LEAST VISITED COUNTRIES GROUP 1

Friday, 11th July – Koror, Palau

• Arrive in Koror – the largest and commercial centre of Palau and transfer to the Palasia Hotel at your own convenience and meet your fellow group members

Saturday 12th July – Koror

Sunday 13th July – Koror – Peleliu – Koror

• 8am departure for a boat trip about the famous rock islands of Palau, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its stunning beauty. We will pass by the natural cave nicknamed the “Gas Station”, where Japanese patrol boats used to refuel, and also see Coral Arch island, which, according to local legend, was created by a giant snake!
• After cruising for a bit, we will dock at Peleliu, the site of one of the bloodiest battles of World War 2 Pacific Theatre. Designated by the US government as a “National Historic Landmark,” our expert local guide will bring us through various battle sites, tanks and plane wreckage, shrines and monuments, including a hike into Death Valley on Bloody Nose Ridge, as well as the tunnel systems where 33 Japanese soldiers held out until 1947!
• Bento lunch on the beach (extra cost).
• Note: For those wishing to snorkel or swim with the jellyfish at Jellyfish Lagoon, YPT can arrange permits for an additional fee with advance notice. However, due to the dwindling jellyfish population in the lagoon, we do not recommend this activity. 
• Dinner and drinks at the Red Rooster Café, which not only boasts great American and Japanese food, but our thirsty customers can sample the local Red Roaster brewery’s five varieties: Amber, Light, Stout, Wheat and a Tropical Ale, plus a cider for sale (don’t worry, sample flights are available so things don’t get too crazy!).
• We catch a few hours of sleep at the Palasia Hotel before our 11:30pm departure to catch our 2:05am flight to Chuuk.

Monday 14th July – Koror – Chuuk, Micronesia

Morning

• We take the 2:05am flight from Koror to Chuuk (via Guam) – one the federal states of Micronesia (FSM) via Guam, arriving at 9:40am. Check in at the Blue Lagoon Resort, situated in the historic Truk Lagoon.

Afternoon

• After checking in and lunch at the Blue Lagoon Resort, we’ll head out for a land tour of Weno island, the Capital island of Chuuk State. First, we will explore Nefo Cave, which features a series of tunnels used by the Japanese during World War II. There is also a well-preserved large artillery gun which makes for a great YPT-style photo opportunity!
• We then travel to the easternmost point of the island, to Xavier High School. The building was constructed in 1938 as a bomb-proof radio and communication station for the Japanese naval forces.
• Watch the sunset over dinner and happy hour drinks at Truuk Stop Bar & Restaurant.
• Overnight at the Blue Lagoon Resort.

Tuesday 15th July – Weno – Tonoas – Weno 

Morning

• Breakfast before our 11:00am departure by boat to Tonoas Island, which was a headquarters for the Imperial Japanese Army during the Second World War.
• After arriving on Tonoas, we’ll jump into local trucks for a tour of the island, visiting various Japanese ruins, including a WWII-era hospital that once treated up to 800 patients, the largest in Micronesia. We’ll also stop at the local municipal building, constructed by the Japanese in the 1920s during a “golden age” for the island. If we’re fortunate, we might meet the island’s mayor, who is often found at this location.
• We get back on our boat and anchor just offshore from a small island for a swim before heading back to Weno.

• Late afternoon return from the island tour. Dinner and overnight at Blue Lagoon Resort.

Wednesday 16th July – Chuuk – Majuro, Marshall Islands

Morning

• Depart at 8:00am for our 10:45am flight to Majuro (via Pohnpei and Kwajalein), capital of the Marshall Islands.

Afternoon

• Evening arrival in Majuro, home to approximately half of the country’s 40,000-ish population.
• Transfer to the Marshall Islands Resort, the atoll’s largest and most popular hotel. Dinner and drinks at the hotel’s restaurant and while overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
• Overnight at Marshall Islands Resort.

Thursday, 17th July – Majuro – Eneko Island – Majuro 

Morning

• After breakfast, we’ll head out to the K&K Island Supermarket to pick up BBQ and BYOB provisions before our 11:00am, 30-minute boat journey to the paradise of Eneko Island. Bring your snorkel gear if you have it as we will pass by underwater WWII plane wreckage, which is a great spot to jump out and have a look below. Eneko Island is a genuine island paradise and a great place to spend a relaxing day. Anyone willing to be the Chef de Partie can take a crack at cooking BBQ on the beach.

