Hidden Marquesas Islands: Hiva Oa & Nuku Hiva holiday

Start on the main island of Tahiti, exploring the lush interior before flying north to the Marquesas Islands. Begin in Hiva Oa, where you can learn about the language and culture of the Marquesans, as well as meeting the famous wild horses that roam the rugged beaches. Next, you’ll fly to Nuku Hiva, where the archaeological history of these islands can be found around every corner, along with panoramic views over the sweeping bays and mountain peaks. Finish your holiday on the beaches of Moorea – snorkel with colourful fish, dig your toes into the sand and raise a glass to this spectacular French Polynesia holiday.

This itinerary can be tailored to suit your requirements

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights   

Day 2: Arrive in The Islands of Tahiti

On arrival in Tahiti, you will be met at the airport and taken to your first guesthouse, where you will check in for two nights.

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel  

Day 3: Tahiti

Enjoy your first day in French Polynesia in Tahiti – spend your day wandering along a black sand beach, hiking one of the several volcanoes that offer amazing views and jumping into the clear waterfalls to cool off. If you want to explore further, why not book a helicopter tour over the island – it’s a fantastic way to see the lush interior from a unique perspective. If you want to add this, just ask.

Included: Breakfast, 4* hotel     

Day 4: Fly to Hiva Oa

After breakfast, you’ll be driven back to the airport for the flight up to the Marquesas Islands, where you’ll be staying on the island of Hiva Oa. On arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and driven to your guesthouse, where you’ll check in for three nights.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flights, dinner, 3* hotel                 

Days 5 & 6: Hiva Oa

You’ve got two full days to explore this unique island, starting from Atuona, the second largest village in Marquesas. The impressionist Paul Gauguin lived here and created some of his best work. You can visit the colonial store where he shopped, see a replica of his infamous “Maison du Jouir” and explore the adjoining museum.

As you walk uphill, you’ll have sweeping views of the harbour. In the cemetery at the top of the hill, beneath a large frangipani tree, you’ll find a tombstone with these simple words: Paul Gauguin 1903. Nearby, you’ll also see the grave of Belgian singer-composer Jacques Brel, another famous European who also was seduced by Hiva Oa and died in 1978.

Included: Breakfast, dinner, 3* hotel      

Day 7: Fly to Nuku Hiva

This morning, you’ll be taken to the airport for the short flight to Nuku Hiva, another of the Marquesas Islands. On arrival, you’ll be driven to your guesthouse and check in for three nights.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flights, dinner, 3* hotel 

Days 8 & 9: Nuku Hiva        

The small population of Nuku Hiva in the far northern Marquesas Islands are said to be the best craftsmen in the Pacific. They create beautiful art, carvings and tattoos that tell stories of their island. The archaeological history of Nuku Hiva is fascinating, and the culture here has a distinctive difference to the rest of French Polynesia. The Marquesas have their very own language and local cuisine as well as a rich history of myths retold in songs and dances.

You have 1.5 days of touring included here – on your first day you’ll head out to visit the villages of Taiohae and Koueva in a 4WD vehicle, exploring the nearby archaeological sites and the Artisan’s Fare, where the locals sell their products, before spending the afternoon relaxing and enjoying your hotel. On your full day, you’ll go further, touring the north shore and learning about the history of the islands, taking in the vast views over the rugged bays and enjoying a fresh Marquesan lunch.

Included: Breakfast, 1.5 days of touring, dinner 3* hotel               

Day 11: Fly to Tahiti, ferry to Moorea

After breakfast, you’ll be leaving the Marquesas Islands – you’ll hop on a flight back to Tahiti, before catching the 30 minute ferry over to Moorea, a beautiful heart shaped island with lots to explore and discover. Check into your hotel for three nights and head to the beach.

Included: Breakfast, transfer, internal flights, 4* hotel                  

Days 12 – 14: Moorea

With three nights to enjoy lush Moorea, you’ll have plenty of time to kick off your shoes and relax. Alternatively, if you’re feeling energetic, you can get out and discover this beautiful island. Moorea is a green wonderland waiting to be explored. Take hikes along steep cliffs, swim in the bright blue lagoon where colourful fish and rays dance through the water and stretch out on unspoilt beaches that will blow you away. On Day 11, we’ve included an ATV tour of Moorea – it’s the perfect way to explore the island with a bit of adventure thrown in too!

Included: Breakfast, 4* hotel     

Day 13: Depart French Polynesia

After breakfast, you’ll be taken back to the pier for the short ferry ride to Tahiti, where you’ll be driven back to the airport in time for your flight home.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, ferry, international flights            

Day 14: Arrive UK