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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.
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Start
Small GroupNature & EnvironmentNew
Length
17 days
Rating
New
Activity Level
Starts at
9,999
Special Offer
Flights start at
1,175
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
17 days
16 nights
What's Included
35 meals ( 13B, 11L, 11D )
11 expert-led lectures
16 expert-led field trips
6 flights during the program
2 hands-on experiences
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
14 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel rooms reserved from 3:00 p.m. to guarantee early arrival tomorrow morning. Participants arriving to program early may check in this afternoon.
Activity Note
Disembarking from the airplane requires passengers to use a flight of stairs. Passengers are required to handle their own carry-on luggage on the stairs. After an early morning arrival, collect and transfer luggage to bus; driving 5.5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time to hotel. There will be rest time in the morning and easy walking around the grassy hotel grounds in the afternoon, approximately 1 mile.
Breakfast:
We’ll check in to our rooms for the next four nights, then take the rest of the morning to enjoy a hot breakfast, rest in your rooms, or explore the property.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities for you to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. We will learn from a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via bus unless noted otherwise. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. After a brief break, we will have an introduction to French Polynesia that will serve as the foundation for our future educational experiences. Following the lecture, we’ll stroll around the hotel property to learn about many of the diverse tropical plants that inspire houseplant aficionados everywhere hold particular cultural significance for Oceanic Peoples.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant. We’ll enjoy live music by a local band during dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. The museum visit will include 1-2 hours of standing and walking indoors. Walking on uneven sandy/rocky surfaces from the beach into the ocean, then swimming for approximately 1 hour; non-snorkelers may choose to observe from the shore. The selection of sites for each field trip are subject to change and will be based on weather, tide, and other local conditions at the time.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Pack your daypack with a towel and swimsuit for an afternoon introductory snorkel. In the morning we will board a bus to the Musée de Tahiti et ses Iles. This recently renovated museum is 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.
Lunch:
We'll enjoy a simple French-Tahitian picnic lunch by the seaside near the museum
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll attend a lecture introducing the Tahitian marine environment followed by basic snorkeling instructional demo. We will then walk down the beach into the sea and enjoy snorkeling offshore.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Gettting in/out of 4x4 vehicles; 1.5 hours riding time one-way; winding, unpaved, dirt and gravel mountain roads. In the valley, we will walk on unpaved gravel and grass paths, about 1-2 miles over a few hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll hop aboard 4x4s and drive along the northern coast of Tahiti Nui, visiting historic sites of scientific discovery like Matavai Bay and Point Venus, where Captains Wallis, Cook and Bligh anchored. The name, Point Venus, came from Cook’s attempts to record the transit of Venus in 1769. Located here is a memorial to the arrival of the first Christian missionaries in 1797 and a lighthouse constructed in 1868. Then, turning southward, we will trace the Papeno'o river through lush forest and streaming waterfalls to the ancient seat of Tahitian ariki chieftains nestled between the mountains.
Lunch:
We’ll enjoy a picnic-style sack lunch during our field trip.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll discover the archaeological site of Fare Hape, an open-air museum that nurtures ancient traditional culture, boasting the foundations of extensive village grounds and sacred marae ritual sites as well as housing an artisanal craft house, medicinal garden, and other living culture to perpetuate traditional knowledge for future generations. Late afternoon, we’ll return to the hotel with some time for a short rest or walk on the beach before dinner.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. The ferry to and from Mo'orea will take approximately 1/2 hour each way. Those who experience seasickness should take precautions. Weather and ocean conditions may impact the ferry ride and travel time. On Mo'orea, walking about1.5 miles indoors and outdoors on grassy and unpaved paths.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. Eating lightly and avoiding coffee and orange juice may help prevent seasickness aboard the ferry.
Morning:
We’ll board the bus for our Mo'orea day trip. At the Port of Papeete, we will board a 30-minute ferry to the nearby island of Mo'orea, whose stunning mountains and beaches have inspired many depictions of Pacific islands. Open seating with panoramic views of Tahiti and Mo'orea is available on the top of the boat, but for those who wish to avoid seasickness, the best seats will be toward the bottom and back of the ferry. Upon arrival, we’ll board a bus to visit Belvedere Viewpoint with beautiful vistas of the island, stop at a well preserved and rebuilt historical Marae, and view a farming valley inland of Cook’s Bay before reaching our main destinations: the University of California Berkeley’s Richard B. Gump South Pacific Research Station and the Atitia Cultural Center.
Lunch:
At the Atitia Cultural Center.
Afternoon:
We’ll continue exploring the Gump South Pacific Research Station & the Atitia Cultural Center. In the late afternoon, hop on the bus to return to Mo'orea Harbor, where you will board the ferry to return to Tahiti Nui.
Dinner:
On your own to explore local fare. Upon arrival at the harbor, we will have some time to explore town. A bus will be available to take participants back to the hotel. Those who would like to stay in town and enjoy dinner at a local eatery may arrange their own taxi back to the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Feel free to explore Papeete on your own; the Group Leader will be happy to provide advice as needed.
