Cook Islands and Society Islands cruise on the Paul Gauguin

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Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
4.9 . Excellent
98%
Travel Style: Array Mixed
Physical Level: Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment. Easy
Lodging Level: Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
13 days
From: $ 10,590 $ 815 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • Visit the small and beautiful island of Aitutaki.
  • Spend the day relaxing on the private island of Paul Gauguin, Motu Mahana.
  • Snorkel the stunning waters of Moorea.
  • Explore and learn about black pearl farms.

Short Description

Translucent lagoons, volcanic peaks, and long streaks of beach are the key ingredients of French Polynesia, an enigmatic collection of archipelagos within an archipelago adrift in the South Pacific. Our specialists have journeyed across these islands, which cover an area larger than Europe, exploring the main sights as well as seeking out lesser-known corners. They’ll carefully plan a French Polynesia vacation to suit your interests, whether you’re after a tranquil getaway or a more adventurous experience.

Style Private guided tour
See all the highlights and popular spots on a classic tour.
Itinerary Focus Classic Highlights
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Lodging Level Value (3*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions All internal ground transport
Start City Tahiti
End City Tahiti

Destinations

N/A

Attractions & Cities Visited

N/A

Activities & Interests

Relaxing Retreat Short Cruise

N/A
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Itinerary

Day 1 Tahiti

 Tahiti

Your South Pacific adventure starts today, with international flight to Tahiti, which arrives early the following morning.

Day 2 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Tahiti

On arrival in Tahiti, you will met and transferred to your hotel which has been pre-registered to allow for immediate check in. Spend your day relaxing and recovering.

Day 3 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Tahiti

Enjoy a leisurely morning before being transferred to the pier after lunch where you will join your Paul Gauguin cruise. The ship will set sail this evening.

Day 4 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Tahiti

Your first port of call is Huahine, known as "The Garden Island" for its lush rainforests and dramatic terrain. While here, you can cruise the expansive lagoon, explore the island's culture, or picnic on the beach.

Day 5 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Tahiti

A day at sea. Spend the day enjoying The Gauguin's Polynesian ambiance: casual, leisurely, and graceful. Perhaps you will take in a lecture by one of the special guests, then dine in the evening over classic French cuisine at L'etoile as you cruise to Aitutaki in the Cook Islands.

Day 6 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Tahiti

A spectacular day to enjoy the pristine lagoon and white sand beaches of Aitutaki. Go snorkelling, explore the island and perhaps visit the village of Arutanga which is home to the oldest church in the Cook Islands.

Day 7 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Tahiti

Rugged Rarotonga is the most mountainous of all the Cook Islands and you could spend time here exploring its natural beauty. Snorkel in Muri Lagoon, wander the lush Takitumi Conservation Area or take a hike into the island’s dense interior with Pa, a local naturalist.

Day 8 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Tahiti

A full day cruising back across the South Pacific towards Bora Bora allows time to relax on deck, read about the amazing islands you are about to visit or perhaps indulge in a spa treatment?

Day 9 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Tahiti

Pulitzer Prize-winning author James Michener described Bora Bora as "The most beautiful island in the world." You might wish to explore the island with a number of activities, such as a tour of the island paradise that affords breathtaking island views or glide over crystalline waters on a glass bottom boat to see the island`s famous marine life without getting wet, take a thrilling helicopter ride over the ship and island, or simply spend a few hours lolling on the island`s beautiful beach.

Day 10 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Tahiti

A further full day at leisure in the lagoon of Bora Bora.

Day 11 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Tahiti

Motu Mahana, an islet adjacent to Taha'a, is your very own South Seas paradise, featuring white-sand beaches with swaying palms, crystal-clear waters, and gentle breezes. As an exclusive Paul Gauguin experience, you will spend a full day on this idyllic island doing exactly as you please. Relax in the shade of a palm tree, engage in a game of volleyball, snorkel in the motu's turquoise lagoons and enjoy a delicious al fresco barbecue lunch with Polynesian entertainment.

Day 12 On-board ship (Tahiti)

 Tahiti

Covered in an abundance of fresh fruits and flowers, spectacular mountain peaks, peaceful multi-hued lagoons, and palm-fringed beaches, Moorea features a magnificent beauty that is unsurpassed. White-sand beaches lapped by the translucent shimmering lagoon water and shaded by palm, coconut, and ironwood groves stretch for miles. During your visit, you might wish to take an optional air-conditioned coach ride around the island to admire the stunning views.

Day 13 Return home

 Tahiti

A further day at leisure in and around Moorea. Perhaps join a dolphin watching cruise in the lagoon with a local marine biologist or head inland into the mountains to the fruit farms and take in the breathtaking views of the coastline from up here.

