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Pacific Islands and Coral Seas: Across Oceania From the Society Islands to Eastern Australia

Program Number: 21225RJ
Start and End Dates:
2/1/2014 - 2/24/2014;
Duration: 23 nights
Location: Australia/New Caledonia/Fiji/American Samoa/Samoa/French Polynesia
Price starting at: $9,999.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; Ocean Cruises Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 61; 22 Breakfasts, 19 Lunches, 20 Dinners    

Venture beyond the horizon on an expedition to some of the most remote places ever inhabited by humankind. In the South Pacific, voyage from French Polynesia to the Samoan Islands and on to Fiji and New Caledonia, then cross the Coral Sea to be reunited with terra firma amid the vibrant cities of eastern Australia. On islands both rugged and beautiful, ponder the bravery of early Polynesians whose navigational mastery enabled sea crossings of thousands of miles. See for yourself how these skilled mariners lived and worshipped and learn how during World War II these specks in the vast ocean became critical elements of the Allied strategy.




Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day; some uneven and hilly terrain. Small boats are sometimes used for disembarkation and re-embarkation.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

Papeete (Tahiti), 3 nights; aboard Marina, 14 nights; Sydney (Australia), 1 night.



Coordinated by Hawaii Pacific University.



Days 1-4: Flight from the U.S.A. / Arrive Papeete (Tahiti) / embark Marina:

Visit the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands to study French Polynesia’s natural and cultural history and to view pre-European artifacts and memorabilia of political, cultural and social leaders. Circle the island with stops at ancient worship platforms and the Gauguin Museum. Lodging: Luxurious seaside resort.



Day 5: Raiatea:

On Raiatea, the most sacred island in the South Pacific, visit Taputapuatea, a massive ancient stone worship site.



Days 6-7: Bora Bora:

Snorkel in Bora Bora’s multi-colored lagoon, have lunch on a scenic private motu and take in naval gun sites and other relics from the U.S. supply base established here during World War II.



Days 8-9: At Sea:

Enjoy shipboard activities in the morning, and in the afternoon take part in a classroom-style lecture with your instructor.



Days 10-11: Pago Pago (American Samoa) / Apia (Samoa):

Explore Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa, then continue to Apia in Samoa, where you visit local landmarks like the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, located in the author’s home.



Days 12-13: At Sea / cross International Date Line


Days 14-15: Lautoka (Fiji) / Suva:

In the island nation of Fiji, take a field trip to Lautoka’s Garden of the Sleeping Giant. In Suva, the capital, visit the Fiji Museum, Parliament House and Presidential Residence.



Days 16-17: At Sea / Noumea (New Caledonia):

Head into Noumea to explore the Territorial Museum and the French colonial architecture at Faubourg Blanchot.



Days 18-19: At Sea:

Enjoy shipboard activities in the morning, and in the afternoon take part in a classroom-style lecture with your instructor.



Days 20-21: Brisbane (Australia) / At Sea:

An exploration of Brisbane begins with a river cruise complete with morning tea.



Days 22-24: Sydney / disembark / departure:

Stroll through Darling Harbour Precinct, visit the iconic Sydney Opera House and explore the rest of the city independently before bidding farewell to new friends. Lodging: Comfortable hotel.



