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6 Days Cook Island Sampler Tour Package Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights Priced From: $590 pp Dbl. Occ. Dates: Jan - Mar /09 
Itinerary
Day 1 Fly USA to Rarotonga Please note international air from the USA has not been included in the package price.
You will be met after clearing customs and immigration, and transferred to your accommodation. A net of 15 islands in the heart of the South Pacific spread over an area the size of India with a population no bigger than a small New Zealand country town, 14,000 souls. These unique and friendly Polynesians have their own language and government and enjoy a vigorous and diverse culture with significant differences between each island. Despite some 70,000 visitors a year to the capital island – Rarotonga – the ‘Cooks’ are largely unspoiled by tourism. They offer a rare opportunity for people from the cities of the world to experience a different type of vacation. There are no high-rise hotels, only four beach buggies and very little hype. Ideal for travelers seeking more than the usual clichés associated with the South Seas, each island has its unique qualities and offers the visitor a special experience. Day 3 Tour, Rarotonga Circle Island half day Take an orientation journey around the fascinating island of Rarotonga to experience the sights, culture and history of a people and place. Observe coconut husking demonstrations, learn about the many uses the coconut has in the Cook Island society. Your tour guides will teach you all about Rarotonga and its friendly people. As an added bonus, enjoy the musical talents of your tour guides with their ukulele, guitar skills and harmonious voices as we travel around the island together. There are two or three scheduled stops during the Circle Island Tour, giving you the opportunity to experience Cook Island local arts, craft and perfumes. Day 4 Tour, Pa's Nature Walk Join Pa as he takes a guided walking and hiking tour of the interiors of Rarotonga. Learn about the local medicine plants used by his ancestors. Pa will explain the culture of his ancestors as well as some practical applications for the many fauna and flora found along the walk. Days 5-6 At leisure, Rarotonga There is a regular round-the-island bus service which runs in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. Several companies offer bicycle, motor scooters and automobiles for rent. Rarotonga offers much for lovers of the sea, including lagoon cruises, sports fishing, diving and sailing. The lagoon is a focal point of interest for visitors to Rarotonga Not to be missed is Sunday morning service at one of the many churches distributed around the island. Most visitors exposed for the first time to Cook Islands hymn singing are astonished at the power of the voices and the quality of the harmony. The men turn out in their Sunday best and the women are always immaculate in their stiff 'rito' hats made of young coconut fiber. Also not to be missed is the market on the waterfront at the western end of Avarua. This is open every day except Sunday. But on Saturday morning it hums since everyone on the island seems to be there. Stalls sell food, drinks and crafts and there is often a competition for local singers to show off their talents. In addition to its peacefulness, however, Rarotonga offers plenty of excitement for those seeking dancing, music and good companionship. Cabarets, discos and restaurants flourish except late on Saturday night when the Sabbath starts. In the daytime, the main township, Avarua, provides a selection of cafés and bars for those seeking a caffeine fix. The Blue Note, in the same building which once housed the notorious Banana Court bar, serves local coffee and dishes from its wide verandah and offers an uninterrupted view of the harbor. Seafood is a staple of Polynesian cuisine and Rarotonga's restaurants offer traditional as well as island-style dishes. A delicacy is grilled 'mai-mai', the dolphin fish, a speciality at Trader Jack's in Avarua. Eating out is not cheap in Rarotonga, at least not by New Zealand standards. Much of the fare is fairly ordinary but gourmet dining can be found at the Flame Tree in Muri, the Portofino in Tupapa and the Tumunu in Arorangi. The hotels also offer extensive menus and usually a traditional island feast or 'umu kai' with accompanying dancing and drumming. The 'umu kai' is cooked in an earth oven by radiant heat from hot stones. There are lunch and café establishments in Avarua which also provide European and Polynesian meals. Day 7 Fly Rarotonga to USA Today you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Day 8 Arrive USA Hotels Rarotonga
Save time, money and stress! For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by our Cook Island vacation specialist. Contact: Travelwizard.com Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252 3/09 |
Day 2 Welcome to Rarotonga, Cook Islands|
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