2009 Alotau Canoe & Kundu Festival Tour

ITINERARY IN BRIEF
Fri 6 Nov	Upon arrival in Port Moresby, meet, greet and transfer to the Gateway Hotel for breakfast. After breakfast proceed onto a half day tour of Port Moresby, which includes some of its main attractions, to the National Museum, the Parliament House and its grounds, the craft shop, the Botanical Gardens and general sightseeing tour of Port Moresby and surrounds. Transit from the tour to the Gateway Hotel again for lunch. After lunch, transfer to the airport for flight PX958 from Port Moresby to Gurney. At the eastern end of mainland Papua New Guinea, the Owen Stanley Ranges plunges into the sea and a scatter of islands dots the ocean for hundreds of kilometers further out. This is the start of the Pacific proper – tiny atolls, coral reefs, volcanic islands, swaying palms and white beaches. More than 435 islands give the province 2120km of coastline, by far the most in the country. Overnight: Alotau International Hotel (D).
Sat 7 Nov	First full day is spent at the Canoe & Kundu Festival – a truly impressive occasion showing showing off traditional war canoes and inherited kundu drums, and of course culture and vibrance. Overnight: Alotau International Hotel (BLD).
Sun 8 Nov	The second day is spent at the Canoe & Kundu Festival. In the afternoon you will be transferred to Gurney Airport for flight PX955 Gurney/Port Moresby. Arrive in Port Moresby and transfer to your hotel. Overnight: Gateway Hotel (BLD).
Mon 9 Nov	In the morning you will be transferred to the airport for flight PX864 Port Moresby/Tari. The Tari Valley - home of the Huli, a colorful and proud people still largely living the same way that their ancestors did. Ambua Lodge is high on the slopes of the Tari Valley, with magnificent views of the valley below and surrounding peaks. The afternoon is spent exploring the area surrounding Ambua - high mountain forests with roaring waterfalls beckon the intrepid traveler. Overnight: Ambua Lodge(BLD).
Tue 10 Nov	Enjoy a full day of cultural and ecological touring. The Tari area is home to an incredible 13 species of birds of paradise, as well as numerous orchid species. Learn how the Huli live and how they interact with and use their environment.. Overnight: Ambua Lodge(BLD).
Thu 11 Nov	Fly by charter aircraft to Karawari over some of the most rugged and impressive landscapes in the world. The country between Ambua and the Sepik region is an amazing array of jagged limestone that seems to rise and drop at impossible angles. You will be transferred to Karawari Lodge. Sitting on a ridge above the Karawari River, Karawari Lodge boasts a spectacular view over hundreds of kilometers of dense tropical jungle. Inspired by local architecture and built with traditional materials, while still providing modern comforts. Overnights:Karawari Lodge (BLD).
Fri 12 Nov & Sat 13 Nov	Wake up to the chattering of Lorikeets and Eclectus Parrots. After breakfast enjoying touring programs that provide insight into the amazing ecology and culture of the Karawari area. Overnights: Karawari Lodge (BLD).
Sat 14 Nov	Fly by charter aircraft from Karawari to Mount Hagen, during the flight mountains rise up to startling heights out of the flat lands of the Sepik Basin. Mount Hagen Town is in the upper Wahgi Valley - a valley with some of the oldest evidence of agriculture in the world. Overnight: Highlander Hotel (BLD).
Sun 15 Nov	A full day is spent exploring the Hagen Area and Wahgi Valley. The Mount Hagen area is the home of the Melpa people, a people with a strong culture, who in the face of moderninity, still live largely traditional subsistence lifestyles. A comprehensive touring program will take you on a journey through the traditions and customs of the Melpa people. The tour today will give you some insight into the fabulously interesting and complex society of the Wahgi Valley. Overnight: Highlander Hotel (BLD).
Mon 16 Nov	Beginning your journey home, you depart Mount Hagen for Port Moresby. Upon arrival in Port Moresby you will be met and transferred to the Gateway Hotel for lunch while waiting for your next flight. In the afternoon transfer from the hotel to Port Moresby airport for you onwards international flight(B).