POLINESIA FRANCESE (Papeete+Moorea+Bora Bora+Rangiroa)

Papeete is the vibrant capital of French Polynesia. It enchants visitors with its unique mix of Polynesian culture and modern influences. With its bustling streets, colourful markets and lively performances of local dance and music. Don't miss the local handicraft market, and taste Polynesian cuisine in the restaurants and street-side kiosks, or simply stroll along the waterfront to admire the beauty of the harbour.

Only a 30 minute ferry ride from Papeete, the charming island of Moorea is less populated and developed than its famous neighbor. An early morning ferry or plane ride will get to Moorea in time to take a tour (for which you'll need a 4x4 vehicle) of this gorgeous island's north shore, with the awesome view over the picturesque Cook's and Opunohu bays from Le Belvédère lookout. Don't forget to take a four-wheel-drive safari excursion, with a ride into the interior and a dip under a waterfall. After dark you can attend the dance show at Tiki Theatre Villag Spending a day out on the water is a must on Moorea, and every hotel offers a half- or full-day lagoon excursion. The usual route takes you across the water to a motu (small islet) out on the reef for some swimming, snorkeling, and a barbecue lunch that may consist of fish your crew caught on the way out. You may have spotted dolphins playing on your Moorea lagoon excursion, but you'll learn a lot more about these friendly mammals on a trip with a marine biologist.

Day 1: Circle The Island By Water. Jump on jetskis or waterskis and scoot along the smooth lagoon for an exhilarating ride. Charter a powerboat and enjoy stops for snorkeling or a beach picnic. Step foot on a powered canoe and tour the lagoonarium, play with rays, and discover dozens of snorkeling spots. Take sail in a catamaran for a sunset cruise accompanied by local musicians and dancers. End your day at one of the five-star resort restaurants. Day 2: Circle The Island By Air, Climb onboard a helicopter for a breathtaking ride high above this neon-colored world. Strap into a parasail for one or two and glide effortlessly above the lagoon or try kitesurfing. Rent a car, a two person “fun car” or a bicycle for a ride along the flat roads. Celebrate your adventures at one of the famous local restaurants. Day 3: Circle The Island On Land, Shop And Beach Hop 4×4 safari on hidden roads up to overlooks and historical sites. Discover the dozens of shopping areas for art, handicrafts, pearls, and fragrant Tahitian oils. Visit the artisan galleries and pick up your own Bora Bora original. Spend the afternoon enjoying famous Matira Beach or the secluded beaches on one of the many islets surrounding Bora Bora.

The largest and most often visited of the Tuamotu atolls, Rangiroa lies 312km (194 miles) northeast of Tahiti. Its ring of low, skinny islets encloses one of the world's largest lagoons. At more than 70km (43 miles) long and 26km (16 miles) wide. In the early morning and late afternoon, schools of dolphins usually play in Avatoru Pass and Tiputa Pass, the two navigable passes into Rangiroa's interior lagoon, both on its north side. In Rangiroa you get French Polynesia's best scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing. Rangiroa's airstrip and all but one of its hotels and pensions are on a perfectly flat, 11km-long (7-mile) stretch of sand and palm trees running between Avatoru and Tiputa passes on the northern side of the lagoon.