breakfast and enjoy a leisurely morning before catching our early afternoon 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

Sunday 19th July – Majuro 

Morning

• After breakfast, we’ll embark on a guided bus tour of Majuro led by our local team.
• The first stop will be at a local handicrafts shop, where you can pick up souvenirs like handmade seashell necklaces, postcards, and traditional clothes.
• Next, we’ll visit the Alele Museum and delve into the cultural significance of the Alele basket, explore the history of atomic testing at Bikini Atoll (1946-1958), and learn about the vital role of canoes in Marshallese navigation.

Afternoon

• Quick lunch stop in Majuro.
• We’ll pay a visit to the Marshall Islands Pandanus Company, a proudly local operation producing “Bob Whiskey” and vodka right here in Majuro. Using breadfruit and pandanus, known locally as “bōb fruit,” the distillery began five years ago as an initiative to support local agriculture and has since grown into one of the country’s most unique ventures. Yes, there will be free samples, as well as bottles available for purchase!
• From here, we drive west along Majuro’s single road to the far end of the atoll, arriving at Laura Beach, one of the most scenic and laid-back spots on the island. Here you’ll have time to relax, swim, and unwind as the day winds down, culminating in a classic Pacific sunset over the lagoon. We will also enjoy a traditional Marshallese food plate weaving demonstration led by your local guide.
• For dinner, we will go to Riwut Outback, known for its exceptional traditional island cuisine. You can enjoy dishes such as Mokta, which features boiled or steamed breadfruit and serves as a hearty side or main dish. Another highlight is Kepra, a flavorful fish dish marinated and cooked in coconut milk, often accompanied by rice or taro. And don’t miss the delicious pumpkin rice!
• After dinner, you can sample the delights of Majuro town or relax at the hotel.
• Overnight in Majuro.

Monday 20th July – Majuro – Tarawa – Betio, Kiribati 

Morning

• Free morning to explore Majuro before you transfer to the airport for the 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.

Afternoon

• Arrive in Tarawa in the evening and transfer to our hotel in Betio.
• Dinner and overnight in Betio.

Tuesday 21st July – Betio 

Morning

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• #TOUR HIGHLIGHT# 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.”
• After a day of exploration, head back to our hotel for lunch.
• 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.
• Overnight in Betio.

Wednesday 22nd July – Betio – Tarawa – Betio 

Morning

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• 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 artefacts and other items of cultural and historic significance for the country.
• Enjoy a photo opportunity at the highest point in Eita, standing just 3 meters above sea level. This unique vantage point serves as a reminder of the urgent threat that global warming poses to this Pacific paradise.
• Following sunset coffee and refreshments at a local cafe, we’ll take the golden hour drive back down to Betio for our final night in Kiribati.
• Dinner and overnight in Betio.

Thursday 23rd July – Betio – Tarawa – Nauru – Suva, Fiji 

Morning

• After breakfast, we will head to the airport to take our late-morning flight to Nauru. 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.
• Following our arrival in Nauru, be met at the airport, enjoy a to-go lunch and immediately begin a guided tour around the island’s 19-kilometre Ring Road, exploring one of the world’s smallest and least-visited countries.

Afternoon

• 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?) WWII Memorial and Buada Lagoon.
• Enjoy a break at a local cafe, where we will also visit the island’s largest shopping center where you can also purchase Nauru souvenirs like t-shirts, mugs, and magnets.
• Cap off the day with a short hike up Command Ridge, the highest point on the island and the site of some incredibly well-preserved Japanese cannons from WWII, as well as the remnants of an imperialist Japanese prison. Before it became a prison, it was a German communication center.
• Check out of our hotel and check in for our flight. Head over to a nearby Cantonese restaurant for dinner before taking our evening flight to Fiji.
• Overnight in Suva, Fiji.

LEAST VISITED COUNTRIES GROUP 3

Friday 24th July – Suva – Funafuti, Tuvalu

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Group 2 Members: Tour concludes in Suva – YPT is able to arrange post-tour accommodation or advice for ongoing flights.
• Group 3 Members: Arrive at Suva Nausori International Airport in time to meet the rest of the group for your morning flight to Tuvalu.
• Full Group Members: Early departure for our flight to the second-least-visited country in the world, Tuvalu! 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.

Afternoon

• Early-afternoon 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.
• After freshening up and a group lunch, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the Taiwanese mission in Tuvalu. Taiwan has maintained diplomatic relations with Tuvalu since shortly after the country’s independence in 1978, and the two nations continue to share a close and longstanding relationship today.
• During our visit, we’ll stop by the embassy and see a greenhouse project built by Taiwan near the runway, part of ongoing efforts to support local agriculture and food security.
• 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 in Funafuti.

Saturday 25th July – Funafuti

Morning

• Early start to take boats out for the day across Funafuti lagoon to explore some of the surrounding, sparsely inhabited islets, where you will land and spend the day relaxing with your guide and a few locals on the beach of this untouched island paradise. Those aquatically inclined should bring their snorkelling masks to check out the reefs.

