Evening departure gives you overnight travel and an early arrival into Port Vila so you maximize day one. Check flight duration and if direct or one-stop when booking.
Clear immigration and take a short taxi and resort boat shuttle to Erakor Island Resort; drop bags and freshen up — most hotels will hold luggage if room not ready.
Visit the lively Port Vila Market (open ~06:00am–14:00pm) to see local produce, handicrafts and fresh fish — great for inexpensive souvenirs and a first taste of local life.
Explore exhibits on kastom, history and traditional artifacts; the Cultural Centre (typically open 09:00am–16:00pm) gives essential cultural context for the week.
Join an organised cultural village visit (many departures mid-afternoon) to watch traditional dances (meke), experience a kava ceremony and learn about kastom; these tours usually run ~2–3 hours and are guided by local hosts.
Short shuttle to Hideaway Island (boat service ~8:00am–16:00pm) for world-class fringing reefs, snorkeling trails and the novelty Underwater Post Office; perfect morning for clear water and marine life.
Return to Port Vila for an afternoon artisanal workshop with a local maker — learn basket weaving or shell-craft and support community artisans (bookable through the market or Cultural Centre).
Take an organised boat/passenger-ferry tour (8:30am–16:30pm typical) visiting secluded coves, the famous Blue Lagoon swimming holes and a neighbouring village for a guided kastom experience and photo stops — a great combination of sightseeing and cultural connection.
Join a local boat tour for quiet beaches, snorkel spots and brief visits to small island villages where community-run eco or cultural initiatives are hosted — guides explain kastom and daily island life.
Join a guided cooking class that begins with a market tour (market open ~06:00–14:00) to source local ingredients then continues with a hands-on lesson in preparing laplap and other kastom dishes; most classes run ~3–4 hours.
An easy late-afternoon boat trip to a nearby coastal village for a guided walk and conversation with village hosts; organised so no car is required and focused on learning about daily life.
Take the short shuttle into town to visit a local art gallery and pick up higher-quality handicrafts from vetted sellers (galleries often open ~09:00–16:00).
Half-hour guided stop at a nearby lookout for panoramic photos and a short historical walk highlighting local landmarks; confirm tour times at your resort desk.
Visit a friendly kava bar to experience the ceremonial drink in a respectful setting (evening hours vary; many open from late afternoon), or opt for a last harbour-side dinner with live music.