Board the ship and depart from Papeete, Tahiti this morning.

Tenders to the dock of Vaiea. Visit the sacred temple site marae Vaehau and the birthplace of the twins. Picnic and barbecue on Motu Tiapaa.

Meet new friends at the bars and lounge or relax on the deck or by the pool as the vessel sails on its way to the Cook Islands.

The Aranui is adrift, tenders to the dock. Welcome with a walk through purification smoke (ancient tradition of Rimatara’s inhabitants). Although Rimatara is the smallest of the Austral Islands, it charms the visitors with its hidden treasures. In the hollow of this circular island, one has the impression that time has stopped. Departure for a circle island tour by bus and visit to the villages of Amaru, Anapoto, and Matuaura. Visit handicraft centers. In Rimatara, the main occupation of the inhabitants, apart from agriculture, is basket weaving and especially the preparation of fara pae’ore leaves (a variety of pandanus without thorns) which are used to make cloth.

Rurutu, one of the two largest raised atolls in French Polynesia, is unique because of its geological structure which is surprising as one does not expect to discover such landscapes in the South Pacific. Basalt and limestone cliffs dotted with caves where islanders once lived, a volcanic interior with lush tropical jungle, white-sand beaches, and beautiful bays offer breathtaking views. The Aranui is adrift, tenders to the pier of Moerai. Welcome to the village of Moerai. Visit the Mitterand cave, the handicraft center with weaving demonstrations. Local coffee for sale. Visit the Royal House, well known for the confection of local patchwork quilts, the tifaifai, followed by a demonstration of “stone lifting” (traditional custom).
Circle island tour starting from the Northern or Southern coast. In the North, visit the cave Mitterand, the marae in Vitaria’s village. In the South, swimming at Naairoa’s beach, taro plantation visit with an explanation about the cultivation system, old houses made of limestone.

Tenders to the small dock at Town Hall with welcome and music. Handicraft at the Town Hall of Mataura with weaving demonstrations. Free time in the village (Post Office, Bank…) Visit places like Fort Georges, marae with a kava ceremony and a woodcarver in the village of Tamatoa. 

Scuba diving with La Bonne Bouteille (optional activity)

Known as the “Bora Bora of the Austral Islands” Raivavae’s white-sand beaches, huge emerald lagoon, and 28 motus surrounding the lush main island have earned it this distinction. Giant stone tikis resembling those of the Marquesas and Easter Island, including an unusually smiling tiki, wooden carvings, an open-air sacred temple, and Polynesian pirogues are just some of the archaeological features you’ll discover on an island tour.

Tenders to the beach of Mahanatoa with flowery welcome. Departure by bus for a circle island tour to visit a smiling “tiki” in Rairua’s village. Food tasting with local music. Handicraft, woven hats, and baskets made of pandanus leaves. Meeting on the beach of Mahanatoa for a typical buffet from Raivavae.

Optional activities: – Motu pool excursion with swimming and snorkeling.

The Aranui is tied up at the pier of Rapa in the village of Haurei. Welcome with music and flowers lei.  Located in the extreme south of the Austral archipelago, this crescent-shaped island with its coastline cut by 12 very deep bays reminiscent of Nordic fjords is one of the most isolated and least populated in French Polynesia.

Rapa-Iti – or “Little Rapa” as the island is known here that has a strong cultural link with Easter Island, known as Rapa-Nui or Big Island by the Polynesians. Legend has it that Rapa-Nui was first settled by the people of Rapa-Iti. Once home to fierce warriors who lived in fortified villages built on terraces among the volcanic peaks, the island’s inhabitants now live by farming and fishing. Shuttle from the pier to the Cultural Center. Visit the Cultural Center with handicraft. Free time in the village of Haurei. Visit the “pa” (fort) with a very steep hill good for hikers.

Another day to relish the facilities of your accommodation as it journeys toward Anaa, Tuamotu. You may want to stretch your muscles at the gym or pamper yourself with a relaxing facial, massage or body scrub at the spa.

The Aranui is adrift in Anaa. Tenders to the small dock of Tukuhora. A small atoll with less than 500 inhabitants, Anaa wrote its way into the history books as the birthplace of Tahiti’s royal family the Pomare Dynasty. These days it’s best known for its luminous jade lagoon with green clouds above the sun rays reflecting off the water and picturesque motus with no less than eleven little islands scattered around the atoll. Be introduced to local craftsmanship and challenge your family or friends to the traditional javelin throw. Walk for a visit to the village. Visit Anaa Pito, a whole in the lagoon (optional activity) Polynesian Feast on board.

Walk to the beach across the guesthouse “Toku Kaiga”. Departure from the beach for the optional activities. Departure by bus for the visit to Te Vai Ora (small eels with blue eyes). The bus will be going back and forth from the beach. Experience Buffet Maa Paumotu, a traditional meal.

Disembark at Papeete, Tahiti bringing with you the experience of a lifetime and memories to treasure.