Marina

The elegant 1,250-passenger ocean liner Marina debuted in 2011. Its designer touches include a Lalique grand staircase. Passengers can enjoy multiple dining venues, including six open-seating gourmet restaurants, at no extra charge. Cooking classes are offered at the Bon Appétit Culinary Center while artists-in-residence offer instruction in the Artists Loft.
Meals and Lodgings
   Le Meridien Tahiti Hotel
  Tahiti, French Polynesia 3 nights
   Marina
  Tahiti, French Polynesia
Raiatea, French Polynesia
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
At Sea, French Polynesia
Pago Pago, American Samoa
Apia, Samoa
At Sea, French Polynesia
Lautoka, Fiji
Suva, Fiji
At Sea, French Polynesia
Noumea, New Caledonia
At Sea, French Polynesia
Brisbane, Australia
At Sea, French Polynesia
Sydney, Australia		 19 nights
 Le Meridien Tahiti Hotel
Type: Hotel
  Description: Situated just 15 km south of Faa International Airport, Le Méridien Tahiti overlooks beautiful white sand beaches, calming blue waves, and majestic mountains. Located along a lagoon, the resort has an exceptional view of the island of Moorea and offers 138 garden and lagoon view rooms and 12- over water bungalows. Rooms offer vivid colors with Polynesian flair. Additionally, there’s a vibrant international arts scene occuring at Le Méridien Tahiti. L’Atelier, its onsite art space, features contemporary artists from across French Polynesia and the world. Unlike most galleries, L’Atelier draws creative guests with exhibitions as well as with artists themselves. Its loft is an inviting setting for lectures, art workshops, and openings where guests will find fresh opportunities to peruse contemporary art. Guests are free to observe artists at work and/or enroll in an art class with the visiting artist (a fee applies).
  Contact info: P.O. Box 380595
97718 Tamanu, Tahiti,   French Polynesia
phone: +011- (689) 470707
web: www.lemeridientahiti.com
  Room amenities: Air-conditioning, direct dial phone, safe, satellite television, WIFI (for a fee), minibar, refrigerator, and coffee-make. Bathrooms feature a separate bathtub and walk-in shower and hair dryer. Terraces are available in all rooms.
  Facility amenities: The hotel has a (2) restaurants- La Plantation offering a mix of Polynesiand and international flavors buffet-style or ala carte, and the gourmet restaurant Le Carre, located right by the lagoon. Live music and cocktails are available at the Astroblabe bar and casual drinks can be found at the Pool Bar. Le Meridien Tahiti also provides complimentary use of its sandy bottom swimming pool (largest in the South Pacific), kayaks and outrigger canoes, aqua gym classes, tennis courts, beach volleyball court, and ping pong. Meeting rooms and business facilities are also available.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: See "Addtl Nights Comments" A special group rate will be honored 7 days prior and 10 days after the “main program dates”, based on space availability. Participants will pay directly to the hotel for these accommodations and need a credit card for the guarantee. To book, contact Le Méridien Hotel Reservations Department Contact : Nathalie Merehau Tél : 47 07 29 -Fax : 47 07 28 E-mail : rez@lemeridien-tahiti.pf Participants must reference Road Scholar to receive special rates
  Check in time: 1:00 PM

