South Sea Odyssey
From $9,380
October 11 – 27, 2008
Aboard the Clipper Odyssey
See the brochure (pdf)
Trip Overview
Sublime botanical and birding paradises, the islands of the Southwest Pacific show off a dazzling array of lush flora, hundreds of birds and elaborate mangrove ecosystems. You will have opportunities to snorkel near coral reefs, dive World War II wreckage sites and admire vibrant birds and countless species of orchids.
Trip Itinerary
Saturday, October 11: Depart United States
Depart on your independent flight to Nadi. (Meals aloft)
Sunday, October 12: Cross International Date Line
Monday, October 13: Nadi, Fiji / Embark Clipper Odyssey
Upon an early arrival in Fiji, transfer to your hotel for a morning at leisure and lunch. In the afternoon set out on an island tour including a visit to The Garden of the Sleeping Giant, started by the late actor Raymond Burr in 1977, and showcasing more than 2,000 varieties of orchids. You will also visit the Vei Sei Sei village and enjoy a traditional kava ceremony, then stop for magnificent island views at Vudu Lookout before embarking the Clipper Odyssey. (B,L,D)
Tuesday, October 14: Taveuni
The Fiji Islands, considered part of Melanesia, cover an area of 386,000 square miles and comprise hundreds of islands, both large and minute. Of the 325 large enough for habitation, only 106 have permanent residents. The third largest island, Taveuni is a dazzling emerald, known as "the garden island." Hikers may enjoy a visit to a waterfall in Bouma National Park, while birders explore the lush forests keeping a lookout for parrots and flycatchers. Snorkelers and divers investigate the submerged wonders of the sea including Fiji's famed soft corals. (B,L,D)
Wednesday, October 15: Futuna, Territory of Wallis & Futuna
Futuna's slopes ascend into the clouds, making for a beautiful sight as you approach. Beautiful beaches fringe the east coast and Mt. Puke, the island's largest volcano presides from a height of nearly 2,500 feet. In the traditional village, visit the impressive shrine to the South Pacific's only saint, Pierre Chanel; the interior is covered in elaborate brown and white tapa. Birders keep an eye out for white-collared kingfishers, Polynesian trillers and Fiji shrikebills, which are endemic to the island. Enjoy a barbecue lunch ashore with your local hosts, followed by water sports. (B,L,D)
Thursday, October 16: Wallis Island
A self-governing French territory, Wallis's combination of Polynesian culture and Gallic charm is revealed as village leaders greet you. Tour Mata Utu, the capital city of the region, and visit its distinctive stone cathedral. You will also drive to one of the island's beautiful crater lakes. Archaeologist guides you through a recently excavated 14th-century fort, and you will have the chance to study the local handicrafts. Bananas, breadfruit, papayas, lemons and yams are among the crops that grow well in the fertile soil of the hillsides. (B,L,D)
Friday, October 17: Niuafo'ou, Kingdom of Tonga
Tonga's northernmost island Niuafo'ou is the tip of an underwater volcano, and century-old eruptions have left part of Niuafo'ou covered with black lava. Step ashore on a lava beach to visit the island's interior caldera lake. The Niuafoou megapode incubates its eggs in warm volcanic ash near the lake until the chicks emerge fully fledged. Underwater, silvery fish sparkle like diamonds against a dramatic backdrop of extrusive lava turned into black basalt. (B,L,D)
Saturday, October 18: Niuatoputapu
This remote and traditional island is a rarely visited destination. Stretch your legs on a hike or view dancers in elaborate headdresses at Hihifo Village, whose residents are known for their pandanus mat-weaving skills. Gorgeous soft sandy beaches fringe the island, offering an idyllic backdrop for an afternoon snorkel and dive. If you're lucky, you may even spot a few of the humpback whales that come here to breed each year during this season. (B,L,D)
Sunday, October 19: Neiafu, Vava'u Islands / Cross International Date Line
Cruise through waters of almost impossible clarity, with depth visibility at nearly 150 feet, and wind you way through Tonga's maze of emerald islands, the only remaining monarchy in the South Pacific. A brass band greets you as we meet the islanders of Neiafu, a small community set in the Vavau archipelago. Visit an agricultural school and watch demonstrations of tapa-cloth making and basketry, specialties of the region. Zodiacs whisk you to a cavern hollowed out by wave action. (B,L,D)
Sunday, October 19: Niue Island, Niue
A saucer-shaped uplifted atoll that rises vertically from the sea about 250 feet, Niue is endowed with intriguing geological formations – including some of the most extensive and dramatic limestone cave systems in the entire South Pacific. The name Niue literally translates into "behold the coconut," because its abundant coconut palms meant early Polynesian explorers could set up a viable permanent settlement. Niue is one of the world's smallest self-governing states; approximately 1,500 inhabitants live in 14 villages scattered across the island.
