Compare Society Islands, Cook Islands, Tonga & Fiji by Paul Gauguin Cruises vs The Grand Ribing Expedition by Ribingreece Expeditions
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| Trip |
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| Duration | 14 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 6,695 | $ 3,900 |
| Price Per Day | $ 478 | $ 325 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Small ship cruise |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Premium |
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| Cities and Attractions | N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
11 breakfasts and 1 Lunch |
| Description |
Follow in the wake of the world’s most famous explorers in the South Pacific. Over the course of 13 unhurried nights, you’ll discover the region’s most storied, beautiful, and culturally vibrant islands, towns, and cities. Begin in the Society Islands—the waters that The Gauguin calls home. From there, continue on to the stunning Cook Islands before crossing the International Date Line en route to Tonga, which pairs raw natural beauty with a unique culture. Then, make a stop in friendly Lautoka, the heart of Fiji’s sugar industry. |
The Grand Ribing Expedition is a one of a kind trip by RIB boats including nine different islands of the magnificent Aegean sea, plus three days accommodation in Athens. Experience the variation between adrenaline on our RIB boats, and relaxing at the hotel at the end of each day. During our expedition, we will travel a total of 350nm, explore the picturesque coastline of the islands, swim at the crystal clear waters of the Aegean sea, meet the local people. Conquer the waves, swim at the most beautiful beaches and bays, visit extraordinary sites, taste unique Mediterranean dishes, and for those of you who are up to it, get a taste of the famous Cyclades nightlife.This expedition has it all. |
Day 1: Embark the m/s Paul Gauguin in Papeete, Tahiti, Society Islands
The islands of Polynesia are a gorgeous collection of volcanic atolls strewn across the grand Pacific Ocean, and the island of Tahiti is the largest of all 118. Explore the dynamic dining, nightlife, and shopping in the capital city of Papeete before embarking on The Gauguin.
Day 2: Moorea, Society Islands
Vibrant colors abound on Moorea, in everything from fresh fruits and flowers to multi-hued lagoons, and from spectacular mountain peaks to palm-fringed beaches. Shop for local handicrafts, embark on an optional dolphin-watching expedition with a marine biologist, and sample the local pineapples, said to be the most delicious in all of French Polynesia.
Day 3: Taha’a (Motu Mahana), Society Islands
Embark on your choice of exciting shore excursions today, or spend your whole day relaxing on Motu Mahana, our very own private islet. Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, or simply lounge on the beach with a chilled beverage from our floating bar. Les Gauguines will also be on hand to provide musical entertainment and demonstrate traditional Polynesian crafts. A delicious barbecue lunch is provided.
Day 4: Bora Bora, Society Islands
A bucket list destination for many, stunning Bora Bora welcomes you for two full days of exploring lush peaks, white-sand beaches, colorful coral reefs, and romantic lagoons. Experience the natural beauty of the island with an optional snorkeling excursion, sunset jetboat ride, or a helicopter tour that flies you over Bora Bora’s iconic Mount Otemanu.
Day 5: At Sea
Spend the day enjoying The Gauguin’s Polynesian ambiance: casual, leisurely, and graceful. Perhaps you’ll take in a lecture by one of our special guests, and then reflect on your day over classic French cuisine at L’Etoile.
Day 6: Aitutaki, Cook Islands
While the island of Aitutaki may be small, it’s big on beauty, thanks to its coral reef-enclosed lagoon. Witness its splendor up-close with a leisurely beach visit. Don’t forget to save time to venture into the village of Arutanga, where you’ll find the oldest church in the Cooks, which dates from 1829.
Day 7 & 8: At Sea / Cross International Date Line
The next two days will be at sea, which affords you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the amenities and entertainment onboard The Gauguin, like the award-winning spa, casino, and lectures by onboard experts.
Day 9: Vava'u, Tonga
Tongan culture takes center stage here, undoubtedly because of the country’s status as the only South Pacific nation that was never colonized by the Europeans. Enjoy a Polynesian cultural show, sample traditional Tongan food, and marvel at a lagoon so clear, you can see to a depth of 130 feet.
Day 10: At Sea
Take a day to enjoy shipboard life: relax poolside, watch the South Pacific pass by, play some table tennis, or learn about our next port in the Reading Gallery.
Day 11: Savusavu, Vanua Levu, Fiji
A day spent in Savusavu is a trip to a charming, unspoiled paradise. Known as the “Hidden Paradise of Fiji,” this beautiful town is tucked away on the largely undeveloped northern Fijian island of Vanua Levu. Explore at your leisure, or join one of many available shore excursions, including a visit to a black pearl farm, a Fijian village, or a plantation.
Day 12: Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji
The capital of Fiji since 1883, Suva is the largest urban area in the South Pacific, outside of Australia and New Zealand. Spend your day exploring the fascinating mix of modern and colonial ambience in this sophisticated city, which is perched on a hilly peninsula between two picturesque harbors.
Day 13: Beqa Island, Fiji / Lautoka, Viti Levu, Fiji
Located about six miles off the coast of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, Beqa Island measures less than six square miles in territory—yet it looms large among those seeking a paradise by the sea. Surrounded by one of the largest barrier reefs in the world, the island offers exceptional snorkeling at high tide, with an abundance of colorful tropical fish teeming among the coral blooms. Or bask on a golden-sand beach shaded from an azure sky by swaying palms.
Day 14: Disembark in Lautoka, Viti Levu, Fiji
From the port in Lautoka, venture to Koroyanitu National Heritage Park, where you can wander through beautiful native forests, enjoy lush views of the lowlands, and experience traditional villages firsthand.
Day 1
Arrival at Athens. Free day to visit the picturesque backstreets of Plaka and the Historical center of Athens.
Day 2
Free day in Athens. A visit to Acropolis or the Archaeological museum of Athens is a must. Early in the evening we will be having our welcome drink. Your Expedition has just began by getting to know the Skippers who will fill in the details and discuss with you every issue you may have in mind.
Day 3
Hide your watches, you won't be needing them for the next nine days! Grab your cameras instead! Transfer to the boats, embarking, on route to Mykonos with a stop at Kythnos for swimming. The famous nightlife of Mykonos is something you should definitely experience. Since we will probably return to the hotel early in the morning (!), another day in the island is in the program.
Day 4
Free day to explore the island and visit the local stores.
Day 5
Cruising to Koufonisia with a stop at a secret beach for swimming and at Paros for lunch. Accommodation at Koufonisia. Time and space have a whole different meaning here.
Day 6
Cruising to Santorini. Stop for swimming at the Caldera. The rich in sulfur water will allow us to relax after a 30 nm cruise! Accommodation at Santorini.
Day 7
Free day. The picturesque villages of the island are waiting for you. Accommodation at Santorini.
Day 8
Cruising to Folegandros, stop for swimming. Accommodation at Folegandros. You will be amazed by the beauty of the ""Chora"".
Day 9
Cruising to Sifnos, with a stop at Kimolos for swimming. Another different landscape. Accommodation at Sifnos.
Day 10
Cruising to Hydra. Accommodation at Hydra. Our last night at sea. We will celebrate accordingly, at the best tavern and bar.
Day 11
Cruising to Athens with a stop at Aegina for swimming and Lunch. Accommodation at Athens.
Day 12
Departure from Athens.
