ISLANDS, ATOLLS AND MOTUS
Departure 3 February 2007
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Ships which operate this route: | Spirit of Oceanus |
| Day 1 | US / Tahiti, Society Islands Transfer to your hotel and spend the balance of the evening at leisure. |
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| Day 2 | Tahiti, Society Islands Spend the morning at your leisure taking in the sights of Papeete. This afternoon visit the Paul Gauguin Museum to see samples of the artist’s work, and tour the tropical gardens of the adjoining botanical garden. Also visit the Museum of Tahiti to begin exploring the Polynesian culture that will surround you on your voyage. Embark the Spirit of Oceanus and sail at sunset. (Breakfast Dinner) |
| Day 3 | Huahine, Society Islands Huahine is known as “The Garden Island” due to its lush green tropical foliage and wild jungle-like scenery. We’ll anchor offshore, and disembark to meet a local archaeologist for a tour of well-preserved ancient maraes, or platforms where ancient rituals were once performed. (Breakfast Lunch Dinner) |
| Day 4 | At Sea As we cruise between islands, our Exploration Leader and other experts will brief you on the natural history and cultures you are about to visit. (B L D) |
| Day 5 | Atiu, Cook Islands Atiu is known as “Land of the Birds,” and you’ll find out why. Touring by inflatable craft, you’ll have an up-close view of nesting birds and with luck, you may spot one of the very rare Kakerori (Rarotongan flycatcher) now being reestablished. Meet the local villagers, watching them perform traditional dances, and visiting their ancient marae sites. (B L D) |
| Day 6 | Palmerston, Cook Islands This tiny island, only one square mile in size, was settled by Englishman William Marsters in 1863, and its population of 50 are all descendants of him and his three Polynesian wives. Olde English – with a distinct Gloucestershire accent – is still spoken on the island. You’ll meet descendant Reverend Marsters and visit with island residents. (B L D) |
| Day 7 | At Sea (B L D) |
| Day 8 | American Samoa The National Park of American Samoa was created in 1988, but is rarely visited due to its remote location. We will spend the day exploring this beautiful park via inflatable craft – snorkeling, hiking, and cruising. (B L D) |
| Day 9 | Savai’i, Western Samoa Savai’i is one of the largest islands in Polynesia but also one of its least populated. Here nature rules, and you’ll delight in the rainforests, lava coast, caves, and blowholes. An excursion to the Falealupo Preserve lets you view the most biodiverse part of the rainforest as you stroll along a walkway through the forest canopy. (B L D) |
| Day 10 | Cross International Dateline/Niuatoputapu, Tonga The Tongan people have a reputation for being the friendliest South Sea Islanders, and you’ll have a chance to decide for yourself as we visit their village and meet the people. If you like, hike around the barren lava flows, or swim or snorkel in the pristine waters. (B L D) |
| Day 11 | At Sea (B L D) |
| Day 12 | Taveuni, Fiji A breathtakingly beautiful island, Taveuni has a rich natural history including plentiful birdlife and a coral reef nourished by strong currents. Hundreds of waterfalls crash down the coastline, and you’ll see three of the finest in Bouma National Heritage Park. This pristine rainforest is the best in all Fiji. (B L D) |
| Day 13 | Beqa, Fiji Beqa is the island of the firewalkers – the Sawau tribesmen who carry on the tradition passed down to them through generations. For two weeks before the event, the chosen participants observe special prohibitions to purify themselves to walk on the stones, which have recorded temperatures of over 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. View an authentic firewalking ceremony, snorkel, or dive in the beautiful waters. (B L D) |
| Day 14 | Viti Levu, Fiji Disembark the Spirit of Oceanus in Lautoka, and spend the morning exploring the sites. Learn about the sugar cane industry, stroll down the main street, Vitogo Parade, shop in the municipal market . . . then check into individual day rooms at your hotel to rest up before transferring to the airport for your overnight flight home. (B L D) |
| Departure Date | Prices From |
| 3 February 07 | £3235 |
