Undiscovered Tahiti
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Port
Papeete, French Polynesia
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$150
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
In the comfort of an air-conditioned motor coach, you begin with a city tour of Papeete towards the west coast of Tahiti though the district of Punaauia.
Our first stop is at the ancient “Marae Arahurahu” - considered to be one of the most significant archeological sacred stone temples of the island where Tahitians of yesteryear preformed all their religious rites & sacrifices.
We continue through the districts of Paea & Papara to the district of Mataiea - the home village of Paul Gauguin from 1891 to 1893. It was here where he discovered the Tahiti he had envisioned & some of his finest achievements were dated from this period.
After a short drive we arrive at a private colonial home originally built early 1920s by a known English writer, Robert Keibel. Home is currently owned by another fellow English man - Mr. Roger Gowen & his gracious wife Juliet who will welcome you with refreshments of local juices followed by a personal guided visit of the meticulous gardens & grounds.
On your return route, short picture stops are made at Vaipahi Gardens with its picturesque waterfall and the Fern Mara’a Grotto Caves to view the fresh water spring pool. This natural site was described by Capt. Cook in his journal on his first circumnavigation trip around the island in 1769 & portrayed in Paul Gauguin’s novel “Noa Noa”.
Our last stop is at the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands at the Fishermen’s Point. Set into a coconut grove with a picturesque view of the lagoon and Moorea in the background. This ranks as one of the best museums in the South Pacific that focuses on the Polynesians and their history, people, language and culture. Displays and exhibits range from early European explorers ship anchors, ancient canoes, traditional weaving, tapa-cloth making, early tools, body ornaments, tattooing, games, sports, sacred tikis and funerary practices.
A short drive will return you back to Papeete where your ship awaits your return.