Here's our suggestion for a dreamlike 12 day itinerary in beautiful French Polynesia. This itinerary allows clients to experience Papeete plus three beautiful islands: Moorea, Bora Bora and Tahaa. We’ve included some exciting excursions, dinners and all transfers. We are certain newly weds, couples and celebrators will love this itinerary!
Day 1. Arrive Tahiti (Papeete International Airport). Upon exiting the airport you will be met with a flower lei and taken to your resort for two nights in Papeete. Spend two nights at the Radisson Plaza Papeete. Take this day to recover from jetlag, swim by the pool and relax. For travellers arriving on an early morning flight, we suggest they pre book early check in.
Day 2. Explore Papeete. Spend the day on an exciting tour around the island. Take a 4x4 to the very heart of the island. Admire the valley of Papenoo, famous for its rivers, and enjoy the incredible waterfall and tropical plant views. This natural setting is the perfect place to experience the beauty of Tahiti. After returning to your hotel, head over to Les Roulettes, the popular Tahitian food trucks where you can taste local and international cuisine – and at a very affordable price!
Day 3. Transfer to Moorea. This morning, after breakfast, you will be met and transferred to the pier for your short ferry ride to Moorea. The heart shaped island of Moorea is only 16 kilometres/10 miles from Papeete is a beautiful island offering stunning scenery with its pristine, secluded beaches and lush mountains and valleys. Formerly of volcanic origin, the jagged mountain peaks give the island its unique character with Mount Tohi’e’a dominating the skyline. Upon arrival transfer to the Intercontinental Moorea for three nights. Take the remainder of the day to relax.
Day 4. Moorea. The resort has a wide range of activities, including the Moorea Dolphin Centre, Top Dive Club, Hélène’s Spa, tennis, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing and guided Jeep tours. The resort has completed a multimillion dollar renovation, including a gorgeous new infinity pool featuring a swim-up bar. Set within 17 acres of lush gardens, the resort provides a magnificent setting for a memorable South Seas vacation. This evening enjoy a delicious traditional dinner at the Tiki Village, a re-created Polynesian village. The highlight of the evening is the fire dancing performed by young native men from Moorea.
Day 5. Moorea. Today, set off on a safari experience and explore the volcano's internal crater and incredible landscapes. Visit a pineapple plantation, Moorea's Lycee Agricole (agricultural school) and its huge vanilla, banana, grapefruit and lemon plantations to name but a few. Then head to a marae before driving to the Belvedere for stunning views of Cook and Opunohu bays. The final stop will be the Magic Mountain. You will reach the top by following a little path lined with fruit trees. Up there, you will enjoy one of the most amazing view of the island of Moorea.
Day 6. Moorea to Bora Bora. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Bora Bora. This relatively small and incredibly beautiful island is a true paradise with its crystal clear waters and amazing sunsets. It is surrounded by a coral reefed lagoon. In the centre of the island is an extinct volcano with the two twin peaks of Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu towering over the island.
In many ways, Bora Bora is the ultimate romantic tourist destination. It has a casual and relaxed lifestyle suitable for honeymooners and travellers looking for a peaceful destination. A standard type of accommodation consists of overwater bungalows on stilts on top of the lagoon. Check into the 5-star Intercontinental Thalasso Resort and Spa for 3 nights.
Day 7. Enjoy Bora Bora. Today embark on a Shark and Ray Lagoon Safari to discover the sharks and rays, snorkel in a coral garden and in the aquarium before stopping on Motu Tapu for a delicious lunch with local specialties. After lunch relax and enjoy the afternoon on the white sand beach. This evening head to Bloody Mary's, Bora Bora's most famous seafood restaurant. Each evening (except Sunday) the daily catch of the local fishermen from Bora Bora is displayed on ice, where after an explanation of what is available on your particular evening, the host takes your order directly to the chef. You can choose from a vast selection of fine seafood plus crab, steak, chicken and seafood is also available. Your night also includes return transfers. This is truly a fine dining experience in a unique Tahitian environment.
Day 8 Bora Bora. Enjoy spending time in your overwater bungalow. Swim into the lagoon and sunbathe on your private deck. This evening, head tothe MaiKai Restaurant which features international, French and Polynesian cuisine with elegant water views. With both casual and intimate dining options the MaiKai Restaurant embraces its surroundings to offer high-quality cuisine in an idyllic setting.
Day 9 Bora Bora to Tahaa. Transfer to the airport for your 45 minute flight to the island of Raiatea and connect on to Tahaa on a private shuttle boat. Check into the stunning 5-star Le Taha'a Private Island and Spa. Located on the secluded Motu Tautau islet, in the society islands facing the lush island of Taha'a on one side and the majestic silhouette of Bora Bora on the other side, the resort, inspired by traditional Polynesian architecture and style, contains 57 remarkable suites and villas.
Day 10 Tahaa. This morning, try something different with a Tahitian Canoe Breakfast – breakfast delivered to your overwater bungalow in a personal canoe. The rest of the day is yours to relax, and explore the 3 restaurants and 2 bars, Tennis court and swimming pool.
Day 11. Tahaa. Today why not try a scuba diving tour, or if you’re not a diver, or experience incredible “drift snorkeling”. This evening why not go on a sunset cruise.
Day 12 Tahaa to Papeete. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Papeete. Upon arrival check in for your international flight back to Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui and say farewell to Tahiti!
- 8 Tips on Planning your perfect Tahiti Trip
By Bronwyn Hodge
Growing up in a family travel business, Bronwyn has been travelling from a very young age. Her favourite experience was 3 months spent backpacking through India and Southeast Asia. She counts many countries among her ‘favourites,’ but is especially fond of Australia for its lifestyle, Cambodia for its culture and resilience, and Japan for its contrasts. She holds the proud distinction of being Goway’s only former Bollywood star – having once starred in a Coke commercial in Mumbai.
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