The best stories are those that are true to life – dreams of the South Sea come true such as the dazzling beauty of Bora Bora, Fiji’s blue lagoons and the wild volcanic beaches of Samoa, which are all like something straight out of a fairy tale. Yet it is not only the underwater world that is colourful here – the lush-green rainforests of the Cook Islands are also home to some ancient cultures. And when the sun slowly sinks beneath the horizon, you are invited to the opera ball.
The cruise is fully booked.
For further assistance please contact us at 040 30703050.
Save € 8,500 by combining cruises EUR1401 to EUR1406; save € 1,600 by combining cruises EUR1402 and EUR1403; save € 3,200 by combining cruises EUR1402 to EUR1404; and save € 1,500 by combining cruises EUR1403 and EUR1404.
At anchor - If the ship anchors in open water the ferrying ashore will be done with tenders or Zodiacs.
Scheduled flight Germany – Papeete**
Papeete
Transfer to a first-class hotel, day room
Transfer to embarkation on the EUROPA
Papeete/Tahiti/Society Islands/French Polynesia, Departure 6.00 hrs
Huahine, 14.00 hrs – 19.00 hrs
Huahine/Society Islands/French Polynesia
You can witness a small natural wonder every day here, as Huahine is transformed into two islands at high tide. Hiro, god of seafarers, is said to have created the waterway and you will come across more legends on a visit to the Maraes in the jungle. These are temple ruins, which were built in honour of the island chiefs*. Equally unspoilt are the blue lagoons surrounding Motu Vaiorea – a South Seas paradise, which you can explore in all its glory on a snorkeling safari*.
Bora Bora, 8.00 hrs – 18.00 hrs
Bora Bora/Society Islands/French Polynesia
Mai Te Pora, meaning “created by the gods”, was what this famous island was once called. Once on land, take a tour by a typical “Le Truck” to discover impressions of the Bora Bora atoll* with its famous landmark – Mount Otemanu, 727 m high. On the way, you will be treated to magnificent views of the green volcanic massif in the middle of the island and the magical colours of the blue lagoon. Take a helicopter flight over the island* for a simply unforgettable view of the island’s beauty.
Relaxation at sea
Rarotonga, 7.00 hrs – 19.00 hrs
Rarotonga/Cook Islands
Thick rainforests, lush green valleys, fantastic beaches – the largest of the Cook Islands is dazzling in its lavish beauty. Marvel at the particularly impressive “flower island” and the secrets of its emerald-green lagoon on a Muri Lagoon boat trip*. The jungle trek with the Polynesian Pa Son* is also an experience. The island native will tell you all about the flora and fauna of his tropical home.
Aitutaki Atoll, 8.00 hrs – 17.00 hrs
Aitutaki Atoll/Cook Islands
A picture-perfect destination. Take a boat ride through the Blue Lagoon* to uninhabited islands with white sandy beaches and snorkelling paradises. Pure South Sea magic also works its charm on land – discover the legends of the scattering of villages amongst the palm trees on a countryside tour*.
Relaxation at sea
Passing over the date line – this day is lost
Apia, 14.00 hrs – 24.00 hrs
Apia/Upolu/Samoa
Emerald-green forests grow on the black volcanic slopes and the sun sparkles off the crystal-clear waters – this panorama did not actually provide the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island, but the author did find personal happiness here. From his last resting place on the summit of Mount Vaea, you will see a great view of the place he chose to be his home. Walk through the lively city centre to visit his former home*, which now houses a museum.
Fagamalo, 6.00 hrs – 23.00 hrs
Fagamalo/Savai’i/Samoa
A real fairy-tale landscape awaits on the largest island in Samoa. Around 100 years ago, five villages were buried under the red-hot lava from the erupting Mount Matavanu, leaving behind bizarre black lava fields. Take a walk to discover the fascinating contrast between the plant life that now flourishes here and the buried ruins. Those who prefer to while away their time under palm trees can spend a relaxing day on the beautiful beach.
Relaxation at sea
Somosomo, 7.00 hrs – 18.00 hrs
Somosomo/Taveuni/Fiji
More than half of Fiji’s “Garden Island” is thick rainforest, where the sounds of birdsong and waterfalls ring out. Everyday life on the island is just as relaxed as its nature, as you will see on a walk to St Gabriel’s church or the International Date Line.
Leleuvia, 7.00 hrs – 14.00 hrs
Leleuvia/Fiji
“Bula!” You will be given a warm welcome by the natives, who will be happy to invite you to a traditional Kava ceremony. The peppery, herby drink is an unusual sensation for European tastes but it is a traditional part of life for the Fijians. Find a quiet part of the island, let your toes sink into the white sand and enjoy some time in the shade of the palm trees.
Relaxation at sea
Bay of Islands, 8.30 hrs – 19.00 hrs
Bay of Islands/New Zealand
A total of 140 little islands form an impressive backdrop for your arrival in the "land of the long white cloud". The coastline is particularly impressive on a catamaran trip to the famous Hole in the Rock*, where you will sail past the lighthouse on Cape Brett and right through the Marine Wildlife Park. The history of the Maoris is brought to life at the Treaty House*, the historic setting for the signing of the peace treaty between the British and the Maoris in 1840. You will come across a Maori legend at the end of a trek to the Haruru Falls*, where a ghost is said to live beneath the thundering waters. With luck, you will find nesting cormorants rather than ghosts on this fascinating trip.
Auckland/New Zealand, 7.00 hrs Arrival
Transfer to scheduled flight to Germany
Auckland/New Zealand
Today, you will leave the EUROPA – or get to know the City of Sails on our post-cruise programme*.
Arrival in Germany
* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price. The shore activities listed here are in the planning stage and are subject to changes.
** Depending on the flight schedule, a change to the travel arrangements regarding the cruise departure point may be necessary.
= at anchor
