Days 0-1 (MAR 9-10): Papeete, French Polynesia

Papeete, on the island of Tahiti, is the capital of French Polynesia and is the largest island in this chain. With a population of over 136,000 inhabitants, French is the main language used in the city, followed by Tahitian. A bustling, lively city with colorful market, parks, shops and cafes, you can buy fresh fish, sarongs, vanilla beans or pearls among other delights. A waterfront promenade with music and food, and a multicultural population add to the city’s allure. Papeete, meaning “water basket” was once the place where Tahitians came to collect fresh water. Polynesian culture, its art, and the history of the island that includes French nuclear weapons testing and the mutiny on the HMS Bounty, can be explored in various museums and cultural centers. With the capital situated on the coast, this means most of the island’s inhabitants are also residing near the shore. The interior of Tahiti is mountainous and rugged with cascading waterfalls, caves and lush foliage.

Day 2 (MAR 11): Day at Sea

Day 3 (MAR 12): Fakarava, Tuamotu, French Polynesia

Fakarava is a beautiful island with long sandy beaches and a stunning lagoon. Due to the protected waters of the lagoon, Fakarava has a great deal of pearl farming. The small main town at the northeast side of the atoll is called Rotoava and its population is just under 400 inhabitants. The people of Fakarava farm coconuts for copra on shore and pearls in the lagoons. They also host the travelers who flock here to bask on the beaches and snorkel or dive in the luxuriant coral gardens along the shore.

Day 4 (MAR 13): Avatoru, Rangiroa, French Polynesia

One of the largest coral atolls on earth with a total circumference of 200 km, Rangiroa is a part of the island group called the Tuamotus. Its central lagoon is so large that is actually has its own horizon. Pearl cultivation is practiced here, yielding the prized black pearls, and surprisingly, it also supports a winemaking endeavor for the commercial market in Tahiti. The vines are planted on the small motus right alongside coconut palms.

Day 5 (MAR 14): Maroe Bay, Huahine Iti, French Polynesia

Huahine weaves its magic from the very moment you set foot on its shores. This picturesque island, with its lush forests, untamed landscapes, and charming villages, remains one of French Polynesia's best-kept secrets. It's a place where you can immerse yourself in the local way of life. Encircled by a pristine, crystal-clear lagoon, Huahine consists of two islands, each adorned with magnificent bays and pristine white-sand beaches that enhance the overall experience. Unfazed by the modern world, Huahine preserves the slower, more tranquil pace of old Polynesia. Its eight quaint villages are welcoming havens where the friendly residents greet visitors with genuine kindness. Huahine's magic is but one thread in the stunning fabric of the enchanting tapestry of French Polynesia.

Day 6 (MAR 15): Raiatea, Society Islands, French Polynesia

The second-largest of the Society Islands is practically twinned with its neighbor Taha’a. Actually they are connected by a reef in the same lagoon and may have been one island in the past. The main town, Uturoa is where most of the population lives. It’s lively, although no competition for Tahiti. Called the Sacred Island, Raiatea’s name means “bright sky,” and it was probably the first human community in the islands. The ancient sacred site of Taputapuatea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and may have been the place from which Polynesian migrations to Hawaii, the Cook Islands, New Zealand and the rest of the South Pacific started. Although less touristed than Tahiti, caring for visitors has grown in importance. Agriculture is mainly given over to coconuts, pineapples and vanilla. Vanilla orchids are hand-pollinated, since Raiatea has no insect pollinators for vanilla blossoms. South Seas pearls are farmed in the lagoon in various colors. A hike up Mt. Tapioi rewards with stunning views of the lagoon and sea, and tall Bora Bora on the far horizon. Another favorite hike leads to the island’s three waterfalls. The tallest peak, Mt. Temehani, is the place to look for the unique, five-petaled Tiare Apetahi flowers that grow nowhere else. The lagoon is dotted with tiny motus, which are mostly coral sand beach, and are popular for castaway swimming and snorkeling adventures.

Days 7-8 (MAR 16-17): Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora, has long been noted for its stunning beauty. A tiny island, less than 20 miles in circumference, Bora Bora is dominated by the castle-like Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, two volcanic peaks with lush tropical slopes. A protective coral reef encloses Bora Bora, and the lagoon is dotted with colorful motus, or islets. Perfect white-sand beaches give way to brilliant turquoise and sapphire-colored waters, and locals in the small village of Viatape sell colorful fabrics, sculptures carved from native wood and precious black pearls.

Day 9 (MAR 18): Bahi d Opunoha, Moorea, French Polynesia

Tall, green Moorea packs every daydream of a South Pacific Bali Hai into its deep-cut azure bays, candy-blue lagoons and steep, lushly forested volcanic peaks.

Day 10 (MAR 19): Papeerte, French Polynesia