29 Mar 27, from £5,850

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An escapade in the heart of Melanesia

An escapade in the heart of Melanesia

Itinerary
Darwin to Lautoka, Viti Levu Island
Duration
18 days
Dates
29 Mar 27 to 15 Apr 27
Prices from

Come aboard Le Paul Gauguin for an unforgettable voyage.

Leaving from Darwin, in Australia’s Northern Territory, PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises is offering a unique 18-day journey featuring idyllic landscapes, lush nature and ancestral civilisations with secular traditions. Aboard Le Paul Gauguin, a ship with a decidedly relaxed and international atmosphere, set off to discover the ancestral lands of Australia and four Melanesian treasures: Papua New Guinea, the Vanuatu archipelago, the Solomons and the Fiji Islands.

On cosmopolitan Thursday Island, in the far north of the Australian territory, make the most of a visit to discover the history of this part of the Pacific during the Second World War. The Paul Gauguin will set sail for Papua New Guinea, a fascinating land that is home to no fewer than 700 ethnic groups within a highly diverse yet mainly unexplored, ecosystem.

Setting sail for the Salomon Islands! You will stop over in Honiara on the large island of Guadalcanal, where exoticism and beauty go hand in hand, from paradisiacal waterfalls to lush green hills.

Then, the Paul Gauguin sails towards heavenly lands, where white sandy beaches encircle luxuriant forests with unique ecosystems, and legends and myths remain engraved in memories and traditions... In Port-Vila, capital of Vanuatu, you will relish the unforgettable sight of magnificent bays, a colonial heritage, paradise beaches and enchanting waterfalls. In Espiritu Santo, the archipelago's main island, you are sure to be captivated by the unspoilt seabed surrounding this luxuriant islet.

Overview

Your voyage

All-inclusive

Destination

Oceania

Darwin to Lautoka, Viti Levu Island

Duration

18 days, 17 nights on board

No single supplement, PONANT Bonus 30%

Diving & initiation dive

Ref: PG290327

Journey

Your daily itinerary

Exploring the natural and historic treasures of the Java and Timor Seas, featuring monumental temples, paradisiacal beaches and lush nature.
Discovering an exceptional heritage (archaeological sites of Trowulan and Bordobudur, UNESCO World Heritage Sites) and fascinating nature (Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Possibility of diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor to admire the local marine life.

An escapade in the heart of Melanesia null

Customize your journey:

Overnight in darwin (1 night)

Date

28 Mar 27

Relaxing day in fiji islands

Date

Guests

Size

300 ft²

Sold out

Grand Suite GS

Guests

Size

332 ft²

Owner Suite

Guests

Size

457 ft²

*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.

Details

More information

What's Included

Important travel details

In your luggage

Our cruises

Darwin is located in Australia’s Northern Territory which is also known as the “Top End”. It is the capital city and the most populated town of the Northern Territory. Darwin is a beautiful tropical city, a melting pot of people and cultures, over 50 different cultures live and work side by side that prides itself in its unique and friendly laid-back lifestyle. Come discover the town’s still recent history through its emblematic buildings such as the new Parliamant House opened in 1994, a magnificent example of tropical architecture or Admiralty House declared heritage place, a tropical-style home elevated on stilts that has survived two cyclones and numerous air raids.

Arrival 30/03/27 Departure 31/03/27

30 Mar 27 > 31 Mar 27 - At sea

During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

Arrival 01/04/27 early morning Departure 01/04/27 early afternoon

1 Apr 27 - Thursday Island

Located at Australiaﾒs northernmost tip, Thursday Island is one of more than a hundred in the Torres Strait ,between Cape York Peninsula and Papua New Guinea. The historic military fort of Green Hill offers magnificent views and you can discover more about the region and its pearling history at the Gab Titui Cultural Centre.

Arrival 02/04/27 Departure 02/04/27

2 Apr 27 - At sea

Arrival 03/04/27 early morning Departure 03/04/27 late afternoon

3 Apr 27 - Alotau

Alotau became the provincial capital of Milne Bay in 1969 and today has a population of approximately 16,000. It serves as our port of entry into Papua New Guinea. Missionaries, miners, pearlers, Japanese and American warships have all contributed to the History of Milne Bay. Perhaps the most significant history surrounds the Battle of Milne Bay. It was here that the invading Japanese army suffered their first land defeat in the Pacific War in 1942. A memorial park at the battle site commemorates the event. The local people are warm and welcoming resulting in one of the most relaxed, secure and easy-going towns in Papua New Guinea. Join your expedition team for a tour taking in the town markets and WWII memorials.