 Marina
Type: Cruise Ship
  Description: The brand new Marina, and her sister Riviera, which debuted in May 2012, are the most beautiful, elegant and sophisticated ships to debut in the past 50 years. Designer touches are everywhere, from the magnificent Lalique Grand Staircase and stunning Owner's Suites furnished in Ralph Lauren Home, they are showcases of the finest residential design and furnishings. More than anything, Marina and Riviera personify the Oceania Cruises experience. Comfortably mid-size, Marina retains the same warmth and charm of its acclaimed consorts Regatta, Insignia and Nautica. While the country club casual ambiance and level of personalized service remain the same, it offers even more choice and some enticing new amenities. As the first ship designed for lovers of fine dining and travel experiences, Marina offers guests multiple dining venues, of which six are open-seating gourmet restaurants with no surcharge. La Reserve by Wine Spectator offers enlightening wine and food pairings. The new Bon Appétit Culinary Center is the only hands-on cooking school at sea. Similarly, artists-in-residence teach fine arts in Artists Loft, a new enrichment center. For specialty coffees and snacks, there is Baristas Coffee Bar. Intimate lounges abound. Accommodations in every category are incredibly spacious, especially with regard to the lavish bathrooms.
  Ship Information: Marina: Debuted in 2011 Tonnage: 66,084 Length: 785 feet Beam: 106 feet Maximum Draught: 24 feet Stabilizers: Yes Cruising Speed: 20 knots Guest Decks: 11 Total Decks: 15 Electric Power or Voltage: 110, 220 AC Guest Capacity: 1,250 (Double Occupancy) Staff Size: 800 Guest to Staff Ratio: 1.57 to 1 Nationality of Officers: European Nationality of Staff: International Country of Registry: Marshall Islands
  Contact info: 8300 NW 33rd Street, Suite 308
Miami, FL 33122 USA
phone: 800-531-5619
web: www.oceaniacruises.com
  Room amenities: Queen or twin bed accommodations, a spacious seating area, vanity desk, breakfast table and oversized marble and granite-clad bathroom with separate tub and shower, are among the many conveniences. Stateroom Amenities Tranquility Bed, an Oceania Cruises Exclusive, with 700-Thread-Count Linens Refrigerated Mini-Bar with Free and Unlimited Soft Drinks and Bottled Water Replenished Daily Spacious Stall Shower with Separate Tub Complimentary and Extensive 24-Hour Room Service Signature Chocolates with Nightly Turndown Service Thick Cotton Robes and Slippers French-Milled Toiletries LCD Flat-Screen Television Grohe Handheld Shower Head Security Safe Handheld Hair Dryer Direct Dial Satellite Phone and Cellular Service 110/220 Volt Outlets
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Afternoon flight to Papeete, Tahiti and late evening arrival. Orientation after breakfast at 10:45 am the following morning at Le Meridien Tahiti Hotel. You will be staying at Le Meridien Tahiti Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Ends with Farewell Dinner in Sydney, Australia, followed by overnight flight to Los Angeles, CA You will be staying at Marina the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Ship Guest Registration Form is required. A photocopy of your passport picture/information pages must be sent to the Pacific Islands Institute, the Program Provider.
  Parking availability:
Free; however, there is limited time to rent a car prior to embarking the vessel.
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: INFORMATION TO BE INPUT
To Start of Program
  Location:  Tahiti
  Nearest city or town:  Papeete
  Nearest airport:  Tahiti Faaa International Airport
  Transportation to site: Tahiti does not have a train system; there is a bus system in Tahiti but generally is used to go around the island and does not accommodate luggage easily. Taxi cabs are readily available outside Tahiti airport. For more information, please visit www.tahititourisme.com
  From End of Program
  Location:  Sydney
  Nearest airport:  Sydney Airport
  Transportation from site: INFORMATION TO BE ADDED
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Flight to Tahiti/Arrive Papeete/Hotel Check In
(Saturday, February 1)
   
 Afternoon: US afternoon flights for Tahiti, French Polynesia A snack or meal is typically included on board flight; however subject to change dependent on airline changes.
 Evening: Arrive Papeete, Tahiti. Transfer to hotel and check in.
   
Accommodations: Le Meridien Tahiti Hotel

Day 2: Introductions & Orientation/Intro to French Polynesia/Museum of Tahiti and her Islands
(Sunday, February 2)
   
 Breakfast: International Buffet Breakfast - Restaurant La Plantation, ground level. Y
 Morning: Introductions and Orientation to French Polynesia Class: Introduction to French Polynesia
 Lunch: Restaurant La Plantation
 Afternoon: Field Trip: Visit to the Musee de Tahiti et des Iles (Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands) for a fascinating exhibit of all that makes up French Polynesia - the geographic and oceanographic explanation of the islands, life in the sea and on land, progressive stages of its history, pre-European artifacts, a collection of memorabilia of political, cultural and social leaders. Social Hour prior to dinner.
 Dinner: Restaurant La Plantation
 Evening: At leisure
   
Accommodations: Le Meridien Tahiti Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Circle Tahiti Field Trip
(Monday, February 3)
   
