Grand Tonga: Tongatapu, Ha'apai & Vava'u

Today you explore the ancient monuments and royal heritage of Tongatapu, seat of the only surviving Polynesian monarchy. You visit the extraordinary Ha'amonga 'a Maui trilithon, a mysterious ancient stone monument often called the Stonehenge of the Pacific, and the langi, the terraced stone burial mounds of ancient Tongan kings, glimpsing the deep history of the kingdom. You take in the Royal Palace and the sights of the capital, Nuku'alofa, and learn about the living monarchy and the fascinating history of the only Pacific nation never colonised. Along the way you experience the warm, living culture and hospitality of the kingdom. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having explored the fascinating royal heritage of Tongatapu. Relax this evening, savouring the beauty and history of the last kingdom, and rest ahead of exploring more of the island tomorrow.

Today you explore more of beautiful Tongatapu, from its dramatic coast to its warm culture. You journey to the spectacular Mapu'a 'a Vaea blowholes, where the ocean surges through the coral coast and erupts in countless towering jets of spray along miles of shore, an unforgettable sight, and explore the beautiful coast, ancient sites and lush countryside of the island. You might visit beautiful beaches, the flying-fox sanctuary at Kolovai, where thousands of fruit bats roost in the trees, and traditional villages, experiencing the warm culture and hospitality of the kingdom, and perhaps a cultural show with Tongan song and dance. The beauty of the coast and the warmth of the culture are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having explored the natural wonders and warm culture of Tongatapu. Rest well, for tomorrow you fly to remote, pristine Ha'apai, some of the most beautiful and empty beaches in the Pacific.

Today you fly to Ha'apai, one of the most beautiful and unspoiled island groups in the entire Pacific, a scattering of low coral islands ringed by mile after mile of pristine white sand and turquoise lagoons, blissfully empty and remote. On arrival you are transferred to your beachfront accommodation, where the pace slows to the gentle rhythm of the tides. The rest of the day is yours to relax and savour profound peace and beauty, swimming and snorkelling in the warm, clear lagoon, walking miles of pristine, empty white sand you may have entirely to yourself, and soaking up the blissful seclusion of this remote island paradise. The sense of escaping to your own pristine, empty island is magical. As the sun sets over the empty beach, you settle into your accommodation, dining beneath the star-filled sky, savouring the profound peace and beauty of remote Ha'apai, the heart of the last kingdom.

A full day savouring the pristine beauty and blissful seclusion of remote Ha'apai. With miles of perfect, empty white sand and warm, clear turquoise lagoons at your doorstep, you swim and snorkel over vibrant coral teeming with fish and turtles, laze on empty beaches you may have entirely to yourself, and take a boat to a deserted cay for the ultimate castaway experience, snorkelling and beachcombing in pristine, empty paradise. The blissful seclusion, pristine beauty and profound peace of Ha'apai are unmatched anywhere in the Pacific. You soak up the beauty and peace of this remote island paradise, far from the crowds and the modern world. As the sun sets over the empty beach, you enjoy a beautiful island dinner beneath the stars, savouring the pristine beauty and profound peace of remote Ha'apai. Rest well, ready for another day in this castaway paradise tomorrow.

Another day savouring the pristine beauty and gentle culture of remote Ha'apai. You might relax on pristine, empty beaches, swim and snorkel in the warm, clear lagoons, or take another boat trip to a deserted cay, soaking up the blissful seclusion and profound peace. You also visit a friendly Ha'apai village to glimpse the timeless, gentle rhythm of island life, experiencing the warm hospitality of the kingdom, seeing traditional crafts such as tapa cloth and mat weaving, and perhaps sharing in a traditional meal cooked in an underground oven. The combination of pristine, empty beaches and warm, timeless village life is deeply rewarding. As the sun sets over the empty beach for the last time, you enjoy a final Ha'apai dinner beneath the stars, reflecting on the pristine beauty and profound peace you have experienced. Rest well, for tomorrow you fly to beautiful Vava'u, with its islands, caves and, in season, humpback whales.

