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19 Days Voyage to Micronesia Tour Package

Duration: 19 Days / 18 Nights
Priced From: $8,495 (Price is per person, based on double occupancy)
Dates: April
Ship: MV 'Clipper Odyssey' 

Sailing in the wake of ancient navigators, journey from Papua New Guinea to the necklace-like coral atolls of Micronesia, where memories of World War II history linger. Cross the Equator and into the exuberant spirit of local cultures and vivid colors of coral and tropical fish amongst some of the world's greatest diving sites.

Depart home for Cairns, Australia crossing the International dateline in-flight.

Day 3:
Cairns, Australia

Arrive Cairns and transfer to the Shangri-La Hotel, The Marina, Cairns, one of the city's most distinguished hotels. The remainder of today is at leisure. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner and reception to meet with some of you're Odyssey expedition team. Shangri-La Hotel, Cairns D

Day 4:

This morning following breakfast transfer to the airport for your charter flight to Wewak PNG, where we board the 'Clipper Odyssey' and settle in for our first evening on board. 'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 5:

The 'Clipper Odyssey' lecture program series begins today and highlights the adventure to come. Join your naturalists on deck to spot seabirds and marine mammals. This afternoon, snorkel and dive equipment will be distributed and checked by the 'Clipper Odyssey' dive staff. 'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 6:
Tingwon Island, PNG

Experience the outer island life of Papua New Guinea on the small island of Tingwon, just off the coast of the larger island of New Hanover. With only a few hundred inhabitants, Tingwon welcomes you with dances and many intriguing activities to view ashore, such as canoe building and sago-making. The sago palm has a pithy interior in its trunk, which villager's process into a starch similar to tapioca or pearly flour. As a staple of the diet, it is used in numerous dishes, including breads, pancakes, and steamed puddings. Then, enjoy time for your favorite leisure activities - island walks, Zodiac excursions, or snorkeling and diving with the ship's dive master. 'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 7:
Tabar Islands, PNG

Step ashore from your Zodiac in the bright morning sunlight on Tatau Island, part of the Tabar Islands of Papua New Guinea. Here, the local Malanggan culture is vividly portrayed in its uniqueness - both in song and dance, and in viewing the spectacular masks, which are created only by highly trained and clan-supported specialized mask-makers. Malanggan carvings and artifacts are prized by collectors. Divers may choose to schedule a morning dive or snorkel. 'Clipper Odyssey' departs PNG early this afternoon. Your afternoon is a leisurely one at sea, relaxing and watching for marine mammals in these tropical waters. 'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 8:
Kapingamarangi Atoll

If you've never crossed the Equator before by sea, here's your opportunity to celebrate, with an early wake-up around dawn as the ship passes the dividing line between the southern and northern hemispheres. Kapingamarangi is your welcome entry into the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), a far-flung island archipelago which exists in a compact of free association with the U.S. This special island is so remote that only the rare visitor aboard an expeditionary ship has the chance to visit. Settled by Polynesians, it is a tiny spec of an atoll in the immense Pacific Ocean. Go ashore at Touhou Island, one of about 30 islets on the perimeter of the atoll's circular reef, for a warm and friendly greeting. The islanders are known for both wood carvings and weavings, and their special varieties of fishing techniques, which you may observe. This afternoon, you will have the opportunity for snorkeling or a single tank dive amongst the waters at Touhou Island. 'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 9:
Nukuoro Atoll, Pohnpei Group

Nukuoro is one of the many islands of the group formerly known as the Caroline Islands - composed of both rugged high volcanic islands, and low coral atolls, such as Nukuoro. After welcoming ceremonies ashore by locals of Polynesian ancestry, watch a demonstration of copra-making, viewing how the "meat" is scraped from the coconut, left to dry, and then often processed into coconut oil before being exported. Nukuoro also is dedicated to black pearl oyster farming - the cultivation of lustrous pearls in their natural shells, a technique which locals describe. The village has photogenic thatched houses, and flower-lined pathways for strolling. 'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 10:
Pohnpei Island, Pohnpei Group

