Itinerary Details
Day 1: Depart North America
Today you depart North America on the first leg of your journey to the South Pacific. Whether you’re dreaming of turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches, or warm island hospitality, your tropical escape starts now.
Day 2: Welcome to the Cook Islands
Kia orana and welcome to the Cook Islands! You’ll be met on arrival by a local representative, ready to help you trade your travel shoes for sandals and ease into a relaxed island pace.
Hotel: Palm Grove (3 Star Rating)
Set in the enchanting area of Vaima on the stunning Southern coast, Palm Grove enjoys the peace and tranquillity of one of the best locations on Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. Thirteen garden bungalows set amongst hibiscus and tipani flowers are complemented with thirteen beachfront bungalows set alongside the secluded beach. Sit back, relax, and find your own private piece of paradise!
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Day 3: Island Discovery of Rarotonga's Rich Culture & HistoryStart your holiday in the Cook Islands with an orientated cultural tour of scenic Rarotonga in a modern air-conditioned coach. Explore the history and culture of the Cook Island people in the company of your qualified, friendly tour guides.
Follow the roads and paths used by our ancestors dating back to 1100AD; visit a sacred marae (ancient gathering place for royalty) and explore historical sites once inhabited by our people.
Learn where the best snorkelling spots are located in Rarotonga, see why the coconut tree is known as the Tree of Life.
Day 4: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 5: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 6: Progressive Dinner ExperienceLeave behind the familiar surroundings of your resort and venture out to local villages to experience true Cook Islands cuisine, hospitality and the real spirit of culture & lifestyle, when you visit with locals in their homes! Enjoy a Progressive Three Course Dinner, where each course is hosted in a different local home.
Walkthrough the tropical garden at the home of your first host, who serves your 'first course' for the night. Then it is off to enjoy your "main course", where you will be treated to a buffet feast, similar to what you would expect at a large Cook Islands family gathering. Then, your "dessert" host will delight you with local sweets, fruit as well as tea and Atiu Island brewed coffee. When enjoying your meals at each home, you will be delighted by the sounds of local ukuleles, guitar and voices of the small string band that will accompany you throughout your local dining experience.
Day 7: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 8: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 9: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 10: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 11: Captain Tama's Lagoon CruiseCaptain Tamas award winning Lagoon Cruise is undoubtedly one of the best ways to discover and experience the stunning Muri lagoon. Be entertained by Captain Tama's and his crew on this once in a lifetime, most unforgettable experience. Watch the magical ocean through the glass bottomed boat, listen to island stories with typical Cook Island humour.
Leap off the boat, snorkel and meet the reef fish up close and personal. Or chill out and float above the coral paradise. Muri beach offers beautiful clear, shallow water - so it's ideal snorkelling fun for everyone, from beginners to advanced and if you can't snorkel, don't worry, the crew will teach you. After your snorkel the boat heads to a small island in the lagoon to enjoy a delicious fresh fish BBQ which includes: Fish cooked "Raro style" over an open fire, BBQ bananas (the captains speciality), a range of salads all accompanied by seasonal fruits and French bread.
Captain Tama's and his entertaining crew have been sharing their tropical island playground with visitors since 1992 on this award-winning Muri Lagoon cruise.
Day 12: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 13: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 14: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 15: Amazing AitutakiThe day starts with a transfer from your Rarotonga accommodation and a 40 minute flight to Aitutaki. On descent, the stunning colours of the lagoon come into view and this is usually where everyone has their phone against the windows - capturing the magical landscape below.
On arrival at Aitutaki, take a 45 minute tour of the island by "Les Truck" taking in views of inland plantations and the main villages. Then the highlight of the day. The renowned Vaka Cruise - six hours of cruising the magnificient blue lagoon aboard the Polynesian styled vaka Titi-ai-Tonga. Visit three (Moturakau, Akaiami, One Foot Island) small motu (islets) fringing the lagoon with time for snorkelling at each one. Experience the solitude of pristine white sand beaches and warm crystal clear water.
Highlights include the iconic One Foot Island (Tapuaetai) and Akaiami - where giant TEAL flying boats used to stopover for refuelling on the famous Coral Route between Fiji, Samoa and Tahiti.
Lunch is served on board. A delicious medley of barbecued pelagic fish steaks served with a variety of fresh salads and tropical fruit all sourced from local farmers. Lunch is accompanied by complimentary tea, coffee, and water, and a cash bar for wine, beer, champagne, and soft drinks is available. The day ends with an arrival back in Rarotonga at 5.30pm and a transfer back to your accommodation.
Day 16: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 17: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 18: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 19: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 20: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 21: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 22: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 23: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 24: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 25: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 26: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 27: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 28: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 29: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 30: Rarotonga at LeisureDay 31: Farewell to the Cook IslandsTime permitting, savour a leisurely breakfast, one last stroll along the beach or some last-minute souvenir shopping before your flight home, taking warm island memories with you.