Discovering the Marquesas

• Day 1 Tahiti (Papeete)

  Departure from Papeete, welcome of our crew and navigation towards the Tuamotu archipelago.

• Day 2 Fakarava

  Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for the preservation of rare species, Fakarava is the second largest atoll in French Polynesia. After a buffet lunch on board, the Aranui will disembark at the Rotoava dock. Passengers will have time to discover its small village, the coral-built church, local crafts, and a demonstration of the benefits of coconuts. Enjoy a relaxing day of sun and beach, swimming or snorkelling among colourful tropical fish.

• Day 3 At sea

  A day to relax on the Pool Deck or in the comfort of our air-conditioned Lounge. Or why not simply enjoy the view of the South Pacific Ocean as we sail to the fascinating Marquesas Islands. Lectures on the culture and history of the Marquesas Islands will take you back in time and give you a comprehensive overview of this ancient civilization. During the cruise, you will also have the opportunity to learn how to move your hips like a true Tahitian! The spirited Polynesian crew will proudly introduce you to their way of life and entertain you with Polynesian songs and rhythms on their ukuleles, guitars, and drums. Before going to bed, set your watch 30 minutes ahead; we are switching to Marquesas Time.

• Day 4 Nuku Hiva (Taiohae – Hatiheu – Taipivai)

  While the Aranui unloads, you can explore Taiohae, the small administrative capital of the Marquesas Islands. Taiohae Bay is where the writer Herman Melville, then a 23-year-old sailor, and a friend jumped from a whaling ship in 1842. After breakfast, passengers will disembark and board the 4x4s awaiting them for the day's excursion. Our first stop will be a visit to Taiohae Cathedral. You can tour the cathedral or visit the market to purchase handicrafts. Then, we will visit the archaeological site of "Tohua Kamuihei" with its giant banyan trees and petroglyphs. Your first introduction to traditional Marquesan cuisine will be served for lunch. Local music during the meal will provide a great atmosphere. Your excursion will continue south to Taiohae with its spectacular bay, a giant volcanic amphitheater dominated by towering cliffs dotted with waterfalls. Back in Taiohae Village, you'll also find banks and shops. You can return to the ship from the village on foot or by car.

  7 p.m.: Polynesian evening with a plancha buffet around the pool (Deck 7) or at the Restaurant (Deck 4) depending on weather conditions.

• Day 5 Ua Pou (Hakahau)

  From the decks, you'll see the unique mountain spires of Ua Pou. While the crew unloads supplies, cement, and sugar, and loads sacks of copra (dried coconuts) and fruit, explore the picturesque village of Hakahau and its church with a hand-carved wooden platform. Meet the island's talented carvers and artists, and climb to the Cross for breathtaking views of the mountains, lush valleys, and the main village. Another delicious Marquesan lunch will be served: breadfruit, a Marquesan staple, with curried goat (a Marquesas specialty), raw fish marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk, taro, and red bananas. Enjoy an excellent dance performance, including the "Bird Dance," traditional to Ua Pou.

• Day 6 Ua Huka (Vaipaee – Hane – Hokatu)

  This island, which saw the construction of the first airstrip in the Marquesas in 1972, is largely arid and home to numerous wild horses, goats, and pigs. In the early morning, the Aranui will perform an impressive maneuver, a 180-degree turn into the magnificent "Invisible Bay" of Vaipaee. A maneuver that requires all the dexterity of the captain and crew is not to be missed. Return to your 4x4 to explore the island, stopping for breathtaking views, visit the arboretum born from the passion of the former mayor of the island, before reaching the beautiful village of Hane. Lunch will be served at a local family restaurant. Discover some of the island's specialties, handicrafts, wooden sculptures, and engraved coconut shells. After lunch, return to the 4x4. For the more adventurous, a 3km walk back from the arboretum awaits. Make sure you're on deck as the Aranui sails along the Ua Huka coast for more magnificent views.

• Day 7 Tahuata (Vaitahu) – Hiva Oa (Atuona)

  The Aranui will anchor in the small bay of Tahuata. The only access is by sea, as there is no airport on Tahuata. On this leaf-shaped island, the air is thick with the scent of "tiare Tahiti," frangipani, and history. In 1595, Spanish explorers landed in the village of Vaitahu and opened fire on a crowd of curious islanders, killing about 200 people. Tahuata is also the site of the first French settlement in the Marquesas in 1842. The large church, built by the Vatican, is decorated with beautiful Marquesan carvings and magnificent stained-glass windows symbolizing the Virgin Mary. Tahuata is famous for its exquisite helmet bone and shell carvings. There will be plenty to choose from in the village.

