Aitutaki It is believed that the second-most-visited of the Cook Islands was settled around 900 A.D. by the legendary Polynesian explorer Ru. Today, its inhabitants keep their history alive through song, dance, legends, and crafts, in particular tivaevae— intricate, handmade patchwork quilts unique to the Cook Islands, featuring designs inspired by nature. Te island’s coral reefs enclose a vast lagoon that is home to several hundred species of fish, so water activities are a must.
Join archaeologist guides on an adventure into the past and present culture of Aitutaki on the Punarei Village Cultural Tour. Tis trek includes visits to excavations, an ancient temple, and sacred sites. You’ll also see traditional dances, demonstrations of weaving from coconut fronds, wood carving, tattooing, and more. Fresh fruits and sweet coconut grown in ecologically friendly gardens around the site you visit will refresh you.
AT Sea (2 DAYS) As Te Gauguin carries you toward the magical kingdom of Tonga, your days at sea are a welcome oasis of relaxation, rejuvenation, and discovery. We suggest you make a beeline to the spa for some serious rejuvenation. A deep massage and soothing treatment will get your sun-kissed skin glowing.
Vava’u Te kingdom of Tonga comprises 61 individual islands, and the northern group, Vava’u, is considered the loveliest. A favorite haven for yachts, Vava’u features an atmosphere that is relaxed. Come as you are, stay for awhile, and above all, take it easy.
Te Vava’u Islands are a wonderland of wildlife, and the lagoon is so clear, divers can see to an incredible depth of 130 feet. Beneath the gentle waves, spinner dolphins, giant clams, manta rays, sea turtles, and more than 100 species of tropical fish cavort through coral landscapes.
Above the water, the local market offers handicrafts and a bounty of locally grown fruits and vegetables, not to mention the
freshest catch of the day. Take a guided tour of Ene‘io Botanical Garden, and see more than 500 native Tongan beautiful flora.
AT Sea During your leisurely day at sea, learn more about the culture of the islands you’re visiting with onboard presentations and demonstrations. Te traditional Tahitian dress for women, the pareo originated in the Cook Islands. Often brilliantly emblazoned with flowers, indigenous designs, or traditional tapa patterns, today pareos are worn by both men and women, and there are many ways to tie and wear them. Learn how from Les Gauguines.
Savusavu How does this sound: a day on a beautiful tropical island where the cares of the outside world don’t stand a chance of finding you? Like a smile that can’t be suppressed, the island of Vanua Levu in northern Fiji presents itself with blushing splendor. Charming, unassuming, and unspoiled, the second-largest of Fiji’s 300 islands extends a warm welcome with lush green hills surrounded by coral reefs. Some call it the “Hidden Paradise of Fiji,” and you will agree.
Bounded by one of the largest coral reefs in the region, Fiji offers some of the world’s finest SCUBA diving, with a dazzling array of first-rate dive sites. If you’re a diver, consider joining the SCUBA 1 Tank excursion. Internationally certified dive operators will lead you to spectacular hard and soft corals, caves, and grottos, and diverse marine life including sharks, turtles, tuna, and fish of all shapes, colors, and sizes.
Suva Located on Fiji’s largest island, Suva is perched on a hilly peninsula between two harbors. Every view is a stunning combination of blues and greens, volcanic cliffs, and velvet jungles. Te city is a fascinating mix of modern and colonial architecture, and life here is all about laid-back sophistication. As the largest urban area in the South Pacific outside of Australia and New Zealand, Suva is rich in Fijian culture, with museums,
Society Islands, Cook Islands, Tonga & Fiji
Papeete, Tahiti to Lautoka, Fiji (or reverse)
12 or 13 NIGHTS from $6,000-$24,640* per person *See page 59 for Terms & Conditions
*Itinerary operates in reverse, is only 12-nights and does not stop in Beqa Island, Fiji †Itinerary operates in reverse
Paul Gauguin Cruises |
www.pgcruises.com 43
galleries, and marketplaces to explore. Fiji’s highest peak, Mount Tomanivi, is an exquisite landmark from every vantage point. Te shell of this ancient volcano is an unforgettable climb for experienced hikers.
Beqa Island It seems that everyone you meet in Fiji is wearing a smile. And when you behold the tiny island of Beqa (pronounced “BENG-uh”), it’s easy to understand why. Te startlingly turquoise lagoon is cradled in the crater of an extinct volcano. Waterfalls tumble, golden sands sparkle, and gentle breezes whisper secrets of this paradise rich in tradition, where the ancient ritual of Fijian firewalking began.
Located about six miles off the coast of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, Beqa, may be tiny—less than six square miles in territory—but the hospitality here is as big as the South Pacific. Tere are no paved roads and only a sprinkling of friendly villages. From the lush forests, trees heavy with coconut and papaya wave a friendly hello. Pristine beaches frame one of the world’s largest barrier reefs, a paradise for divers, snorkelers, and fishing enthusiasts. (Note: the October 8, 2022 sailing date does not stop here.)
Lautoka Fiji’s largest island, Viti Levu, is the hub of the Fijian Islands. And what a visual: the city of Lautoka is known as
“Sugar City” for the golden-green sugarcane that surrounds it on three sides, and the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean forms its western border. Te palm-lined main street invites strolling and exploration. Te lagoon is perfect for watersports; a playground awaits beneath the surface for diving and snorkeling. And the beaches? Flawless, with super-fine white sand and swaying coconut palms.
One of the island’s highlights is the Garden of the Sleeping Giant, which includes manicured lawns, ponds, fountains, and more than 2,000 truly rare Asian and Cattleya orchid hybrids, once the private collection of actor Raymond Burr. A fitting end to your idyllic voyage!
2022 SAILING DATES: September 24; October 8*
2023 SAILING DATES: January 7; March 20†
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