Afternoon

• Eneko Island offers plenty to do, with a pontoon to jump from, a small island to explore, and pristine beaches for soaking up the Pacific sun. If this island was anywhere else in the world, it would be packed with tourists. It’s not packed, but there’s usually some locals hanging out playing volleyball who are more than happy for you to join in!
• We head back on our boat at around 3:00pm, with us passing through a number of islands and atolls to get perfect sunset shots – weather permitting!
• After freshening up, we’ll make our way to the Tide and Table restaurant, located within the Robert Reimers Hotel, a landmark established in the 1970s that pays tribute to its namesake, a prominent figure celebrated for his impactful contributions to the Marshall Islands’ business and tourism sectors. Tide and Table is renowned for serving some of the Pacific’s finest tuna sashimi, and we’ll also have the chance to sample the resort’s BoB Whiskey, crafted from the native pandanus fruit.
• After dinner, your YPT guides can bring anyone looking to experience Majuro’s nightlife to some local bars before heading back to the Marshall Islands Resort for a night cap.
• Overnight at the Marshall Islands Resort.

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LEAST VISITED COUNTRIES GROUP 2

Saturday 19th July  – Majuro – Tarawa, Kiribati

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• Group 1 members: tour concludes in Majuro – YPT is able to arrange post-tour accommodation or advice for ongoing flights.
• Full group members: we offer a free morning to explore Majuro before we transfer to the airport at 12pm for the 2:05pm flight to Tarawa – the capital of Kiribati, arriving at 3:20pm. You’ll be greeted at the airport by our local guide who will transfer to the Betio Lodge Hotel.
• Group 2 members: arrive in Tarawa at your convenience and transfer to the hotel where you will meet the rest of the group.
• Dinner and drinks at the Betio Lodge.
• After this those wishing for an early night can do so, while those inclined can head to a very cool local bar located right next to our hotel for a sundowner.
• Overnight in Tarawa.

Sunday 20th July – Tarawa

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel.
• #TOUR HIGHLIGHT# Accompanied by our local guide who has organized tours and events for tourists as well as returning veterans, we will delve into the history of the Battle of Tarawa, fought from November 20 to 23, 1943.
• Make a poignant stop at the US War Memorial, dedicated to the 1,143 marines who lost their lives during the battle. Learn about the monument’s time capsule set to be opened in 2143.
• Black beaches 1 & 2 – Here you will get to see and photograph well-preserved British 8″ inch guns, as well as the Japanese and Korean war memorials, the British-New Zealand-Australian Coast watchers memorial
• Head to Red Beach, the site of the USMarine landings where some of the fiercest fighting occurred. Observe the remnants of the battle, including vehicles stranded in the lagoon, such as a Sherman tank.

Afternoon

• See 1st Lt. Alexander Bonnyman’s bunker who received the Congressional Medal of Honour after his remains were excavated in 2010, and was amongst 1,000 US marines and 4,500 Japanese marines who died in the battle. We will also pass by the Japanese commander’s bunker, where he and the rest of the Japanese command staff were killed whilst attempting a retreat to a new command centre.
• For lunch, we will enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.
• Conclude the tour at Green Beach, a contingency landing site used on November 21, 1943. Examine the remains of artillery, including the largest gun locally referred to as “the mountain.”
• After a day of exploration, head back to your hotel to rest.
• In the evening, we will enjoy a captivating local dance performance known as Taroa, which translates to “fishing line,” while dining at the Horizon Café, a beloved local hotspot. Guests can choose from a delightful buffet showcasing a variety of seafood, meats, and fresh local vegetables for just $25, or opt for the à la carte menu for a more personalized dining experience.
• For those inclined, we’ll head out to our favourite bars and mingle with the locals.
• Overnight in Tarawa.

Monday 21st July  – Tarawa – Nauru

Morning

• Breakfast at the hotel, check out and pick up for our early morning tour.
• Travel across the causeway built in 1986 by the Japanese to link Betio and Tarawa, stopping at the biggest Cathedral in Kiribati, and the Nuns’ Library to learn about the history of the first missionaries who arrived in Kiribati. The Nuns’ library also contains the historic and well preserved Japanese Declaration of the Occupation, which was attached to a government store by the Japanese in December 1941.

