14 Nights South Pacific

The gateway and capital of Papua New Guinea, this densely populated city is located on the shores of the Gulf of Papua, and has several attractions spread out. You can walk along Ela Beach, enjoy the diverse wildlife of PNG though the Port Moresby Nature Park, or go on an underwater adventure and scuba dive the reefs and wrecks at Loloata Island.

In the east lies the island of Kolombangara with its perfectly conical dormant volcano covered in rainforest. Capital of the Western Province, and the largest town in the Solomons after Honiara, Gizo is a remnant of times past. Wander the waterfront past the produce market and you'll find the main street has the feel of a South Pacific outpost with dark, cool trading stores crammed full of every kind of necessity. Street vendors offer stone and wooden carvings. For a taste of traditional village life, climb into the back of an open pick-up truck for a trip along the coast where the bumpy ride is more than compensated for by a procession of scenic delights - untouched beaches, riotous tropical foliage and villages signposted by giggling children. Gizo is a mecca for divers, with the wreck of the Japanese supply ship Toa Maru a justifiably famous dive experience.

In the heart of the New Georgia Islands is a place James A. Michener once described as the eighth wonder of the world - Marovo Lagoon. The world's largest double barrier enclosed lagoon, this isolated spot in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands has been proposed for World Heritage listing. Marovo's isolation accounts for the outstanding diversity and richness of life here, both above and below the surface of the water. World famous for its intensive coral reef ecosystems, the waters teem with tropical fish and boast exceptional dive sites.

Espiritu Santo is the largest island in Vanuatu, an archipelago country in the South Pacific. It's known for its beaches, such as Champagne Beach and Lonnoc Beach, with coral reefs and clear, sheltered waters. The town of Luganville has WWII relics like Quonset huts at Main Wharf. Nearby, popular dive sites include the sunken SS President Coolidge cruise liner and Million Dollar Point's submerged U.S. war machinery.

Ambrym is a volcanic island in Malampa Province in the archipelago of Vanuatu. Volcanic activity on the island includes lava lakes in two craters near the summit

Tanna is an island in Vanuatu, an archipelago country in the South Pacific. On the southeast coastIt's known for Mount Yasur, an active volcano with frequent explosions from its vents. To the east, Port Resolution is a natural harbor with nearby hot springs, a freshwater lake and a beach. The villages of Sulphur Bay and Imanaka are known for their devotion to the John Frum religious movement.

In Port Vila, Vanuatus energetic capital, youll be greeted by friendly Bislama-speaking locals and street-side markets. Walk around the center of town ? youll see a touch of French influence still remains in the form of bistros and murals.