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Marquesas, Tuamotus and the Society Islands Itinerary
Day 1 - Papeete (Tahiti )
Embark Le Paul Gauguin.
Day 2 - At sea
Stay in touch in the Internet Café, or laze next to the pool with your favourite drink as Le Paul Gauguin sails to Fakarava. Perhaps take in a lecture on local wildlife or history, then dine in the evening over classic French cuisine at L'Etoile.
Day 3 - Fakarava (Tuamotus)
The Tuamotu Archipelago is the largest chain of atoll islands in the world. Fakarava is a spectacular, remote and pristine island, classified as a UNESCO biosphere reserve and a sanctuary for rare birds, plants and crustaceans. Black pearls are farmed here, and the large, deep lagoon is home to rare crustaceans. Visit the first coral church built in French Polynesia or simply stroll the pink-sand beaches.
Day 4 - At sea
Take another day to enjoy shipboard life: relax by the pool, watch the South Pacific slip by, play some table tennis, or take advantage of our Reading Library.
Day 5 - Omoa (Fatu Hiva, Marquesas Islands)
Fatu Hiva is wild and spectacularly beautiful. The jungle greenery begins at the water's edge, with narrow ravines, deep gorges and luxuriant valleys briefly open to view as the boat glides past, close to the sheer cliffs that plunge straight down into the splashing surf.
Day 6 - Atuona (Hiva Oa)
The 4,000 foot peak of Temetiu soars above the town of Atuona, where Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel are buried. Gauguin's rebuilt home, the "House of Pleasure", is open to visitors. Perhaps visit the village of Puamau to see the large stone sculptures thought to be linked to the statues of Easter and Necker Islands.
Day 7 - Hapatoni (Tahuata)
The smallest of the Marquesas archipelago, at only 19 square miles, Tahuata is a leaf-shaped volcanic island with sheer cliffs, white sand beaches, lush vegetation, twin bays and a turbulent colonial history. You'll call on Hapatoni, a charming, seafront village with an ancient paved royal walkway shaded by tamanu trees. Visit the huge Catholic church, built by the Vatican and decorated with stunning stained glass windows and beautiful local carvings. Admire traditional carvings at the crafts center. And enjoy fine swimming and snorkeling in the only Marquesas island edged by coral reef.
Day 8 - Tiaohae (Nuku Hiva)
Tiaohae is the administrative capital of the Marquesas. It has beautiful bays and inlets; the golden-sanded Anaho Bay is ideal for swimming. Perhaps explore the waterfalls, rich vegetation and archaeological sites of the Taipivai Valley.
Days 9-10 - At sea
Relax on board as Le Paul Gauguin sails the Pacific Ocean. The ship has a boutique, elegant lounge, where you can enjoy ship-board life to the full.
Day 11 - Huahine (Society Islands)
Another day and another beautiful island; Huahine consists of 2 islets attached by a bridge, with tropical jungle, lush vegetation and fine beaches all easily reached. Ancient stone marae, which were places of worship long ago, are dotted around the island. There is excellent diving in the lagoon, which is populated by over 450 species of fish.
Day 12 - Bora Bora
Two volcanic mountains look down on the beautiful island of Bora Bora, and off-shore there are coral reefs to explore. "Les Roulettes" food trucks tour the island, serving up traditional island food, and Bloody Mary's is a well-known local bar and restaurant. America positioned large cannons here in World War II to defend the island from the Japanese. See one of them on the hill at Matira Point. Alternatively, swim, snorkel or take an optional outrigger cruise.
Day 13 - Taha'a (Motu Mahana)
The tiny islet of Motu Mahana is a private paradise for the guests of Le Paul Gauguin. Enjoy a barbecue lunch and Polynesian entertainment against a backdrop of palms, perfect beaches and turquoise sea.
Day 14 - Moorea (Tahiti) - Papeete (Tahiti)
Surrounded by a sparkling lagoon, Moorea has dramatic mountains and wonderful beaches; perfect for snorkelling, swimming and diving. "Circle Tours" can be taken by bus around the island, or perhaps picnic on the small atoll islet of Motu Fareone, a favourite island pastime. Tahitian and French restaurants house cyber cafés. At the end of the afternoon, cruise to Papeete where Le Paul Gauguin docks for the night.
Day 15 - Papeete
Disembark Le Paul Gauguin