Embark on an adventurous expedition into the heart of French Polynesia and its unique history, spectacular marine environments and UNESCO-designated gems. Led by A&K’s celebrated Expedition Team, snorkel the sapphire waters of the Tuamotu Archipelago and experience the Pitcairn Islands and their shared legacy with the HMS ‘Bounty.’ You also trace Polynesian culture to its roots in magnificent Easter Island, which you explore for multiple days.
OCT 27
OCT 28
OCT 29
OCT 30
OCT 31
NOV 1
NOV 2
NOV 3
NOV 4
NOV 5–6
NOV 7–8
NOV 9
OCT 27
Arrive early this morning in lively Papeete, abuzz with its cafes and markets. Guests arriving early transfer to the InterContinental Resort Tahiti for access to a day room before lunch and a scenic tour of the island. Visit the James Norman Hall Home, a memorial museum replica of the famed writer’s home, as well as Point Venus, the landing spot of the European explorers who discovered these islands. Next, drive up to Tahara’a “One Tree Hill” for impressive views over Matavai Bay. This afternoon, board your luxury expedition ship and home for the next 13 nights.
'Le Boreal'
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
OCT 28
Located about 230 nautical miles east of Tahiti, the extensive Tuamotuan chain stretches for 600 miles and represents the oldest, and arguably dreamiest, islands of French Polynesia. Today, explore Fakarava, its second-largest atoll with a population of approximately 700 inhabitants. After a leisurely breakfast and relaxing morning on your ship, join your Expedition Team on excursions to shore via Zodiacs (sturdy inflatable boats), where you are treated to a welcome ceremony at Rotoava. Enjoy exploring the village with its quaint streets, churches, local shops, town hall and school. Time permitting, set off on a scenic Zodiac excursion with your Expedition Team to discover Fakarava’s blue lagoon and picturesque landscape. Conditions permitting, you may also enjoy a landing and beach time.
'Le Boreal'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OCT 29
A vast contrast from Fakarava, tiny Marokau is home to just over 90 inhabitants and was once a primary destination for collecting pearls in the Tuamotus’ lagoons. Soak in its breathtaking scenery during a relaxing morning on your luxury ship before setting off on Zodiacs for an afternoon of exploration. Choose to join your Expedition Team for activities ranging from birding walks to snorkeling as well as beach combing and swimming. Return to your ship late this afternoon, with time to relax and participate in fascinating lectures led by your experts. After dinner, cocktails out on deck under starry French Polynesian skies are in order.
'Le Boreal'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OCT 30
Cruise through the southern Tuamotu Archipelago as your Expedition Team offers presentations on the sights that surround you and prepare you for your next stop in the Gambier Islands.
'Le Boreal'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OCT 31
North of the Tropic of Capricorn and some 1,025 miles southeast of Tahiti, find the largest of the Gambier Islands. Dubbed the “Floating Mountain” by Polynesian inhabitants, Mangareva boasts a singular village, a distinctive cathedral and exciting terrain. This morning, discover the beauty of the island with a local guide and your Expedition Team, beginning with an excursion to the Cathedral of St. Michael. Completed in 1848 and featuring twin towers, this historic church can accommodate 1,200 people — more than the population of the island today. Alternatively, you may visit a pearl shell-carving school, enjoy a hike to Mt. Duff with an elevation gain of 1,200 feet or set out on a guided walk in search of birds and wildlife. Conditions permitting, snorkeling may be offered to complete today’s adventures.
'Le Boreal'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
NOV 1
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as well as continued lectures and conversations with your Expedition Team. You may also take advantage of the ship facilities, including its panoramic decks and full-service spa.
'Le Boreal'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
NOV 2
After the infamous mutiny on the HMS ‘Bounty’ in the South Pacific Ocean on April 28, 1789, acting Lieutenant Fletcher Christian and his fellow mutineers sought refuge on Pitcairn Island on January 15, 1790. Today, this namesake island of the Pitcairn Island Group is home to roughly 56 inhabitants — all descendants of the mutineers and the Polynesians who accompanied them — making Pitcairn the least populous national jurisdiction in the world. Today, set foot on the island and back in time to discover its fascinating history. Join local guides in small groups and explore Pitcairn on a variety of walks, including an uphill trek to Adamstown. Bring your passport for the rare opportunity to have it stamped “From the Middle of Nowhere” at the museum and post office, one of the most remote in the world. Later, return to your luxury ship for recaps led by your experts and great conversations over dinner.
'Le Boreal'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
NOV 3
Part of the Pitcairn Island Group and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Henderson measures just over 14 square miles yet boasts remarkable diversity. Today’s expedition stop offers you the opportunity to explore this uninhabited island with your Expedition Team. Set your sights on gloriously desolate beaches. Join guided walks in search of the island’s rare flora and fauna, which include 10 endemic flowering plants and four endemic species of land birds, such as the Henderson crake and Henderson lorikeet. Sheer limestone cliffs surround this elevated coralline island — one of the last two in the world unaffected by human contact. Conditions permitting, enjoy another chance to snorkel, this time amid Henderson’s brilliant waters.
