Page 36 - Journeys | 2020 & 2021 Collections

FRENCH POLYNESIAN ESCAPE
Lifetime ourney
Island hopping in the South Pacific on board the Oceania Regatta
34 For a detailed itinerary visit jerryvandyke.com
B: Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner
Overwater Bungalows, Sofitel Mo’orea
01 DEPART FOR PAPEETE, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Enjoy a private car ride to the airport.
Guests departing from the Toronto airport are assisted with their check-in. Meet your Journey Manager and fellow travellers and board your flights to Papeete, Tahiti where we check in to a hotel near the airport. Sofitel Tahiti Ia Ora Beach Resort, Papeete (1 night)
02 MO’OREA
After breakfast, we board a ferry from Papeete to Mo’orea, one of the most idyllic islands in French Polynesia. Reputed to be
the inspiration for James Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific, this stunning island is our home base for the next three days. Following lunch, familiarize yourself with our fabulous resort and take in the magnificent views from your very own overwater bungalow! Enjoy a delightful group dinner before turning in for the night. (B,L,D) Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Resort, Mo’orea (3 nights)
Dolphin Watching, Mo'orea
white-sand beaches and volcanic mountain slopes to an ancient village. Following lunch at the resort and an afternoon at your leisure, join us for an evening filled with Tahitian culture (and feast) at a nearby Tiki Village. (B,L,D)
04 DOLPHIN WATCHING
Today we explore Mo’orea’s rich biodiversity on an eco-tour and research expedition focused on wild dolphins. After a scenic
boat ride to the reef, enjoy a quick lunch and snorkel from the boat. With memories of spinner and rough-tooth dolphins still dancing in your head, spend the afternoon exploring or relaxing at your leisure. (B,L,D)
Hibiscus Flower, Fakarava Island
scenic drive around the island. From pineapple fields to ancient Tahitian temples, the striking sights of Mo’orea are truly inexhaustible. During our visit to an agricultural school, savour samples of local jams, liquors and juices. (B,L,D) Included excursion: Circle Island Visit
07 FAKARAVA
Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Fakarava houses countless exceedingly rare birds, plants and crustacean species. During our visit to this pristine ecosystem, we stop at the quaint village of Rotoava on our way
to see old coral churches, local crafts and the welcoming people who call this tropical island paradise home. (B,L,D)
08 DAY AT SEA (B,L,D)
HIGHLIGHTS
Luscious lagoons and Tahitian feasts await in French Polynesia, an almost mythical land that for centuries
was accessible only to the hardiest of sailors.
Today, aboard the Oceania Regatta write your own ‘Tales of the South Pacific’ from the comfort of a state-of- the-art ship as you visit pristine islands including Mo’orea, Nuku Hiva and of course, Bora Bora.
While much has changed since the opening up of this magical region, some things remain the same: the gorgeous white-sand beaches, the delicious traditional cuisine, and the longing of the human heart to discover what hidden wonders and unexplored mysteries reside in this exotic corner of the world.
03 MO’OREA: NATURE & CULTURE Wake up fresh, surrounded by the deep
island is widely considered the most beautiful in the Marquesas. Our destination for the
day is the Taipivai Valley, made famous by Herman Melville whose time spent among the indigenous people inspired his novel Typee. Today, we wind our way along stunning coastlines and sacred temples, encountering a beauty beyond the power of written words. (B,L,D) Included excursion: The Taipivai Valley
turquoise waters of the South Pacific. Brimming with extraordinary natural beauty and a vibrant history, Mo’orea offers our first glimpse into Tahitian culture. Today, we tour this two-million-year-old volcanic island, from
06 MO’OREA
Today we return to Mo’orea and take in
05 ALL ABOARD THE OCEANIA REGATTA Enjoy some free time before returning by
ferry to Papeete where we board the Oceania Regatta, your home for the next nine nights. Settle in to your stateroom and relax on board before setting sail later this afternoon. All meals will be served on board unless otherwise indicated. (B,L,D) Oceania Regatta (9 nights)
09 NUKU HIVA
As we tour Nuku Hiva, discover why this
magnificent views, from Cook’s bay to the incomparable Belvedere viewpoint during our