  The Aranui will arrive in Hiva Oa after lunch on board, where you'll have plenty of time to explore Atuona, the second largest village in the Marquesas. This is where Paul Gauguin lived and created some of his work. By 4X4, you'll visit the largest archaeological site in the Marquesas Islands, the "Tohua Taa'oa." You'll also visit the colonial store where he bought his bread, as well as a replica of his infamous "pleasure house" and the museum. Walking up the hill to the cemetery, you'll have a breathtaking view of Motu Hanakee. Beneath a huge frangipani tree stands a tombstone with the simple words: Paul Gauguin 1903. Nearby is the grave of another famous European who was also captivated by Hiva Oa: Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel, who died in 1978.

• Day 8 Fatu Hiva (Omoa – Hanavave)

  Fatu Hiva, the lushest and most remote of the Marquesas Islands, is also a Marquesan craft centre. In the village of Omoa, women will demonstrate how to make tapas by crushing the bark of paper mulberry, banyan, or breadfruit trees, as well as how to make 'Umuhei, a blend of local plants used to perfume their hair. After visiting the village, more athletic passengers can opt for a 15km hike from Omoa to Hanavave, offering breathtaking views of the towering cliffs. Lunch will be served at the summit. Non-hikers will sail aboard the Aranui from Omoa to Hanavave, to the Baie des Vierges, considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Head ashore for a village tour and to welcome hikers.

• Day 9 At sea

  A day to recover from the emotions experienced in the Marquesas archipelago. During our voyage to the magnificent Tuamotu Islands, lectures and activities will be offered throughout the day.

  Before going to bed, set your watch back 30 minutes to Tahiti time.

• Day 10 Rangiroa or Makatea

  RANGIROA: From the decks, watch our approach and arrival in the largest atoll in French Polynesia and the second largest in the world. You may see playful dolphins greeting the ship as we enter Tiputa Pass, one of Rangiroa's passes. Glass-bottom boat and scuba diving excursions are available (sign up at reception). The scuba diving here is ranked as some of the best in the world (certified divers only). If you decide not to take tours, enjoy Rangiroa's white sand beach and translucent lagoon. The local "mamas" will have an excellent display of shell necklaces, chains and key rings, and other small souvenirs for sale on the beach. The Aranui will depart at lunchtime and sail to the mystical island of Bora Bora.

  MAKATEA: The Aranui offers this opportunity to visit the remains of Makatea, the phosphate mining and the caves, to cross the island on foot or by car, to picnic under the cliffs or on the beach. A raised atoll or dewatered atoll, Makatea is a type of atoll or coral island in which all or a terrestrial part is composed of an ancient coral reef that has emerged. The term Makatea refers to a type of raised atoll with at its center, the remains of the ancient volcanic island. This term is also used specifically to refer to the coral escarpments found in all types of raised atolls. Makatea is also the name of a coral island located in the Tuamotu archipelago (French Polynesia), where a phosphate deposit was exploited from 1917. Departing after a picnic on land, the Aranui will sail along the coast of Makatea before continuing its journey to the Society Islands.

• Day 11 Bora Bora

  Arriving in Bora Bora's world-famous lagoon of opalescent blues and greens, you will be greeted by the majestic "Mount Otemanu," the island's highest peak. In this perfect island paradise, you can enjoy a beach day and a barbecue on a private motu surrounded by crystal-clear waters, the "Motu Tapu." You can also choose from the optional activities, a variety of excursions at an additional cost: scuba diving, lagoon tours by boat and outrigger canoe, swimming with sharks and rays! Bora Bora was an American military outpost during World War II, and remnants of the war such as cannons and bunkers can be seen on the tour. Evening departure for Papeete.

• Day 12 Return to Tahiti (Papeete)

  This is the end of our journey. It's time to say Nānā! (goodbye) to your fellow travellers, the Polynesian staff, and the Aranui guides.

Discovering the Marquesas ItineraryItineraries and activities are indicative and subject to change depending on weather conditions, freight activity, or availability.