Cook Islands and Society Islands

• Day 1 Papeete (Tahiti)
  Embark Le Paul Gauguin.
• Day 2 Huahine (Society Islands)
  Huahine is actually two islands, Huahine Iti and Huahine Nui, and the ship anchors between the two in Maroe Bay. This strikingly beautiful pair of islands boasts a crystalline lagoon, colorful villages, and a wealth of Polynesian archaeological sites. Rising 2,200 feet above the sea, Mount Turi is the islands' high point and provides a dramatic backdrop. While you're here, you can cruise the lagoon, explore the island's culture, or picnic on the beach. More vigorous pursuits including a hill trek are available options.
• Day 3 At sea
  A day at sea with time to lie on deck in the sun beside the pool, play table tennis, visit the Reading Gallery to find out more about the South Pacific, or meet up with fellow passengers in the comfortable public spaces on board.
• Day 4 Aitutaki (Cook Islands)
  Aitutaki lies at the corner of a large triangular lagoon, scattered with tiny islets, or "motu". The diving and snorkelling at the nearby marine reserve is superb, and the island has numerous ancient marae open to visitors. Uninhabited, palm-clad islets (motus) dot the reef, and even the main island is only eight square miles in area. Bask in the sun and enjoy breath-taking views of the shimmering lagoon during a lagoon cruise and beach visit. Or venture to a nearby marine reserve for some snorkeling. Arutanga village is the island's town, home to the oldest church in the Cooks, which dates from 1829.
• Day 5 Rarotonga
  Call today at Rarotonga, capital of the Cook Islands and the most mountainous of the group. Although this is one of the most beautiful places in the world to do nothing, there are numerous options for getting as active as you want. Snorkel in the crystalline waters of Muri Lagoon, or encounter the lushness of tropical nature in the Takitumu Conservation Area. Take an easy ride all the way around the island, or make a rugged hike into its lush interior with a local naturalist. The landscape of Rarotonga is dotted with poinciana trees, known locally as "flamboyants" for their huge red-pink flowers.
• Day 6 At sea
  Spend another day experiencing Paul Gauguin's Polynesian ambience: casual, leisurely, and graceful. Take in a lecture on local wildlife or history, and relax this evening over classic French cuisine.
• Days 7-8 Bora Bora (Society Islands)
  This beautiful island paradise has a lot to offer. Optional activities include an island tour, a cruise on a glass bottom boat to see the colourful marine life, taking an outrigger canoe for swimming or snorkelling over the reef, or a helicopter ride over the island. Shoppers will find plenty of small shops selling Tahitian black pearls, perfumes and oils, and local wooden handicrafts. For a taste of traditional food, look out for Les Roulettes, the rolling food trucks used by the locals.
• Day 9 Taha'a (Motu Mahana)
  Motu Mahana, an islet adjacent to Taha'a, is Paul Gauguin's very own South Seas paradise with white sand beaches, swaying palms, crystal-clear waters and gentle breezes. As an exclusive Paul Gauguin event, guests will spend a full day exploring this idyllic, isolated island, and relaxing with a delicious barbecue lunch and Polynesian entertainment featuring strolling musicians and singers.
• Day 10 Moorea
  Covered in an abundance of fresh fruits and flowers, spectacular mountain peaks, peaceful multi-hued lagoons, and palm-fringed beaches, Moorea has a magnificent beauty which is unsurpassed. White-sand beaches lapped by the translucent shimmering lagoon water and shaded by palm, coconut, and ironwood groves stretch for miles. During your visit, you might wish to take an optional excursion around the island to admire the stunning views.
• Day 11 Moorea - Papeete (Tahiti)
  This gorgeous island has it all; white sand beaches, deep blue lagoons, ironwood groves, mountains and the spectacular Cook Bay. See the banyan trees at Marae Tetiroa, take one of the Pacific's popular "Circle Island" tours by bus, or lie back in the shade of a coconut palm. Optional excursions include snorkelling among the marine life. Later, cruise to Papeete.
• Day 12 Papeete
  Disembark MS Paul Gauguin

Cook Islands and Society Islands ItineraryItinerary is subject to change.