Marquesas Islands from Papeete, 15 October 2028 (11 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.

Tiputa is a village beside the famous pass of Rangiroa, one of the world's largest atolls, in the Tuamotu archipelago of French Polynesia. Its turquoise lagoon, teeming with dolphins, sharks and rays, offers spectacular drift-snorkelling and diving. With endless beaches and a vast, sparkling lagoon, it's a paradise 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.

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.