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Pacific Islands/Cook Islands/French Polynesia

Oceanic Treasures: The Cook Islands and French Polynesia

Program No. 25485RJ
Delve into the Cook Islands and French Polynesia’s rich culture and gain a better understanding of past and present ecology, politics and traditional practices.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

Program
At a Glance
Duration
17 days
Program Begins
Tahiti
Program Concludes
Rarotonga
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
35 ( 14B, 10L, 11D )
Activity Level
Over 4,000 miles from Australia lies the remote islands of French Polynesia and the Cook Islands, regions brimming with spectacular natural wonders and complex international history. Dive into the rich culture of these islands on this unforgettable learning adventure, where you’ll look beyond pristine beaches to learn about local traditions, endemic species and archaeology. Learn about ancient marine wayfaring with a firsthand look at the Marumaru Atua, a Cook Islands traditional canoe. Explore the Highland Paradise Cultural Center and delve into the Ariki political system through the examination of artifacts. Through lectures with local experts and visits to shops and a school, experience life on the islands and the effects that the arts, ecology, politics and more have historically had and how they might impact the future.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Keep an eye out for the kakerori, or Fly-Catcher, in the Takitumu Conservation Area and learn how this endemic species was brought back from the brink of extinction.
  • Taste sweet fresh fruits and coconut-steeped ika mata and learn about the transmission of plants and agricultural knowledge by Polynesian voyagers.
  • Visit a local elementary school on Rarotonga and learn about education, language and the Cook Islands’ international connections.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles a day over pavement, dirt paths, grass, gravel. Some stairs, getting on and off a small motorcoach and boat, walking and standing up to 1.5 hours.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (17 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Enroll with Confidence
Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.






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