Day 1 - Saturday - Feb 24, 2024
| Papeete, French Polynesia |
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Depart on an overnight flight to Tahiti and arrive in the early morning. Check into a day room at your group hotel and in the afternoon, join a tour before embarking National Geographic Orion in the late afternoon. (L,D)
Day 2 - Sunday - Feb 25, 2024
Day 3 - Monday - Feb 26, 2024
| Raiatea, French Polynesia |
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Day 4 - Tuesday - Feb 27, 2024
We spend the day acclimating to island time at beautiful Taha'a. Surrounded by a sparkling turquoise lagoon and making use of our private motu we choose to snorkel, swim, kayak, or just enjoy our surroundings from the white sandy beach. One of the most important cultural sites in the Polynesian world, Marae Taputapuatea was a center for Polynesian seafarers and the location from which they set out for Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Hawaii, and New Zealand. We spend the morning exploring this site on Ra'iatea, then refresh ourselves with a swim in the island's lagoon. We spend time on deck during a day at sea, mesmerized by deep, sea-blue water while scanning the horizon for marine mammals and seabirds. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Wednesday - Feb 28, 2024
| Cook Islands, New Zealand |
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Day 6 - Thursday - Feb 29, 2024
Day 7 - Friday - Mar 1, 2024
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, crystal waters. Then, enjoy life aboard National Geographic Orion as we spend two days sailing west toward Samoa. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Saturday - Mar 2, 2024
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 rain forests 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. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Sunday - Mar 3, 2024
Day 10 - Monday - Mar 4, 2024
Day 11 - Tuesday - Mar 5, 2024
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 a warrior dance performance in front of the Cathedral of Poi. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - Wednesday - Mar 6, 2024
Day 13 - Thursday - Mar 7, 2024
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 snorkel in one of the Pacific's most successful community marine parks. Explore the waterfalls of nearby Bouma National Heritage Park, and dive nearby reefs. Witness a dramatic firewalking ceremony at Beqa Island. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - Friday - Mar 8, 2024
| Captain's Choice, United States |
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Day 15 - Saturday - Mar 9, 2024
Disembark in Lautoka this morning. Take a tour of western Viti Levu Island then transfer to the international airport at Nadi for flights home or choose to extend your stay and check into your hotel. (B,L)
