French Polynesia cruise on the Aranui 5

You will arrive early this morning and so a room has been pre-booked for you in Tahiti, so that you can check straight in and relax. You then have a full day at leisure in Tahiti to relax in the lagoon or by the pool. You might also like to take a trip to the Museum of Polynesia and the Isles which is a good introduction to Polynesian history and culture before you head to your cruise.

This morning you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the port where you will board the Aranui 5 and set sail on your cruise to explore the beautiful Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands.

Enjoy your first day in the Tuamotu Archipelago and the islands of Takapoto. You will enjoy a short walk to a magnificent white sandy beach where we will have a picnic, and you can swim and snorkel in the translucent lagoon and take in the mesmerising tropical lagoon fish.

Time at sea sailing to the Marquesas. Relax on board the sun decks, take a dip in the pool, or learn about the Marquesan culture and history from your knowledgeable crew and the onboard library.

Explore Hiva Oa, the second largest of the islands in the Marquesas. Your tour this morning takes in Puamau which is close to the world-famous tiki statue sites. After lunch on board you will set sail for Tahuata and spend the afternoon in the village of Vaitahu. The French Catholic church in the village is particularly impressive.

Explore Nuku Hiva, Marquesas. Your next stop is Taiohae Bay, where you can explore Taiohae, the tiny administrative capital of the Marquesas, the valley of Hatiheu and the valley of Taipivai. You will enjoy lunch at Yvonne's Restaurant, who also happens to be the local mayor! Afterwards you will have the chance to walk to an archaeological site; which is above a coconut plantation. The path to the site is steep and often slippery when raining.

Explore Ua Pou Island, Marquesas. As the crew unload their supplies you can explore the tiny town of Hakahau, home to talented wood carvers and breath-taking views that are well worth the walk up the hill! You'll enjoy lunch in a local restaurant here.

Explore Hiva Oa, the second largest of the islands in the Marquesas. Enjoy a leisurely day exploring Atuona, the home of impressionist, Paul Gauguin. You will enjoy a Marquesan lunch and have the chance to visit the graves of the two most famous international residents: Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel.

Explore Fatu Hiva, Marquesas. This lush and remote island is a hub for Marquesan arts and crafts, so you will meet local people producing and designing tapa cloth, hand-painted pareo (sarongs) and monoi oil and watch skilled wood-carvers in action.

Today, on Ua Huka, you will visit a museum with exquisite replicas of Marquesan art. You can choose to explore the island by four-wheel drive or ride the famed Marquesan horses to explore the mountain landscape, and views of the Pacific. You'll enjoy lunch at local restaurant and have plenty of time to visit studios of wood carvers before visiting the arboretum and the garden of fruits and flowers.

You cruise back to the Tuamotu archipelago today relaxing on board, discussing your adventures with fellow passengers or reading about the unique Polynesian culture which you have just been introduced to.

The cruise sails on to Rangiroa today, the largest atoll in the world where you can swim and snorkel in a translucent lagoon. Snorkelling and scuba diving are available too, and you will also have the opportunity to purchase black pearls from local black pearl farmers.

Today you will enjoy the blue lagoon of Bora Bora where you can spend the day at the white sand beach. Optional excursions such as island tours, swimming with rays and small sharks, and helicopter tours are available at an extra cost.

Sail back to Tahiti where you will arrive this morning. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the airport for your Air Tahiti flight to Raiatea where a boat transfer will take you across the lagoon to your small luxury hotel, Vahine Island Resort. Dinner, bed and breakfast is included in your stay.

A full day at leisure on Vahine Island at your resort which enjoys a very relaxing location on the outer reef with fine views of the lagoon and islands. Take the time to talk to your hosts today as they are experts in the best ways to explore the lagoon and the islands of Taha'a and Raiatea which both occupy the same reef system.

A full day at leisure at Vahine. The lagoon has some wonderful coral gardens for swimming and snorkelling. Look out for the turtles which live in the lagoon and are very inquisitive.

Enjoy your last full day at leisure on Vahine. You may wish to arrange a visit to a vanilla plantation, take in a 'coconut show' or use the hotel's spa facilities for some last minute pampering.

On-board your international return flight home.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.