Fiji, Tonga, Cook Islands and Society Islands (Lautoka, Viti Levu Island – Papeete, Tahiti Island)

Overview

▪️ Le Paul Gauguin is a five-star luxury
▪️ Paul Gauguin is part of the PONANT Exploration group, but dedicated entirely to French Polynesia
▪️ International atmosphere and destination expertise; an atmosphere that is decidedly different from the company's other ships.
▪️ Intimate south ship: 504 feet long, 165 staterooms, 209 crew members. Average 330 guests
▪️ Tahitian crew, Polynesian-inspired ambiance, and carefully curated itineraries through Tahiti, the Society Islands, the Cook Islands, and beyond, Le Paul Gauguin is perfectly crafted for discovering paradise in comfort and style.

Trip Highlights

• ✅ A journey between the Society Islands, the Cook Islands, Tonga and Fiji; featuring idyllic atolls and hidden paradises.
• ✅ Discovering Polynesian way of life, an intimate barbecue on the Mahana motu, an exclusive islet, and visit of the authentic Fijian city of Savusavu
• ✅ Possibility of diving (PADI Open Water Diver or equivalent) with an experienced instructor to admire the marine species of the South Pacific.

Itinerary

1. Day 1Lautoka, Viti Levu Island

   Embarkation from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm

   Departure at 6.30 pm

   Lautoka is the second largest city of Fiji. Located on the western side of the island of Viti Levu, 24 kilometres north of Nadi. Lying in the heart of Fiji's sugar cane growing region, it is known as the Sugar City. Lautoka is the gateway to Fiji’s “Sun coast” a land of abundant sunshine, azure skies and dramatic grass-covered peaks chequered with sugar-cane fields, rural villages and quaint market towns. 

2. Day 2Beqa Island

   Just a few kilometres from Viti Levu, the small and remote island of Beqa (pronounced “Benga”) offers a concentrated dose of Fiji’s cultural and natural treasures. Its inhabitants continue the impressive ancestral tradition of fire walking, or Vilavilairevo. During demonstrations, they invite us to watch these ceremonies where barefooted men, prepared and dressed for the occasion in traditional costume, walk over red-hot coals. Legend says that they also have the power to heal burns. The coral reef so close to the beach is the promise of unforgettable underwater excursions. Further out to sea, the sumptuous seabeds are reputed to be home to many species of sharks.

3. Day 3Suva, Viti Levu Island

   Viti Levu, the largest island in Fiji, is teeming with natural and cultural richness. Dominated by Mount Tomanivi, the island is covered with dense and luxuriant tropical vegetation to the south and vast sugar cane plantations to the north. Suva, the modern and dynamic capital of Fiji, is home to the historical heritage of the islands. In Thurston Gardens, the Fiji Museum showcases the magnificent collections of archaeological objects, illustrating human activity for more than 3,000 years. Whether under the green and luminous highlights of the vertiginous forest canopy or under the turquoise waters of the Beqa lagoon, exploring the natural treasures of Viti Levu is an unforgettable experience.

4. Day 4Savusavu, Vanua Levu Island

   Set in the Taha’a lagoon, Motu Mahana is a private paradise offering an authentic Polynesian barbecue experience with your feet in the sand. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, it’s a perfect escape. Nearby, the lush volcanic island of Taha’a, known as Vanilla Island, is famous for its fragrant vanilla plantations and prized black pearls.

5. Day 5At sea

   During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

6. Day 6Vava'u Islands

   Vava’u is a splendid archipelago in Tonga made up of around forty picture-postcard coral islands scattered across the turquoise waters of the south Pacific Ocean. The main island is dominated by Mount Talau which offers a magnificent panoramic view over the islands. Along the long fine sandy beaches of these idyllic islets, the teeming marine life can be seen in the coral reefs, the gorgonian coral gardens and the underwater caves. The lush vegetation of the island will delight amateur botanists. The traditional local know-how reveals all the richness of this incredible natural heritage: woven leaves from the legendary pandanus, production of Noni juice with its many virtues, extraction of vanilla essence.

7. Day 7At sea

   During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

8. Day 8Aitutaki

   Aitutaki is a little island of 16 km², with a small fishing port with few motor boats, where a simple and peaceful life endures. During your visit, don’t miss the opportunity to walk along this magnificent lagoon, reputed as one of the most beautiful and spectacular in the world. Snorkelling fans will discover the treasures of underwater life here. The island is specialised in the sale of black pearls and the production of coloured sarongs, as well as “tivaevae” – patchwork quilting and handiworks. This local manufacture has great value because of its careful artisanal fabrication, and the pieces made are generally offered at important occasions.

9. Days 9 to 10At sea

   During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

10. Day 11Bora Bora, Society Islands

    Paradisiacal atoll of the archipelago of the Leeward Islands, west of French Polynesia, mythical Bora Bora offers a natural spectacle of captivating beauty. You’ll be won over as much by the white sandy beaches as by its famous lagoon, one of the most beautiful in the world, where colourful fish frolic in waters of incomparable turquoise. The island is covered with tropical vegetation, and dominated by the majestic outline of Mount Otemanu. A promenade through this volcanic landscape will enable you to discover a number of villages and meet local communities.

11. Day 12Motu Mahana, Taha'a Island, Society Islands

    Feet in the sand, on the islet of Motu Mahana, our sumptuous little private paradise, you will share a very special experience around an authentic traditional Polynesian barbecue. A veritable jewel in the Taha’a lagoon, pristine atoll of the Society Islands, Motu Mahana offers an infinite palette of shades of turquoise, an idyllic backdrop for observing the majestic ballet of the tropical fish. The volcanic island of Taha’a, dominated by Mount Ohiri and Mount Puurauti, will reveal its fertile and luxuriant nature, ideal for cultivating the magnificent black pearls of French Polynesia, as well as vanilla. This rare spice, greatly in demand by gourmets, is the main economic resource of what is also known as Vanilla Islands.

12. Day 13Moorea Island

    A part of the Windward Island archipelago just to the west of Tahiti, famous Mo'orea will leave you with a series of unforgettable images and memories. Bask on its heavenly beaches, enjoy a dip in the turquoise waters of its lagoon, and soak up its luscious vegetation and the heady flowers that carpet the inland areas. Get the most out of this natural gem with a trip to the Mo'orea Belvedere. Exceptional views of Mount Rotui unfurl before your eyes, with the Opunohu Bay and its valley to the left, and the famous Cook's Bay, surrounded by notched, cathedral-style peaks, to the right.

13. Days 14 to 15Papeete, Tahiti Island

    Capital of French Polynesia, the city of Papeete is on the north-west coast of the island of Tahiti. You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere here,where urban buzz combines with the legendary laid-back Polynesian lifestyle. Culture is not lacking. You can enjoy sites narrating the history of the archipelago, including the colonial cathedral and the Maison de la reine Marau. The Vaipahi public gardens will win you over by their abundant plant-life. The large municipal market offers local specialities: fresh fruit, spices and all kinds of fish abound on their stalls.

Rates and dates

Current sailings only, in Malaysian Ringgit per person.

Good to know

Ship

LE PAUL GAUGUIN

Route

Lautoka, Viti Levu Island to Beqa Island to Suva, Viti Levu Island to Savusavu, Vanua Levu Island to Vava'u Islands to Aitutaki to Motu Mahana, Taha'a Island, Society Islands to Moorea Island to Papeete, Tahiti Island

Suites

Porthole Stateroom · Balcony Stateroom · Veranda Stateroom

Gallery