Papeete Private Tour 'On Paul Gauguin's Footsteps'

Today begins on the west coast of the island, stopping at the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands. Opened in 1978, this establishment is an excellent introduction to Tahiti. Exhibits cover the gamut, from flora and fauna to Polynesian culture (precontact homes, costumes, religion, dances, musical instruments and ornaments) and history (the exploratory and missionary period including figures illustrating captains James Cook, Louis-Antoine de Bougainville and Samuel Wallis, the Pomare dynasty, the missionary era and the history of the Chinese population).

Next you will stop at MARAE ARAHURAHU, a rectangular pyramid about the size of a tennis court and has a flat top with a wooden platform where animal and human offering were left for the gods. The marae is used occasionally during the Tiurai festival in July as a stage for re-enactment of ancient rituals such as the "Crowning of a King" ceremony or similar events.

Paul Gauguin arrived at Papeete in June 1891 at age 43 in search of the roots of "primitive" art. The MUSEUM GAUGUIN tells the painter's tormented life story and shows the present locations of his works throughout the world. 25 of his paintings are exhibited in the museum. The two meterish, two ton stone tiki on the museum grounds is said to be imbued with a sacred tapu spell. Tahitians believe this tiki, carved on the island of Raivavae hundreds of years ago, still lives. A curse is still said to befall all who touch the tiki.

At the MARAA GROTTO, the grotto at first appears small but it is quite deep and some Tahitians believe varua inside (evil spirits) lurk in the shadowy depths. Others say that if you follow an underground river back from the grotto you'll emerge at a wonderful valley in the spirit world. Paul Gauguin wrote of a swim he took across the small lake in the cave.

Schedule Details Departs:

• Monday - Private Tour including Gauguin Museum
• Tuesday to Sunday - Private Tour including Gauguin Museum and Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands

Unavailable Dates:

• January 01 (New Years Day)
• March 05 (Missionaries arrival)
• April 06 (Good Friday)
• April 08 (Easter)
• April 09 (Easter Monday)
• May 01 (Labor Day)
• May 08 (Victory 1945)
• May 17 (Ascension Day)
• May 27 (Pentecost Day)
• May 28 (Pentecost Day)
• July 14 (Bastille Day)
• August 15 (Assumption)
• November 01 (Remembrance Day)
• November 11 (Veterans Day)
• December 25 (Christmas Day)

Departure Point: Down town hotels in Papeete only Departure Time: The departure time is at clients preference. If you would like to request a time of departure, please specify in the special requirements box when requesting your booking. Return details: Tour concludes at original point of departure Hotel Pickup: Hotel pick up is available from all down town Papeete hotels. Please advise your full hotel name and address at time of booking. Please note, cruise port pick ups are not provided.

Additional Information