French Polynesia with a luxury Silversea cruise

A full day at leisure to explore the island. You can hire cars and bicycles, but the best way to reach the viewpoints is on a 4x4 tour.

This morning, you'll be taken by private car to the pier for your luxury Silversea cruise. Ahead of your departure from port, you may wish to get acquainted with your ship and the amenities on board.

The ideal image of an island getaway, Bora Bora is lush with palm trees, pale beaches, and vibrant marine life. Adventurous visitors can join an aqua safari along the ocean floor, meeting tropical fish and coral reefs up close. For a relaxing day away, enjoy a picnic in the Blue Lagoon.

Spend two days in Raiatea, the Sacred Island. Visitors to Raiatea are lucky to find older Polynesian structures still standing, including a large meeting ground and ancient temples. You'll have the opportunity to tour these places with a guide, voyaging into Polynesia's past. You can also paddle down the Faaroa River, navigating through the hibiscus-strewn Faaroa Gorge and into tropical forests flourishing with flora and fauna.

On your second day in Raiatea, you can learn more about Maohi and Tahitian culture with a tour of a pearl cultivation station and vanilla plantation, as well as archaeological sites important to local history. Or, unwind on a serene river cruise and beach break before boarding your ship.

Enjoy a day at sea to relax and check a few things off your to-do list. Work up a sweat in the gym or unwind with a massage at the Zagara Beauty Spa. Or, watch the sunset with a nightcap in the Atrium before retiring to your cabin.

Today, you will cruise along the Tuamotu Archipelago to Fakarava. Named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this atoll offers excellent diving locations among scenic passes. Take a tour of Rotoava, the atoll's main village, for an immersive look into Polynesian food, culture, and handicrafts.

Kick back and relax on your second day at sea. You might try a new restaurant on board and experience fine French dining in La Dame or fresh Italian food in La Terrazza. Wrap up your evening in the Connoisseur's Corner with a glass of premium cognac.

Nuku Hiva is the second-largest island in the archipelago, after Tahiti. Yet, this island is largely untouched by tourism, meaning you can enjoy the pristine scenery in peace. Join a 4x4 tour and follow in the footsteps of Herman Melville through the Taipivai Valley, then visit the beautiful sculptures of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame of Marquesas.

The southernmost island in the Marquesas, Fatu Hiva, is a volcanic outpost of sharp cliffs and craggy valleys. The two main villages on the western side of the island have a combined population of 650. The region's hand-crafted wood carvings and bark cloth paintings are highly sought after.

Hiva Oa is home to the peaceful port of Atuona. Flanked by a wall formed by the mountain range running along the island and nestled in the head of Taaoa Bay, Atuona is also the final resting place of painter Paul Gauguin. The Gauguin Museum is home to some of his works, and his tomb is located in the Cavalry Cemetery overlooking the bay.

The tiniest inhabited island in the archipelago, Tahuata still offers the perfect picture of Polynesian natural beauty. Admire the volcano Meae Ufa alongside toasty beaches where you may spot sea turtles. Wood-carved crafts, such as puzzles and dishes, are exhibited in the charming village of Hapatoni.

For your final day at sea, get any last-minute shopping done in the onboard boutique. Enjoy a meal of the finest surf-and-turf from The Grill. Relax and watch the sunset from the pool deck before catching evening entertainment in the Show Lounge.

Rangiroa consists of more than 400 islets enclosing the large lagoon. There are abundant opportunities for spotting rays and sharks while diving. Rich marine life and pearl farms are the main attractions, but don't miss the locally-produced white and rosé wines.

The mountainous island of Moorea offers a lagoon filled with marine life and an interior of small villages surrounding pineapple plantations. For an outdoor adventure, take a snorkel cruise around the lagoon. You can also discover the island's diverse ecosystems with a guided nature tour, which includes a stop at the local eco-museum.

Today, your cruise comes to an end in the final dock of Papeete. A bustling island with striking black beaches, Tahiti is a Polynesian paradise. You will have time to get refreshed at the InterContinental before your onward flight to Santa Monica.

Embark on an e-bike tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach with your guide. You'll be able to hit the city highlights before having the rest of the day at leisure.

Today, make your way to Los Angeles International Airport for your onward flight home.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.