Cruise the Marquesas Islands

Day 1: depart Papeete

This morning depart from Papeete, Tahiti, at 10:30 hours. (Boarding from 07:00-09:00 hours).

Day 2: Tuamotu Archipelago - Fakarava

Morning arrival in Fakarava. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the second largest atoll in French Polynesia, you will have time to discover the small village of Rotoava, the church, built of coral and the local arts and crafts. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshing swim and snorkel in the translucent lagoon among the colorful ballet of tropical fish. Optional excursions, such as snorkeling or diving in the various passes or an outing to an islet for bird watching, are available at an additional cost. Return to vessel by 12:00pm.

Day 3: at sea

Relax on the sun decks and in the small pool. Soak up the immense beauty of the South Pacific. On warm tropical evenings perhaps read in the lounge/library or chat with one of the experts on Marquesan culture or archaeology.

Day 4: Nuku Hiva (Taiohae-Hatiheu-Taipivai)

Sail into Taiohae's spectacular bay, the tiny administrative capital of the Marquesas. Wind up dirt mountain roads to the village of Hatiheu to visit an archeological site and enjoy lunch at the excellent Yvonne's Restaurant. Continue to the valley of Taipivai, dotted with stone tiki gods and sacred ritual sites. Return to the Aranui, anchored in the bay.

Day 5: Ua Pou (Hakahau – Hakahetau)

Whenever the Aranui stops, local villagers warmly greet it. As the crew unloads supplies, explore the tiny town of Hakahau with its church and hand-carved wooden dais. Walk up a hill for a breathtaking view of the distant cloud-covered mountains. At Rosalie's Restaurant, enjoy your first Marquesan lunch comprised of breadfruit, curried goat, barbecued rock lobster and more.

Day 6: Hiva Oa (Puamau) & Tahuata (Kokuu)

In Puamau, travel by 4WD to the most incredible archaeological site for “tikis” (ancient, human-like religious stone sculptures) outside of Easter Island. Once you reach Mea’e Iipona, the knowledgeable guides will tell you the stories of these haunting statues of ancient times. Surrounded by beautifully lush grounds, the site is overwhelming and has a lot of what Polynesians call “mana” (spiritual power). Only a small part of the site has been restored and most of it is still buried under massive trees and rocks. After lunch on board, Aranui will set sail for Tahuata, where you can enjoy a lazy afternoon relaxing at the beach or taking a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean.

Day 7: Hiva Oa (Atuona) & Tahuata (Vaitahu - Hapatoni)

Aranui will arrive in Hiva Oa in the morning, where you will have plenty of time to explore Atuona, the second largest village in Marquesas. This is where Paul Gauguin lived and created some of his best work. You can visit the colonial store where he shopped, as well as a replica of his infamous “House of Pleasure” and the adjoining museum. As you walk up the hill to the cemetery, you’ll have sweeping views of the harbor. Beneath a huge frangipani tree is a tombstone with the simple words: Paul Gauguin 1903. In the afternoon, the Aranui will anchor off the small island of Tahuata. On this leaf-shaped island, the air is thick with the fragrant scent of tiare, frangipani and history. Tahuata is famous for its exquisite bone and helmet shell carvings.

Day 8: Fatu Hiva (Omoa-Hanavave)

This is the most lush and remote island of the Marquesas, it is also the island of “tapa” and you will discover all about this traditional cloth. In the tranquil village of Omoa, you will see women pounding mulberry, banyan or breadfruit tree bark on logs. The bark is then dried and used as a canvas where the locals will paint ancient Marquesan designs. Fatu Hiva is also well-known for its hand-painted pareos (sarongs) and monoi, coconut oil infused with “Tiare Tahiti” blossoms, vanilla or sandalwood. You will meet skilled woodcarvers in the large handicraft center. Before lunch, the Aranui will sail to the other side of the island, to jaw-dropping Hanavave Bay, also known as the Bay of Virgins. Athletic passengers may choose to make the trip on foot. On this unforgettable ten-mile hike you will take in breathtaking views of towering cliffs and majestic waterfalls. For hikers, a delicious lunch will be served at the top of the mountain (scale of difficulty 8/10). This evening the sunset in Hanavave Bay is a moment of pure bliss.

Day 9: Ua Huka (Vaipaee-Hane-Hokatu)

Visit a museum which houses exquisite replicas of Marquesan art before exploring the mountain landscapes, with heart-stopping views of the Pacific, by 4WD vehicle or on horseback. The wild horses (brought from Chile in 1856) thrive here, outnumbering the islands' 476 residents. Back on the Aranui, it is Polynesian night with dancing and a buffet dinner on the decks.

Day 10: Nuku Hiva (Taiohae) - Ua Pou (Hakahau)

*Disembarkation for the 7 or 10 day cruise.

The Aranui will dock in the morning. There is an option to take "Le Truck" back to the town centre for some free time there. At noon, the ship will sail to Ua Pou, returning to the first stop of the trip in the Marquesas, Hakahau. This is your last chance to buy local Marquesan crafts.

Day 11: at sea

After an enchanting, enriching journey to the heart of Polynesian civilization, unwind or enjoy the various activities and lectures offered.

Day 12: Tuamotu Archipelago - Rangiroa

On lovely Rangiroa, the largest atoll in the world, tuck into a picnic on a golden beach. Here you will find some of the best diving in the world and there are excellent snorkelling and scuba diving activities available for all levels. (Please note you will need to have a divers certificate to dive at Rangiroa). "Rangi" is an underwater jewel box with stunning colours of coral and clouds of tropical fish. You will also have the opportunity to purchase black pearls from local pearl farmers.

Day 13: Society Islands - Bora Bora (Vaitape)

Today the Aranui anchors in the magnificent blue lagoon of Bora Bora. Passengers can spend the day on the pristine white sand beaches, perhaps snorkelling or enjoying a picnic. Other excursions are available today (at extra cost). These include an island tour of the lagoon, swimming with manta rays and small sharks, or a helicopter tour.

Day 14: arrive in Papeete

The ship docks this morning back in Papeete (approx 9.30am), at the end of your Marquesan adventure. Depart from Papeete on your onward flight.

Notes

Please note the itinerary is subject to change due to weather/sea conditions.

• 13 night cruises Passengers board and disembark in Papeete
• 10 night cruises Passengers board in Nuku Hiva on Day 4 and disembark in Tahiti on day 14
• 9 night cruises Passengers board in Tahiti on Day 1 and disembark in Nuku Hiva on Day 10
• 7 night cruises Passengers board in Tahiti on Day 4 and disembark in Nuku Hiva on Day 10.