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19 Days Voyage to Melanesia Tour Package
Duration: 19 Days / 18 Nights
Priced From: $8,995 ( Price is per person, based on double occupancy )
Dates: March
Ship: MV 'Clipper Odyssey' 
Explore underwater World War II wrecks and on-land memorials when you visit signifi cant Allied and Japanese sites, including John F. Kennedy's Island, Million Dollar Point, Rabaul and Kairiru Island.
Make the trip in luxury aboard the 118-passenger 'Clipper Odyssey.'
Tour Itinerary
Days 1-2
Depart USA/Nadi, Fiji
Cross the International Dateline en route to Nadi, Fiji. In-flight
Day 3
Nadi
Your room is ready as soon as you arrive. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Sofitel Fiji
Day 4
Nadi, Fiji/Embark 'Clipper Odyssey'
Tour Nadi this morning. After lunch, board 'Clipper Odyssey' for a first evening at sea. MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 5
Yasawa Group, Fiji
Visit the village of Yaqeta and receive a traditional Fijian Bula welcome and a bowl of kava. Join your naturalists for a birding expedition, or snorkel or dive off the island's serene white beaches. MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 6
At sea
Join the expedition staff for a stimulating lecture, relax in the library with a good book, or enjoy the fresh air from the deck as you watch for marine life and seabirds. MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 7
Ambrym Island, Vanuatu
 Ambrym Island has a majestic pair of active volcanoes, but it is also known for large slit-drums. You may witness the famous Rom dance and village welcoming dances. MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 8
Luganville, Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Explore Million Dollar Point, a memorial to the American 103rd Battalion and the site of the 1942 sinking of the USS 'President Coolidge.' Keen divers may descend to the fascinating remains of this ship, the world's largest accessible wreck. MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 9
At sea
Lecture presentations continue today, with a focus on the Solomon Islands and their pivotal role during the World War II South Pacific campaign. MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 10
Santa Ana, Solomon Islands
This most traditional of Melanesian outer islands is known for pearl shell inlaid woodcarvings. Hikers walk with a naturalist to view a traditional "spirit house" and to see the wide range of resident bird species. MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 11
Florida Island Group, Solomon Islands
Go ashore in the morning to meet the villagers in Tulagi. Visit Blue Beach, the first landing site of the U.S. Marines in August 1942, to see an Allied seaplane base, a partially sunken Japanese destroyer and a U.S. war memorial. Snorkel in calm waters, where colorful corals proliferate on World War II relics. This evening, cross Iron Bottom Sound, aptly named for the numerous World War II ships that sank there. Cast a wreath in honor of those who died there. MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 12
Rendova/Munda/Lubaria and Plum Pudding Island, Solomon Islands
Follow in the wake of John F. Kennedy's PT-109 as 'Clipper Odyssey' cruises the waters of Munda, Gizo and Lubaria Islands. If conditions permit, stop at Plum Pudding Island, where the future president and his crew swam to safety after PT-109 sank in 1943. MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 13
Blackett Straits/Gizo/Vella Lavella
Likely stops today include the islands of Gizo and Vella Lavella. Because the jungles and palm groves were spared extensive damage, Japanese soldiers remained hidden until their ultimate surrender as late as 1965. Snorkel and dive enthusiasts can see some of the most intact and accessible World War II wrecks in these waters. MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 14
Bougainville/Puruata Island/Buka
Cruise along the coast of Bougainville Island, passing Empress Augusta Bay and Puruata Island. This afternoon, continue through narrow Buka Strait for visits to the Kamishima Shrine at Kubu and theJapanese bomb shelters and bunkers at Hahela. Birders may spot Pacifi c black duck, glossy ibis and lorikeet. MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 15
Rabaul, East New Britain, Papau New Guinea
 Spend the day in Rabaul exploring the Japanese caves, General Yamamoto's bunker, the botanical garden and the seismological station, or wander through the local markets. This evening, witness mask-clad Bainings tribe dancers in the traditional "Fire Dance" - a spectacle rarely seen by visitors. MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 16
At sea
Relax on board today and then join your expedition team as they continue their informative lecture series. MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 17
Kairiru Island, Papau New Guinea
Pass Manam Island, and this afternoon visit Kairiru Island to see the Catholic Mission that served as base of operations for Japanese forces. Largely destroyed by Allied bombings, it has since been rebuilt and continues as an active mission today. This evening, enjoy a lavish farewell reception and dinner on board. MV 'Clipper Odyssey'
Day 18
Wewak, Papua New Guinea/Cairns, Australia
Disembark in Wewak and board a charter flight to Cairns, Australia. Your evening is at leisure. Shangri-La Hotel B
Day 19
Cairns/ Depart
Board your homebound flight. B B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Save time, money and stress!
For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by our Fiji Small Ship Cruise vacation specialist.
Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
3/09
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