'Le Boreal'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
NOV 4
Also in the Pitcairn Group, Ducie is home to tens of thousands of seabirds, including masked boobies, various petrels and frigate birds. The island is also remote and rarely visited, making today’s expedition stop a unique opportunity for discovery. Set off on Zodiacs with your Expedition Team to experience birding colonies in the thousands, a walk on rarely touched sand and the opportunity to snorkel along Ducie’s outer reef.
'Le Boreal'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
NOV 5–6
As your ship sails east toward Easter Island, enjoy the next two days at sea to recharge from recent days of adventure. Engaging lectures are ongoing and shed compelling insights on the mythical speck of land you will soon have the privilege to explore.
'Le Boreal'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
NOV 7–8
Known as Rapa Nui to native Polynesians, Easter Island is set over 2,300 miles from mainland Chile and considered the most remote inhabited island on the planet. The greatest concentration of its culture spans UNESCO-designated Rapa Nui National Park, a vast protected wildlife area and open-air museum showcasing the island’s iconic moai statues. Explore it as part of a multi-day immersive experience that begins with a lively welcome ceremony. Visit the ruins of the sacred city of Orongo with its low, sod-covered buildings and explore an internal lagoon. In the late afternoon, witness a wonderful sunset with a cocktail at the archaeological complex of Ahu Tahai. The next day, choose to rise early to see the sun rise at Ahu Tongariki, the largest ceremonial ground on Easter Island complete with fifteen moais, including one that weighs 86 tons. Later, travel to Rano Raraku Volcano, one of the most impressive sites on Easter Island. Continue to Anakena Beach to enjoy a BBQ lunch followed by time at leisure to soak in this beautiful beach peppered with palm trees and moais. You might also enjoy meetings with local Rapa Nui who teach the traditional art of body painting and ancient stone carving. Return every evening to the comforts of your luxury expedition ship and stateroom, taking in the island’s endlessly compelling views from your own private balcony.
'Le Boreal'
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
NOV 9
Bid farewell to your Expedition Team before disembarking your ship. Visit the Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum, which houses 20,000 artifacts from the island. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on A&K’s post-tour extension.
Meals: Breakfast
In the heart of the Polynesian islands, discover an immersive experience in Tahitian culture, cuisine and lush landscapes.
4 days from $3,295 per person
Single Supplement from $1,295 per person
OCT 24
Arrive early this morning and check in to your overwater bungalow. Take time to relax before setting out an excursion to Tahiti’s Paea district. Enjoy lunch followed by a visit to the Marae Arahurahu archeological site, considered to be one of the island’s most significant ancient temple maraes (sacred meeting ground). You also visit the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands, showcasing the history of the islands and culture of its people. Enjoy dinner this evening at the resort.
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
OCT 25
Take an adventurous drive in four-wheel vehicles to the famous Papenoo Valley, the largest valley on the island. Enjoy various crossings of the Papenoo River, stops at numerous waterfalls and a visit to an ancient stone temple, all while taking in views of mountain sides covered with lush green flora. Time permitting, stop for a swim in one of the river’s natural pools and at a scenic beach for a photo opportunity. Return to the resort for lunch and an afternoon at leisure befor dinner this evening.
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OCT 26
Today, explore the district of Mataiea, the home village of French artist Paul Gauguin. Discover the flower-laden village of Papeari and the verdant Vaipahi Gardens, where you stop to explore natural gardens and waterfalls. After lunch at a local restaurant overlooking a lagoon, visit a private colonial home and its meticulous garden as well as the freshwater pools at Maraa Grotto, a place visited by Gaugin and recorded by Captain Cook in his personal journal. Return to the resort for dinner this evening.
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OCT 27
Enjoy breakfast and time at leisure before departing your resort to join your main Luxury Expedition Cruise program.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore more of the island with a luxury lodge stay and activities from hikes to horseback rides to sea cave discovery.
3 days from $3,995 per person
Single Supplement from $2,995 per person
NOV 9
Following your visit to the Sebastian Englert Museum, transfer and check in to your luxury lodge boasting award-winning architecture and dramatic views over the island. In the afternoon, choose to horseback ride to the celestial observatory of Ahu Akivi or hike to thie highest of the island’s three primary extinct volcanos. Enjoy dinner at your lodge.
Explora Rapa Nui
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
NOV 10
Today, set out on a boat to explore the fascinating coastline of Easter Island. Discover the island’s cliffs and most famed coastal caves, including the Ana Tepahu and Ana Te Pora caves, both steeped in Rapa Nui culture and lure. Return to the lodge for dinner.
Explora Rapa Nui
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
NOV 11
After breakfast, visit a handicraft market before continuing on to the airport for your international flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Le Boreal
