DISCOVERER HAGEN SHOW TOUR
14 August - 26 August, 2008

The Discoverer is a 12-night/13 day escorted program, providing a unique opportunity to discover the culture and ecosystems of the world's second largest island -- New Guinea. Papua New Guinea is a veritable smorgasbord of colour, culture and excitement. The highlight of the Discoverer program is attendance at the famous Mount Hagen Cultural Show, a world famous cultural gathering of many of the opulently decorated cultural groups of this incredibly diverse land. The program also includes three nights on board the MV Sepik Spirit in the Sepik Region. Accommodation over the Mount Hagen Cultural Show weekend is at the Airport Resort, a simple, but clean and comfortable hotel close to the airport and the show grounds. All meals, transfers and tours are included.

SUMMARY - 14 to 26 August 2008
2 nights	Gateway Hotel, Port Moresby
3 nights	Airport Resort, Mount Hagen
2 nights	Ambua Lodge, Southern Highlands
2 nights	Karawari Lodge, Sepik Region
3 nights	MV Sepik Spirit, Sepik Region

ITINERARY IN BRIEF
Thu, 14_Aug.	Upon your arrival in Port Moresby, you will be met by Trans Niugini Tours staff. You will then be transferred to the Gateway Hotel. Overnight Gateway Hotel
Fri, 15 Aug.	You will be transferred from the Gateway Hotel to Port Moresby Airport for your onward flight to Mount Hagen. Mount Hagen Town is in the upper Wahgi Valley - a valley with some of the oldest evidence of agriculture in the world. In preparation for the Mount Hagen Cultural Show, there will be a pre-show program in the afternoon. Overnight Airport Resort
Sat, 16 and Sun, 17 Aug.	Two ful days are spent at the Mount Hagen Show - world famous for its colour, culture and vibrance. It is a truly spectacular event. The diversity of the coastal, lowaland and highlands singsing groups at the hagen Show reflects the incredible diversity of Papua New Guinea's landscape - an unforgettable experience. Overnight Airport Resort
Mon, 18 Aug.	Fly by charter aircraft to Ambua airstrip over some of the most rugged and impressive landscapes in the world. Ambua Lodge is high on the slopes of the Tari Valley - home of the Huli, colourful and proud people, still largely living the same way that their ancestors did. The afternoon is spent exploring the area surrounding Ambua - high mountain forests with roaring waterfalls beckon the intrepid traveler. Overnight Ambua Lodge
Tue, 19 Aug	A full day of ecological and culturally based touring are sure to satiate those yearning for discovery. Only very rarely will an opportunity to gain such insight into a pre-technological culture will present itself, a culture that has changed little since the dawn of time. Overnight Ambua Lodge
Wed, 20 Aug.	In the morning Trans Niugini Tours staff will transfer you to your Charter flight to Karawari. As the flight progresses, the mountains start to give way until eventually vast tracts of dense tropical lowland rainforest cover the landscape for as far as the eye can see. Sitting on a ridge above the Karawari River, Karawari Lodge boasts a spectacular view over hundreds of kilometres of dense tropical jungle. Inspired by local architecture and built with traditional materials, the lodge provides modern comforts. PM visit to Kundiman village for sago making demonstration. Sago is the staple food for the river people. Overnight Karawari Lodge
Thu 21 Aug.	After breakfast enjoy touring programs that provide insight into the amazing ecology and culture of the Karawari area. Travel along the jungle-fringed waterways where boatmen, standing upright, paddle their slender dugout canoes. See bountiful bird life along the rivers and nearby lakes. Excursions enhance your understanding of traditional village culture. This is the only place where the mystical ancestral Kamangabbi figure can be found. Overnight Karawari Lodge
Fri, 22 Aug.	You will be transferred by river boat to the air conditioned comfort of the MV Sepik Spirit. Inspired by the architecture of the "haus tambaran" or spirit house, the MV Sepik Spirit has a truly unique design. With its shallow draught, it allows travel to rarely visted areas of the Sepik River and its tributaries in comfort. Overnight MV Sepik Spirit
Sat, 23 and Sun, 24 Aug.	Two full days are spent exploring the many waterways of the Sepik and its tributaries including visits to traditional Sepik Villages. The Sepik River is one of the largest rivers in the world - in terms of flow. Steeped in mystery, the people of the Sepik area have fascinated anthropologists like Margaret Mead since the area was first visited. Part of the mystery and attraction of the Sepik people is their amazing carvings, now famous the world over. Overnight MV Sepik Spirit
Mon, 25 Aug.	This morning, disembark and fly by charter aircraft to Mt. Hagen. Transfer to Highlander Hotel for a poolside lunch. In the afternoon transfer back to the airport for your flight to Port Moresby. Meet and transfer to your hotel. Overnight Gateway Hotel
Tue, 26 Aug.	You will be transferred to your international flight by Trans Niugini Tours staff.

INFORMATION