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12 Night Rites and Relics From the Solomon Islands to Fiji Cruise and Land Tour from Nadi

Ship: National Geographic Orion

Cruise Line: Lindblad Expeditions

Sailed: Sunday, Apr 28, 2024 from Nadi, Fiji

Ended: Friday, May 10, 2024

The itinerary information below reflects the original day-by-day port of call schedule for the Sunday, Apr 28, 2024 departure of the National Geographic Orion. If Lindblad Expeditions modified this itinerary for weather or operational reasons after departing , the modified schedule would not be reflected here.

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Itinerary

Day by Day Summary and Map

Day 1 - Sunday - Apr 28, 2024

Nadi, Fiji

Bus Travel

Cruise Begins

Lautoka, Fiji

Arrive in Nadi. Transfer to western Viti Levu Island for an optional tour and embark National Geographic Orion in Lautoka in the late afternoon.

Day 2 - Monday - Apr 29, 2024

Kadavu, Fiji, Fiji

Join the ship's naturalists for a beautiful scenic hike to see some of the incredible vistas and the rich variety of birdlife on the island of Kadavu. Explore a lovely village, or snorkel and dive in the refreshing Fijian water, rich in marine life. Enjoy a quiet exploration of the lagoon by stand-up paddleboard or kayak.

Day 3 - Tuesday - Apr 30, 2024

Taveuni, Fiji

Taveuni, Fiji's third-largest island, is known as "The Garden Island" for its rich vegetation, which includes several species found nowhere else in the world. Head inland to discover the waterfalls of Bouma National Heritage Park and search for species such as orange fruit doves, endemic silktails, fantails, and parrots. Visit the village of Waitabu to meet the local people, taste locally harvested fruits and prepared baked goods, and to see a dance performance by some of the local, talented children.

Day 4 - Wednesday - May 1, 2024

Beqa, Fiji

More than 300 islands make up the remote volcanic archipelago of Fiji, where we spend three days exploring. After entering the large lagoon of Beqa, come ashore at the lovely Lawaki Beach House, a rustic resort and beautiful place to spend the day. Take a boat ride and hike across the island to a local village. Taste local fruits and snorkel off the beach in the beautiful Beqa Lagoon. Beqa is considered the traditional "home" of the Fijian firewalkers. Witness this dramatic ceremony and the incredible strength and discipline required to perform it.

Day 5 - Thursday - May 2, 2024

At Sea

Relax on deck or attend talks by the expert expedition and photo teams.

Day 6 - Friday - May 3, 2024

Tanna, Vanuatu

On Tanna Island, visit the friendly community in Port Resolution in the shadow of Mount Yasur. Experience some of the local traditions and dances, as well as locally-made handicrafts. Sample the strong, local kava made for special celebrations.

Day 7 - Saturday - May 4, 2024

Lelepa, Vanuatu

Ride Zodiacs to Lelepa to visit Vanuatu's first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the final residence and burial site of 17th-century Chief Roi Mata. Here, we are welcomed with traditional songs and dance, and we enter the impressive Fels Cave.

Day 8 - Sunday - May 5, 2024

Ambrym Island, Vanuatu

Ambrym is known for its active volcanoes, black-sand beaches, and mystery and magic. Arrive ashore to witness the striking Rom dance, traditionally a secret event. Involving incredible masks and elaborate outfits that represent spirits, this is a cultural experience specific only to this island.

Day 9 - Monday - May 6, 2024

Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu

Captain James Cook named the islands of Vanuatu the New Hebrides because they reminded him of the rugged isles off Scotland's coast. On the main island of Espiritu Santo, experience one of the best wreck dives in the world: the S.S. President Coolidge, a luxury cruise liner used as a troop carrier during World War II, or experience the Riri Blue Hole, a jewel-blue freshwater source surrounded by jungle.

Day 10 - Tuesday - May 7, 2024

At Sea

Relax on deck, enjoy the ship's amenities, and attend talks by the expert expedition and photo teams, as we travel northward to Owaraha.

Day 11 - Wednesday - May 8, 2024

Santa Ana , Solomon Islands

On the tiny isle of Owaraha (formerly known as Santa Ana), we are greeted with a traditional dance performed by villagers in elaborate costumes, body paint, and masks. Walk across the small island to Nafinotoga to see Spirit Houses containing the skulls and bones of ancient chiefs of the Snake Clan and the Turtle Clan.

Day 12 - Thursday - May 9, 2024

Honiara, Solomon Islands

Cruise Ends

Air Travel

Brisbane, Australia

Our expedition concludes in Honiara, a former U.S. supply depot and a strategic World War II battleground. Tour around the outskirts of the city to see sites well known from the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942-1943. See the shores of Red Beach and the vital airbase at Henderson Field. Visit the hills above Honiara, where some of the fiercest battles took place. Then transfer to the airport for our flight to Brisbane, where we overnight at a local hotel. Breakfast and lunch are included today; dinner is on your own.

Day 13 - Friday - May 10, 2024

Brisbane, Australia

Depart this morning for your flight home, arriving the same day. Breakfast is included today; lunch and dinner are on your own.