Day 1 Fly USA to Rarotonga
Please note international air from the USA has not been
included in the package price.
Day 2 Welcome to Rarotonga, Cook Islands
You will be met after clearing customs and immigration, and
transferred to your accommodation.
A net of 15 islands in the heart of the South Pacific spread
over an area the size of India with a population no bigger than a
small New Zealand country town, 14,000 souls. These unique and
friendly Polynesians have their own language and government and
enjoy a vigorous and diverse culture with significant differences
between each island. Despite some 70,000 visitors a year to the
capital island – Rarotonga – the ‘Cooks’ are largely unspoiled by
tourism. They offer a rare opportunity for people from the cities of
the world to experience a different type of vacation. There are no
high-rise hotels, only four beach buggies and very little hype.
Ideal for travelers seeking more than the usual clichés associated
with the South Seas, each island has its unique qualities and offers
the visitor a special experience.
Day 3 Tour, Rarotonga Circle Island half day
Take an
orientation journey around the fascinating island of Rarotonga to
experience the sights, culture and history of a people and place.
Observe coconut husking demonstrations, learn about the many uses
the coconut has in the Cook Island society. Your tour guides will
teach you all about Rarotonga and its friendly people. As an added
bonus, enjoy the musical talents of your tour guides with their
ukulele, guitar skills and harmonious voices as we travel around the
island together. There are two or three scheduled stops during the
Circle Island Tour, giving you the opportunity to experience Cook
Island local arts, craft and perfumes. \
Day 4 Tour, Pa's Nature Walk
Join Pa as he takes a guided walking and hiking tour of the interiors
of Rarotonga. Learn about the local medicine plants used by his ancestors.
Pa will explain the culture of his ancestors as well as some practical applications
for the many fauna and flora found along the walk.
Days 5-6 At leisure, Rarotonga
There is a regular round-the-island bus service which runs in
both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. Several companies
offer bicycle, motor scooters and automobiles for rent. Rarotonga
offers much for lovers of the sea, including lagoon cruises, sports
fishing, diving and sailing. The lagoon is a focal point of interest
for visitors to Rarotonga.
Not to be missed is Sunday morning service at one of the many
churches distributed around the island. Most visitors exposed for
the first time to Cook Islands hymn singing are astonished at the
power of the voices and the quality of the harmony. The men turn out
in their Sunday best and the women are always immaculate in their
stiff 'rito' hats made of young coconut fiber.
Also not to be missed is the market on the waterfront at the
western end of Avarua. This is open every day except Sunday. But on
Saturday morning it hums since everyone on the island seems to be
there. Stalls sell food, drinks and crafts and there is often a
competition for local singers to show off their talents.
In addition to its peacefulness, however, Rarotonga offers
plenty of excitement for those seeking dancing, music and good
companionship. Cabarets, discos and restaurants flourish except late
on Saturday night when the Sabbath starts. In the daytime, the main
township, Avarua, provides a selection of cafés and bars for those
seeking a caffeine fix. The Blue Note, in the same building which
once housed the notorious Banana Court bar, serves local coffee and
dishes from its wide verandah and offers an uninterrupted view of
the harbor.
Seafood is a staple of Polynesian cuisine and Rarotonga's
restaurants offer traditional as well as island-style dishes. A
delicacy is grilled 'mai-mai', the dolphin fish, a speciality at
Trader Jack's in Avarua. Eating out is not cheap in Rarotonga, at
least not by New Zealand standards. Much of the fare is fairly
ordinary but gourmet dining can be found at the Flame Tree in Muri,
the Portofino in Tupapa and the Tumunu in Arorangi. The hotels also
offer extensive menus and usually a traditional island feast or 'umu
kai' with accompanying dancing and drumming. The 'umu kai' is cooked
in an earth oven by radiant heat from hot stones. There are lunch
and café establishments in Avarua which also provide European and
Polynesian meals.
Day 7 Fly Rarotonga to USA
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your
departure flight.
Day 8 Arrive USA
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|
City |
Standard |
Superior |
Deluxe |
|
Rarotonga |
Edgewater Resort |
Pacific Resort |
Crown Beach |
| |
Accommodation
Level |
| |
Standard |
Superior |
Deluxe |
|
Travel Dates /
Reference # |
UVSP5477 |
UVSP5478 |
UVSP5479 |
|
| 4/1/08-5/31/08 |
$590 |
$790 |
$1240 |
|
6/1/08-3/31/09 |
$605 |
$875 |
$1260 |
|
|
International
Airfare from |
Routing: LAX-RAR-LAX |
| 01/01/08-12/31/08 |
|
|
|
The international airfare
listed above is applicable for travel from select departure
points on the West Coast and includes fuel surcharges.
For add-on pricing from
other cities within the US please see our
Special Add-On Cities.
Pricing includes internal airfare (if applicable) in the
South Pacific as listed throughout the itinerary.
Flight segments may be operated by a Star Alliance partner
airline. |
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