 Breakfast: International Breakfast Buffet -Restaurant La Plantation
 Morning: Board an air-conditioned bus for a field trip circling Tahiti Nui. Depart Papeete and pass through many districts and villages. Notice how each area’s mayor tries to out do the others with enormous town halls. Passing Faaa Airport, notice that land for its runways was reclaimed from the lagoon. It was not until 1961 that modern jets were able to land here. Stop at the ancient Arahurahu marae which has been restored to its former grandeur. Next visit the Maraa Grotto, a beautiful garden and cave area, and continue on past the golf course which was once a huge cotton plantation worked by coolie labor from China. It was planted to fulfill the shortage of cotton in Europe caused by the American Civil War. A short distance further on, visit the Vaipahi Garden with its beautiful waterfall before stopping at restaurant Musee Gauguin for a buffet lunch. After lunch, drive a short distance to the Gauguin Museum located in Mataiea Village where Gauguin lived. While not many originals of Gauguin’s work are in the museum, it is fascinating and details his life and his work.
 Lunch: Buffet lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: Continue on and pass through beautiful Papeari Village and along the inlet (Phaeton Bay) which has a number of fish traps; then cross the Isthmus of Taravao, pass the base where the military have been located since 1844. The ships of Antoine de Bougainville, anchored near the two small offshore islands in Hitiaa in 1786. At Mahaena, Tahitians fought an armed rebellion for three years against the annexation of Tahiti by France. Next stops will include Arahoho Blowhole, Fa`aurumai Waterfall, and Point Venus and Matavai Bay. Captains Wallis, Cook and Bligh anchored in the Matavai Bay area. Located here is a memorial to the arrival of the first Christian missionaries in 1797 and a lighthouse constructed in 1868, despite its 1867 date. Continue on to Pirae and pass One Tree Hill called Taharaa today.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own
   
Accommodations: Le Meridien Tahiti Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Free Morning/Papeete Open Market/Board Ship/Sail for Raiatea
(Tuesday, February 4)
   
 Breakfast: International Buffet Breakfast - Restaurant La Plantation
 Morning: Free morning to relax and pack. Check out of hotel and depart for Papeete Open Market
 Lunch: Lunch at the Papeete Open Market
 Afternoon: Excursion: A walking tour of the Papeete Open Market to see the native fruits, vegetables and crafts of Tahiti. After field trip, depart for Port of Papeete. Board shiplocate stateroom, get settled. Free time to explore the ship and get settled.
 Dinner: Aboard ship
 Evening: Cast off for our adventure as the Paul Gauguin departs Papeete for our first stop in the Society Islands -Raiatea at 8pm. Meaning "faraway heaven" and "sky with soft light", Raiatea is considered to be the most sacred island in the South Pacific.
   
Accommodations: Marina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Morning Class/Raiatea & Taputapuatea Field Trip/Sail for Bora Bora
(Wednesday, February 5)
   
 Breakfast: Onboard Ship at leisure
 Morning: Arrive Raiatea at 8am. Classes: (Topic Instructor's Choice) and dependent ship's lecture series
 Lunch: Aboard ship at leisure
 Afternoon: Field Trip: Raiatea & Taputapuatea. We'll cover the east to south coasts of the Raiatea as we visit Taputapuatea, a massive marae (ancient stone worship site)regarded as the oldest and most historic in the South Pacific. Includes a stop at a botanical garden.
 Dinner: Aboard ship
 Evening: Optional Activity: Tonight's Performance Ship sets sail for Bora Bora at 8pm.
   
Accommodations: Marina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Lagoon Exploration/Bora Bora Excursion/Overnight in Bora Bora
(Thursday, February 6)
   
 Breakfast: Onboard Ship at leisure
 Morning: Arrive Bora Bora at approximately 8am: Surrounded by offshore motu islets inside a protective coral necklace, Bora Bora is in the center of a multi-colored lagoon world-famous for its beauty. Generations of travelers - including novelist James Michener - have regarded Bora Bora as an earthly paradise Excursion: Motu and Lagoon Exploration - An opportunity to snorkel in Bora Bora's beautiful lagoon as well as to visit a scenic private motu. Field Trip: Motu and Lagoon Exploration – An opportunity to snorkel in Bora Bora’s beautiful lagoon as well as to visit a scenic private motu.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch on a private motu.
 Afternoon: Return to ship mid afternoon. Free Afternoon to enjoy shipboard activities or venture on your own to Bora Bora for independent exploration
 Dinner: Aboard ship
 Evening: Optional Activity: You may wish to take tenders directly to the famous “Bloody Mary” Bar and Restaurant. This bar features sandy floors and is very popular with visitors.
   