Afternoon

• Lunch at Ocean Family Seafood restaurant, one of the newest and poshest spots in Tarawa which has a large menu featuring delightful seafood and Chinese entrees.
• After lunch, we drive up the atoll to the Parliament of Kiribati for a guided tour.
• Visit Te Umanibong, the Kiribati Cultural Museum to view displays of artefacts and other items of cultural and historic significance for the country.
• Conclude our visit to Kiribati with a memorable photo opportunity at the highest point in Eita, standing just 3 meters above sea level. This unique vantage point serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent threat that global warming poses to this serene Pacific paradise.
• Head to the airport for the 7:30pm flight to Nauru arriving at 8:45pm.
• On arrival in Nauru we transfer to the Hotel Menen for dinner and drinks.
• Overnight at the Menen Hotel.

Tuesday 22nd July – Nauru 

Morning

• The Island Ring Road Tour is a great introduction to Nauru. Not only it is the least visited country in the world, with around 200 tourists per year, but it is also the third smallest country in the world, after the Vatican and Monaco, with an area of only 21 km2 (8 square miles). We will be visiting all the main hotspots with our local guides who will relate the history and stories of each spot, including Anibare Bay, Pinnacle Rocks, Ewa Beach, Orro Congregational Church, Christian Missionary Monument, and Buada Lagoon.

Afternoon

• Enjoy a lunch break at the Anibare Boat Harbour restaurant, where you can savor authentic Nauru-style Chinese cuisine. Remarkably, 8% of Nauru’s population is of Chinese descent, leading to a unique and delightful fusion of island flavors and traditional Chinese dishes that you won’t find anywhere else.
• After lunch, we’ll continue the Island Ring Road tour, with a stop at WWII memorial, and a topside stop Western Bay to see the sunset before dinner and drinks at the Menen Hotel.
• For those eager to dive into Nauru’s nightlife, we’ll visit a local kava and karaoke bar, where you can savor the mellow flavors of kava, a traditional drink made from the ground roots of the South Pacific. Join in the fun as we sing along to a mix of classic and contemporary pop hits with the friendly locals!
• Overnight at the Menen Hotel.

Wednesday 23rd July – Nauru

Morning

• Ever walked around an entire country? Ok, maybe you have, but have you ever done it in one day? Nauru is the only country in the world where it is genuinely possible to do this in a few hours, and we’ll be up early for a 7am departure to enjoy a beautiful sunrise over Anibare Bay, with the morning lights enhancing the beauty of pinnacle rocks. The walk is 19km and takes around 4 hours.

Afternoon

• Back out with our local guides to visit the Naoero museum, the national museum of Nauru, giving us an insight about life on the island. The museum was initially based on a private collection of Second World War material (including remains of a Japanese Zero fighter plane) and it was originally funded by the Nauru Phosphate Corporation. See if you can find the 1968 picture captioned “per head of population, Nauruans are said to be the wealthiest people in the world”?
• Whilst Nauru is famous for being a country without a capital, it does have a capital village, and we head there to check out the parliament building, high court, and even peek into the President’s office, opened on 31st January 1995, on national day.
• Ever done a national pub crawl in a day? We visit all of Nauru’s 4 pubs before settling at the last one for our dinner at Bayview restaurant, widely considered to be the best bar and restaurant on the island.
• Overnight at the Menen Hotel.

Thursday 24th July – Nauru – Nadi, Fiji 

Morning

• For our last day in Nauru, we will visit Command Ridge, the highest point on the island and the site of some incredibly well-preserved Japanese cannons from WWII, as well as the remnants of an imperialist Japanese prison. Before being a prison, it used to be a German communication centre.
• We will also stop by a former phosphate facility to learn more about Nauru’s phosphate mining industry. Revenues from the mining operations are estimated to have been AUD$100–120 million annually from independence through virtual resource exhaustion in the early 1990s. Nauru is however widely regarded as a classic example of the “natural resource curse”, when countries fail to translate substantial mineral wealth into sustainable long-term development.Afternoon
• After lunch at Blue Ocean Chinese restaurant, we will visit the Post Office (who does not want a post card from the world’s least visited country?) and Capelle shopping centre for fridge magnets, mugs and other souvenirs.
• After checking in for our flight, we’ll walk over to the island’s newest Chinese restaurant, Fortuna Cantonese, for dinner before our 8:45pm flight to Fiji.
• After landing in Nadi shortly after midnight, we’ll transfer to our hotel situated near the airport where the staff will keep the kitchen and bar open for us.
• Overnight at the Ace Airport Hotel.

Friday 25th July – Nadi  

Morning

• After two weeks of travel, we embrace a leisurely morning, allowing ourselves a late start to reconnect with our routine and catch up on emails, laundry, and other essentials.

