TAHITI
a sailing adventure

February 6 - 16, 2009

They say it's the most alluring destination on earth with beauty that amazes the senses and adventure that beckons on every horizon.  Sailing has a very long tradition in French Polynesia, beginning with the original Polynesians, who navigated as far as New Zealand and Hawaii, perhaps even to South America, in quest of new lands to colonize.  Paul Gauguin's color-saturated canvases have become the icon of the Polynesian myth.

The Star Flyer is a true clipper ship, reflecting the proud heritage in every inch of polished brass and gleaming brightwork. Step aboard this unique vessel and discover a new age of sail, where the traditions of the past are happily married to the comforts and amenities of the present. Star Flyer carries just 170 guests in pampered comfort. Life aboard is blissfully relaxed, much like traveling on a private yacht. You’ll never feel confined, as each ship offers pleasingly spacious accommodations and expansive teak decks with ample space for relaxing and play.  With the Star Flyer as our home, we'll explore the islands. What a great trip!
(See tentative itinerary below)

We are currently in the process of planning this trip.
Once we have all the activities, hotels and other details confirmed,
and the price finalized, we will remove this information and post
a completed itinerary with the price.

If you are interested in learning more about this trip,
make a pre-reservation.
It is very important to make a no-obligation pre-reservation.
Those who have made a pre-reservation will be notified first
when the full itinerary and pricing is posted.

 Make a Pre-Reservation

A pre-reservation does not require any money.
Once the tour is finalized and a tour price available, those who have pre-reserved
a space will be contacted via email and asked to decide if they
want to make a deposit. If you are not interested, you don't have to do anything.

Tentative Itinerary

Friday, 6 February:  Depart US (Los Angeles)

Depart 11:56PM from Los Angeles.

Saturday, 7 February:  Arrive Papeete

Arrive 6:30am.  Early check-in at your hotel.  Morning free.  This afternoon we will visit the Museum of Tahiti and Her Islands, where archaeological finds, Polynesian artwork, and traditional costumes provide an introduction to Polynesian history and culture. Then visit the Paul Gauguin Museum, which features informative displays on the painter’s life in a lovely setting.  Overnight Tahiti

Sunday, 8 February: Papeete, Tahiti

Free time prior to boarding. Ship departs at 10pm

When Captain Cook and botanist Joseph Banks landed in Matavai Bay in1769, they found an untouched Eden . But it was the glowing tales of French explorer Compte Antoine de Bougainville that forever perpetuated the image of Tahiti as a voluptuous paradise of nature, attracting a bevy of followers, notably artist Paul Gauguin and writer Robert Louis Stevenson. Nearly 400 miles square, and almost bisected by the sea, Tahiti is skirted by miles of white and black sands. In the lushly forested mountains, waterfalls gleam and a sacred lake hides the spirits of the gods.

Monday, 9 February:  Huahine, Society Islands

A laid back haven for surfers and others who prefer the road less traveled, Huahine offers an authentic example of what the islands used to be. Tahitian, rather than French, is the lingua franca and the island's numerous archaeological digs offer a fascinating window into the past. In sacred maraes reminiscent of Stonehenge , giant stones looking like gravestones remind you that human sacrifices were part of the Polynesian religious rituals. Near the settlement of Faie, ogle six-foot blue-eyed eels undulating in the water.

Tuesday, 10 February:  Raiatea,  Tahaa, Society Islands

When you venture up the jungle-clad shores of Raiatea 's Faaroa River you could well believe you'd been transported to pre-European times. A hike up Mt. Temehani might lead you to the sacred Tiare Apetahi flower, found only on Raiatea , while a walk through the sacred Marae Taputapuatea takes you to the place where the ancient Polynesians set out to explore the vast reaches of the Pacifac, ranging from New Zealand to Hawaii and Easter Island . Raiatea is also birthplace of the legendary god, Hiro, father of the Polynesians. The hibiscus tree, or purau , is the wood used since time immemorial for outriggers of Polynesian proas.

Just a kiss away from Raiatea is the island of Tahaa. Site of Vanilla plantations, pearl farms and not much else, it's a delightfully quiet reminder of the old island ways. From the invitingly named little fishing village of Patio, take a boat out to a local pearl farm to see how pearl oysters are cultivated or savor an afternoon of basking in the shade of a palm tree on one of the tiny motus that dot the lagoon. The sunset view of Bora Bora in the distance will keep your camera very busy.

Wednesday, 11 February:  Tahaa; Evening - Bora Bora, Society Islands

Even if you've never been there, most people recognize the chiseled peak of Mt. Otemanu on Bora Bora. This is where James Michener was stationed as a young naval officer, which later inspired him to write 'Tales of the South Pacific' . You can find remains of rusting WWII gun batteries hidden in the jungle-choked hillsides. Then quench your thirst at a bar called Bloody Mary's. In pre-European times, Bora Bora was the launching place for fierce war parties to other islands. Today the peaceful lagoon is a favorite snorkeling place where you can hand feed harmless black-tipped sharks.

Thursday, 12 February:  Bora Bora, Society Islands

We have a full day to enjoy Bora Bora.

Friday, 13 February:  Cook Bay, Moorea, Society Islands

Beloved by yachtsmen, Moorea's heart-stopping beauty is a vision of paradise that takes your breath away. This was the real-life site of Michener's longed for “special island,” Bali Hai. Star Flyer anchors in both Cook's Bay and Opunahu Bay , so you'll have two opportunities to savor every glorious view of this spectacular island. Take a 4X4 ride to the old Kellum Stop Estate and the top of Belvedere, where your Polynesian guide picks a fresh fruit from a tree to refresh your palate as you drink in the stunning panorama.

Saturday, 14 February: Opunohu Bay, Moorea, Society Islands; Evening - Papeete, Tahiti

Ship arrives Papeete at 5pm on Saturday evening. Overnight onboard the ship.

Sunday, 15 February:  Morning departure from the ship.

Disembark from the ship this morning and transfer to our hotel where we have a day room until returning to the airport. Your day is free prior to flying home. Flights depart in the late evening. 10:00pm

Monday, 16 February: Arrive Los Angeles and return to your home.

Arrive LAX 8:15am. Tour ends.

Make connections for your return flight home.

All previous information has been superseded.