Bora Bora ... Ahhh ... A Dream Destination

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Sculpted by sky-piercing, moss-green peaks and lined with vivid turquoise lagoons, sultry French Polynesia is a place to take it slow and experience warm, laid-back island culture.

The Dream
Tahiti: just the word conjures up centuries’ worth of images: hibiscus flowers; bronzed dancers in grass skirts; a humid breeze over turquoise sea. The islands of French Polynesia became legends the minute the first European explorers reached their home shores with tales of a heaven on earth where the soil was fertile, life was simple and lust was guilt-free. While the lingering hype is outdated, French Polynesia is still about as dreamy as reality gets. The lagoons are just as blue but there are freeways, more conservative values and nine-to-five jobs. It’s not the untainted paradise of explorer lore, but at least there’s an internet connection.

Lagoon Spectacular
The slim stretches of white-, pink- and black-sand beaches in French Polynesia are really just pretty springboards into the real draw: the lagoons. Most high islands are surrounded by fringing reef that creates a protected swimming pool of the most intense aqua imaginable. Coral atolls have this same calibre of lagoon minus the big island in the middle. Fish, dolphins, rays, sharks, turtles and more inhabit these clear-water coral gardens that are as excellent for snorkelling as they are for diving and swimming. Surfers ride glassy wave faces at reef passes while kitesurfers fly across the water with the trade winds.

To Luxe or Not to Luxe
Over-the-top indulgence has become French Polynesia’s – or more specifically Bora Bora’s – signature, and often overshadows what the rest of the country has to offer. Resorts on the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’ are a honeymooner’s dream, with private overwater bungalows and spectacular views of the island’s iconic, square-topped peak. But if this isn’t your cup of coconut water, or not in your budget, don’t let that dissuade you from visiting French Polynesia. Small, family-run lodgings offer a closer-to-the-culture experience for considerably less financial output.

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Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival Tahiti / Day at leisure
Arrival Tahiti / Meet & Greet by our local representative / Transfer to hotel for check in

What Tahiti lacks in wide white-sand beaches, it makes up for in waterfall-laden, shadowy mountains, unpretentiously beautiful black-sand beaches, sheltered blue lagoons and a distinctly Polynesian, modern buzz.

This is the heart of the islands, where the cultures from all the archipelagos are mixed in the cacophonous, dusty, yet smiling and energetic capital of Pape'ete. Outside the city, explore the majestic, mountainous interior on a 4WD tour, learn to dive in the translucent lagoon, wander amid mystical archaeological sites, and from July to October go whale-watching. In July, catch the countryï¿½s most spectacular festival; the percussion and dance-heavy Heiva.

Stay at a resort or head to Tahiti Iti to experience a more traditional pace of life ï¿½ all international air travel goes through Tahiti, and it would be a shame to miss such an essential part of this region's cultural puzzle.

Rest of the day at leisure to rest or if you are up for some action, we recommend a short trip to the - must see Papeete market ï¿½

The lively and colourful market is filled with a wide range of local produce and seafood. Visitors enjoy the local flavour, and it is a good place for crafts and souvenirs. The Maeva Cafe, just up the escalator, is a great spot for a casual snack or coffee

Overnight at Tahiti
Day 2
Tahiti / Mountain Safari
After breakfast, Full day Mountain 4WD Safari

Discover the natural wonders of Tahiti on this inner-island safari tour by 4WD vehicle.

After your guide picks you up from your hotel, hop into the Jeep for a thrilling ride ï¿½ traversing rough roads best accessed by a 4x4 vehicle.

Make your first stop at Mount Marau, a former 19th-century French fortress. Treat yourself to a gorgeous vista of the lush, rainforest-clad Punaruu Valley and snap photos of the island's highest peaks: Orohena, Aorai, Tetufera and Teamaa.

Your tour continues to the Arahoho Blowhole, an unmarked roadside attraction created over eons by liquid lava, when battering surf undercut the basalt shoreline and eroded a tunnel-like passageway. When large waves crash into the rocks, watch in awe as a geyser-like plume of seawater shoots into the air and sprays onlookers.

Check out the local surfers and the black-sand beach before re-boarding the Jeep. Youï¿½ll enter to the Faaurumai Valley near Tahitiï¿½s north coast to visit the three waterfalls of the Cascades of Faarumai ï¿½ nestled in nearly impenetrable rainforest of hutu and mape trees. Itï¿½s an easy 5-minute walk to Vaimahutu Falls, which plunges 100 feet (30 meters) into a crystal-clear pool below.

Follow your guide along a 20-minute rainforest walk to reach the other two cascades, Haamaremare Iti and Haamaremare Rahi, and spend time at the final waterfall with a refreshing swim if youï¿½d like.

Back in your 4WD vehicle, make the return trip to Papeete where your full-day tour ends.

Overnight at Tahiti
Day 3
Tahiti / Day trip to Moorea
After breakfast, visit Tahitiï¿½s sister island ï¿½ Moorea - just a 45 minute ferry away, and perfect for a day trip

If you've been dreaming of holiday-brochure turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches, vertical peaks and lush landscapes, you'd be hard-pressed to find better than this gem of an island. Hovering less than 20km across the 'Sea of the Moon from its big sister, Tahiti, Moorea absorbs its many visitors so gracefully that its feels surprisingly nontouristy.

