Highlights of Tonga: Tongatapu & Vava'u

Today you explore the fascinating heritage of Tongatapu, the ancient heart of the kingdom. You see the beautiful Victorian-era Royal Palace, a graceful white timber building by the sea, seat of the Tongan kings, and the Royal Tombs (Mala'ekula), where modern monarchs rest. You then journey to the extraordinary ancient monuments of the island: the mysterious Ha'amonga 'a Maui, a colossal stone trilithon often called the 'Stonehenge of the Pacific', its purpose still debated, awe-inspiring to stand before, and the monumental langi, great terraced stone tombs of the ancient Tu'i Tonga kings, speaking of a powerful ancient civilisation. Your guide brings the deep history of the Tu'i Tonga empire and the living monarchy vividly to life. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having explored the ancient monuments and royal heritage of the last Polynesian kingdom, immersed in Tonga's fascinating history and enduring pride.

Today you explore the dramatic coast and natural wonders of Tongatapu. The highlight is the spectacular Mapu'a 'a Vaea blowholes on the south-west coast, where the powerful ocean surges through countless natural blowholes and erupts in a spectacular row of towering jets of spray, sometimes dozens at once, stretching for hundreds of metres along the coast, thundering and whistling, an awe-inspiring display of the ocean's power. You also visit other beautiful spots around the island, perhaps the ancient Captain Cook landing site, the natural coral 'Ana'ahu' arches and coastal terraces, the sacred flying-fox colony at Kolovai, where thousands of fruit bats hang in the trees, and beautiful beaches for a swim. The dramatic coast, natural wonders and beautiful beaches of Tongatapu are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having experienced the spectacular natural beauty of the island. Relax this evening, savouring the warmth of Tonga.

Today is yours to relax or explore further, at the gentle pace of the kingdom. If it is a Sunday, you experience the beautiful Tongan Sabbath, when the island rests and the air fills with glorious church singing, whole congregations raising their voices in soaring harmony, a deeply moving experience, followed perhaps by a traditional Sunday umu (earth oven) feast. On other days, you might relax on a beautiful Tongatapu beach or offshore islet such as Pangaimotu, swimming and snorkelling in the clear lagoon, explore the lively Talamahu market and craft shops of Nuku'alofa, or take an optional day trip to the nearby island of 'Eua, with its ancient rainforest, dramatic cliffs and hiking. The relaxed pace lets you soak up the warm, authentic atmosphere of the kingdom. As the day ends, you return to your hotel. Rest well, for tomorrow you fly to the beautiful islands of Vava'u.

Today you fly north to beautiful Vava'u, a stunning archipelago of forested islands, hidden caves and sheltered turquoise waterways, one of the finest sailing grounds in the Pacific. On arrival at the pretty harbour town of Neiafu, you transfer to your accommodation, beautifully set among the islands and waterways. Neiafu, set on one of the most beautiful harbours in the Pacific, is the laid-back heart of Vava'u, a charming town of yachts, cafes and a lively market. This afternoon you settle in and begin to explore, perhaps taking in the beautiful views over the harbour and islands from a hilltop or the town, strolling the waterfront, and soaking up the relaxed, beautiful atmosphere of this sailing paradise. As the sun sets over the beautiful harbour and forested islands, you settle into your accommodation, immersed in the beauty and peace of Vava'u, and the anticipation of exploring its islands, caves and reefs builds.

A full day exploring the beautiful islands, hidden caves and pristine reefs of Vava'u by boat. You cruise the sheltered turquoise waterways, weaving among the forested islands, and discover Vava'u's famous caves, including the extraordinary Swallows' Cave, a vast sea cave you can enter by boat, its clear waters glowing an ethereal blue and its walls alive with swiftlets, and, for the adventurous, the hidden Mariner's Cave, reached by diving through an underwater passage into a hidden chamber. You anchor at beautiful, secluded beaches and pristine reefs, snorkelling over vibrant coral gardens teeming with colourful fish, swimming in the warm, clear turquoise water, and lazing on empty sands. The beauty of the forested islands, turquoise waters, hidden caves and pristine reefs is captivating. As the day ends, you cruise back to Neiafu, having explored the stunning island world of Vava'u. Relax this evening, savouring the beauty of one of the finest sailing grounds in the Pacific.

A day experiencing more of the beauty and culture of Vava'u. You might explore the island's traditional villages, learning about Tongan culture and daily life, and see traditional crafts such as tapa (bark cloth) making and fine mat weaving, visit beautiful viewpoints, gardens and coastal spots, such as the dramatic 'Ene'io botanical garden or coastal blowholes, and relax on a beautiful beach or take another gentle snorkel or swim in the clear lagoon. You experience the warm hospitality of the Vava'u people and the laid-back, beautiful atmosphere of the archipelago. If you are travelling in whale season (July to October), you may have the chance to take an optional licensed whale-swimming or whale-watching tour, one of the world's great wildlife experiences. As the sun sets over the beautiful islands for the last time, you enjoy a final Vava'u evening, reflecting on the beauty and warmth you have experienced. Rest well, for tomorrow you fly back to Tongatapu.

This morning you bid a fond farewell to beautiful Vava'u and fly back to Tongatapu, taking in a final aerial view of the beautiful islands and turquoise waters. On arrival, depending on your flight time, you may have a little time to relax or pick up last souvenirs, Tongan tapa cloth, carvings or woven crafts, before being transferred to Fua'amotu Airport for your onward international departure. You leave having experienced the very best of Tonga, the ancient monuments, royal heritage and dramatic blowholes of Tongatapu, and the beautiful islands, hidden caves, turquoise waters and pristine reefs of Vava'u, all wrapped in the warmth of Tongan culture. The images stay vivid long after you land, the mysterious trilithon, the erupting blowholes, the ethereal blue of Swallows' Cave, the forested islands and turquoise waters, and the glorious church singing and warm smiles of the Tongan people. Tonga, the last Polynesian kingdom, offers heritage, beauty and warmth in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this fascinating, welcoming kingdom.