Discover your own island inspiration in the destination that enchanted painter Paul Gauguin, author James A. Michener, and countless others. In one wonderful week, you’ll explore the best of the South Pacific, with stops in lush Huahine, beautiful Bora Bora, and postcard-perfect Moorea. Once you’ve made these islands your home - even if just for a week - they’ll always be calling for you to return.
Inclusions
- Roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui
- 1 night Intercontinental Tahiti Resort, Lagoon view Room
- All airport to pier transfers
- 7 Nights aboard the Paul Gauguin cruising Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Taha'a, and Bora Bora
- Select a room category according that fits your budget
- All shipboard meals in a choice of three venues, including 24-hour room service
- Beverages, including beer and select wines and spirits
- Onboard gratuities for room stewards and dining/bar staff
- A day at our private islet, Motu Mahana
- Access to our private beach in Bora Bora
- Select watersports
Itinerary
Day 1 - Depart US -
Tahiti
Ask about our option in Business class airfare. On arrival you will
be greeted with a traditional Tahitian Lei welcome before being
transferred to and spending your first night at
the Intercontinental Tahiti Resort, Lagoon view Room.
Accommodation - Recently renovated and decorated in traditional Polynesian style, the resort has a total of 271 rooms and bungalows settled in the heart of a magnificent tropical garden and its two spectacular infinity pools. Located on the sunny West coast of Tahiti, the resort has its private sand beach and lagoon. Polynesian dance shows and live music performed every night in the restaurant opening out on the water’s edge. The resort is just over a mile (2 km) from the airport, (important when you arrive late after a long flight) and the capital and port city, Papeete, are about six miles (10 km) down the road.
Day 2 - Embark the m/s Paul
Gauguin in Papeete, Tahiti, Society
Islands
The islands of Polynesia are a
gorgeous collection of volcanic atolls strewn across the grand
Pacific Ocean, and the island of Tahiti is the largest of all 118.
Explore the dynamic dining, nightlife, and shopping in the capital
city of Papeete before embarking on The Gauguin.
m/s Paul Gauguin - Designed specifically to glide in luxury through the shallow seas of the South Pacific, The Gauguin is a small-ship cruiser’s dream. She delivers travelers to intimate ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships, all the while providing a travel experience that is nothing short of luxurious. Once on board, guests enjoy newly-decorated spacious suites and staterooms (more than 70% with private balconies), an onboard watersports marina, three dining venues, an extensive spa, and five-star service. Life on The Gauguin also reflects the beauty and rich cultural heritage of the islands she calls upon, with a warm, friendly feel, informal setting, and even a beloved troupe of Les Gauguin and Les Gauguines—local Tahitians who serve as onboard hosts and hostesses, entertainers, and storytellers.
Day 3 - Huahine, Society
Islands
Your first port of call is Huahine,
known as “The Garden Island” for its lush rainforests
and dramatic terrain. While here, you can cruise the expansive
lagoon, explore the island's culture, or picnic on the beach.
Day 4 - Taha'a (Motu Mahana),
Society Islands
Embark on your choice of
exciting shore excursions today, or spend your whole day relaxing
on Motu Mahana, our very own private islet. Enjoy swimming,
snorkeling, and kayaking, or simply lounge on the beach with a
chilled beverage from our floating bar. Les Gauguines will also be
on hand to provide musical entertainment and demonstrate
traditional Polynesian crafts. A delicious barbecue lunch is
provided.
Day 5 & 6 - Bora
Bora
Immediately recognizable by Mount Otemanu
rising from the ocean, this half-atoll, half-mountain is surrounded
by a spectacular lagoon and a series of smaller islands. Ancient
Polynesians called it Parapora, or “firstborn,” because
they thought it was the first island created after Raiatea.
Day 7 -
Moorea
Vibrant colors abound during the
leisurely days in Moorea, in everything from fresh fruits and
flowers to multi-hued lagoons, and from spectacular mountain peaks
to palm-fringed beaches. Shop for local handicrafts, embark on an
optional dolphin-watching expedition with a marine biologist, and
sample the local pineapples, said to be the most delicious in all
of French Polynesia.
Day 8 -
Moorea, Society Islands / Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands / depart
for US
Tahiti’s capital city of Papeete welcomes you back with
emerald hillsides, sapphire waters, and warm breezes. Transter to
airport and depart on your international flight to the US.
Day 9 - Arrive US
Conditions
Starting from prices are per person based on double occupancy departures from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Add-on fares are available from other cities. Certain black out dates apply on the accommodation and tour value add offers - check with your Aspire consultant. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight. Hotels are subject to availability. All prices reflect a discount for purchases made by cash/wire transfer/check, please see terms and conditions for credit card payments. There are no discounts for payment made by credit cards. Cancellation penalties and other restrictions apply.