Tahiti - 14 days, 3 archipelagos!

This afternoon embarkation for the beautiful small ship Paul Gauguin commences. Ensure to arrive at the dock ready to be greeted by friendly crew members! Once onboard you can make your way to your stateroom. Tonight enjoy your first of many deliciously fresh meals in the dining room.

With a day at sea you have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the many amenities available onboard. Visit the spa to make an appointment, participate in one of the many daily onboard programs, dance lessons, speak some Tahitian or learn from an onboard guest lecturer. There is also the option to pull up your lounger, read your book and enjoy a cocktail - drinks are included in your cruise fare...

Fakarava is a part of the Tuamotus archipelago in French Polynesia. This archipelago is a designated UNESCO Biosphere. For you, this means some amazing and beautiful coral formations for snorkelling and scuba diving. Be sure to have your shore excursion booked for today in advance of your sailing - talk to Dean to organise this.

All those activities and amenities you didn't get to utilise on day 2...now is the time to make the most of it. Sail through the beautiful South Pacific Ocean towards the Marquesas Islands.

Arriving into the administrative centre of the Marquesas Islands you will notice that the islands of the Marquesas may not have a very big population, but they provide the opportunity of see the locals making and selling handicrafts. The village of Omoa offers a museum, and pretty church to explore. You have the opportunity to see the largest petroglyphs on a guided hike of the island.

If you are a fan of the artist Paul Gauguin, this is the destination for you! At Atuona on Hiva Oa is where the artist spent is final years. At the local Espace cultural Paul Gauguin you can learn of his life and work.

Paul Gauguin is not the only person to escape and make Hiva Oa their home. Singer/songwriter Jacques Brel arrived in 1975 and remained until his death. The Centre Jacques Brel honors the man who called this place home.

Lined with Tamanu trees right down to the shoreline, the village of Hapatoni on the island of Tahuata welcomes guests of the Paul Gauguin. The village is built a little higher and offers amazing views and fresh air of Tiare and Frangipani. Here you can decide to enjoy the village of Hapatoni or venture to Vaitahu set on the steep mountainside.

White sand beaches are not what you will experience at Taiohae. Here the beaches are made of black sand from the Basalt that comprises the island. You can see the island of Nuku Hiva is comprised of Basalt spires. This island also inspired two novels written by Herman Melville.

Throughout the island you will find archelogical sites, picture-postcard settings and lush mountain scenery.

After the explorations of the Marquesas it is time to enjoy the hospitality onboard. Relax, rejuvenate and enjoy the salty fresh air!

Lush with rainforests and sacred sites, Huahine is an explorer's dream island. Here you have the choice to go on land to explore with a local guide in a traditional vehicle Le Truck or explore the lagoon.

The iconic Bora Bora Island! Spend the day at the private Paul Gauguin Motu admiring the towering Mt. Otemanu, a dormant volcano or take a boat and enjoy the amazing snorkelling opportunities in the shallow lagoon that surrounds the island.

Taha'a and Raiatea share the same lagoon in the Society Islands. Here Paul Gauguin cruises has its own private motu for it's guests to use. If you decide to explore a little their are opportunities for cultural tours, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Anchored in an inlet, the mountains will tower above and call you to explore. Moorea provides ideal climate for growing produce and here they grow pineapple and other citrus fruits. Take a botanical tour around the island or rent a vehicle and explore on your own. As the only island serviced by ferry from the island of Tahiti, you will find this island more vibrant than those you have visited.

This morning you arrive back to Papeete, but not to disembark. You can continue to enjoy the hopitality of the crew onboard or go exploring in the city. There is also the option to visit the Papanoo Valley or go to Tahiti Iti to see the other end of the island.

Enjoy your final dinner onboard the ship and celebrate with the crew who have hosted you for an amazing two weeks!

This morning enjoy your breakfast and bid farewell to your friendly crew. Continue your stay in Papeete or transfer to the airport.