Tahiti • Fakarava • Nuku Hiva • Ua Pou • Hiva Oa • Tahuata • Fatu Hiva • Ua Huka • Rangiroa • Bora Bora
Experience the magic of French Polynesia with a relaxing stay in Tahiti and an unforgettable Aranui 5 cruise through the remote Marquesas, Rangiroa and Bora Bora. Enjoy stunning islands, authentic Polynesian culture, local cuisine, guided excursions and beautiful lagoons.
Day 1: Tahiti
Flight from London Heathrow Airport To Papeete Faa'a Intl Airport Via Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport
Private transfer from airport to Hotel
Stay at InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa (4*)
Day 2: Polynesian Aranui Cruise/Tahiti (Papeete)
Departure from Papeete at 12:00 pm, welcome of our crew and navigation to the Tuamotu archipelago.
Day 3: Fakarava
Classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO for the preservation of rare species, Fakarava is the second largest atoll in French Polynesia. After a buffet on board, the Aranui will disembark at the dock of "Rotoava". Passengers will have time to discover its small village, the church built of coral, local crafts and a demonstration of the virtues of coconut. Enjoy a day of relaxation, sun and beach, swimming or snorkelling among multi-coloured tropical fish.
Day 4: At Sea
A day to relax at the Pool Deck or in the comfort of our air-conditioned lounge. Or why not just enjoy the view of the South Pacific Ocean during our crossing to the fascinating Marquesas Islands. Lectures on the Culture and History of the Marquesas Islands will make you go back in time and give you a complete overview of this ancient civilisation. During the cruise, you will also have the opportunity to learn how to move your hips like a true Tahitian! The fiery Polynesian crew proudly presents their way of life and entertains you with Polynesian songs and rhythms on their ukulele, guitars, and drums. Before going to bed, set your watch 30 minutes in advance; we switch to Marquesas time.
Day 5: Nuku Hiva (Taiohae Hatiheu Taipivai)
While the Aranui is unloading, you can explore Taiohae, the small administrative capital of the Marquesas. Taiohae Bay is where writer Herman Melville, then a 23-year-old sailor and buddy, jumped off a whaler in 1842. After breakfast, passengers will disembark and will take the 44 that will be waiting for them for the day's excursion. Our first stop will be a visit to Taiohae Cathedral. You can visit the Cathedral or go to the market to buy handicrafts. Then, we will visit the archaeological site of "Tohua Kamuihei" with its giant banyan trees and petroglyphs. Your first introduction to traditional Marquesan cuisine will be served for lunch. Local music during the meal will provide a great atmosphere. Your excursion will continue south to Taiohae with its spectacular bay, a giant volcanic amphitheatre dominated by towering cliffs dotted with waterfalls. Back to Taiohae village, you will also find banks and shops. You can return to the ship from the village on foot or by car. 7 pm: Polynesian evening with plancha buffet around the pool (Deck 7) or at the Restaurant (Deck 4) depending on weather conditions.
Day 6: Ua Pou (Hakahau)
From the bridges, you will see the mountain spires unique to Ua Pou. As the crew unloads supplies, cement, sugar, and loads bags of copra (dried coconuts) and fruit, explore the picturesque village of Hakahau and its church with a hand-carved wooden platform. Meet the island's talented sculptors and artists, climb to the Croix for stunning views of the mountains, lush valleys, and the main village. Another delicious Marquesan lunch will be served: breadfruit, a staple of the Marquesas, with goat curry (a speciality of the Marquesas Islands), raw fish marinated in lemon juice and coconut milk, taro and red bananas. Enjoy an excellent dance performance, including the traditional "bird dance", at UA POU.
Day 7: Hiva Oa (Atuona)
The Aranui will anchor early at the Tahauku dock in Atuona, where you'll have time to explore the village, the second largest in the Marquesas. This is where Paul Gauguin lived and created some of his work. You can also visit the colonial store where he bought his bread, as well as a replica of his infamous House of Pleasure and the Museum. As you walk up the hill to the cemetery, you'll have a breathtaking view of the motu Hanakee. Beneath a huge frangipani tree is a gravestone with the simple words: Paul Gauguin 1903. Nearby is the grave of another famous European who also fell in love with Hiva Oa: Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel, who died in 1978.
Day 8: Hiva Oa (Puamau) - Tahuata (Vaitahu)
Hiva Oa's soul thrives in the Puamau valley at the Iipona archaeological site near Toea Peak, home to several tiki. These include Takaii, French Polynesia's largest tiki at 2.57 meters tall, and the recumbent Makii Taua te Pepe. In the afternoon, the Aranui anchors in Tahuata's isolated, leaf-shaped bay island, accessible only by sea and filled with the scents of tiare and frangipani. Tahuata carries a rich history: Spanish explorers landed in Vaitahu in 1595, killing around 200 islanders, and France established its first Marquesan colony here in 1842. Today, visitors can admire the Vatican-built church featuring fine Marquesan sculptures and stained glass, or browse the village for Tahuata's famous helmet shell and bone carvings.