Arrival 04/04/27 midday Departure 04/04/27 early afternoon

4 Apr 27 - Samarai Island

The Samarai islands are located in the China Strait off the south-eastern tip of New Guinea. In its colonial heyday it was said to be one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific. The island was declared a National Historical Heritage Island by the government of Papua New Guinea in 2006. Just 3km west of Samarai, Kwato Island was once an educational center and home to a thriving boat building industry. Following the old tree-lined road to the top of the island reveals a stonewalled church that was built in 1937 and remains a testimony to the missionaries of a bygone era. Explore these two islands during a guided walk and enjoy swimming or snorkelling on nearby Deka Deka island.

Arrival 05/04/27 Departure 05/04/27

5 Apr 27 - At sea

Arrival 06/04/27 Departure 07/04/27 late afternoon

6 Apr 27 > 7 Apr 27 - Honiara, Guadalcanal Island

Honiara is the capital city of The Solomon Islands, administered as a provincial town on the north-western coast of Guadalcanal Island. Honiara comes from the local Ghari Language “naho-ni-ara” meaning 'facing the ara', the place where the southeast winds meet the land. Discover this city, its beautiful landscape, and the significant role it played in World War II. Particularly The Battle of Henderson Field, the last of the three major land offensives conducted by the Japanese in 1942.

Arrival 08/04/27 Departure 09/04/27

8 Apr 27 > 9 Apr 27 - At sea

Arrival 10/04/27 early morning Departure 10/04/27 late afternoon

10 Apr 27 - Espiritu Santo Island

At the end of the world, in the north of New Caledonia, lies Vanuatu, a little archipelago that subsists mainly from fishing and farming. It is composed of several islands, Espiritu Santo being the largest and one of the most beautiful. You can meet the people here who are very welcoming and who live in harmony with nature. Plus you will see unimaginable landscapes formed of volcanic rocks, as well as sandy beaches and lagoons of turquoise waters. You will be surprised to find, in the middle of dense vegetation, brackish water with an amazing ecosystem called “blue holes”. If paradise exists, it must be here.

Arrival 11/04/27 Departure 11/04/27 evening

11 Apr 27 - Port Vila, Efate

Port Vila is the cradle of an insular harmony where time seems to stand still, a tropical pearl in Vanuatu emerging from the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, a place that inspires contemplation and daydreaming. Beneath an azure sky, the colourful markets reveal the very essence of Vanuatuan culture. The stalls here are overflowing with tropical fruit bursting with sunshine, while the artisans showcase their talents, weaving vegetable-fibre baskets and sculpting traditional masks with enigmatic faces. On the lush heights in the inland region of Vanuatu’s capital, the waterfalls whisper secret songs, creating an aquatic symphony that resonates in the heart of travellers in search of magic.

Arrival 12/04/27 Departure 13/04/27

12 Apr 27 > 13 Apr 27 - At sea

Arrival 14/04/27 early morning Departure 14/04/27 late afternoon

14 Apr 27 - Suva, Viti Levu Island

Viti Levu, the largest island in Fiji, is teeming with natural and cultural richness. Dominated by Mount Tomanivi, the island is covered with dense and luxuriant tropical vegetation to the south and vast sugar cane plantations to the north. Suva, the modern and dynamic capital of Fiji, is home to the historical heritage of the islands. In Thurston Gardens, the Fiji Museum showcases the magnificent collections of archaeological objects, illustrating human activity for more than 3,000 years. Whether under the green and luminous highlights of the vertiginous forest canopy or under the turquoise waters of the Beqa lagoon, exploring the natural treasures of Viti Levu is an unforgettable experience.

Arrival 15/04/27 early morning Disembarkation 15/04/27 at 8:00

15 Apr 27 - Lautoka, Viti Levu Island

Lautoka is the second largest city of Fiji. Located on the western side of the island of Viti Levu, 24 kilometres north of Nadi. Lying in the heart of Fiji's sugar cane growing region, it is known as the Sugar City. Lautoka is the gateway to Fiji’s “Sun coast” a land of abundant sunshine, azure skies and dramatic grass-covered peaks chequered with sugar-cane fields, rural villages and quaint market towns.

An escapade in the heart of Melanesia

Customize your journey

Relaxing day in fiji islands

Details

PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises converts your transfer into a restful stopover as you enjoy a relaxing day in a pleasant and comfortable setting.

