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Dream Come True: World Volcano Tour - 4 weeks round-the-world trip to Hawai'i - Vanuatu - New Zealand - Indonesia -  
                   
Tour code: RTW_DCT
Difficulty: Easy Duration: approx 4 weeks (25 or 29 days) Dates:Custom and group dates19 Sep - 13 Oct 13 19 Sep - 17 Oct 13 Price (p.p.): 8600 € ?Show in other currencies
[close] Included:
Tour guide:The group tours at scheduled dates (and private tours at custom date on request) will be accompanied by different expert guides and volcanologists on each location (Hawaii, Vanuatu & NZ, Indonesia). On request, the whole itinerary could be accompanied by a volcanologist from our team.               
Who has not dreamt of travelling around the world? Volcano Discovery makes this dream come true. Accompanied by one or several experts in each location, you'll embark on an "ever westward journey" to explore some of the most exciting volcanoes of the planet.
The program includes Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes on Hawaii, Yasur on Vanuatu, White Island, Roturua, Ruhapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro in New Zealand, and in Indonesia Bromo volcano, the huge Tengger caldera, Semeru and Ijen volcano, crowned by a visit to a visit to Bali and an adventure to Krakatau, the volcano that changed the world. Prepare to embrace an exciting mix of colors and tastes as well as cultures and customs as different as can be. You'll see active volcanoes and have a close-up look at hot lava; wander through the most spectacular of all known lava tubes; hike through desert and moonscapes to hellish sulphur lakes, geysers, fumaroles and bizarre geologic formations; and be treated to Yasur's nightly fireworks. By contrast, you'll also enjoy the sound and smells of rainforests, gentle coral beaches, the tropical breeze beneath coconut palms on Waikiki beach, as surfers head out to seek the perfect wave.
Round the World (25 days)Note:
Due to the modular character of the itinerary, you can opt to take part in only certain sections of the itinerary: Hawaii - Vanuatu - New Zealand - Java&Bali. The itinerary can be extended to 29 days including a 4-days expedition to Krakatau volcano (see below). Important note: the itinerary could have to be modified due to changes in flight schedules and unpredictable weather and other conditions and should be regarded as a guideline only. Any change if necessary will be towards your interest and in order to optimize the tour.
Day 1:
Flight Europe / America -> Hawaii, Waikiki Beach
The first leg around the world brings you to Honolulu, Hawai'i, where you can take a bus or taxi to your hotel on legendary Waikiki beach. --- Note: If your flight connection does not require an overnight on this day, you can alternatively start the tour directly in Hilo on Big Island, Hawaii. Acc.: : Beach hotel at Waikiki beach (or alternatively Hilo, Big Island)
Day 2:
Honolulu - Hilo (Big Island) - Kilauea volcano
At around lunchtime flight to Hilo - meeting with your volcanologist guide & first encouter with active Kilauea volcano. Lava viewing if conditions permit and introduction to Hawai'i's volcanism. Acc.: : comfortable sea-side hotel in Hilo (sea view rooms) (B)
Day 3-4:
2 full days to explore Kilauea volcano
Lava viewing, the Rift Zones and active craters of Kilauea volcano, the world's largest lava tube, an option to take a boat tour to see lava flowing into the sea from a boat are only some of the highlights during our expedition to Kilauea. Acc.: : as before (Hilo) (B)
Day 5-6:
Kona beaches - overnight flight to Auckland (New Zealand)
Today, we'll circle half of Big Island along a scenic route, passing the rift zone of Mauna Loa volcano and visit a gorgeous black sand beach where giant Green Sea Turtles are resting. We'll have the afternoon free to visit the sacred Hawai'ian sanctuary Pu'ukohola Heiau or / and one or two of Hawai'is most beautiful beaches on the dry and sunny Kona side. In the evening, after a dinner on the sea front of Kona, we go to the airport and fly to New Zealand via Honolulu. (arrival two days later as we cross the date line). Acc.: : in flight (B)
