Itinerary
24 Apr 25 Sydney
Today you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for a night's stay in Sydney. Tonight you will be staying at the Four Seasons in a deluxe partial Harbour View room.
25 Apr 25 Sydney to Honiara
You will be transferred to the airport for a chartered flight from Sydney to Honiara directly (approximately 4 hours). Upon arrival you will be met and transferred straight to the Seabourn Pursuit. Honiara is the capital of the Solomon Islands with a population of over 92,000 people. You may have time to explore the city, colorful markets, war memorials, museums and an atmospheric wharf, Honiara can be a fascinating place to explore. The ship check in begins at 12:40 for a 5:00pm departure (B,D)
26 Apr 25 At Sea
Today you will be spending the day at sea. This is a great opportunity to explore this luxury expedition ship. With only 264 guests, this small ship. (B,L,D)
27 Apr 25 Alotau, Papua New Guinea
You'll be arriving at 8am and departing at 2:00pm. You'll be tendered into the port by Zodiac. Alotau, Papua New Guinea. Alotau is the capital of the Milne Bay province of Papua New Guinea, located on a peninsula in Milne Bay in the Coral Sea. The town and water comprise the site of the 1942 battle of Milne Bay, in which the invading Japanese army suffered its first decisive defeat in the Pacific Theater of World War II at the hands of Allied, mostly Australian forces. A War Memorial commemorates the battle. Today the area is largely given over the palm oil plantations. The local people keep their Tawala cultural traditions alive, with the exception of the long-past ritual cannibalism. In Bibiko Village, they will be pleased to show them off in displays of prowess with Kundu drum ceremonies and exhibitions of their impressive war canoes. At the Ahioma village of Dodobana, the many specialized skills of daily Melanesian life are demonstrated in a family-style setting, such as basket weaving, grass skirt making and gardening.(B,L,D)
28 Apr 25 Conflict Islands (Panawal Group), Papua New Guinea
You'll be arriving at 7am and departing at 1:00pm. You'll be tendered into the port by Zodiac. This idyllic archipelago of 21 coral atolls off the coast of New Guinea was named after the British ship HMS Conflict by its discoverer, a most patriotic captain. You could hardly ask for a more conflict-free paradise. The island group is privately owned by a passionate conservationist, who insists on sustainable methods for any activity within his tropical domain. Activities are therefore tailored for enjoying the exceptionally beautiful beaches, the supremely biodiverse coral reefs and the clear, warm waters. Kayaking, snorkeling and paddle-boarding are the more strenuous varieties. Simply relaxing mindfully on the sugary fringes of the lagoon are also acceptable. The area is under consideration for UNESCO World Heritage inscription.(B,L,D)
29-30 Apr 25 At Sea
1 - 2 May 25 Agats, Indonesia
You'll be arriving at 1:00pm and spending overnight here. Visa is required and can be organised online. I'm happy to help you with this if you like. You will be departing at 10:30pm so you have 1.5 days here to explore. (B,L,D)
03 May 25 At sea
04 May 25 Misool, Yapap Lagoon, Indonesia
You'll be arriving at 7am and departing at 1:00pm. You'll be tendered into the port by Zodiac. Misool, nestled within the Yapap Lagoon in the Raja Ampat region of Indonesia, is a mesmerizing and remote island paradise. Characterized by its karst limestone formations, pristine coral reefs, and lush mangrove forests, Misool is a sanctuary for biodiversity both above and below the waterline. Beneath its turquoise waters, snorkelers are treated to a kaleidoscope of marine life, including vibrant coral gardens, reef sharks, manta rays, and an abundance of colorful fish species. The island's terrestrial beauty is equally captivating, with hidden lagoons, sea caves, and secluded beaches awaiting exploration. (B,L,D)
- INCLUDED EXPERIENCES ON EXPEDITION VOYAGES Snorkeling Yapap Lagoon, alongside the island of Misoo, is a snorkeler's dream, offering exquisite experiences that we look forward to sharing with you throughout the day. Zodiac® Cruises Zodiac® cruises allow you to marvel at the dramatic limestone karst formations unique to this region. These natural wonders present a stark contrast to those found at the Wayag Islands, offering their own brand of captivating beauty.
05 May 25 Wayag Island, Indonesia
You'll be arriving at 6am and departing at 6:00pm. Nestled at the northernmost tip of the enchanting Raja Ampat region, the uninhabited Wayag islands are a treasure trove of natural wonders and aquatic adventures. The islands are adorned with dramatic limestone karst hills that majestically rise from the azure sea, painting a picture-perfect landscape. Your underwater journey here will reveal a vibrant tapestry of marine life. The reefs, a riot of color and activity, are home to diverse species of sharks and a thriving community of fish.(B,L,D)
- INCLUDED EXPERIENCES ON EXPEDITION VOYAGES Zodiac Cruise Experience the limestone karsts of the Wayag Islands up close on our thrilling Zodiac® cruises. This is your chance to witness nature's grandeur in its most raw and unfiltered form. Guided Hike If conditions allow, you may also offer a challenging hike to the summit of one of the island's pinnacles. Conquer this strenuous trek and be rewarded with panoramic views of the stunning landscape. Snorkeling The Wayag Islands are a diver's paradise. You will seek out the best spots for snorkeling, giving you the opportunity to explore the breathtaking underwater world in all its glory.