On guided walks, explore the landscape, photograph the twisted rocks and admire the diverse and prolific flora. Snorkelers and divers may want to take in the underwater wonders while birders choose a walk through the bush, accompanied by a local Niuean guide. An additional option highlights the island's caves with their fantastic stalagmite and stalactite formations. (B,L,D)
Monday, October 20: Sailing the South Pacific Ocean
Savor a leisurely day on deck, watch for regional birds and marine life and enjoy the continuing lecture series. (B,L,D)
Tuesday, October 21: Palmerston, Cook Islands
The Cook Archipelago includes 15 islands and atolls ranging from high fertile islands to low-lying coral atolls where nothing rises higher than a palm tree. Pilot whales inhabit the waters surrounding the islands year-round, and in 2001 the waters were declared a whale sanctuary. Spend the day in and around this remote island whose eight motus (islets) total one-square-mile in land mass. Ringed by a continuous coral reef – making it the only true atoll in the southern Cook Islands – Palmerston's lagoon stretches seven miles across at the widest and its one "mountain," as it is affectionately called, soars to 20 feet above sea level. About 50 people reside in Palmerston, all descendants of the eccentric William Marsters, who managed the island's coconut plantations in the 1860s.
The friendly islanders open their homes to you. Each islet is endowed with thick stands of native trees, coconut palms and pandanus. Enjoy birding in the shade and snorkeling in the translucent waters noted for giant clams. (B,L,D)
Wednesday, October 22: Aitutaki
Like a miniature Bora Bora, Aitutaki's central peak rises above a reef-surrounded lagoon. Villagers welcome you with some of the Pacific's finest dances. Snorkel and dive in a superb coral wonderland known for its giant clams or enjoy the view from the glass-bottom boat. Hikers tackle the island's peak – a modest 400 feet above sea level – and tide-pool investigators search for invertebrates. (B,L,D)
Thursday, October 23: Atiu
This morning you arrive at Atiu, an uplifted coral island whose shoreline is perforated with wave-sculpted caves. Its ancient name, Enuamanu, means "land of birds," and you can search the forests for native species. Enjoy a stroll through the village and marketplace; this afternoon discover the underwater marvels of the Cook Islands. (B,L,D)
Friday, October 24: Sailing the South Pacific Ocean
Relax on board today as you cruise toward the Society Islands. Lecturers introduce you to the natural and cultural highlights that await. (B,L,D)
Saturday, October 25: Bora Bora, Society Islands
Be sure to be on deck early this morning as your ship enters the dazzling sapphire-hued lagoon of Bora Bora surrounded by soaring cloud-wreathed peaks. In open-air vehicles, circle the lush island, driving along roads lined with hibiscus and fragrant frangipani. Then venture underwater, snorkeling or diving to watch for graceful manta rays and colorful fishes such as fairy basslets and teardrop butterflyfish or explore the island interior on a four-wheel-drive excursion. (B,L,D)
Sunday, October 26: Papeete, Tahiti / Disembark Clipper Odyssey
This morning you disembark the Clipper Odyssey in Papeete. Transfer to dayrooms at the hotel and enjoy the morning at leisure in this lively, fascinating capital. After lunch, tour the renowned Gauguin Museum before dinner at the hotel. In the late evening motorcoaches transfer you to the airport for your independent flight to the United States.
Monday, October 27 USA
Arrive in the USA and continue on your flights homeward.