Accommodations: Marina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Overview of Bora Bora/Set sail for Pago Pago
(Friday, February 7)
   
 Breakfast: Onboard Ship at leisure
 Morning: Field Trip: Overview of Bora Bora, including WWII American military history and relics. Bora Bora was a U.S. supply base during World War II; naval gun sites can still be seen. Don't forget your camera as you will witness amazing vistas overlooking this breathtaking lagoon.
 Lunch: Onboard ship at leisure
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to relax and enjoy the ship's various amenities and activities. Please refer to today's schedule for activities. Ship sets sail for Pago Pago, American Samoa, at 4 pm.
 Dinner: Aboard ship
 Evening: Optional Activity: Tonight's Performance
   
Accommodations: Marina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Morning Lectures/Free Afternoon
(Saturday, February 8)
   
 Breakfast: Onboard Ship at leisure
 Morning: Classes: (Topic Instructor's Choice) and dependent ship's lecture series.
 Lunch: Onboard ship at leisure
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to relax and enjoy the ship's various amenities and activities. Please refer to today's schedule for activities.
 Dinner: Aboard ship
 Evening: Optional Activity: Tonight's Performance
   
Accommodations: Marina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Morning Lectures/Free Afternoon
(Sunday, February 9)
   
 Breakfast: Onboard Ship at leisure
 Morning: Classes: (Topic Instructor's Choice) and dependent ship's lecture series.
 Lunch: Onboard ship at leisure.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to relax and enjoy the ship's various amenities and activities. Please refer to today's schedule for activities.
 Dinner: Aboard ship
 Evening: Optional Activity: Tonight's Performance
   
Accommodations: Marina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Arrive Pago Pago/Field trip Pago Pago/Set sail for Apia
(Monday, February 10)
   
 Breakfast: Onboard Ship at leisure
 Morning: Ship Arrives Pago Pago at 9 am. Pago Pago Field Trip
 Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant
 Afternoon: Continuation of Field Trip.
 Dinner: Aboard ship
 Evening: Optional Activity: Tonight's Performance Ship sets sail for Apia, Samoa, at 6pm.
   
Accommodations: Marina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Field Trip: Apia/Set sail for Lautoka, Fiji
(Tuesday, February 11)
   
 Breakfast: Aboard ship at leisure
 Morning: Ship arrives Apia, Samoa, at 8 am. Field Trip: Apia. To the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, located in his home, Vailima, to learn about the man and his life in Samoa; optional 15-30 minute hike to waterfall Continue on to the Navy Memorials, the Fono (Parliament), Land Courts, Food Market and landmarks of historical interest
 Lunch: Lunch
 Afternoon: Continuation of field trip. Ship sets sail for Lautoka, Fiji, at 4pm.
 Dinner: Aboard ship
 Evening: Optional Activity: Tonight's Performance
   
Accommodations: Marina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Morning Lectures/Free Afternoon
(Wednesday, February 12)
   
 Breakfast: Onboard Ship at leisure
 Morning: Classes: (Topic Instructor's Choice) and dependent ship's lecture series.
 Lunch: Onboard ship at leisure.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to relax and enjoy the ship's various amenities and activities. Please refer to today's schedule for activities.
 Dinner: Aboard ship
 Evening: Optional Activity: Tonight's Performance
   
Accommodations: Marina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: LOST DAY CROSSING THE INTERNATIONAL DATELINE
(Thursday, February 13)
   
 In Transit: LOST DAY DUE TO CROSSING THE INTERNATIONAL DATELINE
   
Accommodations: Marina

Day 14: Garden of Sleeping Giant/Nadi Field Trip/Sail for Suva
(Friday, February 14)
   
 Breakfast: Onboard Ship at leisure
 Morning: Classes: (Topic Instructor's Choice) and dependent ship's lecture series.
 Lunch: Aboard Ship at leisure
 Afternoon: Arrive Lautoka at 12 pm Field Trip: Garden of the Sleeping Giant Field Trip: Overview of Nadi
 Dinner: Aboard ship
 Evening: Optional Activity: Tonight's Performance Ship sets sail for Suva, Fiji, at 8 pm.
   
