Welcome to Papua New Guinea! Upon arrival at Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby, you'll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, rest and recover from your journey or join an optional city orientation tour. In the evening, meet your fellow travelers and expedition leader for a welcome dinner and briefing about the adventure ahead.

Begin your cultural immersion with a visit to the National Museum and Art Gallery to gain insight into Papua New Guinea's rich heritage. Continue to the Port Moresby Nature Park where you can observe native wildlife and botanical gardens. In the afternoon, visit Hanuabada, a traditional stilt village where you'll learn about the Motu-Koitabu people and their way of life. Return to your hotel for dinner.

This morning, fly to Mount Hagen in the Western Highlands Province, one of the most culturally diverse regions of Papua New Guinea. Upon arrival, transfer to your lodge nestled in the mountains. In the afternoon, visit a local village to meet with community members and learn about their daily activities, traditional farming practices, and social structures. Enjoy dinner at the lodge with views of the surrounding highlands.

Today, immerse yourself in the cultural traditions of the Highlands with a visit to a local Melpa tribe. Witness a mini "sing-sing" cultural performance arranged exclusively for our group, featuring traditional dance, music, and elaborate costumes. Learn about the significance of the body decoration, feathers, and face painting. Engage with tribal elders through an interpreter and gain insights into their ancient traditions, beliefs, and modern challenges.

After breakfast, visit the colorful Mount Hagen Market, where local tribes gather to sell their produce, handicrafts, and traditional items. Continue to Rondon Ridge, situated at 2,100 meters above sea level with spectacular views of the Wahgi Valley. Take an afternoon guided nature walk through the forest to spot endemic bird species, including the possibility of seeing the elusive birds of paradise. Learn about the medicinal plants used by local tribes.

Spend a full day exploring the highlands region with visits to remote villages only accessible by four-wheel drive and short hikes. Meet with different tribal groups including the Melpa and Tamba people. Learn about their unique social structures, traditional ceremonies, and the intricate compensation system that governs tribal relations. Witness traditional activities such as earth oven cooking and participate in a community kava ceremony.

This morning, fly from Mount Hagen to Tari, home of the Huli Wigmen, one of Papua New Guinea's most famous tribal groups. Transfer to Ambua Lodge, an award-winning eco-lodge set in the Southern Highlands. In the afternoon, visit a Huli village to learn about their distinctive culture, including the famous Huli Wigmen who craft elaborate wigs from their own hair as a symbol of pride and strength.

Devote today to learning about the fascinating Huli culture. Visit a traditional Huli "wig school" where young men spend 18 months growing their hair for ceremonial wigs. Meet with a Huli fortune teller who interprets dreams and natural phenomena. Explore the architecture of Huli homes and gardens, and learn about their ancient farming techniques. In the afternoon, take a guided bird-watching walk to spot some of the 13 species of birds of paradise found in this region.

After breakfast, fly to Karawari in the East Sepik Province, an entirely different environment where life revolves around the mighty Sepik River. Transfer by river boat to Karawari Lodge, set on a ridge above the river. In the afternoon, take your first cruise along the waterways of the Karawari River, observing the stilt houses and traditional canoes that are central to life here. Learn about the river-based lifestyle of the communities who have lived here for thousands of years.

Spend a full day exploring the villages along the Sepik River by motorized canoe. The Sepik region is renowned for its remarkable artistic traditions, particularly wood carving. Visit remote villages where you'll meet master carvers creating spectacular masks, ancestor figures, and ceremonial items. Learn about the spiritual significance of the "haus tambaran" (spirit houses) that serve as the ceremonial and political centers of village life. Witness daily activities such as fishing, sago processing, and canoe building.

Today, experience a special spirit house ceremony in a nearby village, arranged exclusively for our group. Learn about the complex initiation rituals that transform boys into men in Sepik culture, and the spiritual beliefs that govern daily life. Observe or participate in traditional music making with kundu drums and bamboo instruments. In the afternoon, have the opportunity to purchase authentic artifacts directly from the artists, supporting local communities while acquiring museum-quality pieces.

Bid farewell to the Sepik region as you fly to Tufi, set on a spectacular tropical fjord on the northeast coast of Papua New Guinea. Check into Tufi Resort, overlooking the stunning fjords. In the afternoon, meet the Oro Province people, renowned for their distinctive facial tattoos and tapa cloth production. Visit a local village to see how tapa cloth is made from beaten mulberry bark and decorated with natural dyes.

Explore the stunning environment of Tufi, where rainforest-covered mountains meet deep fjords and vibrant coral reefs. Take an outrigger canoe trip along the fjords, guided by local villagers who will share their knowledge of the area's flora and fauna. For those interested, there's an option to snorkel or dive on the pristine coral reefs (additional cost for diving). In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner featuring a traditional mumu (earth oven) feast and cultural performances.

This morning, fly back to Port Moresby. Depending on your international flight departure time, you may have the opportunity for some last-minute souvenir shopping at a local craft market. Transfer to Jacksons International Airport for your onward flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of one of the world's most fascinating and culturally rich countries.