Afternoon

• We have arranged transportation to Natadola beach. Considered one of Fiji’s best beaches, it is known for white sands, snorkelling, horseback riding and it’s also    a great place to relax. For those looking to explore more of Fiji’s history and culture, your local guides can advise on how to visit Sri Siva temple and other landmarks.
• After returning from the beach and sightseeing, you’ll have some time to freshen up before going to dinner at Nadina for traditional Fijian cuisine and kava.
• Overnight at the Ace Airport.

Saturday 26th July – Nadi – Funafuti, Tuvalu 

Morning

• Group 2 member: tour concludes in Nadi – YPT is able to arrange post-tour accommodation or advice for ongoing flights.
• Full Group members: 

Sunday 27th July – Tuvalu 

Morning

• Early start to take boats out for the day across Funafuti lagoon to explore some of the surrounding, and sparsely inhabited islets. Those aquatically inclined should bring their snorkelling masks to check out the reefs.

Afternoon

• BBQ lunch of fresh seafood caught by our guides right out of the lagoon! After an afternoon relaxing on the beach, we will head back to Funafuti to freshen up at the hotel.
• Dinner at the Funafuti Lagoon hotel or your YPT guides can recommend some walkable alternatives.
• Overnight stay at Funafuti Lagoon Hotel.

Monday 28th July – Funafuti 

Morning

• We kick off our final day in Tuvalu with an insightful guided tour of Funafuti’s main government building, which is home to all the nation’s government departments, including the Prime Minister’s office. We’ll take a moment to peek into his office and see if we can catch a brief hello!
• Following our visit to the government building, we’ll make a stop at the Women’s Handicraft Center. Here, we can explore a wide array of local handicrafts, including exquisite wood carvings, beautifully crafted necklaces, and unique items made from shells and feathers.
• Visit the Tuvalu Post Office, where, in addition to being able to mail a postcard, you’ll discover one of the most eclectic collections of commemorative stamps for sale in any of the countries we visit on this tour. The themes range from “The Women of Star Trek” to significant political events and anniversaries, making it a fascinating stop for stamp enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Afternoon

• Indulge in a delightful buffet-style, farewell dinner (extra cost: $25AUD) featuring the finest island cuisine in Tuvalu, lovingly prepared by our local guide and his family in the warmth of their home. As we savor this delicious meal, we’ll engage in conversation with our guide and his family about life in Tuvalu, while being entertained by a captivating local dance performance.
• Overnight at Funafuti Lagoon hotel.

Tuesday 29th July – Funafuti 

Morning

• We’ll board our 12:20pm flight for the long trek to Apia via Suva and Nadi, arriving in Apia just after midnight on 30th.
• Overnight at Karl’s Getaway.

Wednesday 30th July – Apia, Samoa 

Morning

• After breakfast, we’ll make the most of our one day in Samoa and hop on the bus for a guided tour of downtown Apia where we will pass by parliament, visit a local market, snap photos of Apia’s amazingly unique public buses, walk along the sea wall, and visit the Immaculate Conception Cathedral known for its blend of colonial and Samoan architecture.

Afternoon

• After a seafood lunch at Apia Wharf, we’ll start making our way through the island’s interior and visit the museum and home of author Robert Louis Stevenson (The Strange Case of
• Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) before going for a sunset dip in the To Sua sinkholes.
• After a long day of touring Apia, we will return to Karl’s Getaway for a traditional Fia Fia buffet feast with local entertainment.
• Overnight at Karl’s Getaway.

Morning

• After breakfast we’ll say goodbye to Samoa as we head to the airport for our very own charter flight (for aviation fans, the planes are AC690B Twin Commander Aircrafts) from Apia to Nuku’alofa, the capital city of the Kingdom of Tonga!

• After checking into our hotel and having a quick lunch we will be heading out on a city tour taking in the Royal Palace, it may be made of wood and somewhat crumbling but it’s still the official residence of the King!
• Purchase souvenirs at Nuku’alofa’s central market.
• Dinner of local fare before a pub crawl along Nuku’alofa’s waterfront.
• Overnight in Nuku’alofa at the Emerald Hotel.

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LEAST VISITED COUNTRIES GROUP 4

Saturday 2nd August – Nuku’alofa – Port Vila, Vanuatu

Morning

• Full group members: transport to the Nuku’alofa airport for our 05:40am flight to Vanuatu via Nadi, arriving in Port Vila at 3:55pm and transfer to our hotel.
• Group 3 members: tour concludes in Nuku’alofa, Tonga – YPT is able to arrange post-tour accommodation or advice for ongoing flights.
• Group 4 members: arrive in Port Vila at your convenience and transfer to the hotel where you will meet the rest of the group.

