Immerse yourself in Tahiti and Her Islands.
DAY 1
Arrive Papeete. Be met and greeted on arrival with fragrant flower leis before being transferred to the Hotel Le Royal Tahitien. The Hotel offers a retreat where privacy and tranquility prevails. Take a stroll through an idyllic haven with flower-filled tropical gardens. Considered to be one of Tahiti’s treasure spots, swim in the warm, untroubled waters of the lagoon or relax pool side with a tropical drink. With it’s quiet rooms, spacious tropical gardens, and tropical swimming pool, Le Royal Tahitien is highly recommended for those who want to get away from it all and enjoy a truly relaxing experience.
DAY 2
This morning you will enjoy a visit to the past of Tahiti on a complete tour around the island: visit James Norman Hall museum, One Tree Hill, Arahoho Blow hole, Vaipahi gardens and the museum of Tahiti & Her Islands. You will be guided with expert commentary, entrance fees to the James Norman Hall museum, and the museum of Tahiti and Her Islands will be paid on arrival.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure, either soak up the sun pool side or venture into Papeete to browse for some local handicrafts and artisan works.
Late afternoon enjoy a tropical drink from the hotel’s Polynesian Bar and experience an inspiring sunset, famous through the South pacific. Le Royal Tahitien has live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Join in with the Tahitiens and dance the night away.
DAY 3
You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to the island of Raiatea. Raiatea is the capital of the Leeward Islands, located 137 miles northwest of Tahiti.
A warm, inviting welcome and personalized service will greet you at Raiatea Hawaiki Nui Hotel, making you feel like you have arrived at your home away from home. The hotel provides a wonderful gateway to discover Raiatea, the “Sacred Island” known as the birthplace of the Polynesian gods.
Your over-water bungalow combines traditional style with modern comforts, and features a lovely veranda overlooking the lagoon where you can relax and let the world pass you by.
DAY 4
Today you will visit the Faaroa river and Marae Taputaputuatea. Winding through a lush rain forest, the Faaroa River is the only navigable river in Polynesia. The historic waters launched migratory journeys to faraway islands now called Hawaii and New Zealand. Powered outrigger canoes provide a comfortable and unique way to enter the river and explore the coast.
During your journey you will also do a Marae Exploration. The most important and best-preserved historical site in Polynesia is Raiatea’s Taputapuatea marae complex. Located on a sandy point along the lagoon, dozens of marae and shrines offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient Polynesia.
DAYS 5, 6 & 7
The remainder of your stay on the island of Raiatea is yours to enjoy at leisure, taking time to understand about Tahiti and Her Islands. Disover the island by the partially paved road that circles the island, winding through fertile valleys and wide flatland, past farms and orchards. There are several passes from the ocean to the lagoon, which the neighboring island of Tahaa also shares. Due to the ideal sailing and fishing conditions, Raiatea offers charters and nautical activities year-round.
The villages are tiny on Raiatea so the best shopping is found in Utoroa, the only town of size on the island, where many quaint shops and markets line the newly renovated waterfront area with art, crafts, and collectibles from local artisans. Your stay on Raiatea promises to be a little bit like discovering the soul of the ancient Polynesians, the navigators and conquerors who continue to reign among these Leeward Islands.
DAY 8
Today you will be transferred to your flight from Raiatea back to Papeete, where you will continue your onward journey.