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Posts Tagged ‘Paul Gaugin’

Tahiti – One destination, many itineraries

Ia orana (Tahitian for “hello”),

Tahiti, in French Polynesia, is an exotic island destination in the South Pacific. It is the biggest of 118 islands covering over 2 million square miles. When people think of Tahiti, they think; sun, white sandy beaches, and bungalows over water, island dancers, romance and fun. But there’s more.

What you may not know is that it is very accessible; only an 8 hour flight from Los Angeles and in the same time zone as Hawaii (three hours earlier than Pacific Time, April – October and two hours earlier, November – March).

Mix or match any of the transportation options, activities, and lodging options and you have many, many custom itineraries for just one destination. Here are just three to get you started:

Itinerary One: Fly to Tahiti via Air Tahiti Nui, stay at Manava Suite Resort, stay 5-nights, and get one night FREE. Priced from $1,299 including air.  Then, visit the Gaugin Museum, surf, hike to waterfalls, pool and archaeological sites or take a four-wheel drive tour to Mt. Marau.

Itinerary Two: Fly from LA to Tahiti FREE, then board your Paul Gaugin cruise for 50% off and collect a ship board credit of $250. Cruise the Tahiti and the Society Islands for 7 days from $3,997 per person.  You also receive complimentary use of water-sports marina including kayaking, snorkeling equipment, windsurfing, and water skiing. You will also enjoy private use of a beach in Bora Bora and a private island in Taha’a.

Itinerary Three: Fly Air Pacific or Qantas, stay 5 nights (one free) at Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa and enjoy an overwater bungalow, daily breakfast and receive a black pearl pendant. Then venture out for horseback riding, diving, or visit the Haapiti village and soak up the local culture.

Depending on the time of year you visit you can include these special events in your custom made journey: 

Carnival de Tahiti
Patterned after Rio’s famous Carnival, visitors are encouraged to participate in this joyful celebration, which will have all of Papeete dancing to folkloric, Polynesian and international rhythms. The Parade takes place on the Papeete waterfront, a very colorful affair with around 15,000 participants

Super “Aito” Individual Canoe Race
The best outrigger canoes compete in this inter-island race in pursuit of the title and the winner’s ring.

Hawaiki Nui Va’a
This international Outrigger Canoe Race begins on the island of Huahine and continues to Raiatea, Tahaa, and Bora Bora. Over 100 teams from countries all over the world participate in this grueling open-ocean race.

Annual Arts & Crafts Exposition
Annual Arts & Crafts Exposition from the Austral Islands. Held at Vaiete Square in Papeete, Tahiti.

Heiva i Tahiti
In celebration of ancient traditions and competitions, the annual Heiva festival has been the most important event in Tahiti for the past 122 years. For visitors, there is no better place in the world to be during July than surrounded by this pure display of Polynesian festivity. Tahitians gather in Papeete from many islands to display their crafts, compete in ancient sporting events, and recreate traditional and elaborate dance performances.

Visit Éclat Travel.com to get started on designing the perfect custom Tahiti vacation.  

Nana! (goodbye)