For two centuries the island of Tahiti has exercised a magical power over the minds of men. All the lure of the South Pacific is summed up in its name – the lure that captivated artists like Gauguin and writers like Stevenson, and can still sway the world-weary travellers of today.
Only in Tahiti… You will begin to thinking this at the very moment of arrival. As your boat will pull into dock, a group of French-shouting Chinese water-skiers sported in the lagoon around you. Along the quai sped a motor scooter carrying a man, a woman, a baby and a live pig. And on the kerb nearby sat a classically ragged and whiskered tramp holding a golden-capped bottle of champagne.
Then comes the first evening, and dinner at the rooftop restaurant of Papeete’s Grand Hotel. The bounties that appeared were enough to make eyes pop and stomach gurgle. In a gourmand’s trance you may dine on pate Strasbourg, langouste (avec Chablis), Chateaubriand et artichaut (avec Pommard), camembert, et café (avec cognac). And the trance will be no less euphoric by the fact that you will be served by a Tahitian vahine with golden skin, waist-length black hair, and a yellow hibiscus behind each ear. As you will slip your cognac she will sit down beside you, introduce her, and enquired if you have enjoyed your meal. It might be the climax of your life, you will assure her… And now that it will be over, what will be your plans for the evening? Well-er-they are a bit vague. In fact, you have no plans… ‘So we go dancing at Quinn’s’ might ask the Tahitian vahine. And you will go dancing at Quinn’s.
Some dreams are private, one’s very own. Others are in the public domain. Over the past few centuries in the Western world, none had beguiled the minds of men more potently than the Dream of the South Seas; and within the larger dream, the heart, and the essence has been the island to which you now have come. Be well aware that you are neither the first nor the tenth nor the ten thousandth traveller to say, ‘Only in Tahiti-‘
Almost two centuries ago its first European visitors – the men who sailed with Wallis, Bougainville, and Cook – came and landed and looked about then, and were never again quite the same for the experience. Its charms, feminine and otherwise, were the direct cause, with slight assistance from Captain Bligh of the mutiny on the Bounty. And through all the years since Tahiti has had a magical lure for generations of bemused pilgrims. In early days it was the haven de luxe for ship-jumping sailors and whalers-and, on the other face of the coin, the toughest challenge a missionary could meet this side of the Day of Judgment.
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Itinerary
Day 1 Embark the m/s Paul Gauguin in Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands
Begin your voyage through paradise in the capital of Tahiti, the largest and most populated of the French Polynesian islands. Here you'll embark the luxurious yet casual m/s Paul Gauguin. With an endless choice of things to do, from relaxing poolside with a book to playing the slots in the casino, you will never be bored.
Day 2 Huahine
Today, you'll call on Huahine, known as the “Garden Island” for its lush rainforests and dramatic terrain. While here, you might explore the island’s sacred sites and legendary landmarks that are among the best-preserved archaeological remains in French Polynesia. Enjoy snorkeling or SCUBA diving in the expansive lagoon. Or picnic on the beach.
Day 3 Taha'a (Motu Mahana)
Motu Mahana, an islet adjacent to Taha'a, is our very own South Seas paradise, featuring white-sand beaches with swaying palms, crystal-clear waters, and gentle breezes. As an exclusive Paul Gauguin Cruises event, you will spend a full day on this idyllic island, pursuing your own pleasures from swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in the turquoise lagoon to playing volleyball, learn Tahitian cooking secrets, or simply relaxing on the beach. Also included is a delicious barbecue lunch and Polynesian entertainment featuring strolling musicians and singers.
Day 4 Bora Bora
Pulitzer Prize-winning author James Michener called Bora Bora “the most beautiful island in the world.” Dominated by towering Mount Otemanu and surrounded by a lagoon protected by low-lying coral reefs, this is indeed a spectacular destination. You’ll have two days to discover this quintessential Pacific paradise. Perhaps you’ll explore its exquisite lagoon on a snorkeling tour or underwater walk, enjoy a bird’s-eye view on a helicopter tour, or thrill to a sunset tour by jetboat. A romantic overnight at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is also available.
Day 5 Bora Bora
Explore more of this magical isle on your own or on a choice of optional shore excursions. Choose from several, such as a jitney tour on “Le Truck,” a 4-wheel-drive safari, or a glass-bottom boat ride. As The Gauguin sets sail before dinner, enjoy beautiful views of the island, followed by a relaxing evening on board.
Day 6 Moorea
Graced with an abundance of fresh fruits and flowers, spectacular mountain peaks, peaceful multi-hued lagoons, and palm-fringed beaches, Moorea boasts an awesome beauty that is unsurpassed. During your visit, you might wish to shop for local crafts, embark on a dolphin-watching expedition with a marine biologist and witness these fascinating animals in their amazing natural habitat, or try out some of the local pineapples, said to be the most delicious in all of French Polynesia. An overnight here affords us two full days to explore the gorgeous island.
Day 7 Moorea/Papeete (Tahiti)
Graced with an abundance of fresh fruits and flowers, spectacular mountain peaks, peaceful multihued lagoons, and palm-fringed beaches, Moorea boasts an awesome beauty that is unsurpassed. During your visit, you might wish to shop for local crafts, embark on a dolphin-watching expedition with a marine biologist and witness these fascinating animals in their amazing natural habitat, or try out some of the local pineapples, said to be the most delicious in all of French Polynesia. Late this afternoon, The Gauguin cruises to Papeete, docking for the night.
Day 8 Disembark in Papeete
Cap off your epic journey where it all began. You won't be the same as when you first set sail – these exotic isles are said to touch people in magical ways. If you want to explore more of this side of paradise, perhaps you will choose our pre- and post-cruise hotel programs in Bora Bora, Moorea, Taha'a, and Papeete.
For assisted tour booking and customization according to your requirement, please call: +91 33 4046 4646
Price on request
As suggested and to be customized as per request
Terms & Conditions Applied
For assisted tour booking and customization according to your requirement, please call: +91 33 4046 4646
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