06 May 25 Yenwaupnor, Indonesia
You'll be arriving at 4:00am and departing at 11:00am. You'll be tendered into the port by Zodiac.
7 - 8 May 25 At sea
9 May 25 Darwin
Arrive at 7:00am and staying overnight Capital of the Northern Territory (NT), with an estimated population of 150,000, Darwin is home to most of the Northern Territory population. The Darwin region, like much of the Top End, experiences a tropical climate with a wet and dry season and boasts a vibrant multicultural community, where Indigenous heritage blends seamlessly with the influence of diverse international populations. Darwin's rich history provides an incredible background for the diverse cultural and historical activities. On the 9th September 1839, HMS Beagle sailed into Darwin harbor during its survey of the area. John Clements Wickham named the region “Port Darwin” in honor of their former shipmate Charles Darwin. The city has been rebuilt almost entirely four times, following cyclones and Japanese air raids in World War II. (B,L,D)
10 May 25 Darwin disembark - The Ghan
After an early breakfast you will disembark the Seabourn Pursuit and make your way to the train station to board The Ghan for your rail journey through the Northern Territory's outback and onto Adelaide. The train departs Darwin at 9:00am. At around 1:00pm you will roll into Katherine where you have a choice of 4 off train experiences:
- Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge Cruise
- Nitmiluk Rock Art Cruise
- Cutta Cutta Caves
- Katherine Outback Experience
Once you're back onboard you continue your rail journey towards Alice Springs. Your dinner will be served in the dining cart tonight and will be influenced by your surroundings. (B,L,D)
11 May 25 The Ghan - Alice Springs Your surrounds have changed hue from the lush green to the deep red ochre as you get closer to the belly button of Australia - Alice Springs. Here you will take an off train experience that included in the fare. You get to choose between:
- A Town Called Alice town tour: Visit the School of the Air, Alice Springs Reptile Centre and cruise around the streets learning the history of this outback town
- Visit the Desert Park: Located on the West MacDonnell Ranges, this park gives you a snapshot of the fauna, flora and outback animals within this desert. watch an aerial display of the free-flying birds of prey.
- West Ventures: Visit Standley Chasm in the west MacDonnell Ranges about 50km from Alice then continue to the swimming hole of Simpons Gap.
- Bushwalks of Alice: Take a 1.8km walk along The Cassia Hill walk and visit Simpsons Gap in the West Mac Ranges
- Alice by E-bike: Some of the best ways to see a town is by bike - an e-bike makes it even more enjoyable. You'll be riding from the dry Todd River at Heavitree Gap all the way to the Telegraph Station. You'll then double back to have lunch at Desert Park
You will be reboarding the train around 8:00pm for a 9:45pm departure. (B,D)
12 May 25 The Ghan - Coober Pedy
After breakfast you will disembark and explore the opal mining town of Coober Pedy. Your choice of experiences here include: Explore Coober Pedy: Visit the Serbian Orthodox Church with its beautifully designed glass windows followed by a visit to the Umoona Opal Min & Museum. Here you'll learn about the history of Coober Pedy and some of the indigenous connections to the region. Next you'll visit the Quest Mine where you can don a hard hat and give noodling a try before an underground lunch. Discover the Majestic Breakaways: Learn about the Breakaways Reserve which was once an inland sea before visiting the Quest Mine, Umoona Opal Mine & Museum. Opal Experience: This shorter tour spends more time at the Umoona Opal Mine & Museum followed by the Quest Mine The train leaves Manguri at approximately 7:40pm for the onward journey to Adelaide (B,L,D)
13 May 25 The Ghan - Adelaide
The landscape is ever evolving onboard - as you begin to get closer to Adelaide, you'll start to head through the wineries and farmlands before suburbia becomes denser. You'll arrive in Adelaide approximately 1:00pm. Upon arrival, you will be met by your driver who will take you to Stamford Grand Adelaide for your 2 night stay. (B,L)
14 May 25 Adelaide
After breakfast you are free to explore the quaint city of Adelaide. If you're looking for ideas on what to do, then just sing out and I can help. I love Adelaide - it's such a beautiful city. (B)
15 May 25 - Adelaide to Sydney
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your onwoard economy flight back to Sydney (up to $300pp air credit available) so you can choose what best suites your needs. If you wanted to stay longer (B)
B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
