Papua New Guinea & Sepik River

Papua New Guinea & Sepik River 19 Days

From $11800 USD

Trip URL: www.adventurelink.com/

2 reviews

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Overview
Itinerary
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Overview

Highlights

Duration: 19 Days
Comfort: Moderate%
Language: English
Rating: 100%
Trip ID: 44080
Start Location: Cairns, Australia
End Location: Cairns, Australia

Guaranteed:
Yes
Your Satisfaction is Guaranteed!
1. AdventureLink has carefully handpicked the tour operators in our portfolio to give you the best possible selection and experience
2. AdventureLink does not pay the operator until your trip completes in order to ensure the highest possible standard of care
Primary Activities: Local Culture & Cuisine, Sightseeing
Other Activities: Snorkeling, Photography, Arts & Crafts, Swimming, river cruise
Activity Level: Intermediate

Journey into the dense forests and Stone Age cultures in remote Papua New Guinea. Enjoy exclusive cultural experiences and stunning natural beauty on this adventurous exploration of a little-visited land. From your comfortable ship, cruise the Sepik River, stopping at tiny villages to interact with the locals and understand their way of life. Savor a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the colorful Mt. Hagen Show where tribespeople from all over the country converge to compete in traditional dance. And in the Highlands, attend a festive sing-sing, presided over by Huli Wigmen elders in their elaborate Bird of Paradise headdresses. In this remote land, stay in comfortable accommodations and be escorted by veteran local guides who will introduce you to local people and customs. Make the most of your time with scenic chartered flights over the impenetrable rain forest that has kept tribes isolated for centuries. Conclude your journey on the idyllic shores of the South Pacific, for reflective rest and relaxation.

Itinerary

Days 1 – 3: Cairns, Australia

Depart from home on Saturday, cross the International Date Line and arrive on Monday. Spend the first full day (Day 3) in Cairns at your leisure. Meet your fellow travelers and discuss the upcoming journey at a festive dinner party.

Lodging: Shangri-La Hotel, Cairns
Description: The Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns, is one of the most distinguished luxury hotels in Cairns, and sets the standard for contemporary comfort and service in one of Australia’s most beautiful seaside destinations.

Days 4 – 6: Port Moresby & Karawari, Papua New Guinea

Fly from Cairns to Port Moresby to discover one of the finest collections of primitive art in the world at the National Museum. See the Parliament House, constructed in the style of a traditional Sepik River Haus Tambaran, or Spirit House. On Day 5 fly to Karawari where you will be transferred to the Karawari Lodge, which features a jungle setting and traditional, local architectural design. On Day 6 you will be treated to an ecological and cultural tour of this diverse area.

Lodging: Airways Hotel
Description: Welcome! Airways Hotel is Papua New Guinea's leading hotel, Australasia's leading airport hotel and one of the most unique airport hotels in the world. Nestled into the mountainside in its own botanical gardens with stunning views from crystal clear waters of Bootless Bay to the majestic mountains of the Owen Stanley Ranges, it is located just 2 minutes from Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby.

Days 7 – 9: Sepik River Cruise

Board the M/V Sepik Spirit, a comfortable 16-passenger vessel, as we journey up one of the world’s great rivers to visit some local tribes. Each clan along the Sepik has its own unique artwork, spirit masks, spiritual figures and legends.

M/V Sepik Spirit

Days 10 – 12: Tari

Discover the lush tropical paradise of Tari. This cool alpine setting is the home of the Huli Wigmen, renowned for their elaborate and colorful dress. This evening you will be treated to a traditional tribal sing-sing.

Ambua Lodge, Tari

Days 13 & 14: Mt. Hagan

Experience the mesmerizing Mt. Hagen Cultural Show, the largest cultural show in the country. You will be overwhelmed by the color and excitement of more than 50 different tribal groups dressed in distinctly different traditional attire. The rhythm and color of the dancers as they whirl to the sound of the beating drums will captivate. In addition to the sing-sing performances there are also cultural activities, handicraft stalls and an agricultural fair.

Rondon Ridge, Mt. Hagen

Days 15 – 17: Madang

On Day 15 fly to Madang, often referred to as “the prettiest town in the South Pacific.” Madang is a totally unexpected montage of tribal cultures, immense beauty and friendly people. Kranket Island offers a variety of easily accessible places to swim and enjoy the superb sea life amid world-famous coral reefs.

Lodging: Madang Resort Hotel
Description: A pearl hidden in the south pacific, Madang is a totally unexpected montage of immense physical beauty, tribal cultures, friendly people and pristine diving. An absolute must to discover, whether you’re a diver, an adventurer or just wanting to relax and let the world go by. This delightful tropical garden township is a place where travellers can experience a diverse range of cultural and natural attractions.

Days 18 & 19: Cairns, Australia & Depart for Home

Fly from Madang to Cairns and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. On Day 19 you will be taken to the airport for your flight home or on to your next destination.

Lodging: Shangri-La Hotel, Cairns
Description: The Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns, is one of the most distinguished luxury hotels in Cairns, and sets the standard for contemporary comfort and service in one of Australia’s most beautiful seaside destinations.

Nuts & Bolts

Trip Includes

Deluxe rooms in the best available hotels.
Three meals per day, including our unique Dine-Around program that lets you enjoy any restaurant you choose with à la carte dining, or relax with room service when available*.
A professional Travel Director as your personal concierge.
Local sightseeing with professional English-speaking guides with unparalleled knowledge, including entrance fees for places visited.
Active participation and up-close encounters to experience the cultures of your journey.
Bottled water, soft drinks, coffee and tea included with meals; bottled water during sightseeing excursions.
All gratuities to hotel and restaurant staff and local guides and drivers.
Group or individual airport transfers on arrival and departure flights.
The TravcoAssist Travel Protection Plan, including emergency medical evacuation insurance coverage for injury or illness, and 24-hour Worldwide Live Travel Assistance through Travel Guard Assistance.

Trip Excludes

Intra-tour Airfare: $4,500 (Travcoa will issue intra-tour airfare tickets unless noted otherwise. Airfare prices are subject to change and are only guaranteed at time of final payment.)

Trip ID#: 44080

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

Reviews (2)

Monica & Paul Wollner

We enjoyed the entire trip immensely. It was a very interesting and exciting adventure.
- Overall Rating
  100%
- Guide Rating
  90%
- Value Rating
  90%
- Itinerary Rating
  80%
- Accomodation Rating
  100%
Bill & Sonya Evans

To see people and cultures existing as they have for thousands of years, one must go to Papua New Guinea.
- Overall Rating
  100%
- Guide Rating
  100%
- Value Rating
  90%
- Itinerary Rating
  70%
- Accomodation Rating
  80%

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