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Tahiti to Easter Island
ABOARD THE CALEDONIAN SKY
With its dreamy scenery of palm-fringed beaches and azure lagoons, Polynesia is the
very definition of paradise. From legendary Tahiti, you’ll head to the Marquesas, with
their sky-piercing volcanoes and chiseled bays, and the remote atolls of the Tuamotus,
where some of the world’s most dazzling snorkeling can be experienced. Step ashore
on seldom-visited Pitcairn, witness the amazing birdlife of uninhabited Henderson and
Ducie Islands, and end the journey at exotic Easter Island, with its mysterious moais.
DAYS 1-4 PAPEETE / RANGIROA From
Papeete, cruise to Rangiroa, one of the atolls
of the Tuamotu chain, for unparalleled
snorkeling in its dazzling lagoon, while
birders can watch for blue lorikeets, red-
footed boobies, and great frigatebirds.
DAYS 5-7 MARQUESAS ISLANDS
In the Marquesas, considered one of
the most beautiful island groups in the
South Pacific (and beloved by the artist
Paul Gauguin), immerse yourself in the
local culture, visit open-air markets and
archaeological sites, and snorkel or dive
against an underwater backdrop of sheer
walls and dramatic arches covered in soft
corals.
DAYS 8-10 TUAMOTUS The far-flung
Tuamotus are the world’s largest atoll chain.
On Pukapuka, visit a small village whose
residents raise taro, bananas, and coconut
palms for copra, and on Pukarua, stroll
along the lagoon shores watching crested
terns circling overhead. Friendly islanders
welcome you with fragrant flower leis
and entrancing dances, and on snorkeling
excursions, you’ll find a bounty of vibrant
corals and iridescent reef fishes.
DAYS 11-16 MANGAREVA, GAMBIER
ISLANDS / PITCAIRN / HENDERSON
AND DUCIE ISLANDS Go ashore at
Rikitea on Mangareva to ascend the slopes
of Mt. Duff for nature walks. Remote,
volcano-crowned Pitcairn was the fabled
hideout of the HMS Bounty mutineers
in 1790, and today it’s inhabited by their
descendants. Visit Adamstown, the only
settlement on the island, then sail to
Henderson and Ducie Islands, home to
rare endemic bird species, from red-tailed
tropicbirds to the Henderson Island crake
and Stephen’s lorikeet. Days 15-16 are at sea.
DAYS 17-19 EASTER ISLAND Ponder
the mysteries of Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
as you explore restored ancient ceremonial
sites and view the famous moais carved from
volcanic rock by an early civilization that has
since disappeared. These enigmatic statues
faced not outward, to the sea, but inward,
and little is known about the people who
created them. Visit Rano Kau volcano to
view the giant caldera, its sprawling floor
dotted with lakes, and the ceremonial village
of Orongo, dedicated to the fascinating
“birdman” cult. Depart on Day 19.
DATES
Nov 5-24, 2017
TRIP COST
From $19,980
Price is per person and
depends on cabin type