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9 Days Volcanic Islands of the South Pacific Tour Package Experience a slice of paradise on the sun-drenched, white-sand beaches of this spectacular South Pacific archipelago whose extraordinary natural beauty could never be suitably replicated on any postcard or in any travel magazine. In Tahiti, the largest of the French Polynesian islands, we find a pleasing blend of scenic wonder and historic site of interest: we visit the Arahoho Blowhole, where we watch seawater being explosively expelled from an old lava tube; we spend time in the Gauguin museum and the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands; we explore the sea-formed cave of Maraa Grotto; and we tour the historic centres of the capital, Papeete. Off the coast of Moorea, we set sail for a short boat trip across luminescent emerald and azure waters, enjoying spectacular vistas of volcanic mountains and lush green pastures; and hiking the trails of Moorea yields yet more perspectives of the beauty of this largely untouched island. Jetting over to Bora Bora, a Land Rover tour allows us to cover considerable distances and get the most out of our last couple of days in this wonderland. Tour Itinerary Day 1 Arrival in Tahiti Today we arrive in Papeete, Tahiti, the heart of French Polynesia, and one of the most distant departments of France. As most flights tend to arrive in the morning, this afternoon we will have a leisurely tour of the historic port city of Papeete and its vibrant waterfront. If you arrive later, we'll see you at dinner. NOTE: The hotels listed in this itinerary are our preferred properties. On occasion, due to availability problems, periodic closures for maintenance, or other circumstances beyond our control, we may have to substitute hotels of similar standard. Overnight near Papeete. Royal Tahitien (or similar). Dinner if required. Day 2 Papeete - Island Tour - Papeete Today we discover Tahiti on a coach tour around the island. We stop at points of interest both scenic and historic. We begin with the east coast of the island, stopping at Point Venus, the landing site for European discoverers and evangelists. In Tiara we will see the Arahoho Blowhole where the sea is pressed into an old lava tube, then explodes in a sudden noisy spray. We will then cross the isthmus of Taravao where the big island is joined to its peninsula, and arrive at the Paul Gauguin Museum. The museum is a remarkable memorial to the late French artist, an open book on this great artist's life and works. We visit the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands, set in a lagoonside coconut grove with a gorgeous view of Moorea. We can have lunch at the Gauguin Museum Restaurant (not included) before or after visiting the museum and garden. We continue to the West Coast with a stop at the Maraa Grotto where overhead springs drip through a ceiling of ferns into a cool, romantic cave formed by the sea. Giant elephant ear plants and 'taro' grace the entrance. We return to our hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight near Papeete. Royal Tahitien (or similar). Breakfast and dinner. Day 3 Papeete - Moorea: Island Tour This morning we travel to Moorea by ferry (less than one hour). Upon arrival to Moorea Island (pronounced MOE-oh-ray-ah) in the heart of French Polynesia, you will immediately be awestruck by it's natural beauty. Its jagged peaks, cloaked in lush greenery and encircled by the deep blue of the ocean and sky are everyone's dream of Polynesia. Located a mere 19 km (12 mi) west of the island of Tahiti, Moorea is a triangular shaped island encircled by a lagoon of translucent green, fringed by an azure blue sea. This afternoon we have a circle island tour of Moorea. We will explore the natural and human sides of this French and Polynesian island; emerald green pastures with the volcanic mountains of Mouaputa and Rotui as their backdrop. Just between Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay (which are two great photo ops), we stop at "The Jus de Fruits de Moorea" (Fruit Juices of Moorea) factory and taste the intoxicating or non-alcoholic juices that they have to offer. You may purchase vanilla beans, pineapples, tee shirts, mango tea and other various souvenirs. We drive up to the Belvedere for a breathtaking view of the twin bays of Opunohu and Paopao. Overnight on Moorea. Hotel Hibiscus (or similar). Breakfast and dinner. Day 4 Moorea: Lagoon Trip A covered boat ride takes us into beautiful Moorea Lagoon where we can swim, snorkel and relax in the splendour of this tropical setting. The intoxicating beauty of the Moorea lagoon's underworld will inspire you! We return to the hotel for dinner (lunch also included today). Overnight on Moorea. Hotel Hibiscus (or similar). All meals. Day 5 Moorea Today is free to enjoy this beautiful place. Moorea offers some spectacular hiking. Two short hikes lead to the Afareaitu waterfalls. You can get there by car followed by a 30-minute walk. A 2-hour hike, starts in Vaiare, brings you to the crest between Mount Tearai and Mount Mouaputa, then goes down the valley to reach Paopao in Cook's Bay. Beautiful view points are found along this trail, especially to Tahiti and pineapples plantations. Another, but very tiring hike is the Three Coconut Trees Trail opening on breath-taking panoramic views on the 2 bays separated by Mount Rotui and on a clear day, all the way to Tetiaroa. Your Tour Leader and / or hotel staff can help you plan your day. Overnight on Moorea. Hotel Hibiscus (or similar). Breakfast and dinner. Day 6 Moorea - Bora Bora After a short mid-morning flight to the storied island of Bora Bora we check into our resort. In the afternoon you can explore this mountainous island setting on your own. Two towering peaks of sheer black rock dominate the center of the island and make an impressive backdrop to an assortment of blue waters that will dazzle the eyes. Overnight on Bora Bora. Novotel Bora Bora (or similar). Breakfast and dinner. Day 7 Bora Bora: LandRover Tour This morning we make an excursion up Otemanu Mountain and to all the wild spots of Bora Bora aboard a specially equipped 4x4 jeep. We discover the interior mountains by LandRover on unexpected trails through luscious vegetation to spectacular panoramic views. We visit historic sites left by the American military during World War II and learn traditional Polynesian life. Bora Bora is located 240 km (150 mi) from Tahiti and accessible by plane or ship. Bora Bora consists of a main island, two smaller volcanic isles (Toopua and Toopuaiti) and numerous flat coral islets (also known as motus) that fashion a semi-circular wreath around half of the main island. Overlooking the main island of Bora Bora is the volcanic peak Otemanu. Measuring 718 m (2,300 feet), it is sometimes crowned with a gentle wreath of clouds. Balance of the day at leisure. Overnight on Bora Bora. Novotel Bora Bora (or similar). Breakfast and dinner. Day 8 Bora Bora Today is free. You may want to take an optional glass-bottom boat tour. You can discover the beauty of Bora Bora waters, including exotic fish, colourful coral and the dazzling vista of flora and fauna that make this one of the most stunning islands in the Pacific (2.5 hours). Other optional tours are available during our time on Bora Bora, including snorkelling excursions, diving opportunities, helicopter tours, horseback riding or hiking trips, etc (payable locally, subject to availability). Overnight on Bora Bora. Novotel Bora Bora (or similar). Breakfast and dinner. Day 9 Bora Bora - Papeete - Depart After a free morning to explore and relax in exotic Bora Bora, we fly to Papeete. We have a chance to rest up in our day rooms (noon / 18:00) before our late evening departure to the airport. Breakfast. Save time, money and stress! For reservations: Fill out the vacation planner to be contacted by our Tahiti vacation specialist. Contact: Travelwizard.com Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252 11/09 |
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