Day 7:
Arrival in New Zealand and flight to Vanuatu
Early arrival in New Zealand, and connection to Port Vila (Vanuatu). Afternoon and evening to relax. Acc.: : hotel at the beachfront in Port Vila (B, D)
Day 8:
Flight to Tanna - Transfer to Yasur volcano
In the morning, we fly to Tanna island. A 4WD pick-up brings us accross the island to a simple, but charming guesthouse directly at the feet of Mt. Yasur volcano. After lunch, we drive and hike to Yasur volcano to enjoy its spectacular volcanic activity from close, as long as we wish... Acc.: : guesthouse on Tanna (B, L, D)
Day 9:
Day-trip to Port Resolution beach & Yasur volcano
Relaxing day-trip to Port Resolution combined with a magnificent lunch on one of the world's most beautiful beaches... Visit of Yasur volcano in the evening/night. Acc.: : as before (Jungle Oasis) (B, L, D)
Day 10-11:
Yasur volcano & John Frum kastom village (spare days)
2 extra days we can dedicate to the extraordinary volcano of Yasur. We could take a short excursion to the "kastom" village of John Frum at the feet of the volcano. Traditional ways of living and customs are still alive and the inhabitants follow a particular religious belief centered around the half-mythical John Frum (probably = "John from America")... Acc.: : as before (Jungle Oasis) (B, L, D)
Day 12:
Flight back to Port Vila and free day
After the last opportunity to visit Yasur in the early morning, we fly back to Port Vila at around noon. The rest of the day is free. Acc.: : hotel in Port Vila as before (B)
Day 13:
Flight back to New Zealand
In the morning we fly back to Auckland, where we will stay overnight. If the flight back to Auckland is early enough, we can instead leave directly to the charming town of Whakatane on the coast of the Bay of Plenty, facing White Island volcano. Acc.: : hotel in downtown Auckland or Whakatane (B, D)
Day 14:
White Island by boat + walk on the volcano - Roturoa - Hangi dinner in Roturoa
Boat trip to White Island Volcano and walk on the active volcanic island. Opportunity to view dolphins and whales as well as spectacular bird life. In the afternoon, we drive to Roturoa where we assist the traditional official Maori welcoming ceremony followed by a delicious Hangi dinner. Acc.: : hotel in Roturoa (B, D)
Day 15:
Roturoa and its hydrothermal sites - Tarawera volcano
Full day around Roturoa with its numerous, colorful hydrothermal sites, mud pools, geysers. Opportunity to take scenic charter flights (not included). In the afternoon, an optional guided hike to the spectacular summit craters of Tarawera volcano is offered. Acc.: : hotel in Roturoa (B)
Day 16:
Wai-O-Tapu - hot springs - Taupo caldera - Huka Falls - Mt Ruhapehu
Visit the spectacular Wai-O-Tapu hydrothermal area in the morning and a natural hot spring where we can take a warm bath... We then leave the Roturoa area and drive to the immense Taupo caldera. Excursion to the spectacular Huka waterfalls. In the afternoon, continue to the ski resort Ohakune at the feet of Mt. Ruhapehu volcano. Acc.: : comfortable lodge in Ohakune (B)
Day 17:
Tongariro crossing (optional) / day for other activities in the area
For those who like a challenging hike, the Tongariro Crossing is one of the best hikes in the world! We will organize permits and the required specialised tour guide on request. Otherwise, the area is full of volcanic and natural attractions and alternative options include scenic charter overflights over the area with its volcanoes (Ruhapehu, White Island, etc). trek) Acc.: : as before (Ohakune) (B, L, D)
Day 18:
Ruhapehu volcano - evening transfer to Auckland and overnight flight to Jakarta
Additional excursions to the Taupo caldera (e.g. to a viewpoint of Ruhapehu volcano) and transfer in the afternoon to Auckland. After dinner, transfer to the airport and overnight flight to Jakarta. Acc.: : in flight (B, D)
Day 19:
Arrival in Jakarta - flight to Surabaya - Bromo caldera
Arrival in Jakarta and connecting flight to Surabaya. Transfer to the spectacular Tengger caldera with Bromo volcano. Acc.: : bungalows at the Bromo caldera (B, L, D)
