
CULTURAL TOUR IN THE FABULOUS BANDA ISLANDS
YOU WILL LOVE:
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Discover the culture of the Spice islands
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Stay in a beautiful colonial hotel in Banda Neira
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Go back in history and walk in the footsteps of the Portuguese and Dutch settlers
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Swim in the superb underwater world of the islands of the Banda Sea
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Climb the Gunung Api volcano
Day 1: Ambon airport - Ambon city
Cultural tour in Ambon
You arrive in Ambon airport and meet your driver. You are transferred to your hotel in the city center. After a bit of rest, you head for a cultural tour of Ambon. You visit the Victoria Fortress and the Pattimura statue. You walk to the World Peace Gong and enjoy a stroll down Ambon streets. For dinner, you get to discover the food of Maluku in a typical restaurant.
2 hours drive. Accommodation: Swiss Belhotel Ambon. Meals: full board.
Day 2: Ambon city - Banda Neira
Discovering the land and sea treasures of the Banda Islands
Early pick from your hotel to Ambon airport where you board your flight to Banda Neira. There, you are transferred to a sublime colonial style hotel. You meet your guide and follow him for a pleasant cultural tour of the Banda Neira island. You discover its colonial houses, its forts Nassau and Belgica. The afternoon is spent discovering its underwater treasures this time. You enjoy a snorkeling trip on Karaja island and on the amazing spot of Lava flow. The lava flows of the Gunung Api volcano extend underwater and amazing coral gardens have been growing on them since 1988.
1-hour flight. 1 hour drive. Accommodation: Boutique colonial Hotel. Meals: full board.

Flights to Banda carry 12 passengers, only on Wednesday and Friday

Your charming bedroom
Day 3: Banda Neira
Full day Island hopping: Ay Island, Rhun Island and Naikala Atoll
Your boatman takes you to the famous island of Ay to discover a nutmeg plantation and visit Fort Revenge. Then you head to Rhun Island, which was exchanged by the Dutch for Manhattan in 1660! You end the day with a great snorkeling session among thousands of fish in Nailaka Atoll. Return to the hotel.
30 min drive. Full day excursion. Accommodation: Boutique colonial Hotel. Meals: full board.
Day 4: Banda Neira
Cultural excursion in Banda Besar
It takes only 10 minutes by boat to reach the neighboring island called Banda Besar. Accompanied by your guide, you visit nutmeg plantations, an old Dutch cemetery and the traditional village of Lonthoir. From there, you go for a 15 minute-hike up to the overgrown ruins of Benteng Holandia. Destroyed by an earthquake in 1743, the view from there is amazing. Return to the hotel. The afternoon is at your leisure.
30 min drive. Half day excursion. Accommodation: Boutique colonial Hotel. Meals: full board.

Every meal is a blast of flavors

The culinary delights of your boutique-hotel
Day 5: Banda Neira
Full day snorkeling trip to Hatta Island
Hatta is the most famous island for the quality of its snorkeling! You swim with a multitude of reef fish and colorful corals, turtles, barracudas and even hammerhead sharks! Enjoy the island's beautiful beaches before returning to the hotel.
30 min drive. Full day excursion. Accommodation: Boutique colonial Hotel. Meals: full board.
Day 6: Banda Neira
Put on your hiking boots and set off to conquer the Gunung Api volcano!
A 5-minute boat ride from Banda Neira on the island of Banda Api is the Gunung Api volcano also known as Lewerani. Only 600 of its 4,000 meter height rise above the water. It takes about 1.5 hours to climb it and enjoy the surreal view of volcanic landscapes mixed with a turquoise blue sea. After the effort, it's time to relax on the superb Malole beach. Relaxation and return to the hotel.
30 min drive. Full day excursion. Accommodation: Boutique colonial Hotel. Meals: full board.

Pristine beach of the Maluku archipelago

Banda Api and its volcano
Day 7: Banda Neira - Ambon airport
Last day in the Banda islands
You are transferred to Banda Neira airport for your flight back to Ambon. From there, you should arrange your flight connection to your next destination. End of your trip in Maluku.
15 min drive. Meals: breakfast.

PRICE INCLUDES
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Pick-up & transfers from/to Ambon airport
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Flight tickets from Ambon to Banda Neira, and return
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1 night in Swiss Belhotel Ambon
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5 nights in a colonial boutique-hotel in Banda Neira
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Full board
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Tour as per itinerary
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Cultural tours, land and snorkeling excursions as described
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Private English speaking guide for excursions and tours
PRICE EXCLUDES
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International and any other domestic flights
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Banda Marine park fee of 16€/ person, subject to change
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Covid tests
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International travel & medical insurances
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Scuba dive excursions
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Costs for excess luggage
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Tips
