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TAHITI Tey call this island the Queen of the Pacific. And Tahiti is indeed regal. Beyond the opulence that greets your senses, Tahiti offers something intangible. Some say it’s a sense of serenity and well-being. Whatever you call it, it has lured many for thousands of years.


Your 11-night journey aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin begins in one of the world’s most celebrated destinations. For this once-in-a- lifetime adventure, consider arriving a day early and/or extending your stay after the cruise. You’ll want more time in this fabled land.


HUAHINE Midway between Tahiti and Bora Bora lies the sleepy isle of Huahine. Seen from the air, the Island of Gardens is actually two—Huahine Nui and Huahine-Iti, connected by a man-made bridge and cradled by a coral reef. Not as developed or populous as its neighbors, Huahine is like a wish list for everything you’d want in a romantic fantasy destination: swaying palm trees, fragrant flowers, aquamarine waters and beaches with sand as soft as talc.


If cultural pursuits are calling your name, Huahine doesn’t disappoint. It’s home to Maeva, one of Polynesia’s best preserved marae, or ancient Polynesian temples.


At Sea Along with everything else you packed, we hope you remembered to bring your appetite. Aboard Te Gauguin, each craving will be spectacularly sated. Every day Le Grill serves afternoon tea in high style— finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, pastries and petit fours. Breakfast or lunch al fresco beneath the vast azure sky is an exceedingly fine way to


sample fare inspired by the islands you’ll visit. And for hands-down elegance, get spiffed up for multi-course dinner at L’Etoile.


Aitutaki It is believed that this island 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, which many believe rivals the usually beyond- compare Bora Bora. Several hundred species of fish make this their home, so underwater activities are a must. Tis island’s quiet roads are ideally suited for exploration. For the panoramic experience, Aitutaki’s highest point, Maunga Pu, is an easy hike with a huge payoff: 360-degree views of island and lagoon.


Join archaeologists 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 will refresh you, grown in natural ecologically friendly gardens around the site you visit.


Rarotonga From the deck of Te Gauguin, the primal call of drums may be the first thing you hear. Next, your astounded eyes will take in the massive cathedral-like shell of an ancient volcano rising majestically against a sapphire sky. Te largest of the 15 fabled Cook


Islands, Rarotonga is embraced by a sparkling lagoon, sugar-white sands and the friendly wave of palm trees. Te unmistakable island sound of ukuleles floats in the air. Genuine smiles welcome you ashore.


Be warned: On Rarotonga, hurrying is strictly forbidden. Te law of the island is to relax, immerse yourself in music, culture, history and of course, unmatched beauty. Tis is the true island experience.


AT SEA It is highly probable that the extraordinary sights, sounds, and tastes that you experience on this voyage will awaken your creativity. Such beauty needs to be expressed. On deck, as the otherworldly South Pacific landscape floats by, you may be tempted to throw your arms open wide and burst into song. If you’re looking for a less vocal display of your delight, and if sketching or painting aren’t your forte, Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins are at the ready to share their skills at Polynesian arts and crafts. Make a basket out of coconut palm leaves, learn the ancient art of tapa, make your own jewelry with natural materials found on the islands, craft a bookmark out of indigenous pandanus leaves and more. You’ll return home with a one-of-a-kind memento of this extraordinary voyage.


Bora Bora (OVERNIGHT) Famous. Exquisite. Adored. Achingly beautiful. Te supermodel of the South Pacific, you've seen countless photos and magazine covers of Bora Bora. Your pulse will race as you approach one of the most storied islands in the world—and you will find that photographs don’t even come close to the real deal.


Paul Gauguin Cruises | pgcruises.com


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