Day 20:
Bromo volcano & Tengger caldera
Relaxed day to explore Bromo volcano and the Tengger caldera. Visit of the local volcano observatory and introduction to monitoring techniques of the volcano. Acc.: : as before (Bromo) (B, L, D)
Day 21:
Sunrise over the Tengger Kaldera - Transfer to Ijen volcano
Jeep (or hike) to sunrise viewpoint - transfer to Ijen Plateau, coffee plantations, hot bath in nearby natural hot volcanic springs. Acc.: : guesthouse at coffee plantation near Ijen (B, L, D)
Day 22:
Kawah Ijen volcano - transfer to Bali
Climb and visit of Ijen's crater, descend to the sulphur mining area and the turquoise acid crater lake. In the afternoon transfer to Bali. Acc.: : beach hotel on Bali (B, D)
Day 23:
Full day on Sanur beach - option for Batur volcano
A full free day to unwind, enjoy the beach, and/or visit scenic Batur volcano in the interior of Bali. Acc.: : as before (Sanur beach) (B, D)
Day 24:
Flight back home or own extension program on Bali
If you don't opt for taking part in the Krakatau expedition, your round the world journey, you fly back To Europe / N America from Bali. Depending on your flight time, you probably have most of the day to enjoy the beach before we bring you to the airport in time for your flight. Alternatively, an idea could be to spend a few more days in Bali or other parts of Indonesia as an own extension. On request, we can offer various programs (e.g. Lombok, Bali sightseing etc.) Acc.: : none (B)
Day 25:
Arrival in Europe / N America, connecting flight back home
Acc.: : none (B)
Round-The-World (29 days including Krakatau)Note:
In the longer version, a 4-days expedition to Krakatau is added at the end of the itinerary. If Krakatau is not erupting at the time, we can use the time to see another volcano in Indonesia which is erupting.
Day 1-23:
same as day 1-23 above
Day 24:
Flight to Jakarta - transfer to the West coast
We take a morning flight to Jakarta, where a minibus picks us up and brings us straight to the West Coast. On the way, we see the remains of the old lighthouse of Anyer swept away by the 1883 tsunami and visit the Krakatau volcano observatory. The afternoon and evening are for you to relax on the beach, or to assist your guide in the final preparation for the expedition to the island (shopping for fresh food on the local market etc.). Acc.: : bungalow / hotel on the beach of Carita (B, L, D)
Day 25:
Sail to Krakatau volcano
Boat trip to Krakatoa, camp on beach on Anak Krakatoa or neighboring island, climb Anak Kraktau (if conditions allowing). Acc.: : camp on Krakatau (B, L, D)
Day 26-27:
Another 2 full days for Krakatau volcano
We spend another two full days & nights at and around Krakatau to observe the activity, relax, swim, snorkel in coral reefs, and explore the immense caldera with young Anak Krakatau island in the middle, the outer islands forming the caldera rim with their spectacular geologic formations including the huge 1883 pumice deposit. Acc.: : as before (camp on Krakatau) (B, L, D)
Day 28:
Return to West Coast - transfer to Jakarta - flight back to Europe (& America)
In the morning, we break camp and return to the west coast. After lunch we return to Jakarta in time for the flight back home (arrival in Europe next morning) (connection to America or stopover in Europe). Acc.: : in flight (B, L, D)
Day 29:
Arrival in Europe / N America, connecting flight back home
Acc.: : none (B)
Arrival info:As a round-the-world flight ticket is included, you can start this tour from almost any major airport in Europe and North America. The true start of the tour (meeting of the group) will be on day 2 of the itinerary in Hilo, Hawai'i.
Accommodation: Simple bungalows near Yasur volcano  Camp site on Krakatau  Beach hotel on Bali Where available and appropriate to the planned excursions we choose accommodation in the mid-range to upper category (e.g. Ijen Resort), but you will experience a wide range of accommodation from camping on a tropical paradise beach on Krakatau, simple bungalows at the feet of Yasur volcano to very nice and cozy lodges. |
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