South Pacific Dreams: Bora Bora & The Islands of Tahiti from Papeete, 19 December 2026 (14 nights)

The capital city of French Polynesia, Papeetee – which is located on the iconic island of Tahiti – is a bustling, yet picturesque, port known for its stunningly clear waters, beautiful natural scenery, and interesting attractions. Despite being a rather small island, every type of traveller will find something they can enjoy here; Papeetee has beaches for sun lounging and swimming, bustling marketplaces for culture vultures who want to soak up the atmosphere of somewhere new, museums to explore if you’re someone interested in the history of this unique culture. The Gardens of Paofai and Bougainville Park also make for excellent places to stroll, with more adventurous hiking routes available further inland. Fort de la Fachoda, which is about a 20-minute drive from central Papeete, is a particular highlight of the area; home to an impressive waterfall, this is a beautiful spot to see more of the vibrant rainforests and intriguing ruins that litter this inland area. Although, really, however you decide to spend your time in Papeete, you’re in for a fantastic shore experience.

A breathtaking atoll island in French Polynesia, you'll feel like you're in paradise the moment you arrive on Fakarava. At 60km long, Fakarava has a beautiful coast, with turquoise waters and lush greenery. Enjoy snorkelling, swimming or simply wandering around this awe-inspiring island.

Omoa is the administrative capital and main village of Fatu Hiva, the southernmost and most remote island in the Marquesas. Nestled at the mouth of a lush, half moon shaped valley, it serves as the primary landing point for visitors to an island accessible only by boat. The village is world renowned as the centre of tapa cloth making, where local women transform tree bark into intricate, hand painted fabrics using ancestral techniques. Beyond its artisanal traditions, Omoa is a gateway to dramatic volcanic landscapes, featuring towering cliffs and ancient archaeological remains hidden within its dense tropical forests.

Atuona is a lush, volcanic village on Hiva Oa that feels like a hidden sanctuary in the remote Marquesas Islands. It is most famous as the final home of painter Paul Gauguin and singer Jacques Brel, who are both buried in the hillside Calvary Cemetery overlooking the bay. The village is tucked into a green valley at the base of towering cliffs, where you can explore a reconstruction of Gauguin’s "House of Pleasure" or see Brel’s private plane. With its dramatic black sand coastline and deep artistic legacy, Atuona remains the cultural heart of the "Land of Men."

Nuku Hiva is the largest of the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia, and its administrative heart, Taiohae, sits nestled within a spectacular drowned volcanic crater. The bay of Taiohae serves as a dramatic amphitheatre of jagged emerald peaks and steep cliffs that plunge into the deep blue Pacific, creating one of the most stunning anchorages in the Southern Hemisphere. The town itself is a quiet, verdant settlement where the massive Notre Dame Cathedral stands as a landmark, built from different coloured volcanic stones gathered from all over the archipelago. Beyond the harbour, the island is a land of "mana" and mystery, home to the towering Vaipo Waterfall one of the world's highest and ancient stone paepae (platforms) and tiki that whisper of a rich, complex Polynesian history.

Rangiroa is a massive coral atoll in French Polynesia, famous for having one of the world's largest turquoise lagoons. It’s a dream spot for divers, who come to swim with dolphins and sharks in the powerful currents of the Tiputa Pass. Between its unique coral vineyard and peaceful black pearl farms, it offers a perfect, remote escape into the deep blue of the South Pacific.

When you think of paradise, you can’t help but think of Bora Bora. A small island in the South Pacific located within French Polynesia, it’s surrounded by mountainous peaks, turquoise waters and coral reefs. Filled with different luxurious resorts, the island is a popular place to go scuba diving, to relax on the beach (particularly on Matira Beach) and to hike.

A quiet and remote island in French Polynesia, Huahine is known for its rich ancestral fishing legacy, beautiful arts and crafts and picturesque scenery. Although it's not a bustling island, there are lots of activities to enjoy here during your stop over, including a walk in the Plage Hana Iti nature reserve, a trip to the Anini Mara'e ruins and the awe-inspiring Coral Beach.

Off the coast of Taha'a in French Polynesia, Motu Mahana is a secluded tropical island reserved only for Paul Gauguin Cruises visitors. With its white sand beaches, glistening blue waters, floating bar and traditional BBQ, this paradise offers Polynesian entertainment, kayaking and snorkelling.

Just northwest of Tahiti, Moorea Island is an idyllic paradise where every type of traveller will find something they enjoy – be that lounging in the sunshine, exploring the vibrant rainforests, or tucking into some flavourful local food. Among the most strikingly beautiful islands in French Polynesia, this warm and welcoming island boasts an interesting topography. Not only will you have the chance to admire eight mountain peaks, something that gives Moorea a distinctly rugged appearance from afar, but the island is also home to two symmetrical bays. These bays make this destination the perfect place to enjoy some watersports; although, you’ll also find that the laid-back atmosphere here makes it the ideal place to lounge about in the sunshine. Heading further inland, if you’re looking for views, you’ll find several hiking routes worth taking advantage of. With numerous vantage points, you’ll never be too far away from a jaw-dropping view of the island. From above, the island itself loosely resembles a heart, and you’ll have a hard time not falling in love with Moorea when you spend some time here.

The capital city of French Polynesia, Papeetee – which is located on the iconic island of Tahiti – is a bustling, yet picturesque, port known for its stunningly clear waters, beautiful natural scenery, and interesting attractions. Despite being a rather small island, every type of traveller will find something they can enjoy here; Papeetee has beaches for sun lounging and swimming, bustling marketplaces for culture vultures who want to soak up the atmosphere of somewhere new, museums to explore if you’re someone interested in the history of this unique culture. The Gardens of Paofai and Bougainville Park also make for excellent places to stroll, with more adventurous hiking routes available further inland. Fort de la Fachoda, which is about a 20-minute drive from central Papeete, is a particular highlight of the area; home to an impressive waterfall, this is a beautiful spot to see more of the vibrant rainforests and intriguing ruins that litter this inland area. Although, really, however you decide to spend your time in Papeete, you’re in for a fantastic shore experience.