Easter Island to Tahiti: Tales of the Pacific

Arrive in Santiago, Chile, and transfer to the Mandarin Oriental Santiago (or similar) located in central Santiago. Join your fellow travelers this evening for a welcome reception.Early the next morning, board a flight to Easter Island where you will check into the Nayara Hangaroa (or similar) for two nights. Over the next two days, explore volcanic calderas, jagged lava fields, and sweeping grasslands to discover the colossal moai statues–the astonishing legacy of a long-lost culture. Join archaeologists to examine these statues and discuss their meaning and creation. Visit burial sites, quarries, and intricately carved ceremonial altars. On Day 4, embark <i>National Geographic Resolution</i>. Dinner is served on Day 1; breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on Days 2-4.

As you set sail and journey west from Easter Island, head up to the bridge to watch for wildlife and observe expert navigation at work as the skilled captain and officers sail these historic waters. There is also time to enjoy a massage in the wellness center, work out in the gym and browse through the library. Each day the naturalists offer talks that add depth to your experience.

Begin your exploration at the famed Pitcairn Island. Many of the mutineers of the legendary HMS<i> Bounty</i> made their home here in the late 18th century, and about 50 of their descendants still live here today. Meet the residents and hear a few words of the unusual Pitkern dialect–a combination of English "sailor speak" and Polynesian phrases. Visit the gravesite of the last surviving Bounty mutineer, John Adams, and see the <i>Bounty</i>'s anchor, which was salvaged in 1957. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Henderson Island, an uplifted atoll that is uninhabited and virtually untouched by humans. Discover the island's four endemic bird species, rich flora and fauna and fascinating geology. At Ducie Atoll, spend time looking for frigatebirds and boobies or snorkel among spectacular reefs.

Spend a day at sea scanning the horizon with naturalists or relaxing on deck with a good book. Then arrive at Mangareva, the largest of the Gambier Islands, with its interesting history and beautiful lagoon. Venture underwater to snorkel, meet islanders to learn about their culture and the missionaries who made their home here or go on a hike with naturalists.

A day at sea brings you to the furthest reaches of the Tuamotu Archipelago, where the captain and expedition leader will determine the next spot for exploration. In true expedition mode, you'll visit some of the Tuamotus' most remote islands, taking the opportunity to explore them by land and by sea. Navigate reefs and islets as you make your way west and explore one of French Polynesia's many uninhabited atolls, such as Tahanea. Continue to Fakarava, one of the largest atolls in French Polynesia and part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Snorkel the protected reefs or ride the current into the lagoon on a world-famous drift dive.

An uplifted coral atoll, the island of Makatea is one of the most unique landforms in the Pacific. A <i>makatea</i> is a raised coral atoll that is tilted due to plate tectonics. This specific island of Makatea gives its name to all other uplifted coral atolls worldwide. Spend the day exploring the island's limestone caves and grottos with our expedition team and local guides, or search for endemic fruit doves and myriad seabirds.

Disembark in Papeete, Tahiti and transfer to the airport for flights home.