Activity Note
Getting on/off the airplane requires passengers to use a flight of stairs. Passengers are required to handle their own carry-on luggage on the stairs. Getting on/off 4x4 vehicles. Walking up to 1.5 miles.
Breakfast:
This morning we will check out of the hotel and explore the famous Mapuru a Paraita, the Papeete Open Market, to see everything on offer including the native foods –– fruits, vegetables, seafood, meats –– flowers, and crafts of Tahiti. The vast market hall covers more than 75,000 square feet over two floors. Breakfast will be on your own at the market, choose from one of the local vendors.
Morning:
We'll continue on the the Faa'a International Airport to check in for our flight to Bora Bora. The flight is approximately 50 minutes long. 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
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After checking in to our accommodations, we will board 4x4 vehicles to explore the island. Thousands of American soldiers were based here during World War II and part of the island’s romantic appeal is due to the stories they took home with them. We’ll learn about this history and see related sites and relics.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure to relax in your new surroundings.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a small boat via ladder. Snorkeling in lagoon; those who wish to snorkel must be competent swimmers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will set out on a field trip to a private scenic motu for snorkeling and exploring amid Bora Bora’s exceptional natural beauty. Be aware of currents as we observe amazing corals, colorful fish, and other marine life. Be careful not to touch the corals! These living organisms are exceptionally fragile and it is possible to damage them inadvertently.
Lunch:
Lunch will be provided during our lagoon excursion.
Afternoon:
We will return to the hotel mid-afternoon. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Walking up to 1 mile. Getting on/off the airplane requires passengers to use a flight of stairs. Passengers are required to handle their own carry-on luggage on the stairs.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
After breakfast, we’ll gather for a class about Tahitian arts. There will be a few hours of free time to enjoy Bora Bora before departure.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will depart for the Bora Bora Airport and a 50-minute flight back to Papeete, Tahiti. We’ll check back in to our Tahiti accommodations. In the late afternoon, we will gather to debrief the French Polynesian portion of the program with a class by a local expert on contemporary Tahitian society and culture.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant, we’ll enjoy live music by a local band during dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for early morning flight to the to the Cook Islands tomorrow morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off the airplane requires passengers to use a flight of stairs. Passengers are required to handle their own carry-on luggage on the stairs. Getting on/off a bus multiple times at selected stops along the way; driving about 10 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time.
Breakfast:
We’ll check out of the hotel early morning and transfer by bus to the Faa'a Airport. Enjoy a French-Tahitian breakfast on your own at the Faa'a Airport as we wait for our morning flight to Rarotonga.
Morning:
We will take a morning flight from Tahiti to Rarotonga, the main island of the Cook Islands. Formerly a protectorate of New Zealand, the Cook Islands maintains close ties with the country, which is reflected in its currency, government, and cuisine.
Lunch:
Upon arrival at Rarotonga International Airport, we will board a bus and depart for Avarua, the capital of the Cook Islands, where we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll board the bus for an expert-led half-day drive around Rarotonga's coast, making stops along the ring-shaped road that circles the island and learning about its history and culture along the way. In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive at our Rarotonga accommodation and check in.
Dinner:
At the hotel restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. At the Night Market, there is an elective amount of walking and plenty of picnic tables. The ground is unpaved, mostly gravel.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Free time. Consider attending a local church service and experience Rarotongan language, music, spirituality, and culture. The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle. Church is a formal occasion on the islands, so please wear clothing that covers the shoulders. For women, a long skirt or dress is expected. For men, trousers are typical. Many people will wear white or hats. Churches sometimes invite visitors to join them for tea or a small luncheon after service.
Lunch:
Lunch will be on your own. Please note that alcohol is not served in the Cook Islands on Sundays.
Afternoon:
We’ll gather at the hotel for an afternoon of lectures, including a deeper look into Cook Islands history, culture, and society and an introduction to traditional uses and cultural practices related to the lagoon and ocean.
Dinner:
We'll hop on a bus to explore the famous Muri Night Market, a bustling open-air market located adjacent to Muri Beach with vendors serving traditional and modern specialty foods, from fresh local seafood pasta to rukau stewed taro leaves and root. Dinner will be on your own to choose from the options available at the market.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. This active morning includes hands-on learning. Weather and other conditions permitting, we may have the opportunity to enter a wetland taro patch (requires a large step down into the terraces, knee-height mud). There will be uneven ground. Please note that plans may change based on local weather conditions.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll set out by bus for a visit to a not-for-profit organization supporting cultural education of Rarotonga’s youth. Get muddy in a taro patch, learning hands on about this staple food of the Pacific, or observe from the sides. Later, rinse off and put the knowledge gained from the previous afternoon's class into practice on a field experience at the lagoon. We’ll then jump into a hands-on learning about traditional fishing or coral reef conservation efforts. Please note that plans may change based on local weather conditions.