Afternoon

• BBQ lunch of fresh seafood caught by your guides right out of the lagoon! After an afternoon relaxing on the beach, head back to Funafuti to freshen up at the hotel.
• Dinner at our hotel or your YPT guides can recommend some walkable alternatives.
• Overnight in Funafuti.

Sunday 26th July – Funafuti 

Morning

• Breakfast at our hotel.
• #OPTIONAL ACTIVITY# Tuvalu is a deeply Christian country. One of the more unusual customs visitors notice is the evening prayer observance, when the country pauses for around 15 minutes each night. During this time, people are expected to be at home, and if you are out, police will stop you until the prayer period has finished. To better understand this aspect of Tuvaluan culture, we’ll have the opportunity to attend a church service at one of the country’s main congregations, offering a firsthand look at local worship and community life.
• If you opt not to attend the church service, you’ll have a free morning to explore Tuvalu at your own pace, just as locals do, by scooter. Scooters are the main mode of transport here, an affordable and practical way to get around the island that keeps traffic light and manageable. YPT can arrange a scooter rental for you, giving you the freedom to cruise around Funafuti, visit different parts of the atoll, and experience Funafuti on your own terms.

Afternoon

• Guided Funafuti tour! Hop on the bus OR follow along on your scooter 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 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).
• Dinner at a local restaurant.
• Overnight in Funafuti.

Monday 27th July – Funafuti – Nadi – Apia

Morning

• Kick off our final morning in Tuvalu with a guided tour of Funafuti’s main government building, which is home to all the nation’s government departments, including the Prime Minister’s office. Take a moment to peek into his office and see if we can catch a brief hello (it’s happened before)!
• Visit the National Archives and Tuvalu Philatelic Bureau, where, in addition to being able to mail a postcard, we’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

• Board our flight for the long trek to Apia via Nadi, where we will be greeted by your local guide and transferred to our hotel, renowned for its warm hospitality and operated by the island’s most gracious hosts!
• 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.
• Overnight in Apia.

Tuesday 28th July – Apia

Morning

• After breakfast, hop on the 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.

Afternoon

• After a seafood lunch at Apia Wharf, 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).
• After, we will stop for photos at the scenic Sopo’aga Falls Viewpoint, before going for a sunset dip in the To Sua sinkholes.
• Return to our accommodation to freshen up before a traditional Fia Fia buffet feast, featuring a wide selection of dishes, usually including pork, chicken, and fresh seafood. Side dishes typically include taro (talo), breadfruit (ulu), and palusami, which is taro leaves baked slowly in coconut cream. There will also be fresh tropical fruits and oka, a Samoan style raw fish marinated in coconut cream. There will also be ice cold Samoan Vailima beer for sale! While you savor your meal, enjoy local entertainment featuring traditional song and fire dancing!
• After dinner, your YPT guides are eager to lead anyone interested in exploring the nightlife at Apia Wharf, where charming marina-side bars await. For those feeling lucky, there’s also the chance to place a few bets at the Black Sands Casino.
• Overnight in Apia.

Wednesday 29th July – Apia – Nadi – Nuku’Alofa, Tonga

Morning

• After a farewell breakfast, experience the daily flag raising ceremony in Apia, led by the Samoan Police Marching Band. Each weekday morning, the band marches to Government House, performs the national anthem, and raises the Samoan flag in a tradition that symbolizes national pride and unity. It is one of the most iconic morning rituals in Samoa and a memorable cultural moment to witness.
• Depart for the airport to catch our flight to Nuku’Alofa, Tonga (via Nadi), landing just after midnight.
• Meet our local guide and transfer to our hotel located in downtown Nuku’alofa.
• 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.

Thursday 30th July – Nuku’Alofa, Tonga

Morning

• After breakfast, we make the most of our one full day on Tongatapu with a comprehensive island tour. We’ll start with a stop at Talamahu Market for souvenirs and local crafts, then drive past the Royal Palace. While modest in appearance and built of wood, it remains the official residence of the King of Tonga and an important symbol of the country’s monarchy.
• Drive out to the Eastern district of Tongatapu to the ancient remains of Mu’a, the ancient capital of the Tu’i Tonga empire, where you can see the numerous tombs of Tongan kings.
• Visit Ha’amonga ‘a Maui, a 13th century stone trilithon often referred to as the “Stonehenge of the Pacific.” Built from massive coral limestone blocks weighing an estimated 30 to 40 tons each, the monument was commissioned by the Tu‘i Tonga king Tuʻitātui and is traditionally said to honor his two sons. The name translates as “the burden of Maui,” referencing the legendary Polynesian cultural hero. Nearby, we’ll also see ‘Esi Maka Fa‘akinanga, a large stone believed to have served as a royal throne, positioned to protect the king from attack. Scholars have suggested the structure may have had astronomical significance linked to solstices and equinoxes, though this remains debated.

