Detailed itinerary:
Day 01: Papeete / Nuku Hiva
Arrival in Nuku Hiva at the Nuku Ataha airport. Transfer to Hotel Keikahanui Nuku Hiva Pearl Lodge by 4 wheel drive vehicle (transfer duration: around 01h30). You will 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).
Afternoon : Visit of the village of Taiohae including:
• 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.
• A gentle hike towards and around the archaeological site of Koueva. Restored for the 2000 Marquesan Art Festival, this site is a testimony of the Marquesan nature & culture.
Dinner at the hotel.
Day 02: Nuku Hiva
Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day excursion by 4-wheel drive vehicle to visit the Muake Pass and the valley of Hatiheu located 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”. Meeting with Marquesan craftsmen in the village of Taipivai and visit the Paeke and Kamuihei archeological sites before arriving in the valley of Hatiheu.
Lunch will be served at the unique Restaurant “Chez Yvonne”: comfortably seated, you will never forget this special moment sampling local delicacies…
On the way back to the hotel, visit the restored archaeological of Hikokua: while listening to your guide, you will travel back in time, picturing the grand ceremonies which took place in these sacred sites.
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 01h30)
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).
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 archaeological 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 home-made Marquesan dishes: marvellous indeed !!
Afternoon at leisure, then return to Atuona.
Dinner at the hotel.
Day 05: Hiva Oa / Papeete
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning : at leisure.
Morning transfer by 4-wheel drive vehicle to airport for your return flight to Papeete.
(If the departure flight is scheduled in the afternoon, lunch will be on your own).
Remarks:
1) Rates are valid from January 01st until December 31st, 2011. They are subject to change without prior notice.
2) Handling fee to be added as per contract.
3) Restaurant “Chez Yvonne” in Nuku Hiva is closed on Sunday and Public Holidays. If the full day tour to Hatiheu cannot be scheduled on another day, a cold picnic lunch will be provided.
4) Cancellation Policy :
If cancellation occurs:
- 45 days or less prior to the beginning of the package: 80 Euro fee per booking
- within 15 days prior to the beginning of the package: 50% of the total amount of the package
- within 7 prior to the beginning of the package: 100% of the total amount of the package
5) Transfers & Excursions are in seat-in-car. For packages including private car transfers and tours, please contact our services for quotation.
6) The hotels have accepted to operate this program based on a MINIMUM of 2 pax travelling together. However, a special net rate for single pax when travelling alone is available. Please contact our services for quotation.
The hotels reserve the right to have other clients joining the party on the excursions.
The excursions require healthy conditions. And they are not recommended for children under 2. Follow your guide instructions.
The excursions & hikes duration may vary depending on external factors & the level of hikers.
Vehicles used have been built for this type of excursions; however, comfort depends on the roads used.
7) A local Communal Tax is to be paid directly by the client at the hotel Keikahanui Pearl Lodge : 100cfp per person and per night (Fixed exchange rate : 1€ = 119.332 cfp Pacific Franc).
8) Gauguin & Brel Museums opening hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 08h00am - 11h00am & 02h00pm - 05h00pm
- Friday : 07h30am - 02h30pm
- Saturday : 08h00am - 11h00am
- Sunday : Closed
The hotel will do its best to organize the visit of these museums according with the flight schedules of your clients.
Should this not be possible, the hotel will arrange another excursion instead.
9) Additional nights. If additional nights are requested, the regular rates are applicable for those additional nights.
10) During Christmas and New Year Season, Special Conditions and Compulsory Meals may apply. Rates and Conditions to be advised.
11) This itinerary may be altered without previous notice, depending on airline schedule, weather conditions or ground transportation availabilities. Rates can be amended accordingly.