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Day 1: Sunday, September 27, 2026: Papeete, Tahiti Today, we arrive in Papeete, the vibrant capital of Tahiti and the beating heart of French Polynesia. Here, fragrant blossoms scent the air, the harbor shimmers in shades of blue, and the island’s volcanic peaks rise dramatically in the distance. Papeete’s lively waterfront and bustling markets are infused with the rhythm of island life, offering a warm introduction to the magic of the South Pacific. Once aboard the elegant Silver Whisper ship, our home-away-from-home for the next 8 days, you’ll have time to settle into your suite and take in the luxurious surroundings. This evening, we’ll gather at one of the ship’s fine restaurants for our Welcome Dinner, raising a glass to the incredible adventures that lie ahead. Day 2: Monday, September 28, 2026: Moorea Island, French Polynesia Today, we'll enjoy a scenic coastal drive along Opunohu Bay and Cook's Bay, taking in the calm turquoise waters and dramatic volcanic peaks. We'll travel into the lush and fertile Opunohu Valley, once the center of an ancient Polynesian civilization. This valley is home to around 500 maraes (sacred stone temples), and we'll pause to visit one of these historic sites to gain insight into Moorea’s spiritual traditions before the arrival of Christianity. Our journey will then continue up the winding road to the Belvedere Viewpoint, where breathtaking panoramas stretch over the twin bays and the majestic Mount Rotu. Here, we will have time to capture the scenery with our cameras, before returning to the ship. Day 3: Tuesday, September 29, 2026: Raiatea, French Polynesia Today's excursion will see us boaring Le Truck, a colorful, island-style bus, to journey into Polynesia’s past through legends and folklore of historic Raiatea known as The Sacred Island. From the port, we'll navigate through the town of Utoroa, following the curve of the Bay of Faaroa, enjoying a view over the Faaroa river, the only navigable river in the Society Islands. After our photo stop, we'll re-board Le Truck and make our way to Marae Taputapuatea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the central temple and spiritual heart of Eastern Polynesia. Here, we'll explore several maraes and stone structures, learning about their significance in Polynesian history and culture. Our final stop will be at a viewpoint overlooking a volcanic crater, offering a dramatic glimpse into Raiatea’s geological past. Along the way, our guide will point out tropical plants, flowers, and fruit trees in various stages of growth, revealing the lush natural beauty that blankets the island. Day 4: Wednesday, September 30, 2026: Raiatea, French Polynesia This morning, we'll begin our journey in the cultural heart of Raiatea. Shortly after leaving town, while enjoying views of Mount Temehani, the only place on Earth where the rare Tiare Apetah flower grows. Each morning, as the first sunlight touches its petals, the flower opens with a delicate crackling sound, a unique wonder of nature. We'll take in views of shimmering lagoon, home to pearl farms and admire the lush coastline that offers glimpses into daily Polynesian life. Our route will continues inland, joining the east coast road and passing through a towering bamboo forest on our way south. We'll drive through the fishing village of Fetuna and pause for refreshments in the district of Vaiau before stopping at the Marae of Tainuu, an open-air temple that reflects the island’s deep spiritual traditions. Time permitting, we may also visit a pearl farm before making our way back to the pier. Day 5: Thursday, October 1, 2026: Huahine, French Polynesia After breakfast today, we'll set out in a 4x4 vehicle to explore Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti, visiting sites rich in history and natural beauty. At Fauna Nui Lake, we'll see ancient stone fish traps over 400 years old that are still in use today. In Maeva, once the royal residence, we explore maraes (ancient temples) and hear the legend of Princess Hutuhiva. In the village of Faie, we'll take a short boat ride to a black pearl farm to learn about the cultivation of Polynesia’s famed pearls. Then, a scenic drive through lush forest will bring us to the Belvedere Lookout for panoramic crater views. Crossing to Huahine Iti, we'll pass vanilla, flower, and pineapple plantations before arriving in Fare, where we'll meet the island’s remarkable blue-eyed eels. Day 6: Friday, October 2, 2026: Bora Bora, French Polynesia This morning, we'll board a colorful, open-air Le Truck for a narrated drive to the district of Faanui, above the scenic Faanui Bay, before continuing to the ancient ceremonial site of the Faanui marae (Farerua), the largest temple on the island. In ancient times, Polynesian gods and idols were worshipped here, and its raised altar, or ahu, stands within a wall of large sandstone and coral slabs. Our drive will continue past the American bunkers, reminders of the South Pacific’s role in World War II, before ascending to the Belvedere Lookout for stunning panoramic views over the lagoon. From here, we'll head toward the village of Anau and Matita, making stops along the way for more scenic vistas and photo opportunities, including the striking Mount Otemanu and the island’s most famous beach. Day 7: Saturday, October 3, 2026: Bora Bora, French Polynesia Today, we'll travel by a 4x4 vehicle with our driver-guide, beginning with a visit to World War II cannons left by the U.S. military, learning about the island’s wartime history along the way. Driving through the lush Faanui Valley, we'll make photo stops to enjoy sweeping views and hear about local customs, flora, and fauna. Continuing through the Fitii District and along the coast, we ascend Pahonu Hill for breathtaking lagoon vistas before returning to the pier. Please note that the weather or road conditions may alter the route. Day 8: Sunday, October 4, 2026: Papeete, French Polynesia Sadly, today we'll bid farewell to French Polynesia and its islands, where white-sand beaches meet turquoise waters and lush mountains rise in the distance. Depending on our departure time, you may have a chance to enjoy a final stroll through Papeete, the vibrant capital, with its bustling markets, waterfront promenade, and last glimpses of island life before your journey home.
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