Afternoon

• For lunch, we will make a quick, delicious BBQ stop before continuing on the island tour.
• Next, we drive across the island, stopping at several of Tongatapu’s natural highlights along the way. We’ll visit the infamous three headed coconut tree, see Tsunami Rock, and continue on to Mapu‘a Vaea, where waves crash into ancient volcanic rock formations, sending seawater high into the air through a dramatic series of natural blowholes.
• We’ll then enjoy a special Tonga style tongananga with our local guide’s family, featuring a spread of traditional island dishes and accompanied by local hospitality and entertainment.
• Overnight in Nuku’alofa.

LEAST VISITED COUNTRIES GROUP 4

Friday 31st July – Nuku’Alofa – Nadi – Port Vila, Vanuatu

Morning

• Group 3 Members: Tour concludes in 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: Early departure to the Nuku’alofa airport for our flight to Vanuatu via Nadi, arriving in Port Vila, Vanuatu in the afternoon, and transferring to our centrally located 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 action, given its vulnerability to natural disasters and rising sea levels.

Afternoon

• After check-in, head out with our 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.
• Dinner at the legendary L’Houstalet French restaurant, famous for its wild pigeon, coconut crab, and flying fox.
• Overnight in Port Vila.

Saturday 1st 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 Larofa 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. 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

• Finally, we finish our 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.”
• Head back to our 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.

Sunday 2nd August – Port Vila – Honiara, Solomon Islands

Morning

• Early departure from our hotel to catch our morning flight to Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands.
• 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.
• Transfer to the legendary Honiara Hotel.

Afternoon

• After check-in, we’ll head out with our local guide to experience the rich cultural heritage of the Birao people at Hotomai Cultural Village, located in Central Guadalcanal between Belaha and Tenaru Falls. Here we will witness demonstrations of traditional dances, culinary practices, and cultural homes. The visit begins with a warrior-style greeting, setting the stage for an authentic cultural journey.
• After returning to the Honiara Hotel, we’ll have a chance to explore this local institution – meet the eccentric owner, Sir Thomas Chan, and chat 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.

Monday 3rd August – Honiara

Morning

• Up early for breakfast and a Honiara day tour. First, we will 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, embark on a full city tour including all the monuments to WW2, parliament, and the national museum.

Afternoon

• The way to really discover a country is through its street food, so on the journey to the next part of the tour, we will stop at a row of food stalls where the choices range from grilled lobster, chicken, or fish served with rice and pumpkin.
• Head to a beach which has a major Japanese WW2 wreck for some wreck snorkelling and underwater photography, as well as great views of the city of Honiara, whilst enjoying the beach.
• After freshening up at the hotel, head out for dinner at the illustrious Coral Sea Resort.
• Overnight at Honiara Hotel.

Tuesday 4th August – Honiara – Roderick Bay – Honiara

Morning

• After breakfast, take the one and a half hour boat ride to Roderick Bay, located within the scenic Sandfly Passage of Ngella Sule Island.
• Arrive at Roderick Bay, where you will spend the rest of the morning exploring the shipwreck of The MS World Discoverer, a cruise ship specifically designed and constructed by Schichau Unterweser in Germany in 1974. In 2000, it collided with an underwater obstacle, sustaining damage; to prevent it from sinking, the ship was grounded and ultimately abandoned in Roderick Bay.

Afternoon

• Spend the afternoon exploring the Solomon villages on the island, interacting with locals, hiking in the beautiful scenery, or simply hanging out by the beach for swimming, snorkelling or canoeing in traditional dugout canoes!
• Return and overnight at the Honiara Hotel.

Wednesday 5th August – Honiara

Morning

• Following breakfast, we conclude our exploration of the Solomon Islands with a visit to Red Beach, a significant World War II landing site situated approximately 10 kilometers east of Honiara on Guadalcanal. It was here that U.S. Marines landed in 1942, initiating the crucial Guadalcanal Campaign.
• We’ll then visit the Memorial Garden at Henderson Airport in the Solomon Islands, a location dedicated to honoring the soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives during the Guadalcanal Campaign of World War II. This tranquil site is conveniently situated next to the airport terminal in Honiara.
• Buffet-style lunch near the airport.

Afternoon

• Next, we head to the Betikama War Museum, located at Betikama Adventist College near Honiara. This museum features an impressive collection of World War II relics, such as weapons, aircraft parts, and equipment, preserving the history of the Guadalcanal Campaign.
• Our journey concludes with a visit to the Holy Cross Cathedral in Honiara, a Catholic landmark erected in 1978. Situated on the historic site where Spanish explorers first planted a Christian cross in 1568.
• We’ll make a stop to gather provisions for what promises to be an unforgettable farewell dinner and celebrations at the Honiara Hotel!

Thursday 6th August – Honiara

• The tour concludes in Honiara, where YPT can assist in arranging post-tour accommodations and activities.
• We will say goodby to our friends who are departing, for those joining out any of our exciting tour extensions or heading on with us to Papua New Guinea, you can take advantage of the afternoon to sleep in, do laundry and catch up with the outside world!
• Those joining YPT’s Munda & Gizo Island Hopping Extension will take the early morning flight to Munda on the 7th.