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June
28-July 12, 2010
Adventurers
and artists such as Captain Cook, Herman Melville, Robert Louis
Stevenson, and Paul Gauguin were mesmerized by the paradise found
in the mysterious Marquises Islands and Tuamotus. Today the inhabited
islands of the Marquesas are so remote that few from the outside
world touch the paradise of these islands. After the Marquesas the
Aranui III is headed to the center line for the extraordinary July
11, 2010 eclipse. A team of distinguished lectures will provide
an astronomical enrichment program and nightly stargazing deep in
the Pacific.
Distinguished
Lecturers:
Rich Talcott, Senior Editor, Astronomy magazine
Dennis Mammana, Sky photographer, Skyscapes
Tour
includes:
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Roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles
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Airport/hotel/vessel transfers
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One-night Papeete pre-cruise
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14 day voyage to the Marquesas aboard the ARANUI III
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Complimentary shore excursions
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Astronomical lecture program
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Marquesan cultural program
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Nightly stargazing parties
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Meals: All meals aboard the vessel
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Complimentary wine served with lunch and dinner
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Complimentary gratuities to vessel staff
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Detailed final documents
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Optional Extensions: Bora Bora or Moorea
ITINERARY
Monday,
June 28, 2010-Los Angeles - Papeete, Tahiti
Upon arrival in Papeete, you will be met and transferred to your
hotel for the night. The evening is at leisure.
Tuesday,
June 29, 2010-Sail to the Marquesas
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Aranui and sail
out of Papeete harbor to the Marquesas and the eclipse center line.
(L/D)
Wednesday,
June 30, 2010-Tuamotu Archipelago – Fakarava
The turquoise translucent lagoon of the largest atoll in the Tuamotu,
Fakarava, beckons you. Spend your morning snorkeling and scuba diving
and swimming among the tropical fish. Lunch is served back on board
before beginning our astronomical lectures this afternoon as we
set sail for the Marquesas. (B/L/D)
Thursday,
July 1, 2010-At Sea
Relax on board for a balmy day in the South Pacific. Continuing
with the astronomical program on board and learning about the Marquesan
culture and archaeology. (B/L/D)
Friday,
July 2, 2010-Ua Pou (Hakahau – Hakahetau) Marquesas
Archipelago
The soaring mountain spires of Ua Pou come into view, the villagers
gather to greet you and the muscular crew unloads the supplies from
cements to sugar and load sacks of copra. The tiny town of Hakahau
with its church and hand-carved wooden dais can be visited. Meet
some of the talented woodcarvers and hike up a hill for breathtaking
views before a Marquesan lunch will consist of breadfruit, along
with curried goat, barbecued rock lobster, raw fish marinated in
lime juice and soaked in coconut milk, taro and sweet red bananas.
(B/L/D)
Saturday,
July 3, 2010 -Nuku Hiva (Taiohae-Hatiheu)
The bay at Taiohae is a giant volcanic amphitheater dominated by
towering cliffs streaked with waterfalls. Here is where 23-year
old sailor, Herman Melville jumped a whaling ship in 1842. Follow
the route by jeep along steep, winding dirt mountain roads to the
village of Hatiheu to visit an archeological site. After lunch,
travel to the valley of Taipival, dotted with stone tiki gods and
scared ritual sites and immense stone platforms were the Taipi built
their houses. Enigmatic petroglyphs of birds, sacred turtles and
fish are carved on huge boulders. The Aranui’s whaleboats
will safely carry you down the river to return you to the vessel
anchored in the bay. (B/L/D)
Sunday,
July 4, 2010-Hiva Oa (Puamau)
Today we will visit archeological sites for ancient, human-like
religions sculptures as on Easter Island. Back on the vessel this
afternoon, we will continue our astronomical lectures. Tonight plenty
of stargazing in the dark skies of the South Pacific. (B/L/D)
Monday,
July 5-Hiva Oa (Atuona)
Atuona is the second largest village in the Marquesas and is the
where Paul Gauguin painted some of his best work. Visit the colonial
store where Gauguin shopped and visit a replica of the Impressionist’s
“House of Pleasure”. At the cemetery where Gauguin is
buried beneath a huge frangipani tree, enjoy sweeping views of the
harbor. Jacques Brel, Belgian singer who died in 1978 is buried
nearby. (B/L/D)
Tuesday,
July 6, 2010-Fatu Hiva (Omoa-Hanavave)
Here is the center of Marquesan crafts. Visit Omoa where women are
hammering mulberry, banyan or breadfruit bark on logs. They dry
it and then paint ancient Marquesan designs on their famous tapa
cloth. Fatu Hiva is also known for its hand-painted pareus and monoi,
the coveted perfumed coconut oil scented with tiare blossoms and
sandalwood. (B/L/D)
Wednesday,
July 7, 2010-Ua Huka (Vaipaee-Hane-Hokatu)
Today we will visit a museum with replicas of Marquesan art and
explore the mountain landscape with heart-stopping views of the
Pacific. The wild horses, brought from Chile in 1856 thrive here
outnumbering the island 476 residents. After lunch, visit the fruit
and flower arboretum. Tonight dining and dancing under a canopy
of stars. (B/L/D)
Thursday,
July 8, 2010-Nuku Hiva (Taiohae) – Ua Pou (Hakahau)
This morning take Le Truck to the town center for your last chance
to buy Marquesan crafts. This afternoon we ready for the eclipse
as we head to the path deep in the Pacific. (B/L/D)
Friday,
July 9, 2010-Napuka Tuamotu
We continue the astronomical program this morning as we sail toward
the center line. This afternoon we will arrive at the little known
Napuka Tuamotu. (B/L/D)
Saturday,
July 10, 2010-Sailing to the Eclipse Path
Today prepare for First Contact and enjoy leisurely time on board.
We expect to arrive at the eclipse site by 11pm tonight. (B/L/D)
Sunday,
July 11, 2010-Solar Eclipse
Sail toward Papeete after the eclipse for another night of dark
sky stargazing. (B/L/D)
Monday,
July 12, 2010-Arrive Papeete – USA
You may wish to extend your stay on Bora Bora or Moorea before departing
from paradise. (B)
For
a general interest form, and registration, please contact MWT Associates
at tours@melitatrips.com
or visit their website at www.melitatrips.com
Please
note, individuals who sign up for a trip with reference to
the ASP will be added to our mailing list unless you email
us with a request to be removed. You can also view our
privacy policy for additional
information.
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