A Three Week Trip in The Islands of Tahiti

If you want to learn about Polynesian culture and the lifestyle of the inhabitants of The Islands of Tahiti, then a visit to Tahiti, Moorea and the Marquesas Islands is the perfect vacation for you.

Get to the heart of French Polynesia with a three week vacation package to explore the Society Island of Tahiti and Moorea, and the Marquesas Islands of Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou and Hiva Oa.

Week 1

Tahiti & Moorea

Day 1:
- Arrival at Tahiti-Faa’a International Airport
- Rent a car and visit the capital, Papeete
- Check in to your Tahitian Guesthouse
Day 2:
- Explore the valley of Papenoo on a full day four-wheel drive safari

Petite Hôtellerie Familiale à Tahiti © Tahiti Tourisme

Day 3:
- Drive up the west coast of Tahiti to the peninsula, Tahiti Iti. Take a boat trip to see the legendary wave at Teahupoo and the unspoiled environment of Fenua Aihere
Day 4:
- Go hiking with a guide in the valley of the Fautaua
- Enjoy a day at one of the island’s many beaches, such as the white sandy Vaiava beach at PK 18 or the black sand beach at Venus Point

What to do in Tahiti

Vague mythique de Teahupoo© Grégoire Le Bacon

Day 1:
- Take the 45 minute ferry to Moorea and pick up your rental car
- Participate in a cooking class to discover the delicious local cuisine
- Check in to your hotel, Tahitian Guesthouse or vacation rental
Day 2:
- Drive round the island, stopping at major tourist sites, including the Belvédère scenic viewpoint, Cook Bay, Opuhonu Bay, the Te Fare Natura eco-museum and the scenic viewpoint at To’atea. Spend the end of the afternoon on the beach at Temae or Ta’ahiamanu

Vue sur la Baie de Cook © Stéphane Mailion Photography

Temae © Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort

Day 3:
- Take a full day boat excursion to explore the lagoon and Moorea’s two magnificent bays. Go swimming with manta rays and have a picnic of traditional dishes on a motu

What to do in Moorea ?

Baignade avec raies et requins © Grégoire Lebacon

Week 2

Nuku Hiva & Ua Pou

Day 1:
- Take the ferry back to Tahiti
- Catch 3 hours, 45 minutes flight to Hiva Oa
- One hour transfer from the airport to the main village of Taiohae
- Check in to your Tahitian Guesthouse then visit the village by bike
Day 2:
- Go for a round island tour in a rental car or on a four-wheel drive safari

Arrivée à l'aéroport de Nuku Hiva © Tahiti Tourisme

Safari 4x4 sur les hauteurs de Nuku Hiva © Grégoire Le Bacon

Day 3:
- Take a full day excursion to the valley of Hakaui and admire the Vaipo waterfall. During the hike you’ll meet local villagers, visit archeological sites and see some of the island’s tiki statues. After a refreshing swim in the pool at the waterfall, you’ll have lunch with a local family before setting off back to Taiohae
Day4:
- Hike with a guide on the “Sentinelle” hiking trail
- In the afternoon, take a horseback riding excursion in the hills and valleys

What to do in the Marquesas Islands

Une cascade à Nuku Hiva © Grégoire Le Bacon

Day 1:
- Catch 20 min flight from Nuku Hiva to Ua Pou
- Check in to your Tahitian Guesthouse
- Visit the main village of Hakahau, its agricultural cooperative, museum, craftwork center and library

Day 2:
- Four-wheel safari to the island’s east coast with a professional guide. Visit the isolated village of Hakatao. Make a halt at Hohoi beach, famous for its flower stones. End the day at Hakamoui Bay to watch the glorious sunset; On the west coast you can visit 3 villages: Hakahetau, Haakuti and Hakamaii and enjoy some truly magnificent views
Day 3:
- Hiking enthusiasts, can take the trail to the valley of Hakahetau, accompanied by a professional guide. You’ll see some magnificent sights and learn some of the island’s tales and legends. You’ll also see the the pitons which are the pride of the local inhabitants.

Penu en pierre fleurie de Ua Pou © Teriitua Maoni

Week 3

Hiva Oa & Tahiti

Day 1:
- Catch 30 min flight to Hiva Oa and collect your rental car at Atuona
- Visit the village and its most famous tourist site, the graves of Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel in the ancient cemetery. Visit the Paul Gauguin cultural center to see how the artist lived and admire some of the works he painted while he was on the island.

Vue sur la baie d'Atuona © Tahiti Tourisme

Les peintures de Paul Gauguin © Tahiti Tourisme

Day 2:
- Visit the village of Taaoa in the west of the island and the famous paepae ‘Upeke’ archeological site. It’s one of the most important ceremonial sites in The Islands of Tahiti
- Go horseback riding or hiking in the countryside
Day 3:
- Visit the island of Tahuata for the day. After your arrival by boat, you’ll explore some of the island’s magnificent white sandy beaches and be served a meal of local dishes at the water’s edge. After lunch, some of the islanders will teach you how to weave coconut palms, open coconuts and introduce you to the basic steps and mouvements of traditional Marquesan dances

Marae de Upeke à Hiva Oa © Tahiti Tourisme

Randonnée à cheval aux marquises © Tahiti Tourisme

Day 1:
- Catch the 3hours 45 minutes flight back to Tahiti from Atuona
- Check in to your hotel
- Take a four-wheel drive excursion to explore Tahiti’s east coast
Day 2:
- Take catamaran excursion to Tetiaroa. During the long crossing, you can observe visiting whales (from July to November), playful dolphins and graceful frigate birds. When you arrive at Tetiaroa you can go swimming and snorkeling in the truly idyllic setting of Tetiaroa’s lagoon. Have lunch back on the catamaran and in the afternoon, it’s back to the lagoon for more swimming in the crystal clear warm water.

Excursion en voilier à Tetiaroa© Tahiti Fly Shoot

Belle-oiseau-blanc-dans-le-ciel-de-Tikehau-©-Teriitua-Maoni

Day 3:
- Enjoy a traditional massage at your hotel spa
- Spend the day shopping for souvenirs and relaxing by the hotel pool
- Catch the evening flight home from Tahiti-Faa’a International Airport