PAPUA NEW GUINEA
MOUNT HAGEN FESTIVAL and SOLOMON ISLANDS

DAYS 1–2: departure from Italy for the long-haul flight with stopovers, depending on the flight schedule, to reach Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea.

Morning: depending on the flight schedule, arrival in the morning in the capital of Papua New Guinea. Entry procedures into the country, transfer to the hotel, and rest after the long journey.

Afternoon: dedicated to discovering Port Moresby with a visit to the Botanical Gardens and an external view of the Parliament House, to observe its distinctive architecture reminiscent of a traditional Papuan house. This is followed by a short visit to the stilt village of Hanuabada.

Evening: dinner at the Port Moresby Yacht Club.

Morning: breakfast, visit to the National Museum, and transfer to the airport for the domestic flight to Goroka.

Afternoon: arrival in the afternoon in Goroka, in the central highlands of the country, and transfer to the hotel.

Evening: dinner and evening in Goroka.

Morning: departure from Goroka towards the Asaro Mudmen tribe village, known for the distinctive tradition of covering their bodies in mud and wearing frightening clay masks for protection, as well as for the terrifying Moko Moko victory dance.

Afternoon: arrival at Mindima village. Time to discover a new tribe, the fascinating and unforgettable Skeleton people, known for painting their entire bodies to resemble skeletons. Continue towards Mount Hagen, arrival and lodge check-in.

Evening: dinner and evening in Mount Hagen.

Morning: departure for Paiya Village to attend the pre-Sing Sing. Arriving before the event begins, we will be able to observe dancers from various tribes painting their bodies, applying makeup, and adorning themselves with feathers, shells, and traditional ornaments according to their cultural customs. After their performances, there will be an opportunity to meet the dancers, who will be happy to share aspects of their culture and traditions and will be open to being photographed and portrayed.

Afternoon: traditional lunch in Paiya Village and return to Mount Hagen, visit of the town, its colorful market, and free time.

Evening: dinner and evening in Mount Hagen.

Morning: the wonderful Mount Hagen Festival begins! Thousands of men and women belonging to around eighty different tribes follow the hypnotic rhythm of the drums, dancing in their traditional costumes with the most diverse shapes and colors. An incredible and unique spectacle in the world—this is the Mount Hagen Festival!

Afternoon: lunch within the festival grounds and afternoon dedicated to birdwatching at one of the lodges around Mount Hagen, keeping an eye out to photograph a Bird of Paradise.

Evening: dinner and evening in Mount Hagen.

Morning: second exhilarating morning immersed in the swirl of colors and music of the Mount Hagen Festival.

Afternoon: after lunch, transfer to the airport; it is time to leave the Papua New Guinea Highlands. Return flight to Port Moresby and hotel check-in.

Evening: dinner and evening in Port Moresby.

DAYS 9–10: transfer to Port Moresby airport and long return flight with stopovers to Italy. Depending on the flight schedule, an overnight stay in Manila or Singapore may be required. See you on the next BHS adventure!

DAY 9: transfer to the airport and flight to Honiara, capital of the Solomon Islands. Entry procedures into the country, followed by transfer to the hotel and first swims in the crystal-clear waters of the Solomon Islands sea.

DAY 10–11–12: three unforgettable days in the paradise of the Solomon Islands archipelago, offering countless opportunities for excursions, diving, snorkeling, island hopping, and relaxation on its beautiful beaches.

DAYS 13–14: morning transfer to Honiara airport and long-haul flight with stopovers back to Italy. Arrival the following day and see you on the next unforgettable trip with BHS!