13-DAY MELANESIA & POLYNESIA: ISLAND CULTURES & CORAL COASTS

Lautoka is situated on the western side of Viti Levu, the largest island in Fiji, and just 20 km north of Nadi. The Fiji archipelago lies just to the western side of the International Date Line. Lautoka is Fiji's second largest city. Read more about Lautoka, Fiji

Apia (pop. 37,000), city and capital of Samoa, is located on the northern shore of Upolu Island in the South Pacific Ocean. Samoa (Western Samoa to 1997) consists of two main islands and four smaller islands. Read more about Apia, Samoa

Aitutaki - aka Araura, Ararau, Utataki - is one of the Cook Islands, 250 km north of the main island, Rarotonga. Bounded by a triangular barrier reef, Aitutaki boasts one of the most famous lagoons in the world and which is home to a large number of fish, hence making it a favourite spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. The lagoon is four times the area of the main island, and inside the lagoon are fifteen islets each its own paradise. Read more about Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Huahine is an island located among the Society Islands, and is arguably the most picturesque island in all of French Polynesia. It actually consists of two islands, Huahine-Nui (big) and Huahine Iti (little) interconnected by a bridge. With steep mountains descending into protected bays of azure blue and emerald green colours, the island is also one of the more geographically diverse of the Society Group. Read more about Huahine, French Polynesia

The city of Papeete (Tahitian Pape'ete; pop. 27,000) is the capital of Tahiti, the largest of the French Polynesian Islands. With its pleasant warm tropical climate, city-lovers will enjoy Papeete's chic shops, specialist stores and boutiques, together with the lively mix of French, Polynesian, and Chinese cultures. Read more about Papeete, French Polynesia