After all the planning and preparation the wait is finally over. You will be met at the airport by our team and transferred to your group hotel. After you have had time to settle in and freshen up we will have a full trip and safety briefing outlining your journey. We then head out and start exploring the iconic and cultural highlights such as the statue of Jesus and Pope John Paul II lookout. Our introduction to Dili also includes visits to Santa Cruz Cemetery (site of the student’s massacre by the Indonesian army in 1991) and the Resistance Museum, which showcases the 24 year struggle of the Timor people with interesting displays and a timeline of events. Our next stop is the Chenga exhibition, a fascinating and must see display at the former Indonesian prison where you can learn about the struggles of the East Timorese people. Tonight we will travel to a local restaurant for a welcome dinner. Overnight in Dili

Meals:  D

This morning we rise and pack our bags as we join our boat and travel to the tropical island of Atauro located 30km North of Dili. En-route we keep a keen eye out for dolphin and whale activity as hundreds of Dolphins regularly frequent this area. Situated within the Coral Triangle, Atauro has many scientists quoting it as one of the most diverse waters in the world. Over 600 species have been identified in the region making it an incredible area for snorkeling and diving. On arrival at Atauro island’s Beloi beach we make our way to our guest house. We take a moment to drop our bags and freshen up before we head to the local school to meet the local teachers and students. Overnight Island Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Over the next two days we join with the local school on a cultural connections program. Overnight Island Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we head back to the school and join the students for our cultural connections session. We return to our lodge for lunch and head out to the base of Manucoco, the highest mountain on the island approximately 963m above sea level and the most sacred mountain on the island. We will be able to join a number of walks around the base and on the mountain itself gaining stunning views of our surrounds. Overnight Island Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we rise to a sustaining breakfast before we head out on our walk to Adara Village. Our trek will take us through grasslands, eucalyptus, limestone Arlo Village and expose us to a huge amount of birdlife. On arrival at Adara Village we join a Tara Bandu a “traditional Timorese cultural custom that enforces peace and reconciliation through the power of public agreement to define social norms and practices to a given community”. We will visit the local protected reef and enjoy fresh coconut water and lunch at Mario's place before making our way back to Beloi Beach. Overnight Island Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning after breakfast we have the opportunity to explore Beloi Beach and the arts and crafts markets. We will join a hands on cultural workshop with local artists. After lunch on Beloi beach we join the local NGO Boneca de Atauro. Located on the main road of Vila Maumeta, Boneca de Ataúro is an established women’s co-operative which supports around 60 families. Their well-known brand produces high-quality handmade embroidery and textile design products. With twenty years of experience, the cooperative now produces hundreds of different products, from dolls and educational products to a large collection of trendy handbags and homeware products sewn with passion their dolls are the tiniest ambassadors of Ataúro island and Timor-Leste. We get the meet the ladies at the NGO and learn about the doll making and their processes. This afternoon we join forces with the local school students one last time for a conservation beach clean up where we will work side by side the local students. Lunch at Barry’s Place.

Meals:  B,L,D

After enjoying the hospitality and friendship of the local students we wave farewell and leave pristine island of Atauro and transfer by water taxi back to Dili. On arrival we will check into our hotel and have the afternoon to explore one of the fastest growing cities in Asia. We also have time to relax and take some time to reflect on our journey and new friendships made.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will take a drive to the Railaku coffee area in the Ermera Municipality. On our drive we pass by Tacitolu lakes, the site where Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass on His Holiness visit to East Timor in October 1989 and the May 2002 Independency Celebrations. The Ermera Municipality is a very rugged and sparsely populated countryside. It is the Coffee producing heart of Timor-Leste. With steep hills covered in coffee plantation forest, it offers stunning views towards towering Mt Ramelau in the south. Coffee is a shade loving plant which flourishes beneath the large canopied albezia trees. During the harvest season local people can be seen picking the ripe red coffee cherries that are then spread along the sides of the road and anywhere else flat they can find for drying in the hot sunshine. Later his afternoon we have he opportunity for a swim at the beach and a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals:  B,L,D

Your trip concludes after breakfast with a transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Meals:  B