Option C: Tahiti Tour -- Fare: 58 Euros (6 900 CFP) The tour of Tahiti Island is made in a private air-conditioned coach and is led by an experimented guide. It covers both peninsulas of the island of Tahiti: Tahiti Nui and Tahiti-Iti. It also includes entrance to Gauguin Museum, to Tahiti & Island Museum and a lunch at the restaurant of the Gauguin Museum (beverages not incl.), with a visit of the fish farm. A description of the highlights of the tour is provided hereafter. Tahiti Nui After departing from the hotel, we head towards the east coast following the seashore through the city of Papeete. We then continue our trip in direction of the small village of Pirae that is featuring very interesting (black) sandy beaches. We will then reach Arue that holds the grave of the last King of Tahiti Pomare V, a historical landmark very much appreciated by the fans of colonial History. The Town Hall deserves taking a look: recently renovated, this mansion, sheltered by of a magnificent tropical garden, is an exemplar illustration of the genuine colonial style. The road around the island then starts to climb a bit to reach the Tahara'a Promontory that offers an outstanding viewpoint of the coast and of the surrounding mountain: one of the most renowned spot in the island to get memorable souvenir pictures! [10-mn stop] The descent leads us to the village of Mahina. It is in the nearby bay of Matavai that famous sailors reached the island: among them, Cook, Bougainville, Wallis and also Captain Blight of the Bounty! Its is also on the beach of Venus Point that the first protestant missionaries came to the island, at the end of the18th century. The unique lighthouse in Tahiti, is erected on this historical landmark. [25-mn stop] Papeno'o is famous for its open surfing beaches and its river, the longest in Tahiti, that allows the heart of the island to be reached easily by walkers. After the Papeno'o river, the road enters the community of Tiarei. Arahoho (Prompt Hole) invites us for a brief recreational halt to discover one of the most interesting natural phenomenon in the island: the ocean waters enters this ancient lava-tube and pass under the road to exit compressed as a powerful and booming jet down the abrupt cliff. One hundred meters further, we reach the junction towards the three cascades of Faarumai, in the valley of Vaipuu. [15-mn stop at the first cascade -- a 5-mn walk is enough to reach a suitable point of view] After passing through the communities of Mahaena and Hitiaa, we will arrive in the last community on the east coast: Faa'one, before reaching the isthmus of Taravao. Tahiti-Iti We now enter Tahiti-Iti the small peninsula of Tahiti. On the way back to Papeete, the first district that is met after Taravao is Papeari, where are located the Gauguin Museum and the Botanical Garden. The museum provides a tribute to the famous French artist with presentations of some original paintings, sculptures, etc., as well as several reproductions. This will give a sample of the multi-facetted creative talent of Paul Gauguin. This will allow the visitor to better understand the route he had followed across the whole dimensions of Polynesia he was so in love with. [35-mn stop at the museum] The Botanical Garden was created at the beginning of the 20th century by an American adventurer Harrison Smith who can thus be considered as an early ecologist! An impressive collection of tropical species is offered to the visitors under the protection of two giant turtles of the Galapagos. [No specific stop is planned] About one kilometer farther, we will take a break at the restaurant of the Gauguin Museum to enjoy a delicious buffet-lunch. [1 hour stop] -- you are also invited to visit the fish farm where you are welcome to feed the fishes. The next district of Mataie, forms together with Papeari, the community of Teva i Uta and offers a remarkable flora. Paul Gauguin was attracted by the surrounding scenery and sojourned there for a couple of years. Further on our way, the road follows the Vahiri river that leads to the eponym lake; this is the way for accessing the center of the island and for reaching the valley of Papeno'o. The road enlarges a bit and we arrive in the main community of Papara. We first go across the impressive domain of Atimaono. Previously a cotton plantation, then a sugar cane plantation, the domain was neglected for a long period. Today, besides it regained a very important position in the Territory from the agricultural standpoint, the domain also accommodates the International Golf Course Olivier Bréaud. The golf features one of the best trails in the world, as spoken by many talented overseas golfers who have walked on its greens! We then reach the Mara'a Caves. Located behind a judiciously arranged car park and edged by carefully maintained gardens, one can reach the submarine cave of Paroa, the largest cavity in the area. [15-mn stop] Further on the road, we reach the junction of the Arahurahu Marae, one of the most beautiful maraes (ancient stone platforms). Each year in July, this imposing scenery serves for a dramatic reconstruction. [stop on request -- free entrance] When leaving Paea, we get to the wealthy community of Punaaui (Tahiti's residential area). The Museum of Tahiti and of its Islands has been built there on the beautiful site of Fishermen Point (Pointe des pêcheurs). The museum is devoted to the History and Culture of Polynesia. [45-mn stop -- last stop of the tour] After the visit of the museum, we will hit the road again for a smooth return to the hotel.