Today you fly north to Vava'u, one of the most beautiful island groups in the Pacific, a maze of forested islands, sheltered turquoise waterways and hidden caves, often called one of the world's finest sailing grounds. On arrival you are transferred to your accommodation amid the beautiful islands and waters, and the rest of the day is yours to relax and settle in, taking a first swim in the warm, clear lagoon, relaxing on a beautiful beach, and soaking up the beauty and seclusion of your idyllic surroundings. Vava'u's sheltered turquoise waters, forested islands and hidden caves await your exploration over the coming days, and, in season, its waters are home to humpback whales. As the sun sets over the beautiful waterways, you settle into your accommodation, savouring the beauty and peace of Vava'u. Rest well, ready to explore the beautiful islands and caves of the last kingdom.

Today you explore the beautiful islands, hidden caves and turquoise waterways of Vava'u on a boat excursion. You cruise the sheltered waters amid forested islands, snorkel over vibrant coral gardens, swim in beautiful turquoise lagoons, and explore Vava'u's extraordinary hidden caves, including the famous Swallows' Cave, its entrance soaring above the water, and, conditions allowing, the magical Mariner's Cave, entered underwater. You relax on beautiful, empty beaches and deserted cays, savouring the beauty and seclusion. In whale season (roughly July to October), your excursion may include an expertly guided opportunity to swim with humpback whales in the warm, clear water, an overwhelming and unforgettable encounter. As the day ends, you return to your accommodation. Relax this evening beneath the stars, savouring the beauty of the islands and, perhaps, the memory of the whales, in the last kingdom.

Another day exploring the beautiful waters and islands of Vava'u. You might take a sailing or boat excursion through the sheltered turquoise waterways, one of the world's finest sailing grounds, snorkelling over pristine, uncrowded reefs teeming with turtles, colourful fish and vibrant coral, cruising to more beautiful islands and deserted cays, and swimming in the warm, clear lagoons. You relax on beautiful, empty beaches, savouring the beauty and seclusion of this idyllic island group. In whale season, a further whale-swimming excursion can be arranged. The beauty of the islands, the clarity of the water and the sense of peaceful seclusion are captivating. As the sun sets over the beautiful waterways, you return to your accommodation for a relaxed dinner, savouring the beauty and warmth of Vava'u. Rest well, reflecting on the extraordinary grand journey you have made across all three island groups of the last kingdom.

Today you enjoy a final, relaxed day savouring the beauty of Vava'u at your own pace. You might take a last snorkel over the vibrant reefs, swim in the warm lagoon, cruise to a final beautiful island or deserted cay, explore the pretty main town of Neiafu and its market for beautiful Tongan handicrafts, tapa cloth and woven mats, or simply relax and soak up the beauty and peace of this idyllic island group. This relaxed final day lets you savour the beauty and warmth of Vava'u and reflect on the grand journey you have made across all three island groups of the last kingdom, royal Tongatapu, pristine Ha'apai and beautiful Vava'u. As the sun sets over the beautiful waterways for the last time, you enjoy a final dinner, savouring the flavours and warmth of Tonga. As the stars fill the clear sky, you reflect on the beauty, heritage and warmth of the last kingdom. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow.

After a final morning in beautiful Vava'u, you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Tongatapu and onward international departure (or direct international departure where available). You leave having truly experienced Tonga in full, across all three island groups, royal Tongatapu with its ancient monuments and living monarchy, the pristine, blissfully empty beaches of remote Ha'apai, and the beautiful islands, hidden caves and turquoise waterways of Vava'u, all wrapped in the famous warmth of the kingdom, and, perhaps, the extraordinary memory of swimming with humpback whales. The images stay vivid long after you land, the ancient trilithon, the empty white beaches, the hidden caves, the whales in the blue water, and the warm Tongan smiles. Tonga, the last Polynesian kingdom, offers beauty, heritage and heartfelt warmth in abundance, and having experienced it in full, you depart with the definitive experience of this beautiful, unspoiled country, already dreaming of a return to these beautiful islands.