Accommodations: Marina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Suva Overview/Sail for Noumea, New Caledonia
(Saturday, February 15)
   
 Breakfast: Onboard Ship at leisure
 Morning: Arrive Suva, Fiji at 8:00 am Field Trip: Suva - The Business Center of the Pacific. Sightseeing drive of Suva surrounds including Fiji Museum (stopover for guided visit), Parliament House, Presidential Residence, Government Buildings, prominent Suva schools, residential areas, Colonial War Memorial Hospital and LDS Temple.
 Lunch: Onboard ship at leisure.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to relax and enjoy the ship's various amenities and activities or explore Suva further on your own. Please refer to today's schedule for activities. Ship sets sail for Noumea, New Caledonia at 5 pm.
 Dinner: Aboard ship
 Evening: Optional Activity: Tonight's Performance
   
Accommodations: Marina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Morning Lectures/Free Afternoon
(Sunday, February 16)
   
 Breakfast: Onboard Ship at leisure
 Morning: Classes: (Topic Instructor's Choice) and dependent ship's lecture series.
 Lunch: Onboard ship at leisure.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to relax and enjoy the ship's various amenities and activities. Please refer to today's schedule for available activities.
 Dinner: Ship Restaurant
 Evening: Optional Activity: Tonight's Performance
   
Accommodations: Marina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Morning Lectures/Overview of Noumea/Sail for Brisbane
(Monday, February 17)
   
 Breakfast: Aboard ship at leisure
 Morning: Classes: (Topic Instructor's Choice) and dependent ship's lecture series.
 Lunch: Aboard ship at leisure
 Afternoon: Arrive Noumea, New Caledonia at 1pm. Field trip: Overview of Noumea. Depart on bus for field trip beginning with a visit to Ouen Toro Hill, the bays and into town for a city tour en route to the Parc Forestier for a two-hour visit -a guided visit to the Territorial Museum Depart the Museum and return to Anse Vata via Faubourg Blanchot (old colonial houses) Visit the South Pacific Commission
 Dinner: Aboard ship
 Evening: Optional Activity: Tonight's Performance Ship departs for Brisbane, Australia, at 10 pm.
   
Accommodations: Marina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: Morning Lectures/Free Afternoon
(Tuesday, February 18)
   
 Breakfast: Aboard ship at leisure
 Morning: Classes: (Topic Instructor's Choice) and dependent ship's lecture series.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to relax and enjoy the ship's various amenities and activities. Please refer to today's schedule for available activities.
 Dinner: Aboard ship
   
Accommodations: Marina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 19: Morning Lectures/Free Afternoon
(Wednesday, February 19)
   
 Breakfast: Aboard ship at leisure
 Morning: Classes: (Topic Instructor's Choice) and dependent ship's lecture series.
 Lunch: Aboard ship at leisure
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to relax and enjoy the ship's various amenities and activities. Please refer to today's schedule for available activities.
 Dinner: Aboard ship
 Evening: Optional Activity: Tonight's Performance
   
Accommodations: Marina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20: Brisbane Field Trip/Sail for Sydney
(Thursday, February 20)
   
 Breakfast: Aboard ship at leisure
 Morning: Arrive Brisbane at 8 am. Field Trip: Half Day Tour of Brisbane including a river cruise with morning tea.
 Lunch: Aboard ship at leisure
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to relax and enjoy the ship's various amenities and activities or explore Brisbane further on your own. Please refer to today's schedule for available activities.
 Dinner: Aboard ship.
 Evening: Optional Activity: Tonight's Performance
   