Lautoka

After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative. You will depart the pier by coach for a panoramic tour of Lautoka.

You will visit the largest Hindu Temple of the island. During British colonial rule in Fiji, many Indian migrants came to work on sugar cane plantations. They arrived with a contract of employment from the British government. At the end of their contract, many of them choose to settle in Fiji and brought with them the Hindu culture and religion.

In 1984, eight artists from India were invited to participate in the construction of this huge complex of temples. Take the time to admire the pyramidal shape of the various buildings, all characterized by a staircase architecture and fine sculptures of deities, kings and knights.

Continue to the Sleeping Giant garden, a horticultural garden specialized in native plants from Fiji with a very impressive collection of orchids. There are over 2000 listed orchid species. The Sleeping Giant is a mountain range that can be seen from Nadi. It has this name (sleeping giant), because the ridge line represents the profile of a lying man.

Your sightseeing tour will end at the hotel Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa 5*.

Lunch will be served at the hotel, you will then complete the check-in formalities for your room.

The hotel Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa offers all comfort to relax in your room, by its swimming pools or on its beach.

Your room will be available until 6.00p.m.

Dinner is on your own.

You will be transferred to the International airport of Nadi in time for check-in for the PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises selected flight.

Your hotel:

Located by the sparkling bay of Nai, the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa is the ideal base to combine relaxation and discovery of Lautoka. You will have access to all the infrastructures of the hotel: the swimming pools, the beachfront restaurant, as well as the Spa and the diving center, both available on a supplement basis.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes:

· 1 day-use Superior room from 2.00p.m. to 6.00p.m., at the hotel Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa 5*, local standards (or similar).

· Lunch at the hotel.

· Visits and transfers as mentioned in the programme.

· Services of our local representative.

Your programme does not include:

· The availability of your room outside the hours mentioned above.

· Dinner.

· Tips for the driver and the guide.

· Personal expenses.

· Other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

· The check-out time at the hotel Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa is at 6.00p.m.

· As respecting the environment is important to us, we highly recommend you take your filled Ponant water bottle with you after your cruise, so you can use it on shore and avoid the use of plastic bottles whenever it is not strictly necessary.

· Kindly note that a minimum number of participants is required for this trip to proceed. As a result, both the price and itinerary may be adjusted based on the final number of participants. Should the minimum number not be met, we will offer you an alternative arrangement.

Contacts of your hotel:

Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa
Denarau Island
Nadi, Fiji Islands
Telephone number: +679 675 1111

To know your PAUL GAUGUIN flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Total

£620/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

Overnight in darwin (1 night)

Details

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Day 1 - Darwin

Meet at Darwin Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off your own flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).

You will be transferred to the hotel Hilton Darwin 5*.

Official check-in time at the hotel Hilton is 3.00 pm.

Your luggage can be stored at the hotel before check-in.

The afternoon and dinner are at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2 - Darwin

Day is at leisure.

Check-out is at 12.00 am.

You will depart the hotel by coach for a panoramic tour of Darwin. Located in Australia's Northern Territory, also known as the "Top End", Darwin is a beautiful tropical city, where over 50 different cultures live and work side by side.

Discover Darwin's rich history and culture and learn about Darwin's role during World War II as you see its many historic wartime landmarks. You will drive past St Marys Cathedral, travel up to and along the Esplanade, the Parliament House, the Old Court House, the Anglican Cathedral. Pass Bicentennial Park, and the Old Town hall ruins.

You will then be transferred to the port of Darwin, to embark on board your ship.

Your hotel:

The Hilton Darwin offers an ideal location in the heart of the city within walking distance of shopping and entertainment. The elegant rooms are light and equipped with contemporary furniture for a warm and comfortable ambience. The hotel features a 10th-floor outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a stylish bar and restaurant.

Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.

Your programme includes:

· 1-night accommodation in Guest room with harbour view at Hilton Darwin 5*, local standards (or similar) including breakfast.

· Transfers as mentioned in the programme.

· The services of a local guide on the group transfer.

Your programme does not include:

· Dinner on Day 1.

· Lunch on Day 2.

· Tips for the driver and local guide.

· Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

· It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.

· Early check-in is available depending on availability and at a supplement. Contact your travel agent for further detail.

Contact of your hotel:

Hilton Darwin
B 32 Mitchell St
Darwin City NT 0800
Australia
Telephone: (+61) 8 8982 0000

Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Total

£290/person*

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.

An escapade in the heart of Melanesia