Cruise Tahiti | Paul Gauguin The Magical Islands of Tahiti

Day 1: Home / Papeete, Tahiti |

Board your flight bound for your beautiful island retreat. Upon arrival in Papeete, you will be escorted through customs with VIP arrival service, and greeted with a warm smile and fragrant flower lei, refreshing chilled water and tiare-infused towel. Board your transfer to the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa where you will spend one night in a sumptuous overwater motu bungalow. Unwind in Polynesian luxury with your own deck over the lagoon, adjacent to the Lagoonarium teeming with more than 200 species of sea creatures. Enjoy two infinity pools with views of Moorea and tranquil treatments at Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm. Savor a choice of restaurants offering traditional Polynesian and French-inspired gourmet fare, plus authentic dinner shows, watersports and cultural demonstrations.

Day 2: Papeete / Paul Gauguin Cruise |

This morning, explore the lush valleys, cascading waterfalls and dense rainforest with an exciting 4WD Expedition, where a guide will introduce you to One Tree Hill, Papenoo Valley, and the volcanic crater that first formed the island of Tahiti. Then, in mid-afternoon board the luxurious m/s Paul Gauguin for a dream South Pacific cruise. Discover the best of these volcanic islands as you glide through the shallow seas and intimate ports only accessible to small ships. Onboard, delight in spacious ocean view suites and staterooms, many with private balconies, plus amenities featuring outdoor decks and pool, extensive spa, watersports marina, choice of three dining venues, live entertainment, Le Casino, La Palette lounge and disco. Settle into your well-appointed stateroom and prepare to set sail.

Gather with your new cruising friends for a welcoming toast and dining experience in L'Etoile, with a tantalizing array of expertly prepared dishes, perfectly paired with complimentary wines before departure to the island of Huahine.

Day 3: Huahine |

Begin your day with breakfast buffet-style, al fresco style or with wraparound ocean views from the dining room of La Veranda onboard before you go ashore to The Garden Island of Huahine. Choose a variety of optional excursions, where you can gain insight into the lives of the ancient Polynesians with the exploration of a picturesque village, vanilla plantation, well-preserved ancient temples and centuries-old fish traps. Choose to ride a private motorboat to cruise around the island, visit a black pearl farm and snorkel in coral gardens with colorful marine life. Or, escape to your own motu for some private snorkeling and a romantic picnic lunch, serenaded by the locals.

This evening, sip a pre-dinner cocktail under the stars on deck as you reminisce about your experiences in lovely Huahine. Then, begin your pre-reserved, transforming dining experience featuring Jean-Pierre Vigato's gourmet cuisine in La Veranda. Start with a hot or cold appetizer such as tuna tartare, followed by a palate-cleansing sorbet before an exquisitely prepared entree, including chicken cordon blue or almond-crusted mahi-mahi, paired with the perfect varietal from the extensive cellar list.

Day 4: Taha'a |

Following a leisurely breakfast this morning, get ready to embark on your choice of inspiring shore excursions to this remarkable Vanilla Island including off-roading to explore the beautiful landscape and scenic viewpoints, and a cultural excursion to learn the about the history, the legends and modern life of Taha'a. If you prefer, indulge in a catamaran sail and cruise the shallow lagoon waters for the perfect snorkeling spot. Or, spend your day on Paul Gauguin's private island, Motu Mahana, where you can swim, snorkel, kayak or soak up the sun with a chilled beverage from the floating bar. Plus enjoy a delicious barbeque lunch as Les Gauguines provides musical entertainment and demonstrates traditional Polynesian crafts.

Once again, relax onboard tonight with a sumptuous made-to-order dining experience and follow the stars in the sky as you move ahead to your next port.

Day 5 - 6: Bora Bora |

Brimming with lush mountain peaks, pristine sands and turquoise lagoons, awaken this morning in the romantic island of Bora Bora. For the next two days, immerse in the island's exquisite natural beauty with optional snorkeling excursions, aquabike adventures, and waverunner adventures, or fly over the famed Mount Otemanu in a helicopter for a birds eye view of the jagged emerald icon. Or, choose to spend the day at Paul Gauguin's private beach, complete with volleyball, snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding.

After each exciting fun-filled day, return to a more casual dining experience onboard at Le Grill, featuring grilled lunch favorites, afternoon teatime with finger sandwiches, fresh fruit and petit fours or Polynesian specialties in the evening. Or, head to the main dining room of L'Etoile for more mouthwatering dishes prepared to perfection, complemented with the perfect wine.

Day 7 - 8: Moorea / Papeete |

Green velvet valleys, majestic peaks and superb bays await on Moorea. Begin your day with a sumptuous buffet breakfast in Le Grill before you spend the next two days discovering this magical island. Shop for local handicrafts, embark on an optional dolphin-watching expedition, hike ancient coconut trails, explore the landscape atop an ATV or scuba divewith the sharks. Take a scenic drive to the famed Cook's Bay, Opunohu Bay and Mt. Rotui on through the village of Papetoai. Enjoy a relaxing day at a two-level infinity pool, world-class spa and tasty lunch ashore at the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa. Whether by foot, by water or on land, experience the enchantment and beauty of this remarkable island.

As you head to Papeete this evening, celebrate your senses with Polynesian flavors and engaging aromas during an exquisite dinner under the stars at your favorite onboard dining venue. Gaze at the sunset over the ocean as you sip a glass of wine, then head to Le Grand Salon for a spectacular live show. Enjoy a final nightcap at La Palette, as you dance the night away under the twinkling South Pacific skies to live music and toast to your final evening aboard your luxury cruise.

Day 9: Papeete / Home |

Enjoy a final breakfast buffet onboard before you disembark and head to your post-cruise hotel or to the airport for your homebound flights. Bid a fond farewell to the beautiful Society Islands as you make plans for your next luxurious South Pacific cruise. With many options across Tahiti, peruse Journese elite portfolio for the ideal post-cruise resort stay and many activity and excursion options.