Accommodations: Marina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 21: Morning Lectures/Free Afternoon
(Friday, February 21)
   
 Breakfast: Aboard ship at leisure
 Morning: Classes: (Topic Instructor's Choice) and dependent ship's lecture series.
 Lunch: Aboard ship at leisure
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to relax and enjoy the ship's various amenities and activities. Please refer to today's schedule for available activities.
 Dinner: Aboard ship
 Evening: Optional Activity: Tonight's Performance
   
Accommodations: Marina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 22: Arrive Sydney/Walking Orientation of Darling Harbour Precinct/Overnight on ship
(Saturday, February 22)
   
 Breakfast: Aboard ship at leisure
 Morning: Field Trip: Walking Orientation of Darling Harbour Precinct
 Lunch: Aboard ship at leisure
 Afternoon: Free time to explore Sydney independently
 Dinner: Farewell Dinner on Ship
 Evening: Optional Activity: Tonight's Performance
   
Accommodations: Marina
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 23: Disembark Ship/Sydney Opera House/Free Afternoon
(Sunday, February 23)
   
 Breakfast: Aboard ship at leisure
 Morning: Disembark ship in the am. Field Trip: Sydney Opera House.
 Lunch: On your own
 Afternoon: Arrive Sydney hotel, check in.
 Dinner: On your own to explore local fare
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 24: Free Morning/Wrap up session/International Flight to Los Angeles
(Monday, February 24)
   
 Breakfast: at the hotel
 Morning: Free Time to enjoy the property and explore, and relax,
 Lunch: On your own to explore local fare
 Afternoon: Class: Wrap up Session followed by social hour
 Dinner: Farewell Dinner at the hotel
 Evening: Late evening flight departure and arrive Los Angeles the same day. (gaining back the "lost" day)
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Tahiti Tahiti Tourism
Contact the Tahiti Tourism office for details on activities and events in Tahiti, the Marquesas Islands or Tuamotus. The US office is in Los Angeles, CA. Phone # 310-414-8484 or by email at info@tahiti-tourisme.com For additional information, visit www.tahiti-tourisme.com
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


The Explorations of Captain James Cook in the Pacific as Told By Selections of His Own Journals, 1768-1779


Author: Capt. James Cook


The South Pacific: An Introduction


Author: Ron Crocombe


Description: An exceptional overview of the Pacific Islands today, focusing on the main trends in the past, present and possible futures of these diverse societies. Written by one of our program instructors



A Dream of Islands: Voyages of Self Discovery in the South Seas


Author: Daws, Gavan


Description: Well written chapters on various famous 19th century men who experienced French Polynesia and the Pacific such as Herman Melville, Robert Louis Stephenson, and Paul Gauguin.



Art of the Pacific


Author: D’Alleva, Anne


Description: Best short and most comprehensive account of the arts of the Pacific.



France and the South Pacific – A Contemporary History.


Author: Stephen Henningham


Description: After reviewing the French presence in the South Pacific until WWII, Henningham examines the recent history and politics of the three French Pacific territories before analyzing the often tense relations between France and the independent South Pacific countries.



Typee: A Peep at Polynesian Life


Author: Melville, Herman


Description: A classic tale based on the encounters of Melville with Marquesans, first published in 1846.



Pacific Islands: An Encyclopedia.


Author: Lal, Brij V., and Fortune, Kate


Description: A thorough and up-to-date reference work on just about every topic related to the Pacific islands, from geology to history and politics and from Papua New Guinea to Rapanui.



Gauguin by Himself


Author: Belinda Thomson


Description: This unique book is the first to give equal weight to Gaugin’s activities, both as an artist and a writer, providing rare insight into his intractable character and uncompromising ideals. Includes over 230 reproductions of the artist’s most powerful and decorative works of art, as well as rare letters to his wife and friends, including fellow painters Pisarro and Van Gough.





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