23-night Grand South Pacific Expedition Segment

Papeete, the modern and bustling capital of Tahiti and Her Islands, contains government offices, Gendarmerie, hospitals and clinics, banks and many other services dedicated to serving the population of the islands as well as tourists who come for a life-enriching experience to these magical islands.

Destination Guide

An hour and a half flight from Papeete, rectangular-shaped Fakarava is a charming village, home to most of the atoll's 248 inhabitants. The only other - sort of - settlement (10 people ) is on Tetamanu Motu Islet located opposite the lagoon next to the smaller but prettier pass. Fakarava's immense lagoon has several black pearl farms, idyllic white sand beaches and is peppered with small islands, homes to many breeds of nesting birds oblivious to visitors.

Above the steady rumble of the Pacific surge, the sharply sculpted mountains of Hiva Oa hide their summits in the mists of rain-filled clouds. The largest and most fertile island in the southern group of the Marquesas, Hiva Oa has deep valleys, lush plateaus and thickly wooded forests. The town of Atuona is the administrative center for the southern Marquesas. Framed in a theater of mountains with the Bay of Traitors providing safe anchorage, Atuona is a favorite port of call for yachts and copra ships. Atuona has a gendarmerie, small hospital, post office, banks, weather station, Ait Tahiti office, pensions, restaurants and snack bars, stores and chops, telephones and TV. There is a Catholic mission with a boarding school and a Protestant church. A path up the cliffs behind the village leads to Calvary Cemetery - the site of simple graves of two men who chose the Marquesas as their final home and resting place, the French painter Paul Gauguin and Belgian singer Jacques Brel.

Nuku Hiva is the largest island in the Marquesas archipelago. Its beauty from the sea or from high above the islands is truly breathtaking. The 2,100 inhabitants live in Taiohae, Taipivai, Hatiheu, Aakapa, Pua, Houmi, Anaho and Hakaui, where they work for the government, the community, Catholic church or school system, or for themselves - chopping copra high in the mountains, fishing, raising cattle and other livestock, or sculpting bowls and platters or making Marquesan ceremonial clubs, tikiís and ukuleles. Hatiheu is a beautiful village on the northern shore of Nuku Hiva - where it sits in a secluded bay, surrounded by sharply spired peaks. The area around Haiheu is covered with interesting archeological sites.

Mangareva is the largest islands in the Gambier Island group in French Polynesia. Mangareva is famous for its pearl farms and visitors have the opportunity to visit the pearl lagoons. There are an array of significant sites on these islands including more than one hundred stone buildings built in the 19th century, such as churches, convents, weaving workshops and watch towers. Mangareva has beautiful white sandy beaches, and clear blue waters for visitors to enjoy.

Adamstown is a remote island located in the South Pacific; and is not only the capital, but also the only settlement town of the Pitcairn Islands. This tropical paradise is located furthest away from any other inhabited regions or continents. Being made up of clear sandy beaches and rugged terrain landscape, Adamstown offers the perfect relaxation experience.

Adamstown is a remote island located in the South Pacific; and is not only the capital, but also the only settlement town of the Pitcairn Islands. This tropical paradise is located furthest away from any other inhabited regions or continents. Being made up of clear sandy beaches and rugged terrain landscape, Adamstown offers the perfect relaxation experience.

Easter Island is over 2,000 miles from the nearest population center, (Tahiti and Chile), making it one of the most isolated places on Earth. A triangle of volcanic rock in the South Pacific - it is best known for the giant stone monoliths, known as Moai, that dot the coastline. The early settlers called the island "Te Pito O Te Henua" (Navel of The World). Admiral Roggeveen, who came upon the island on Easter Day in 1722, named it Easter Island. Today, the land, people and language are all referred to locally as Rapa Nui.

Destination Guide

Easter Island is over 2,000 miles from the nearest population center, (Tahiti and Chile), making it one of the most isolated places on Earth. A triangle of volcanic rock in the South Pacific - it is best known for the giant stone monoliths, known as Moai, that dot the coastline. The early settlers called the island "Te Pito O Te Henua" (Navel of The World). Admiral Roggeveen, who came upon the island on Easter Day in 1722, named it Easter Island. Today, the land, people and language are all referred to locally as Rapa Nui.

Destination Guide

Alexander Selkirk Island is located off the coast of Valparaiso; the islands actually pertain to the Valparaiso Region. The island was founded by Alexander Selkirk, a Scottish pirate known for his refutation of authority. With an average temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit, this island is perfect for any pirate or visitor.

Robinson Crusoe Island is one of three islands in the Juan Fernandez archipelago located off the coast of Chile. In 1705, the sailor Alexander Selkirk – more famously known by the island that bears his name, was marooned and spent five years in solitude, thus inspiring Daniel Defoe to write his classic novel. Today, the island is actually a national park and UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve because of the varied flora and fauna on the island. The islands 500 inhabitants are mainly sustained by fishing the local waters. This island is amazingly beautiful and undoubtedly will inspire any visitor to wish they were stranded on this emerald isle.

Santiago, with over four million people, is the fifth-largest city in South America. Standing in a wide plain 1,800 feet above sea level, Santiago boasts a beautiful setting. Snow-capped peaks of the Andes chain provide a dramatic backdrop. Tastefully laid-out public gardens contribute to the beauty of the city. However, Santiago also suffers from horrendous traffic and a high percentage of pollution. The heart of Santiago is the Plaza de Armas, flanked by the cathedral, the archbishop’s palace, the National History Museum and fine arcaded buildings lined with shops. The two-mile-long Avenida O’Higgins is the major thoroughfare, commonly known as the Alameda. There is a splendid view over the city from San Cristobal Hill, crowned by the statue of the Virgin Mary.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Valparaiso: Encounter with the Art - 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION

• La Sebastiana –  Pablo Neruda Museum
• A local artist’s studio

1. Includes the services of an English-speaking guide.
2. Bottled mineral water included.
3. Entrance fee to the museums are included. 
4. Museums are closed on Mondays.

Valparaiso - Wines of the Casablanca Valley — Optional Private Excursions
HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS EXCURSION
 

• Tour and Tasting at two emblematic vineyards of the Casablanca valley

1. Includes the services of an English-speaking guide.
2. Bottled mineral water available in the vehicle

Santiago - Valparaíso Wine & Culinary Adventure: Full-Day Private Tour — Optional Private Excursions

Embark on a culinary journey from Santiago to the coast, discovering the flavors of Casablanca, Valparaíso, and Viña del Mar.

Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your Santiago hotel as we travel through the Coastal Mountain Ranges to Casablanca Valley, one of the world’s top cool-climate wine regions. Enjoy a visit to a local winery, where you’ll savor four wines paired with a light selection of local bites.

Next, we continue to Valparaíso, where a local guide will meet you in the historic Plaza Sotomayor. You’ll learn about the city’s rich history, its beloved hero, and how the land was reclaimed from the sea. Explore the charming streets, old buildings, and ride a classic funicular up to the colorful hills of Cerros Alegre and Concepción.

As you wander, soak in the stories of Valparaíso’s golden era and vibrant evolution into an artistic hub. Along the way, sample Chile’s favorite foods, from a beloved cookie and craft beers to Chilean dishes and ice cream with a unique twist.

End your tour with a traditional Pisco Sour and a snack of Chilean delicacies, all while enjoying panoramic views of the port city. After experiencing Valparaíso’s charm, we’ll head to Viña del Mar for a brief exploration before returning to Santiago.