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Polynesia & Easter Island

Polynesia & Easter Island

From AUD $9,390

Description

Enjoy an unforgettable experience with our team of naturalists, discovering atypical destinations in the heart of the Pacific. From Hanga Roa to Papeete, you will sail aboard Le Soléal for an exceptional all-new 14-day expedition cruise.

You will embark on the intriguing Easter Island, some 3,700 km away from the South American continent. You will discover its famous wooden tablets called “Rongorongo” and the Moai, or “walking statues”, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Clear waters, abundant flora and endemic fauna… you will sail to the Pitcairn Islands, an unspoiled subtropical environment whose capital, Adamstown, resembles a charming small village.

Far from the major maritime routes, the Gambier Islands are one of Polynesia’s most unspoiled destinations. Encircled by a large ring of coral, its multicoloured lagoons are each more beautiful than the next and will offer you a breathtaking show.

Le Soléal will make a stop in the small village of Rikitea, where Saint Michael’s Cathedral stands proudly, built entirely of coral and wood.

The last stop on this trip: Rangiroa, in the Tuamotus. This gigantic atoll with breathtaking underwater scenery is most known for the cultivation of its famous black pearls.

Trip Name
Polynesia & Easter Island
Days
14
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Small Ship Length: 142 metres Passenger Capacity: 264 Built: 2013 Sailing under the French flag, this magnificent yacht of only 132 staterooms and suites, with balconies, joined in 2013. You will be enchanted by the contemporary decor inspired by the luxury yachting world, with fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white. A refined ambience is enhanced by the quality of the workmanship and materials: white Corian counters in the lobby contrast with the warmth of leather to recall a boat's hull, while the central scuplture of enamelled pieces takes its inspiration from the sea.  In the loungebar, the carpet picks up a tennis stripe theme symbolising a certain idea of cruising, one synonomous with French elegance and a chic seaside spirit.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Days 1 - 3 HANGA ROA, EASTER ISLAND
The main town of legendary Easter Island, Hanga Roa is also its only urban area. Bathed by the Pacific Ocean, this picturesque Chilean town is an excellent base for exploring the islandメs spectacular treasures, particularly the moai, the famous enigmatic monumental statues. The Polynesian Hanga Roa culture and its traditional houses are a sheer delight. As evening approaches, wend your way to the charming fishing port where, weather permitting, you can admire the captivating light of the setting sun.
Day 2 - Days 4 - 5 AT SEA
During your day 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 day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, 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.
Day 3 - Day 6 SAILING ALONG DUCIE ISLAND
This lost atoll in the heart of the Pacific Ocean merits special attention. It was discovered by the British Captain Edward Edwards in 1791. He named it after Baron Francis Ducie, a captain in the British navy. Located around 500 kilometres from Pitcairn Island, it is one of the most remote islands in the world. Very few ships have approached it, and it has apparently never been permanently inhabited. Sailing away from this coral atoll, you will be able to admire from afar the volcanic island of Pitcairn, whose summit culminates at 330 metres and which has around fifty inhabitants.
Day 4 - Day 7 ADAMSTOWN, PITCAIRN ISLAND
If you’ve got a taste for adventure and you love discovering wild, remote lands, you’ll definitely be won over by the Pitcairn islands. This tiny British territory is mainly composed of atolls right in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Rimmed by steep cliffs several hundreds of metres high, the volcanic Pitcairn Island is to be explored on foot. In Adamstown, the only village on this 5-square-kilometre land, you’ll meet the 50 sole inhabitants of the entire archipelago. The call to Pitcairn is suject to weather and sea conditions.
Day 5 - Day 8 AT SEA
During your day 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 day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, 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.
Day 6 - Day 9 SAILING AROUND TEMOE ATOLL & RIKITEA, GAMBIER ISLANDS
Sailing around the Temoe Atoll is breathtaking. Trapezoidal in shape, it is the most easterly atoll in French Polynesia. In administrative terms, it belongs to the Gambier Islands and has been uninhabited since 1838, when missionaries moved all the inhabitants to Mangareva. There are several ancient Polynesian remains and archaeologists are attempting to preserve the integrity of the former heritage of the atoll by faithfully rebuilding certain coral monuments. In the waters around the atoll, it is common to see shoals of tuna or sea bream following the coastlines: a unique and marvellous spectacle.Discover Mangareva, which means “floating mountain” in Polynesian. Located in the Gambier Islands, surrounded by a magnificent coral reef and blessed with generous vegetation, this island, a cradle of Catholicism, has exceptional cultural heritage, with many vestiges of religious buildings dating from the 19th century. Nestling in the heart of this historic site with idyllic landscapes, do not miss the small village of Rikitea, where one of Polynesia’s wonders, Saint Michael’s Cathedral, stands proudly, entirely built from coral and timber.
Day 7 - Day 10 AUKENA, GAMBIER ISLANDS
Located 5 kilometres southeast of Mangareva, Aukena is today the 4th-largest of the Gambier Islands in French Polynesia, with a population of around thirty inhabitants. This port of call will be an opportunity for you to dive into the past, to the era when Aukena was discovered by the sailor James Wilson in 1797. There are several remnants of this missionary period, such as the watchtower serving as a landmark on the southwest of the island or the Church of St. Raphael, constructed in 1839. These buildings nestling in the forest lead to sumptuous white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Take the time to explore this island in the Gambier archipelago, and get a taste of French Polynesia’s gentle way of life.
Day 8 - Days 11 - 12 AT SEA
During your day 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 day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, 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.
Day 9 - Day 13 RANGIROA, TUAMOTU ISLANDS
A secluded atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Rangiroa is a narrow ring of coral surrounding a splendid lagoon. You can admire its transparent waters, rose-white beaches and famous “Blue Lagoon” seated in the middle of the large lagoon. Fans of sea life will delight in the richness and clarity of the surrounding waters : wasn’t it Commander Cousteau who described this atoll as one of the most beautiful diving sites in the world? Rangiroa is also the high seat of Polynesian pearl culture.
Day 10 - Day 14 PAPEETE, 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.
Day 11 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
07-04-202120-04-2021AUD $9,390Superior Stateroom
07-04-202120-04-2021AUD $10,140DeLuxe Stateroom
07-04-202120-04-2021AUD $10,760Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
07-04-202120-04-2021AUD $11,070Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
07-04-202120-04-2021AUD $11,400Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
07-04-202120-04-2021AUD $15,410Deluxe Suite
07-04-202120-04-2021AUD $16,620Prestige Suite - Deck 5
07-04-202120-04-2021AUD $17,120Prestige Suite - Deck 6
07-04-202120-04-2021AUD $17,970Owner’s Suite

Inclusions

    • Presence on board of a team made up of an expedition leader and 10 naturalist-guides, who will accompany you on every outing, shore visit and activity.
    • UNESCO World Heritage Site: from Hanga Roa, discover the impressive Ahu Tahai and its monumental statues.
    • From Aukena, visit a pearl farm.
    • In Rikitea, visit Saint Michel’s Cathedral.

Map