Lunch:
Sack lunches during the field trip.
Afternoon:
In the afternoon, we will sit down for a class on Cook Islands artisanal crafts. Led by local cultural practitioners, this workshop aims to give participants deeper knowledge of one of many living cultural arts of the Cook Islands.
Dinner:
This evening we'll experience a classic Island Night. We’ll start with a traditional dinner, then experience Cook Islands music, dance, fire dancing and more. Cocktails are available for purchase.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. The day includes a two-hour walk over uneven surfaces in the lush Takitumu Conservation Area, and after lunch break, another 1.5 hour walk over lawn exploring archaeological remains of ancient Rarotonga. There is an option to do a short, 15-minute hike up a quite steep hill to view additional archaeological sites, and a educational center where those who choose not to hike can sit.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We'll depart on the bus for a 20-minute drive to the Takitumu Conservation Area. Here we will explore the lush green valley and learn from a local expert about the Cook Islands' native plants and animals, including the Kakerori, an endemic bird species that has been successfully brought back from endangerment.
Lunch:
Sack lunches during our field trip.
Afternoon:
We will continue to walk around this large historic inland village site abounding with cultural artifacts including a marae, an ancient compass stone, the remains of the village, a cultural museum, and more, as a local cultural expert presents on the ancient Ariki chiefly system of governance. This is mostly flat, but there is an opportunity to take a short, steep hike to see the ancient compass stone.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At the hotel, we’ll wrap up the day with a class on the contemporary issues communities face in the Cook Islands. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Getting on/off an airplane requires passengers to use a flight of stairs; flight time under 1 hour. Passengers are required to handle their own carry-on luggage on the stairs. Visitors may need to get on and off the boat multiple times during the lagoon cruise. There may also be opportunities to snorkel, either from shore or the boat, which would require the strength to lift yourself out of the water using a short ladder.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll depart early this morning on the bus for a five-minute drive to the Rarotonga Airport. We’ll then board a 50-minute flight to the island-atoll of Aitutaki and board a boat for a full-day cruise over turquoise lagoon waters, landing briefly to see motu islets that dot the perimeter of the lagoon, and jumping into the water if you wish.
Lunch:
We'll enjoy lunch on board or on one of the many motu islets circling the lagoon.
Afternoon:
Late afternoon, we'll disembark the lagoon vessel and return to the Aitutaki Airport for our 50 minute flight back to Rarotonga. We will arrive at the hotel in the early evening.
Dinner:
Dinner this evening is on your own. You may choose to rest after the long day or explore local eateries.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Getting on/off a bus. Getting on/off an airplane requires passengers to use a flight of stairs. Passengers are required to handle their own carry-on luggage on the stairs. The afternoon’s field trip takes us into an agricultural valley, an hour walking over uneven surfaces. Preparation for the traditional underground oven umu dinner may involve repeatedly bending over to harvest vegetables or place food in the oven.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
The morning is at your leisure. Consider snorkeling offshore from the hotel, walking into town, or just relaxing.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will discover the history and lifestyles of the Rarotongan valley uplands with a local nonprofit. A short mountain hike takes participants through agricultural sites with terraced wetland taro, banana groves, and other crucial plants. Try your hand at rangaranga coconut leaf weaving and gather ingredients for a traditional umu underground oven-cooked dinner.
Dinner:
We’ll celebrate the fruits of our labor with a modest umukai dinner party.
Evening:
Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Interacting with children during school visit may involve bending down. Prolonged standing in one place during Voyaging Class.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We'll depart on the bus for to visit a local school where we'll learn from the teachers about the education system, how schools incorporate language and culture into curriculum, and the challenges of running a school and raising youth in the middle of the Pacific. We will return to the hotel before lunch.
Lunch:
On your own at the hotel or at a restaurant within walking distance.
Afternoon:
Late afternoon, we will have a class with the Cook Islands Voyaging Society, where we will learn about traditional navigation, canoe building, and oceanic voyaging. Before dinner, we’ll reflect on all we have learned in the Cook Islands and French Polynesia with a wrap-up class.
Dinner:
At the hotel retaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out, transfer, our flight to Tahiti, and departure tomorrow.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a bus. Getting on/off an airplane requires passengers to use a flight of stairs. Passengers are required to handle their own carry-on luggage on the stairs.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll check out of our rooms and board the bus to Punanga Nui Market, where you’ll have one last chance to pick up souvenirs and grab lunch (please note that liquids will be subject to airport security regulations). After the market, we’ll board the bus again to the Faa'a Airport to check in for the flight to Tahiti. Enjoy your lunch and repack your souvenirs as needed as you wait.
Lunch:
On your own. Enjoy something you picked up from the market at the airport or on your flight.
Afternoon:
We’ll arrive at Faa'a Airport in Tahiti in the late afternoon. We’ll then board a bus and head out for dinner.
Dinner:
Early at a local restaurant before heading to the airport. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
We’ll check in at the Faa'a Airport for your evening flight back to the US. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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