There are places on earth that can only be reached on a small expedition ship like the HANSEATIC spirit. Destinations seemingly not of this world lie to the north-east of Australia. First, you will head to the island state of Palau comprising more than 300 islands. On Koror, let yourself be enchanted by a boat tour through the “floating gardens” of the Rock Islands*, whose green limestone islands rise up out of the sea like mushrooms, or by a scenic flight over the island world*.

Colourful natural treasures, mystical rituals and hundreds of different languages: with insider knowledge and numerous lectures, your team of experts on board will prepare you for the island state of Papua New Guinea, which seems to have been forgotten by civilisation. A picture-book world with azure skies, turquoise sea and lush green jungle lies before you. Exotic encounters await you in the small settlement of Vanimo – once a station for merchant ships belonging to Indonesian princes and still inaccessible by land. With the Zodiacs, you will penetrate deep into lush green forests on the Sepik River and its side arms. Accompanied by the sounds of the jungle, you will land at the small village of Kopar and take part in local life for a while.

Madang is your starting point for a flight to the Goroka Highlands*, where you can witness the archaic rites of the “mudmen” and immerse yourself in the culture of the former warriors.

The remote coral atoll Tambiu Island is full of originality and mystery as well. The Zodiacs will take you into a world where communal life is celebrated in colourful ceremonies. With the robust motorised rubber boats, you will also explore the region of Tufi – with its green fjord landscapes, rugged stretches of land and active volcano Mount Victory.

The Trobriand Islands are also called the “islands of love”. Will your heart beat here for the masks, grass skirts and feathers worn by the inhabitants? Or how about a rendezvous with the fabulous underwater world? After a welcome ceremony with beautifully adorned dancers on Kaileuna, the second largest island in the archipelago, you will gain an insight into the yam houses. A declaration of love for village traditions opens up Kitawa to you: the custom of exchanging rings continues to this day here, with bracelets and necklaces made from mussels.

Discover the green heart of Fergusson Island as you walk with your experts through dense eucalyptus forests to hot springs and geysers. This is what paradise on earth must look like: after landing, the small volcanic and coral islands of the Louisiade Archipelago will awaken a pure South Seas feeling in you as you go swimming and snorkelling.

The HANSEATIC spirit will also take you to the legendary Solomon Islands – the archipelago is both hospitable and enigmatic with its remote beaches and often mysterious cultures. At over 2,300 m (7,546 ft), Mount Popomanaseu dominates the island of Guadalcanal, where you will take in the deeply rooted traditions of its inhabitants. In Honiara, the capital of the island kingdom, delicate inlay work on eaves, gables and canoes, among other things, bears witness to this. Off Roderick Bay you will explore the wreck of the "World Discoverer" in a Zodiac. After your Zodiac landing on the beach of Santa Ana Island, you will be greeted by “warriors” with spears and invited to the village square with traditional dances. Enjoy the honour of being welcomed by the village elder on Nendo and be swept away by the most colourful dance performances of the region. Exoticism and adventure – on this expedition, both combine to create a fantastic experience.