Fiji and Tahiti Adventure: Vibrant Reefs and Cultural History

Day 1

Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia

Arrive in Tahiti and transfer to the InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa (or similar) in the afternoon for check in. Spend the evening at your leisure.

Day 2

Papeete / Embark Ship

This morning enjoy breakfast at your leisure and spend some time exploring the resort while adjusting to island time. Meet your fellow travelers for lunch and then join us for a tour of Tahiti before embarking the ship in the late afternoon.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 3-5

Taha'a / Ra'iatea / At Sea

Enjoy the day acclimating to island time at beautiful Taha'a. Surrounded by a sparkling turquoise lagoon, make use of our private motu to snorkel, swim, kayak or just enjoy your surroundings from the white sandy beach.

Spend the next morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Marae Taputapuātea on Ra'iatea. One of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world, the centuries-old complex was a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Hawaii, and New Zealand. Later, refresh yourself with a swim in the island's lagoon.

Spend time on deck during a day at sea, mesmerized by deep-blue water while scanning the horizon for marine mammals and seabirds.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 6-8

Cook Islands / At Sea

Today we let nature be our guide as we discover the pristine Cook Islands. Perhaps snorkel or dive among colorful coral, or choose to kayak or stand-up paddleboard in the warm, crystalline waters. Then enjoy life aboard National Geographic Orion as we spend two days sailing west toward Samoa, crossing the International Date Line.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 9-10

Samoa

With its spectacular beaches and dense green foliage, hidden waterfalls and lava-sculpted landscapes, Samoa captures the essence of the South Pacific. During our time on these islands, hike through rainforests vibrant with flowers and birds, take a dip in a swimming hole, go snorkeling or diving, and soak up the languid rhythms of island life that drew Robert Louis Stevenson to these shores.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 11-12

Wallis and Futuna

Another of France's South Pacific territories, the tiny island nation of Wallis and Futuna lies between Samoa and Fiji. In Wallis, we are greeted with local dancing and singing. Visit the beautiful crater lake Lalolalo and a cathedral built of blue volcanic stone, chiseled by hand. In Futuna, stop at a historic “cannibal oven” and learn of the history of these fascinating people before taking in a warrior dance performance in front of the Cathedral of Poi.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 13-15

Fiji

Enter the island nation of Fiji with a stop at Taveuni, Fiji's third-largest island, known as “The Garden Island” for its rich vegetation, which includes several species found nowhere else in the world. Experience warm Fijian welcomes at the village of Waitabu and explore the waterfalls of nearby Bouma National Heritage Park. Visit Beqa Island and snorkel in one of the Pacific's most successful community marine parks. Witness Kadavu's stunning beauty.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 16-17

Lautoka / Disembark Ship / U.S.

Disembark in Lautoka this morning. Take a tour of western Viti Levu Island then transfer to the international airport at Nadi for flights home. Breakfast and lunch are included on Day 16.