Ancient Polynesia Quest: Marquesas and Moorea
9 Day Adventure
This 9 Day Experience will leave you in wonder and awe as you explore the most remote island groups on the planet. After a short stay on the main island of Tahiti journey to Nuku Hiva the largest of the Marquesas Islands and home to the stunning Pearl Nuku Hiva lodge. Overlooking Tahiohae Bay, the lodge offers just 20 spacious bungalows. Just one percent of travelers to Tahiti make their way to this unique culture filled area boasting breathtaking waterfalls, hikes, archelogy sites and even wild horses. Finish your Tahiti adventure on the magical island of Moorea home to white sand beaches, emerald mountains and the largest variety of adventure and outdoor activities available in Tahiti.
Itinerary & Adventure Highlights
Day 1: Arrive Papeete, Tahiti
Arrive Papeete where you will be greeted by our local ground team and taken to Le Tahiti resort for your two-night stay. Enjoy the pool, daily activities and fitness classes as you acclimate to island time. Le Tahiti is located on a black sand beach, a unique attribute of the islands.
Day 2: Circle the island tour
Today explore the island on your half day circle the island tour visiting some of the most popular landmarks such as Point Venus, One Tree Hill, Th Blowhole and the Faarumai Waterfall.
Day 3: Fly to the Marquesas
It’s an early start for your adventure to the Marquesas. After the 3.5 hour flight north. Getting to Nuku Hiva is part of the adventure as we journey 90 minutes by 4×4 over scenic mountainous roads to the resort. Free afternoon for hiking and exploring the beaches.
Day 4: Island Tour by 4×4
Visit of Taiohae Village and Koueva (Half Day)
Enjoy a 4×4 tour of the Marquesas administrative capital, Taiohae village – its
cultural and historical landmarks, the cathedral, archeological sites and a visit
the local museum. Then journey to the nearby Koueva archeaological site, an open-air
gathering site, known as a tohua, that once belonged to the war chief Pakolo.
Day 5: Hatiheu Valley tour
Today venture out with your guide to discover the Marquesian handcrafts in Taipivai and the ancient remains of Kamuihei. Start your day in a 4WD vehicle with a visit to the Tapivai Valley made famous by Herman Melville in the novel Taïpi, then continue towards Hatiheu to discover the ‘paepae’ and ‘tohua’. The typical Marquesian lunch will be served in a restaurant in Hatiheu. Afternoon spent relaxing at the lodge or perhaps enjoying a spa treatment. (optional).
Day 6: Fly to Papeete and Ferry to Moorea
Time to bid farewell to this amazing location and travel back to the capital of Papeete. Upon arrival take the ferry to Moorea for your 3-night stay at the Sofitel Moorea. The Sofitel has one of the most spectacular stretches of white sand beach and idyllic views.
Day 7: Free day on Moorea
Free day to explore in Moorea. Explore the island of Moorea and take in a local food tour, hike or 4×4 tour to see views from Magic Mountain and visit a pineapple plantation along the way.
Day 8: Catamaran Sailing and Snorkeling
This afternoon you’ll embark on a leisurely sailing cruise through the calm lagoon waters and outside the barrier reef of Moorea. Begin with a stop for snorkeling beside a beautiful sandbar where you will have the opportunity to jump in the shallow water and interact with the stingrays and small reef sharks. Return to the boat for a fruit platter and fresh fruit juices on your way to the next and final stop. Your next stop will allow you to explore a pristine coral garden and underwater Polynesian statues. End your time on board enjoying panoramic views of Opunohu Bay as you gently sail back to your hotel. Price is per person based on one couple traveling together. Private tours are also available, inquire for more details.
Day 9: Evening departure for the US or extend to Bora Bora
Enjoy the resort on your final day in the islands before heading back to Papeete this afternoon for your evening flight home to the US.
Extensions to Bora Bora available. See notes below.
Extension to Bora Bora available. See notes below.
Inclusions:
- 8 nights’ accommodations based on double occupancy (2 people sharing a room)
- 2 nights Le Tahiti in a Deluxe Ocean View Room
- 3 nights Nuka Hiva Lodge Garden View Bungalow
- 3 nights Sofitel Moore Superior Ocean View Bungalow or Garden View
- Breakfast daily at Le Tahiti
- All meals at Nuka Hive Lodge (breakfast, lunch, dinner); complimentary mini bar with soft drinks
- Breakfast daily at Sofitel Moorea; complimentary mini bar with soft drinks and beer
- All transfers to and form the airport and ferry
- Internal flights from Papeete to Nuka Hiva
- Ferry transfers to and from Moorea
- Circle the island tour in Papeete
- All activities at Nuka Hiva as specified in the itinerary
- Catamaran snorkeling tour in Moorea
- All taxes
- Local support and concierge service in country
Not Included:
- International flights USA to Papeete
- Lunches and Dinners in Papeete and Moorea