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12www.noble-caledonia.co.ukAn expedition from Fiji to Tahiti discovering the islands & atolls of the South Pacific aboard the MS Island Sky 3rd to 20th October 2026island hopping in the south pacificBy wind, wave and star the ancient people of Polynesia ventured to the farthest reaches of the South Pacific. Isolated by miles of ocean over thousands of years, these, the world%u2019s first island cultures, developed a pantheon of gods, myths and legends and this voyage tells the story of Polynesia and uncovers its history as we visit the captivating islands. Our expedition begins in Fiji and our journey to Tahiti takes us through Tonga, the Cook Islands and the Society Islands all of which embody the laid-back lifestyle and idyllic surroundings of the South Pacific.Our expedition aboard the MS Island Sky promises to be a marvellous island hopping adventure and an enjoyable undertaking for those who relish travelling off the beaten track to remote and extraordinary islands. From coral reefs teeming with life to powerful legends that shaped history, each island group we will visit is unique, each culture distinct. The description defying beauty and remoteness of the islands have attracted generations of adventurers, explorers and travellers to their shores. The real age of European exploration did not take place until the 18th century and many of the islands we will visit have changed little since that time. Their sheer isolation has been their saving grace and apart from an influx of missionaries in the late 19th century, western culture has made few inroads.The only comfortable way to explore this beautiful and intriguing region is by sea and sailing aboard the all-suite MS Island Sky with just 100 fellow, like-minded travellers, we will be able to use the onboard Zodiacs to explore inlets, bird sanctuaries and land in otherwise inaccessible places accompanied by our expert expedition team including naturalists, marine biologists and ornithologists who will share their knowledge and enthusiasm during forays ashore and whilst on board.Our days will be spent on nature walks, searching for endemic birds, beachcombing, snorkelling or swimming from the beautiful beaches, interacting with the locals and learning about their way of life and traditional handicrafts or, simply experiencing some of the most pristine tropical scenery to be found anywhere in the world.Day 1 London to Fiji. Fly by scheduled indirect flight.Day 2 En Route. Transit as we continue our journey to Fiji.Day 3 Fiji. Arrive this morning and transfer directly to the MS Island Sky which will be moored in Lautoka. The remainder of the day is free to relax on board before we sail this evening. Day 4 Levuka Island. The island of Levuka and the town of Ovalau has a special place in Fijian history as it was here in 1874 that the Fiji islands were ceded to the British and also where in 1970 Fiji was declared independent again. The town is unlike any other Fijian town having retained the colonial buildings which made it the first Fijian site to be granted UNESCO status. Join a walking tour around Nasova village on the shores of the bay and visit the museum and Cession Monument, the site where Chief Cakobau signed the deed ceding Fiji to Great Britain. This afternoon we will relocate to one of the nearby islands where we can relax on the beach, snorkel or swim.Day 5 Fulaga. We arrive this morning in the Southern Lau group and the island of Fulaga, famous for its woodcarving and the making of large outrigger canoes. Over 100 tiny islands in the Fulaga Lagoon have been undercut into extraordinary mushroom shapes and the surrounding waters are tinged with striking colours by the dissolved limestone. On arrival we hope to be welcomed to the island by the village elder before spending The Itinerarythe day meeting with the villagers, taking nature walks or using the Zodiacs to find a suitable beach to land for swimming, snorkelling or beachcombing.Day 6 Nuku%u2019alofa, Tonga. After a morning at sea we arrive into Nuku%u2019alofa, the capital of Tonga. Once the immigration formalities are complete we will have a chance to explore this laidback town and the island of Tongatapu. Having never been colonised by Europeans we will experience traditional Polynesian culture alongside beautiful beaches and spectacular natural wonders. We will see the historical Captain Cook landing site from his 1777 voyage, explore the Royal Palace (Tonga retains the last monarchy in Polynesia), and the famous Tongan blowholes, considered the most spectacular in the South Pacific.Day 7 Neiafu & Nuku Island, Vava%u2019u. We arrive during breakfast at the pretty port of Neiafu in the Vava%u2019u islands, part of the kingdom of Tonga. Spend the morning exploring the town independently, maybe visit the local market or enjoy a drink in a harbourside caf%u00e9. Alternatively, join a tour to the Ene%u2019io Botanical Gardens, founded in 1972 they are the only botanical gardens in Tonga. Here the local guides will identify some of the 550 different plant varieties found in the gardens. Over lunch we hope to reposition to the nearby Nuku Island and use our Zodiacs to find a suitable location to land and set up snorkelling activities. There are many different species of colourful tropical fish here and we hope to see the graceful blackand-yellow angelfish and curious clownfish on the surrounding reefs.RaiateaTaha'aTahitiBora BoraAitutakiCOOK ISLANDSNiueVava%u2019uPOLYNESIATONGAFIJIFulagaNuku%u2019alofaLautokaLevukaNeiafuNuku IslandRarotonga Atiu Papeete INTERNATIONALDATELINEFRENCHPOLYNESIASOCIETYISLANDS