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 10,590
Price Per Day: $ 815 per day

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Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

3,377 Audley Travel Travel Reviews & Ratings

98%
4.9 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 3,172
Great 103
Average 24
Disappointing 24
Terrible 54
Value
4.9
Guide
4.9
Activities
4.9
Lodging
4.9
Transportation
4.9
Meals
4.9

Cook Islands and Society Islands cruise on the Paul Gauguin

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Company Reviews

We've just booked our honeymoon with…

5.0
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Value5.0
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Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
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Meals5.0
We've just booked our honeymoon with Audley. Emily was brilliant at listening to the kind of trip we would like, answered all our questions by drawing on her in-depth knowledge and personal experience, and has put together the perfect itinerary for us. We're so excited! Also, a shout-out to concierge specialist Sofya Jasmine who took our initial query, helped us hone our options and connected us with Emily.
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Thailand tour organised by Suzi

5.0
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Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
We have just returned from an amazing holiday in Thailand. Suzi,one of the Thailand specialists ,put the holiday together for us and did a fantastic job. After really asking about our expectations and previous holidays , she put together a bespoke holiday full of activities,tours and plenty of time for relaxation too! The holiday itinerary pack was so useful.I cannot recommend this company highly enough.
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Barbados with wonderful Audley Travel

5.0
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Value5.0
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Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
We recently visited Barbados through Audley Travel. We have used this company many times visiting South Africa, Mauritius and Borneo to mention a few. We have always felt they are a safe and gentle pair of hands when visiting more exotic destinations. We have never had a problem, all the arrangements and transfers etc were always professionally done and exceptionally smooth. However, through NO FAULT on Audleys behalf, the hotel we had chosen, The Tamarind was awful, filthy with damaged flooring, and not of the standard we have become accustomed to. We had asked for an alternative room, but the one we were offered was inappropriate due to my mobility issues, which they were well aware of. As usual we received an email from Isabelle at Audley, kindly checking that we were happy with our room allocation. I explained the situation and sent her pictures. She was appalled, and this is why we would never, ever contemplate going anywhere without the confidence of have Audley behind us. Amazingly, within 3 hours we were expertly whisked away to our new boutique hotel, the Little Good Harbour (Isabelle's favourite) We had an amazing time, and we are just relieved we took the leap of faith with Isabelle's suggestion. Audley (and Isabelle) are amazing, they not only offer tailor made, bespoke holidays, but have endless patience when arranging travel options, but what is priceless, you have the insurance behind you to know that if anything does go wrong, despite not being their fault, they are like a fairy godmother and will work their magic and place you back in paradise. I cannot thank Isabelle enough, she is an asset to Audley Travel and an amazing representative protecting their reputation as being 'top of the game'. We are looking forward to our next holiday with them to South Africa on safari and then onto Mauritius.
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Sarah was so great and really…

5.0
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Meals5.0
Sarah was so great and really understood what was important to us about our trip. She was helpful, upbeat and endlessly patient. What great customer service...felt like I'd made a friend and that nothing was too much trouble.
Thank you Sarah...what a star! You made this process easy from beginning to end :)
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So much more than a travel agent

5.0
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Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Where do I start. Twice we have booked with Audley and twice we have reason to thank our lucky stars that we did. The first was a safari trip that had to be cancelled because of Covid. We were offered or money back with no quibbles.
The second and more recent time was on a trip to Vietnam organised by their Indochina expert Ross Cleary.
We were on the final day of a 19 day trip to Vietnam and Cambodia which given the quality the hotels and excursions arranged by Ross was shaping up to be the best holiday we had ever taken.
Unfortunately my wife developed breathing difficulties and I had to take her to hospital. The hospital decided to admit her and we were left very frightened and wondering what to do about our flights which were due to leave in 4 hours time. There is a 7 hour time difference between U.K. and Vietnam so it was the middle of the night in the U.K. However, one phone call to the Audley duty manager had me connected to him via "whatsapp" so that he could update me real time on the situation without the £7 per minute phone charges. The flights were postponed, I was put up in the closest hotel to the hospital and Audley took care of all the minutiae so that I could concentrate on my wife who was diagnosed with pneumonia.
Upon being discharged my wife was told she could not travel immediately. We spent a total of 8 days in a hotel arranged by Audleys local partners Vidotours. A fantastic hotel at a very reasonable price. The hotel bill was covered until I got home and the flights were re-instated for a tiny admin fee.
We don't always use a travel company to book our holidays, but visiting out of the way places where local knowledge and support can be invaluable I would thoroughly recommend Audley.
These guys are so much more than a travel agent.
No prizes for guessing that I will be using them on my next big excursion. Thank you. Pete
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We were quoted an extortionate price…

1.0
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We were quoted an extortionate price for a holiday to Ecuador and the Galapagos, which we ended up booking ourselves like for like (if not for better rooms etc.) spending about £10k less than quoted by Audley. When challenged about the initial quote, the agent came up with all the “added value” they claimed to provide, when it had come across clearly to us that the agent knew less about the country than us after having read the Lonely Planet the week end before. In fact it felt like we were giving the agent information about the country/ option rather than the agent advising us. i.e. we were shown a cruise advertised as being suitable for retirees, when in fact we said we were a young couple on their honeymoon.

It might be different for other countries, as we have friends who have been happy with Audley’s service to the US, but we found it completely overpriced but more importantly unjustifiably so as we couldn’t see any added value.
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Details

Flight & Transport Inclusions

All internal ground transport

Group Size

Private - your group only

Trip ID#:

PaGaAud

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