PACKAGES

MARQUESAS ISLANDS PACKAGES - 5D / 4N

Highlights of the Marquesas Islands

5 Days / 4 Nights Program including Nuku Hiva & Hiva Oa

Day 01: Papeete / Nuku Hiva

Flight Papeete/Nuku Hiva in the morning (flight duration: around 03hr00). Arrival at Nuku Ataha Airport. Transfer to Hotel Keikahanui Nuku Hiva Pearl Lodge by 4 wheel drive vehicle (transfer duration: around 02hr30). You will then have the chance to enjoy the views on the valley of Tapueahu (the “marquesan Grand Canyon”) and then on Toovi plateau.

Lunch on your own (not included)

In the afternoon, visit the village of Taiohae with a guide. Your itinerary includes:

• Tohua Temehea: ceremonial site hosting recent stone carvings, inspired by local legends…
• Notre Dame Cathedral, built in 1973, on the site of an ancient “tohua” (ceremonial platform). The church shelters numerous religious wooden works by local artists.

Dinner at the hotel.

Day 02: Nuku Hiva

Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day excursion by 4-wheel drive vehicle to the valley of Hatiheu , on the north coast.
On the way, while the vehicle climbs up the hill, enjoy the magnificent view over the bay of Taiohae . You will then drive through the valley of Taipivai , the largest coconut grove of Polynesia, made famous by the writer Melville in his novel “Typee”.
You will reach Hatiheu after 2 hours drive. Outstanding archeological sites have been restored in the valley (Tohua Hikokua and Kamuihei Ceremonial Center ): while listening to your guide, you will travel back in time; picturing the grand ceremonies taking place in these sacred sites.
Lunch will be served at the unique Restaurant Chez Yvonne: comfortably installed, you will never forget this special moment sampling local delicacies…
Afternoon at leisure for relaxing, and visiting this very tiny village of Hatiheu .
Dinner at the hotel.

Day 03: Nuku Hiva / Hiva Oa

Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning at leisure.
Transfer to the airport by 4-wheel drive vehicle (duration: around 02hr30)
Flight Nuku Hiva/Hiva Oa (duration: around 35 minutes).
Arrival at Hiva Oa , transfer by 4-wheel drive vehicle to Hotel Hanakee Hiva Oa Pearl Lodge (transfer duration: around 20 minutes)
Lunch on your own (not included)

In the afternoon, visit the pleasant village of Atuona , made famous by the artists Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel , including :
•  The “espace culturel”, with painter Paul Gauguin's museum (showing copies of his art), “la maison du jouir” (replicate of his previous house), his well, marquesan handicraft.
•  The stele and the “espace Jacques Brel”, the famous belgian singer, presenting his plane & different photographs of his life.
•  The cemetery where Gauguin's and Jacques Brel's are buried almost next to each other.
Please note that your guide will not walk you in the museums.
Dinner at the hotel.

Day 04: Hiva Oa

Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day excursion by 4-wheel drive vehicle to Puamau, on the north-eastern tip of the island.
Breathtaking drive along the winding coastline, through several valleys, until reaching the picturesque village of Puamau .
Visit Te Iipona, an archeological site which became famous thanks to “Takai”, the tallest stone Tiki in Polynesia (2,43 m); and the very exceptional “Makaii Taua Pepe”, unique tiki represented horizontally.
Lunch will be enjoyed at Marie-Antoinette's home: you will have the opportunity to taste real home-made marquesan dishes: marvellous indeed!!
Afternoon at leisure to relax, and return to Atuona.
Dinner at the hotel.

Day 05: Hiva Oa / Papeete

Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning, at leisure.
Transfer by 4-wheel drive vehicle to airport for your return flight to Papeete . (flight duration: around 03hr00).
Lunch on your own (not included)

2007 Quotation:

2 nights Hotel Nuku Hiva Keikahanui Pearl Lodge, in Garden Bungalow, with meals as per program
+ 2 nights Hotel Hiva Oa Hanakee Pearl Lodge, in Mountain View Bungalow, with meals as per program
+ all excursions as per program
+ Atuona museum & Puamau entrance fees
+ round trip transfers in Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa as per program
+ airfare Papeete/Nuku Hiva/Hiva Oa/Papeete