In The Wake Of The 'bounty' 'mv' Clipper Odyssey'

Today, you are free to relax and enjoy the amenities at your deluxe hotel, or take a tour arranged through the A&K concierge desk. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner, reception and Polynesian entertainment. Sheraton Hotel Tahiti B D

This afternoon, board 'Clipper Odyssey' and settle in for your first evening on board. MV 'Clipper Odyssey' B L D

Today, visit the island of Mataiva. In contrast to the high islands of Tahiti and Bora Bora, Mataiva is a coral atoll in which the central volcanic peak, over millennia, gradually subsided through erosion into the lagoon, leaving only a classic ring of coral. Ashore today, you find the charming and welcoming people of your first Tuamotuan island - an archipelago of low atolls and coral islands that stretches over a vast area of the South Pacific. After welcoming ceremonies, enjoy a taste of local tropical fruits, take a stroll or admire the village handicrafts. Birders visit the local islets for viewing tropical species, while snorkelers explore the underwater landscape from Zodiacs. MV 'Clipper Odyssey' B L D

As one of the world's largest coral atolls, Rangiroa has a magnificent lagoon surrounded by small motus (islets), stretching as far as the eye can see down its length of nearly 45 miles. Today, a variety of activities awaits, as you are greeted by enthusiastic welcome dances in the village of Tiputa. Enjoy time exploring this enchanting village and meeting its local inhabitants. Watch for the lustrous Polynesian black pearls in handicrafts displays. Or, take a glass bottom boat ride over the pristine coral reefs; snorkel in crystalline waters, watching for blue-scaled parrotfish and black unicornfish; dive in the pass, with its large silvery pelagic fish; or enjoy a leisurely day on one of the sandy motus. Zodiacs swiftly bring you to islets where you may spot great frigate birds, and where hermit crabs scurry across the fine white sand. MV 'Clipper Odyssey' B L D

Takapoto is an island of spectacular color. From the endemic atoll fruit-dove to exotic black pearls and the magnificent lagoon, it seems as though no creature on Takapoto has been overlooked by nature's paintbrush. Diving and snorkeling excursions showcase the vast profusion of marine life and living labyrinth of corals found beneath the surface. MV 'Clipper Odyssey' B L D

Today, visit Puka Puka, an idyllic South Pacific island. To honor you and fellow guests, the islanders proudly decorate their tiny village with green palm fronds and flowers and welcome you with a fragrant flower lei and entrancing dances. Sample traditional coconut treats, and watch a demonstration of how copra - the dried meat of the coconut - is prepared for its various uses. You may have an opportunity to play one of the legendary slit-gong drums of the South Pacific. Snorkelers find a bounty of vibrant corals and iridescent reef fishes in the warm waters, while beach walkers investigate the intertidal zone with naturalists. MV 'Clipper Odyssey' B L D

Located on the outer fringes of French Polynesia, Puka Rua faces thousands of miles of open ocean. Onshore, its small population lives in a spirit of cooperation and friendship, living largely on coconuts and the bounty of the sea. Upon arrival in this small community, you are enthusiastically greeted with warm welcomes and lively music. You may also have a chance to swim or snorkel off the island's lovely beaches. MV 'Clipper Odyssey' B L D

Mountainous Mangareva is home to a remarkable cathedral with a stunning mother-of-pearl altar. Built under the malevolent order of a tyrannical priest, the building of this church cost the lives of many islanders. Today, Mangareva is much more peaceful, as you see during your island tour. Additional activities may include nature walks, or snorkeling and diving in the surrounding reef with its dramatic coral formations. MV 'Clipper Odyssey' B L D

A full program of lectures will be offered throughout the day. Today is also a good day to catch up on your journals and postcards, browse the 'Clipper Odyssey' reference library, or relax with your fellow passengers. MV 'Clipper Odyssey' B L D

Land by Zodiac on Pitcairn Island as the town's bell rings to signal your arrival. Meet the Anglo-Tahitian descendents of the mutineers of the 'Bounty,' who arrived here 200 years ago. Photograph the 'Bounty's' anchor outside the courthouse, and view the famous ship's Bible in the town church. You'll have time to explore the inspiring island setting and visit with islanders, who display memorable stamps and handicrafts. MV 'Clipper Odyssey' B L D

The upraised former coral atoll of Henderson Island has fascinating eroded rock formations, with giant blowholes flinging up tremendous sea spray. Very rare birds inhabit the island, including the Henderson Island rail and Stephen's lori. Snorkelers may find visibility up to 200 feet, depending upon weather conditions. Numerous underwater ravines and crevices support a great diversity of fish such as soldierfish, butterflyfish and goat fish. MV 'Clipper Odyssey' B L D

Experience expedition cruising at its finest as you land on one of nature's wildlife sanctuaries. A remote coral atoll with superb snorkeling and birding, Ducie Island is so remote that no threats to its native species exist, and its wildlife is relatively unaffected by man's presence. Snorkelers will view bright-hued parrotfish feeding off the coral beds, while giant tridacna clams display mantels of purple, green and blue. MV 'Clipper Odyssey' B L D

Over the next two days, enjoy your time at leisure on board. The lecture series will continue and you will want to be on deck to view the many species of sea birds and marine life which are common in these waters. MV 'Clipper Odyssey' B L D

Spend the next three days in Easter Island, with 'Clipper Odyssey' as your "floating hotel" and base camp from which to explore the island. Visit Rano Raraku volcano, where 95% of the moai, Easter Island's iconic statues, were carved. Continue to the Ahu Tongariki site, holding a row of 15 moai. Enjoy a bush lunch while witnessing a centuries-old ceremonial dance. Visit Rano Kau volcano and the archaeological site of Orongo, where cliffs adorned with petroglyphs of the "Bird Man" rituals offer a scenic vantage point to the motus hundreds of feet below. Trek by horseback or 4x4 vehicle to Maunga Terevaka volcano for a panoramic view of the world's most remote island. MV 'Clipper Odyssey' B L D

This morning, bid the crew and staff of 'Clipper Odyssey' farewell as you disembark and transfer to the airport for your connecting flight to Santiago, Chile.