Afternoon

• As it will have been a long travel day for our full group members, and likely those joining us for group 4, we’ll take a few hours to freshen up and rest at our hotel before a group dinner at the legendary L’Houstalet french restaurant, famous for its wild pigeon, coconut crab and flying fox!

Sunday 3rd August – Port Vila 

Morning

• After breakfast, we will depart for our custom “Bushwalk” tour where our local guides will bring us deep into Port Vila’s interior for rainforest hiking, fresh fruit sampling, swimming opportunities, and a stop by a local village for a chance to meet, have lunch and talk with locals.

Afternoon

• Return to the hotel and freshen up before heading across town for sunset dinner and drinks at the popular Stonegrill Restaurant.

Monday 4th August – Port Vila

Morning

• After breakfast, we experience the serene beauty of Blue Lagoon, a tranquil oasis filled with shady spots and stunning scenery. Located just a convenient 30-minute drive from Port Vila, cool waters are refreshing on a hot, humid day, and there are plenty of shaded areas to relax and unwind.

Afternoon

• After grabbing some street food for lunch, we’ll head out for our guided bus tour of Port Vila where we will stop at the city lookout for a photo opportunity, Parliament House, Council of Chiefs, Erakor Landing, Independence Park and the Mahitahi Handicraft Market (sells locally-made handicrafts only). We will also learn about Vanuatu’s unusual colonial history: France and the UK both claimed parts of the archipelago and eventually agreed to manage it through an Anglo-French condominium
• Finally, we finish our city tour at an authentic Vanuatu Kava Bar where our guides will give us a proper demonstration on how to drink Kava, known for its sedative qualities, replete with pallet-cleansing snacks called “washemout.”
• Dinner and drinks out on the town for our final night in Port Vila.

Tuesday 5th August – Port Vila – Honiara, Solomon Islands

Morning

• After breakfast, we have a free morning to explore Port Villa before heading to the airport to catch the 11:50pm Air Solomon flight to Honiara, arriving at 3:05pm.

Afternoon

• On arrival, we’ll be met at the airport and transfer to the Honiara Hotel.
• The Honiara Hotel is a local institution – we’ll get the chance to talk to the eccentric owner, Sir Thomas Chan, about his life in politics on the island, as well as his experiences meeting various members of the Royal Family and being invested as a knight by the Queen.
• We have the choice to dine in the opulent Club Havana or poolside at the Oasis Restaurant and finish with drinks by the pool at our hotel. If you fancy an after dinner treat, the Cathliro Chocolate Haus also offers excellent fresh brewed espresso and locally made chocolate.
• New Year’s Eve celebrations with the locals at the Honiara Hotel!

Wednesday 6th August – Honiara 

Morning

• Hope you packed some Advil, because it’s up early for a Honiara day tour. First, we will explore Honiara central market, which is where real Solomon life occurs, and have a chance to buy local souvenirs.
• Following this, we do a full city tour including all the monuments to WW2, parliament and the national museum.

Afternoon

• The way to really discover a country is through its street food, so on the journey to the next part of our tour we stop at street-food heaven, a row of food stalls where the choices range from grilled lobster, chicken or fish served with rice and pumpkin.
• #TRIP HIGHLIGHT# We head to a beach which has a major Japanese WW2 wreck for some wreck snorkelling and underwater photography, as well as great views of the city of Honiara, whilst enjoying the beach.
• After freshening up at the hotel, we head out for dinner at the Coral Sea Resort for a nice dinner overlooking the extremely beautiful seafront.
• Overnight at Honiara Hotel.

Thursday 7th August – Honiara – Savo

Morning

• Breakfast at the Honiara Hotel.
• Today we go by boat to bucolic Savo Island, with our first stop being the beach where the Megapode birds lay their eggs, so customers can purchase some for lunch.

Afternoon

• We then head to a truly private area where we will not only have lunch, but also the opportunity to explore Solomon villages on the island, interact with locals, hike in the beautiful scenery, or simply hang out by the beach for swimming and snorkelling with dolphins!
• Farewell dinner with a traditional dance by the locals, and overnight at the Savo Island Sunset Lodge.

Friday 8th August – Savo – Honiara

• The tour concludes in Honiara, where YPT can assist in arranging post-tour accommodations and activities. Additionally, we offer exciting tour extensions to the breathtaking Gizo Island in the Solomons, as well as our popular Papua New Guinea Mt. Hagen Festival Tour.