Sydney to Papeete

Sydney, capital of New South Wales and one of Australia's largest cities, is best known for its harbourfront Sydney Opera House, with a distinctive sail-like design. Massive Darling Harbour and the smaller Circular Quay port are hubs of waterside life, with the arched Harbour Bridge and esteemed Royal Botanic Garden nearby. Sydney Tower’s outdoor platform, the Skywalk, offers 360-degree views of the city and suburbs.

Brisbane, the third largest city in Australia, is the state capital of Queensland and the most populous city of Queensland. The settlement grew from an original penal colony, established in 1825. Free settlers were permitted in 1842 and Queensland was proclaimed a separate colony in 1859. Due to its growing live music scene, Brisbane was nominated as one of the Top 5 International Music Hotspots by Billboard magazine in 2007.

Nouméa is the capital of the South Pacific archipelago and overseas French territory New Caledonia. Situated on the main island, Grand Terre, it's known for beaches and its blend of French and native Kanak influences. The Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre showcases Kanak heritage, and the Musée de Nouvelle-Calédonie has exhibits from across the Pacific region. The Aquarium des Lagons introduces local marine life.

Vanuatu has been inhabited for thousands of years, the oldest archaeological evidence dating to 2000 BC. In 1605, the Portuguese explorer Pedro Fernández de Quirós became the first European to reach the islands, believing it to be part of Terra Australis. Europeans began settling the islands in the late 18th century, after British explorer James Cook visited the islands on his second voyage, and gave them the name New Hebrides. Nestled in the verdant embrace of Erakor Rainforest, discover the ancient folklore and culture of a Melanesian village. Hike to the top of a 65-foot cascading waterfall, and enjoy a refreshing swim in a rock pool and incomparable views. Embark on a sailing yacht bound for the Pango Peninsula and snorkel the turquoise waters of Paradise Cove. Markets sell everything from island jewelry to gorgeous handicraft bags, to traditional sarongs.

The Fiji archipelago consists of tiny coral atolls and mountainous forest-clad islands of volcanic origin, and is famed for its aquamarine waters and white sand beaches. Lautoka, meaning “spear-hit” or “hit to win,” was named that as a result of an argument between two chiefs. It is sited in the western side of the largest island in Fiji. The city is surrounded with the blue Pacific Ocean on the western side and green gold sugar cane and pine trees on the other sides.

Located on Tutuila, the largest of the Samoan islands in the South Pacific Ocean, Pago Pago is the capital of American Samoa. First settled by the Polynesians around 600 BC, the islands became a territory of the US in 1900. An important coaling station and naval base, the Pago Pago harbor proved to be of strategic importance during World War II. Today its beauty and ecological diversity make it a popular tourist destination.

Rarotonga is the largest of the Cook Islands, a nation of 15 islands in the central South Pacific. Volcanic peaks, ridges and rainforest dominate its interior. A 32km, round-the-island road links the beaches, coastal lagoon and reefs that make scuba diving and snorkeling popular. The Cross-Island Track is a rugged hiking trail that passes 650m Te Rua Manga peak, or "The Needle."

The islands of Polynesia are a gorgeous collection of volcanic islands and atolls strewn lazily across the grand Pacific Ocean. The island of Tahiti proper is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that comprise French Polynesia. Papeete, the modern capital of Tahiti and her islands, contains government offices, hospitals, banks and many other services dedicated to serving the islands as well as tourists who come to these islands for a life-enriching experience.

The islands of Polynesia are a gorgeous collection of volcanic islands and atolls strewn lazily across the grand Pacific Ocean. The island of Tahiti proper is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that comprise French Polynesia. Papeete, the modern capital of Tahiti and her islands, contains government offices, hospitals, banks and many other services dedicated to serving the islands as well as tourists who come to these islands for a life-enriching experience.