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Easter Island and Polynesia 2020

Easter Island and Polynesia 2020

From AUD $6,530

Description

Enjoy an unforgettable experience discovering atypical destinations in the heart of the Pacific.

From Hanga Roa to Papeete, you will sail aboard Le Soléal for an exceptional 15-day cruise.

Some 3,700 km away from the South American continent, your cruise will start at the intriguing Easter Island. 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 a breathtaking show.

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

Then head towards the pearls of French Polynesia: Moorea, Bora Bora with its easily recognizable volcanic shape and Motu Ceran. These islands are true postcards from paradise and will end your cruise with a flourish, before you disembark at Papeete.

Please Note: 8 March 2020 departure is 13 days long.

Trip Name
Easter Island and Polynesia 2020
Days
15
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
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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 ISLANDS)
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: SAILING AROUND TEMOE ATOLL (FRENCH POLYNESIA) and 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.
Day 6 - Day 9: RIKITEA (GAMBIER ISLANDS)
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. During your port of call, you will also have the opportunity to visit a pearl farm and admire pearls of a rare quality that are what make the reputation of this little piece of paradise.
Day 7 - Day 10-11: 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. There 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 ship 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 8 - Day 12: MOOREA COOK BAY
Lush, emerald vegetation contrasting with the limpid turquoise of the Ocean, charming wooden bungalows scattered along pristine beaches...The beauty of Moorea is sumptuous, unchanged since James Cook discovered the island in 1769. Edged with coral, this small island is renowned for its natural gardens of tropical flowers as well as for its pineapple plantations. Wander along the two bays that slice through the coral island, or head off to explore the Belvedere, which will offer you a breathtaking view over the majestic volcanic peaks of the island, such as Mount Rotui. Unless you would rather encounter the many Dolphins and Rays that swim gracefully in the lagoon. Total relaxation in the middle of a paradise lost, fragranced with Monoi.
Day 9 - Day 13: PAPEETE
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 10 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.
Day 11 - Day 15: PAPEETE
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 12 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
08-03-202020-03-2020AUD $6,530Superior Stateroom
08-03-202020-03-2020AUD $7,110DeLuxe Stateroom
08-03-202020-03-2020AUD $7,590Prestige Stateroom - Deck 4
08-03-202020-03-2020AUD $7,850Prestige Stateroom - Deck 5
08-03-202020-03-2020AUD $8,120Prestige Stateroom - Deck 6
08-03-202020-03-2020AUD $11,270Deluxe Suite
08-03-202020-03-2020AUD $12,230Prestige Suite - Deck 5
08-03-202020-03-2020AUD $12,620Prestige Suite - Deck 6
08-03-202020-03-2020AUD $13,290Owner’s Suite

Inclusions

    • Complementary shore excursions at Easter Island;
    • From Hanga Roa, discover the impressive Ahu Tahai and its monumental statues listed as Archaeological Heritage by Unesco;
    • From Pitcairn, visit the museum and its great collection of items from the Bounty;
    • From Mangareva, you can visit one of the most renowned pearl farms;
    • In Rikitea visit Saint Michel’s Cathedral;
    • A lecturer passionate about Rapa Nui and Orongo culture will be on board;
    • Trips in Zodiac® dinghies at Fakarava, listed as a Unesco Biosphere Reserve.
    • Possibility of diving and/or snorkeling with an experienced instructor on board.

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