Vantage World Travel

MS Europa Cairns - Manila

Far, far away from the modern world, unforgettable encounters with the unknown are waiting for you. One day, it is a whim of nature which has created a floating miracle out of hundreds of islands. Another day, it is tribes who maintain their ancient way of life in dense forests. And over and over again, it is the colourful snorkelling areas off secluded beaches almost too beautiful to belong to this world. Welcome to a dream! A 16 day /15 night cruise itinerary

Highlights

Cairns/Australia - How about nine spectacular days in Australia before you go on board in Cairns? No problem when you book the pre cruise programme Down Under - Australia’s Highlights Exclusive*. Feel the magic of Ayers Rock, discover the underwater world while snorkelling off Lizard Island and explore the eternal green of the rainforest on foot.

Alotau (Milne Bay)/Papua-New Guinea - The landscape waiting for you in this mysterious and remote corner of the world is as colourful as the bird of paradise, the national symbol of Papua-New Guinea. Deep valleys, hard-to-reach plateaus and rainforests in which primitive tribes still live in accordance with rituals thousands of years old are located in the midst of an enormous, branching mountain range. On the coasts, the picturesque, natural places such as Alotau* make you aware of just how far away from home you are. But the trip is rewarding for many fascinating reasons. Because of the untouched coral reefs, for example, which reveal a dazzling underwater world* to divers and snorkellers. Or because of a flight over Milne Bay*, which shows you this exotic natural paradise from a unique perspective.

Madang/Papua-New Guinea - The green South Pacific beauty Madang is located on Astrolabe Bay. Once you leave the former Friedrich Wilhelms Harbour, you will experience the primeval lifestyle of Papua-New Guinea, including sing-sing, a traditional dance-song of the natives. Goroka is located in the highlands of the island*. Not far from here is the home of the formidable mud men, who once immersed themselves in mud holes before a battle and then, as whitewashed attackers, frightened their enemies so badly that they were able to defeat them. Today, a peaceful and colourful festival recalls these battles.

Wewak/Papua-New Guinea - The small desert town of Wewak is located on the banks of a mighty river which you can view especially well during a flight over this impressive region*. The Sepik, also known as the “Amazon of Southeast Asia”, is the longest river of Papua-New Guinea. As it flows down from the mountains, it meanders through dense jungles which almost no human has ever entered, through branches, swamps and grasslands, where a broad range of customs, ancestor worship and architectural styles has developed along its banks.

Jayapura/Irian Jaya/Indonesia - Irian Jaya is one of the most pristine areas on the Earth. Here is where the wildest jungles in Asia grow, here is where tribal groups still go hunting with bow and arrow, here is an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Species such as the rainbow fish, for example, which lives in Lake Sentani*, home to great biodiversity. The fishermen live in wooden houses built on stilts along this beautiful lake and paddle their traditional longboats to the 19 islands which are still home to an extremely primeval lifestyle. Gain an insight into the everyday lives of the islanders, or decide instead to explore the capital Jayapura*. A magnificent view of the surroundings awaits you at the Buddhist and Hindu temples.

Sorol/United States of Micronesia - The crystal clear water swirls around this tropical atoll and invites you to spend a day relaxing on the beach. Another temptation is the attractive landscape which you can explore perfectly during a drive over the island*.

Yap/Yap Islands - In a place where stone money is as valuable as gold, you cannot help but feel at ease. Green hilly landscapes, long sandy beaches, primeval villages. When you gather impressions of Yap*, you gather small bits of paradise.

Koror/Palau - The coasts of the island group Palau are among the most interesting that a snorkeller will find anywhere. The gold-coloured jellyfish in Jelly Fish Lake* are especially intriguing: they have lost their ability to sting and become harmless companions in the water. The beauty of the Rock Islands* is almost beyond description: small coral islands, covered in emerald green jungles and rising from the turquoise Pacific, are the perfect ambience for a boat trip through a vision.

Manila/Philippines - You will disembark at the Philippine metropolis. But it needn’t be the end of your trip: Book the post cruise programme* and spend three wonderful days on a private island, enjoying the peaceful beaches of the island paradise Amanpulo.

Daily Itinerary

• Fri 02/22 Sydney Arrive Cairns and then to embarkation on the EUROPA - Cairns/Australia, departure 6:00 pm
• Sat 02/23 Relaxation at Sea
• Sun 02/24 Alotau, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Mon 02/25 Relaxation at Sea
• Tue 02/26 Madang, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
• Wed 02/27 Wewak, 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
• Thurs 02/28 Jayapura, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Fri 02/29 Relaxation at Sea
• Sat 03/01 Sorol, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Sun 03/02 Yap, 8:00 am - 2:00 pm
• Mon 03/03 Koror, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
• Tue 03/04 Relaxation at Sea
• Wed 03/05 Relaxation at Sea
• Thurs 03/06 Manila, arrival 7:00 am - Transfer to the airport

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