The dramatic high island of Pohnpei is a marvel of lush tropical foliage. As you visit its perimeters, you see rushing streams and a rich landscape of palms, ferns, and flowers. With local guides, explore the splendid archaeological site of Nan Madol. These artificial islands, constructed from large basaltic "logs," offer a fascinating glimpse into the prehistoric yet sophisticated society of the 13th-15th centuries, with islets devoted to religious functions, others dedicated to drumming, fishing, or coconut-oil processing, and yet other islets serving as burial grounds for priests and nobility. Nan Dowas, the finest of the ruins, served as a fortress. Then, watch for birds and admire the foliage up-close on a nature walk to Kepirohi Waterfall, whose tumbling waters cascade into a freshwater pool - ideal for an afternoon swim. 'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 11:
Oroluk-Lagoon, Pohnpei Group

Oroluk is a coral atoll, with a necklace-like ring of tiny islets surrounding a calm lagoon. Coming ashore by Zodiac, you find a nearly deserted setting of white sand and waving palms, with excellent snorkeling and diving awaiting in the pristine lagoon. Or, spend your leisurely afternoon beach walking, or investigating the small marine creatures in tide pools. You might spot birds such as terns and brown noddies, or the tracks of hawksbill and green sea turtles on walks with the ship's naturalists. 'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Days 12-14 Chuuk Group

Chuuk, also known as Truk, figures prominently in WWII history, as the site of the largest Japanese naval base in the Pacific during the early years of the war. The expansive indigo-blue lagoon of over 30 miles in length encloses the stunning peaks of eleven gradually-sinking volcanic islets, in a tribute to the natural forces of geology, which our lecturers describe. For this leisurely visit of nearly two days, enjoy your choice of walking or coach tours of lightly populated Moen Island, snorkeling, diving and relaxing on the idyllic white sandy shores of a tiny islet, or a visit by Zodiac to the sunken WWII shipwrecks, for snorkeling or diving expeditions off Dublon Island. 'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 15:
Satawal, Yap

A raised coral island, Satawal is home to some of the most intriguing nautical traditions in the Pacific. The Satawalese are keen ocean navigators - with knowledge passed down over generations for sailing the seas by judging the patterns of ocean swells, winds, stars, and bird patterns - without modern instruments. This special navigational art is nearly lost in other oceanic island groups. Going ashore by Zodiac, you might see copra-making, the traditional war faring stick-dance, investigate the unique canoe houses, or learn about ocean navigation. Today, you will have ample time for snorkeling and diving opportunities. 'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 16:
Ifaluk Atoll, Yap

This small coral atoll has a village that exudes charm, as its small local populace welcomes you with exuberant grass-skirt-clothed dancers and warm hospitality. Enjoy wandering the village of thatched-roofed houses on your own, admire the large local sailing canoes, and the crafts created from mother-of-pearl shell. Or, take a leisurely stroll on the long sandy beaches, and relax under a palm tree's shade in this small paradise. A snorkel or dive in the lagoon might reveal staghorn coral, stunning sea fans, and big pelagic fishes. This entrancing atoll is a favorite for the lucky few who have ever visited. 'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 17:
Gaferut Atoll, Yap

You will be among the very few to visit this uninhabited coral atoll on the outer perimeter of Yap State. Zodiacs deliver you to shore in this birder's wonderland - have your camera at the ready to photograph giant frigate birds, blue-footed boobies, and elegant white fairy terns, with enormous avian breeding colonies here. Snorkeling or diving reveals an underwater treasure trove of corals and fishes that few islands can match in variety of marine life and exceptional water clarity. 'Clipper Odyssey' B, L, D

Day 18:
Guam/Return, USA

Disembark the MV 'Clipper Odyssey' for a sightseeing tour followed by a transfer to your hotel. Later this evening, transfer to the airport for return flights to the US. Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort B, L

Day 19: USA or Canada

Connect with your homebound flight.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Contact : Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252

4/09

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