TAHITI T ey call this island the “Queen of the Pacifi c.” 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 two-week journey aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin begins in one of the world’s most celebrated destinations. For this once-in-a-lifetime excursion, consider arriving a day early and/or extending your stay after the cruise. You’ll want more time in this fabled land.


At Sea There’s something very special about the fi rst day at sea on board The Gauguin. This is Page 1, with many unimaginable chapters ahead. Will your story be a romance? A fantasy? An adventure? Maybe all of these. Probably much more.


Do a little exploring. Get to know this beautiful vessel, which will take you to many great places.


Fakarava Lovely, serene, and virtually untouched by modern distractions, the second-largest atoll (or coral island) in the South Pacifi c off ers a rustic backdrop for your fantasy of being a castaway in paradise. Pristine beaches surround one of the clearest lagoons in French Polynesia—a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. T e view below the water is as cinematic as it is above—and that’s saying something. Whether you snorkel or dive, you’re in for a great show. Against the backdrop of the dazzling coral reef, you’ll spy barracudas, turtles, dolphins, and manta rays. T is is also one of the few spots in the South Pacifi c where you can see hundreds of gray reef sharks in the same area. T at should get the adrenaline pumping. (T e sharks are not dangerous when approached correctly; diving with a guide will ensure your safety.)


Spend quality time on land, as well. A paved road encircling the island is perfect for exploring by foot or by bike.


At Sea T e Gauguin’s heated, mahogany- framed saltwater pool is calling. Please report to Deck 8. T e sensation of being in the water while traveling on the water should not be missed. Take a dip. Grab a chaise and your favorite cocktail. Chat up your fellow poolies—one meets the most interesting people while at sea.


Fatu Hiva T e Marquesas: Wild. Dramatic. Bold. T e Pacifi c Ocean pounds against jagged cliffs. In contrast to the aquamarine and turquoise waters of French Polynesia, the water here is a deep indigo. Sharply sculpted mountains reach so high, the fi ne mist of clouds come down to meet them.


T e southernmost island in the Marquesas, Fatu Hiva may also be the most beautiful. T is isolated paradise really is “off the radar.” No airstrip, only one road, and just 500 residents. Explorer and archaeologist T or Heyerdahl immortalized Fatu Hiva in a book of the same name published in 1974, detailing his one- and-a half-year quest to escape civilization in the 1930s. Little has changed since then.


Hiva Oa T e second-largest of the southeastern Marquesas, Hiva Oa beckons with deep valleys, rugged peaks, and dense velvet rainforests. T e city of Atuona is a favorite of the yacht set, with just enough of a small island/cosmopolitan vibe to make things interesting. It’s easy to understand how artist Paul Gauguin and Belgian-born singer/ songwriter Jacques Brel fell madly in love with this isle and called it home. (T ey’re still here; you can visit both at the Calvaire Cemetery.)


Hiva Oa’s jungles hold secrets, including ancient, massive stone tiki carvings and petroglyphs whose true meaning has never defi nitively been explained. If you enjoy exploring, this is the place.


Discover the ancient tribes of the Taaoa Valley during an unforgettable off -road expedition on the Atuona to Taaoa excursion. T e island’s rich history plays out before you as you visit beautifully preserved dwellings, ceremonial sites, and sacred archaeological ruins. You will come face to face with enormous tiki, sacrifi cial altar stones, and thousand-year- old relics, among the most signifi cant in the Marquesas.


Tahuata T e name means “sunrise” in Marquesan, so it’s no wonder this tiny, 19-square-mile island presents a lovely vision of untouched South Pacifi c beauty. And what could be friendlier than that? Tahuata is the smallest of the inhabited islands on the Marquesas archipelago, and because it has only 600 residents, you’ll immediately feel welcomed by the locals (and quite possibly by a pod of dolphins, who love to play in the area).


You’ll arrive via the quaint village of Hapatoni, where an open-air market presents a wealth of locally made handicrafts. No self-respecting South Seas traveler returns home without a carved tiki or a few pieces of hand-crafted jewelry. You’ll fi nd beautiful specimens here.


It is believed that Tahuata was inhabited by Polynesians as early as 200 A.D. T e island is rich with archaeological sites to be explored— and the ancient royal walkway with its fl oral- scented air is an enchanting setting for a stroll.


Discover the charm of the Hapatoni wilderness accompanied by The Gauguin’s onboard anthropology and archaeology expert on the Hapatoni Discovery excursion. Your all- terrain vehicle trek takes you to the villages of Hapatoni and Vaitahu, where you will learn about the lifestyle and culture of the island. You’ll also visit the ancient church en route to a spectacular scenic lookout encompassing regal mountain peaks piercing the brilliant blue sky.


Nuku Hiva Be prepared to have your breath taken away. It will be promptly returned after that initial gasp at the beauty of Nuku Hiva.


T e largest of the Marquesas Islands, Nuku Hiva is renowned for its wild terrain. Rugged cliff s nose-dive into the ocean. A carpet of green jungle creeps from the water’s edge, reaching upward. Shadows dance on the shoreline, and knifelike peaks disappear behind a scrim of clouds. T e island’s bay is ideal for sailing and deep-sea fi shing. On land, Nuku Hiva’s spectacular beauty is yours to discover during the off -road excursion Visit of Taipivai Valley, which will lead you through hidden valleys to truly stunning bay views. No one will ever accuse you of having no sense of adventure. For experienced, advanced- certification divers with at least 50 dives, the SCUBA Hammerhead Sentry Point excursion is a unique opportunity to see schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks, which frequently gather at the entrance of the bay where the plankton is ample. T e sharks are shy, and visibility can be limited. T e area is also rich with jack fi sh, tunas, and rays.


At Sea Next up: two blissful days at sea as you approach the stunning fi nal leg of this journey. You hardly need to be reminded, but don’t forget this is all about


Paul Gauguin Cruises | www.pgcruises.com 57


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