Sailing aboard a luxurious small ship you explore the distinct cultures, timeless traditions, crystal-clear lagoons, secluded inlets and stunning white sand beaches of the South Pacific.

The South Pacific is dappled with some of the world's most remote and spectacular islands and atolls, accessible only by small ship. Join this voyage and visit the gems of Polynesia and Melanesia, where the culture is as warm, colourful and enchanting as the surrounding natural world.

Your voyage begins in Fiji where you will find world-class snorkelling and diving in Bequa's beautiful waters. As you dive into the warm water, watch quietly as schools of Angel Clownfish meander through a maze of thriving, colourful coral. You will watch in disbelief as Sawau tribesman walk seemingly painlessly over searing hot stones reaching 650 degreesC in a fire-walking ceremony, a tradition passed down through generations. Hundreds of waterfalls crash down around the coastline of Taveunie, a beautiful island and home to Bouma National Park, Fiji's most pristine mistenshrouded rainforest.

While on Savai'i, the largest and yet one of the most unspoiled of the Polynesian islands, you explore ancient ruins, roaring waterfalls, virgin rainforest, white beaches, black lava fields, massive volcanoes and witness traditional Samoan life.

Believe it or not, all 50 inhabitants of the island of Palmerston are descendants of the English ships carpenter and barrel maker, William Marsters. Marsters arrived on the island in 1863 with two Polynesian wives. He quickly added a third wife and propagated a large family of 21 children before he died at 78. Old English (with a distinct Gloucestershire accent!) is still spoken on Palmerston today.

Your small ship will take you to the lesser visited outer island of Atiu, also known as Enuamanu or 'the Land of the Birds'. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare Kakerori or Rarotongan Flycatcher. The Atiuans were once fierce warriors, known to attack, slaughter and eat their neighbours. Today their cuisine is a more traditional mix of bananas, citrus fruit, paw paws, breadfruit, coconut and fish.

Archaeologists have found evidence of human habitation on Huahine dating from over 1,300 years ago, and the island is home to over 200 ancient marae stone temples just waiting to be explored. Huahine is also known as 'the garden island' for its lush, green tropical foliage. Small villages and groves of almond and acacia trees dot the coast. You will also have a chance to snorkel in the island's beautiful lagoon.

Your journey ends in Papeete, a place once immortalised by the artist Gaugin, with its 150 year-old market - a cacophony of colours, smells and sounds.