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.
- Visit many of the world's most spectacular volcanoes on one tour
- Westward travel and good connections on excellent airlines (Star Alliance network) throughout the tour to minimize jet lag and travel fatigue.
- 3 full days for in-depth exploration on each of the principal volcanoes: Kilauea (Hawai'i), Krakatau, Yasur (Vanuatu), Roturoa & Taupo volcanic zone (NZ)
- Highlights without rushing: good balance (very important!) between activities, transfers, flights and time to unwind
- Enchanting mix of cultures, colors and tastes
- Fantastic beaches, rainforests and spectacular landscapes as well as some exciting city culture
- Kilauea volcano and the world's longest lava tube
- Exotic "kastom" culture on Vanuatu and the spectacular fireworks of Yasur volcano
- White Island volcano
- Tongariro crossing
- Good chances of dolphin & whale watching
- Opportunities for scenic charter flights (e.g. Kilauea, Ruhapehu, White Island)
- Sanur Beach on Bali
- The surreal landscape of Bromo volcano in the Tengger caldera and Semeru
- Ijen volcano's turquoise acid lake and the sulphur mining
- Krakatau expedition and eruption viewing in a Robinson Crusoe setting
- Small group size
- Charming accommodation in selected hotels
- Delicious and varied local cuisine
- Accompanying volcano experts from our team
Round the World (24 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 28 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 (Sat)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.
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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 volcanoAt 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, D)
Day 3-4:
2 full days to explore Kilauea volcanoLava 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, D)
Day 5-6:
Kona beaches - overnight flight to Auckland (New Zealand) (Wed)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, D)
Day 7:
Auckland (free day to relax)Early arrival in Auckland, transfer to town. Free day in Auckland or optional excursion in the area.
Acc.: : hotel in downtowm Auckland (B, D)
Day 8:
Flight to Vanuatu (Sat, 11 Sep)Acc.: : hotel at the beachfront in Port Vila (B, D)
Day 9:
Flight to Tanna - Transfer to Yasur volcanoIn 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 10:
Day-trip to Port Resolution beach & Yasur volcanoRelaxing 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 11:
Yasur volcano & John Frum kastom village (spare day)This day is an extra day we can dedicate to the extraordinary volcano of Yasur. During the day, 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 New Zealand (Wed, 15 Sep)In the morning, we fly back to Port Vila where we probably have time for a relaxed lunch at the waterfront. In the afternoon, we fly back to Auckland, where we will stay overnight in the same hotel in downtown where as before. Opportunity to explore Auckland's nightlife...
Note: 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 13:
White Island by boat + walk on the volcano - Roturoa - Hangi dinner in RoturoaBoat 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 14:
Roturoa and its hydrothermal sites - Tarawera volcanoFull 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 15:
Wai-O-Tapu - hot springs - Taupo caldera - Huka Falls - Mt RuhapehuVisit 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 16:
Tongariro crossing (optional) / day for other activities in the areaFor 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 17:
Ruhapehu volcano - evening transfer to Auckland and overnight flight to Jakarta (Mo, 20 Sep)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 18:
Arrival in Jakarta - flight to Surabaya - Bromo calderaArrival 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 19:
Bromo volcano & Tengger calderaRelaxed 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 20:
Sunrise over the Tengger Kaldera - Transfer to Ijen volcanoJeep (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 21:
Kawah Ijen volcano - transfer to BaliClimb 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 22:
Full day on Sanur beach - option for Batur volcanoA 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 23:
Flight back home or own extension program on BaliIf 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 24:
Arrival in Europe / N America, connecting flight back homeAcc.: : none (B)
Round-The-World (28 days including Krakatau)
Note:
In the 28 days 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 1-22:
same as day 1-22 above
Day 23:
Flight to Jakarta - transfer to the West coast (26 Sep)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 24:
Sail to Krakatau volcanoBoat 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 25-26:
Another 2 full days for Krakatau volcanoWe 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 27:
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 28:
Arrival in Europe / N America, connecting flight back home (Fri 1 Oct)Acc.: : none (B)
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.