There are pretty white-sand beaches, but nothing big and sweeping. The drawcard is the limpid, warm water of the vibrant lagoon. If you need some action, learn to kitesurf, take a hike, go on a whale- or dolphin-watching tour, hire a bike or a kayak, or go horse riding. Whatever the experience, thereï¿½s only one word to describe Moorea: divine!

Back to Tahiti by evening

Overnight at Tahiti
Day 4
Tahiti to Bora Bora Flight / Day at leisure
After breakfast, transfer to airport for flight to Bora Bora

Ah, Bora Bora. The stuff of dreams. As you arrive by plane, the view says it all. How not to be mesmerised by this stunning palette of sapphire, indigo and turquoise, all mixed together in modern-art abstractions ? And these sand-edged motu (islets) and soaring rainforest-covered basaltic peaks ?

With such a dreamlike setting, Bora Bora is, unsurprisingly, a honeymooners choice. But thereï¿½s much more to do than clink glasses with your loved one in a luxurious hotel. The good thing is that you can mix slow-paced sun-and-sand holidays with action-packed adventures.

Diving, snorkelling, lagoon tours, hiking and parasailing are readily available. What you shouldnï¿½t expect, though, is a thriving nightlife. Bora Bora is a quiet island. And this dream destination is much more accessible than you think. As well as five-star resorts, a handful of low-key midrange hotels beckon.

Upon arrival at Bora Bora, meet & greet by our local representative / Transfer to hotel for check in

Rest of the day at leisure at your resort

Overnight at Bora Bora
Day 5
Bora Bora / At leisure
After breakfast, day at leisure to enjoy the day at Paradise or embark on a short off-road sightseeing tour of Bora Bora

There is no better way to see Bora Bora when visiting on a cruise or staying in a hotel than this 4x4 tour. This off road tour gives you all the sights and delights of the island's culture, history, flora, and fauna.

You will discover the ancient temples of the great Tahitian seafaring society built around 1000 A.D, along with their accompanying legends.

Explore WWII sites built by Americans during their friendly taking of the island in 1942. Tour around the island to see breathtaking lookout points only accessible by 4x4.

Faanui Valley is host to small fruit plantations. Pareu, a locally-owned family workshop, showcases how they make beautiful tie-dye Sarongs. You will learn how to make coconut oil and taste local fruits before completing your tour and returning to your resort

Overnight at Bora Bora
Day 6
Bora Bora / Shark & Ray Lagoon Safari with Lunch
After breakfast, Your 4 X 4 Safari vehicle with guide will pick you up at your hotel

You will discover the history of Bora Bora and all of its magical sites.

Adventure through the lush vegetation of Bora Bora in a comfortable 4X4 vehicle. Discover the heights of the South Pacific, as your 4X4 takes you to the magnificent views that Bora Bora has to offer.

Looking out onto the lagoon, you will be mesmerized by the different colors of blue and green of the lagoon. Your guide will give you cultural and historical information about Polynesia and more specifically Bora Bora.

Visit the historical sites of Bora Bora, including bunkers and American cannons from WWII.

Lunch at the famous Bloody Mary's Restaurant Shark and Ray, Coral Garden Snorkel Safari Our approach Is 100% focused towards the respect of marine life and ensures you a magical experience while preserving the aquatic fauna and flora (no feeding of the sharks, rays and the protection of coral)

Overnight at Bora Bora
Day 7
Bora Bora / At leisure
After breakfast, day at leisure to enjoy the day at Paradise

Optional ï¿½ Jet Ski experience ï¿½

Zip around the Bora Bora lagoon on a morning or afternoon Jet Ski tour past water bungalows, sailboats and the lush green slopes of Mt. Otemanu.

Aboard a single or double Jet Ski, cruise across sparkling aquamarine waters with an expert guide leading the way.

Stop for swimming and a coconut husking demonstration, ensuring plenty of photo ops in this Polynesian paradise.

Overnight at Bora Bora
Day 8
Departure from Bora Bora
After breakfast, transfer to airport for return flight

Notes

Round the year destination ... Extension recommended to Fiji, Australia & New Zealand

Tour Inclusions ... Bora Bora

7 nights accommodation
Daily American Breakfast
Two way Shared Airport Transfers at Tahiti
Two way Shared Airport Transfers at Bora Bora
Air Tahiti Round Trip Flights : Papeete - Bora Bora - Papeete
Sightseeings as mentioned in the itinerary

Notes on itinerary

All our itineraries are "Just for Ideas" ... We will get to know you and customise an itinerary just for you that matches your requirements ... dates of travel, category of hotels, preferred airline, flexibility in choosing sightseeing, mode of travel between cities, etc.

Many of our clients have us design more relaxing, slower paced holidays with more in-depth experiences whereas some simply want to visit various destinations and cover only the highlights.

Together, we will determine the ideal route, pace of travel, accommodations, levels of pampering, style of touring, sightseeing to be included, dining preferences, adventure levels, options to meet locals, dates of travel & much more ! and based on this arrive at a price.

Do feel free to get in touch with us by a quick call on +91 79 29602961 or a short mail on mail@destinations4india.com ... Looking forward