Day 9: Fatu Hiva (Omoa Hanavave)
Fatu Hiva, the most lush and remote of the Marquesas Islands, is also a Marquesan craft centre. In the village of Omoa, the women will show you how to make tapas by crushing the bark of paper mulberry, banyan or bread tree, as well as the making of Umuhei, an island herbal blend used to perfume their hair. After visiting the village, the most sporty passengers can opt for a 15km hike that will take them from Omoa to Hanavave, offering breathtaking views of the high cliffs. Lunch will be served at the top. Non-hikers will sail aboard the Aranui, from Omoa to Hanavave to Virgin Bay, considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Meet ashore for a tour of the village and to welcome hikers.
Day 10: Ua Huka (Vaipaee Hane Hokatu)
This island, which saw the construction of the Marquesas' first airstrip in 1972, is largely arid and home to numerous wild horses, goats and pigs. In the early hours of the morning, the Aranui will perform an impressive manoeuvre, a 180-degree turn in the magnificent Invisible Bay of Vaipaee. A manoeuvre requiring the full dexterity of captain and crew, it's not to be missed. Back in your 44 to explore the island, stopping for breathtaking views, visit the arboretum born of the passion of the island's former mayor, before reaching the beautiful village of Hane. Lunch will be served in a local family restaurant. Discover some of the island's specialities, including handicrafts, wood carvings and engraved coconut shells. After lunch, return on board by 44. For the more adventurous, a 3km walk back from the arboretum awaits. Make sure you're on deck, as the Aranui will sail all along the Ua Huka coast for more magnificent views.
Day 11: At sea
A day to recover from the emotions of the Marquesas archipelago. During our crossing to the magnificent Tuamotu islands, conferences and activities will be offered throughout the day. Before going to bed, set your watch back 30 minutes to Tahitian time.
Day 12: Rangiroa
Watch from the decks as we approach and arrive at the largest atoll in French Polynesia, and the second largest in the world. You may spot playful dolphins greeting the ship as we enter Tiputa Pass, one of Rangiroa's passes. Glass-bottom boat and scuba diving excursions are available (registration at reception). Scuba diving here is rated among the best in the world (certified divers only). If you decide not to visit, enjoy Rangiroa's white sandy beach and translucent lagoon. The local mamas will have an excellent display of shell necklaces, chains and key chains, and other small souvenirs for sale on the beach. The Aranui will depart at lunchtime and sail to the mystical island of Bora Bora.
Day 13: Bora Bora
Arriving in Bora Bora's world-famous lagoon of opalescent blues and greens, you'll be greeted by the majestic Mont Otemanu, the island's highest peak. In this perfect island paradise, you can enjoy a day at the beach and a barbecue on a private Motu surrounded by crystal-clear waters, the Motu Tapu. You can also choose from a variety of optional excursions at extra cost: scuba diving, lagoon tours by boat and pirogue, swimming with sharks and rays! Bora Bora was an American military outpost during the Second World War, and remnants of the war such as cannons and bunkers can be seen on the tour. Evening departure for Papeete.
Day 14: Papeete (TAHITI)
This is the end of our journey. It is time to say Nn! (goodbye) to your fellow travellers, the Polynesian staff and the Aranui guides.
Private Transfer Port to Hotel
Stay at InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa (4*)
Day 16: Departure
Private Transfer Hotel to the airport
What is included in the offer
• Return flights from Heathrow with 23kg baggage
• 1 night at InterContinental Resort Tahiti with bed & breakfast
• 12 nights full-board cruise on board Aranui 5
• Unique passenger-freighter ship experience
• Traditional and authentic Polynesian atmosphere
• 3 meals per day
• Lunches in local restaurants
• A bottle of wine during lunch & dinner
• Tea, coffee & mineral water
• Guided shore excursions to remote villages and archaeological sites
• Cultural dance shows
• Lecturers on-site and onboard
• 2 nights at InterContinental Resort Tahiti with bed & breakfast
• All private overseas transfers
Prices & Departures:
Total price inclusive of all charges
• C10315 Heathrow from £7,799pp
• C10368 Manchester from £7,799pp
• C10375 Edinburgh from £8,099pp
• C10373 Dublin from £7,699pp
Payable to Travel pack:
• C10315 Heathrow from £7,795pp
• C10368 Manchester from £7,795pp
• C10375 Edinburgh from £8,095pp
• C10373 Dublin from £7,695pp
• C13286 Birmingham from £8105pp
Based on solo occupancy
Total price inclusive of all charges:
• C10462 Heathrow from £10,699
Payable to Travel Pack:
• C10462 Heathrow from £10,695
Deposit: £1,750
Local Fees Breakdown - Payable at the Property
• City Tax/Resort Fee: XPF 900
• Rate: 0.0072 = GBP 4pp
• Exchange rates and local taxes may change before you pay in-resort.
Deposit: £710pp
Terms & Conditions:
Based on 2 Adults
Meal Plans
- As per Itinerary