Dear Cycling Enthusiasts, |
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In May of 2018, Santana hosted the first-ever cycling tours of French Polynesia. We chartered a yacht-sized ship and premiered two back-to-back bike cruises in a tropical paradise with beautifully-paved roads and spectacular cycling. |
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148 couples joined us for two weeks of unforgettable rides across an island archipelago that’s more scenic and less crowded than Hawaii. The cycling? 10 times better.
By 2021, word of our Tahiti itinerary had spread like wildfire, and with such emphatic support, we chartered an even more luxurious ship.
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After receiving an unprecedented number of A+ reviews, we decided to make our itinerary even more unforgettable by adding an additional island. Our newest adventure for 2024 includes a wide selection of rides on 8 unique islands, each encircled by a ribbon of smooth pavement. |
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Day 1 - Tahiti Embark
Our cruise begins in the small city of Papeete on French Polynesia’s largest island, Tahiti. While quaint by Western standards, Papeete is a lively city rich with the cultural heritage of the Polynesian people.
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As flights from America arrive in the morning, you’ll have time to visit the colorful downtown walking-district, adjacent to our embark. |
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Behold—our floating resort. Each night it will transport us to a new island while we sleep. There's no need for daily repacking on this cycling adventure. |
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Day 2 - Raiatea
Today we awaken in the homeland of the Polynesian people. Raiatea was once the political and religious nexus of Eastern Polynesia. An island of waterfalls, ancient temples, and tropical coastline.
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As with all Santana Adventures, our numerous mid-ride activities will get you out of the saddle for tasty treats and cultural interactions across all 8 islands. |
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We’ll experience live music and dance performances, pearl farms, vanilla plantations, fresh juice stops, ancient temples, a local coconut farm, and much much more. |
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Every morning, you'll have the choice between gentle coastal rides, challenging inland climbs, or both. This is your vacation, enjoy it the way you want! |
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Day 3 - Taha’a
Each of the 8 islands is a true tropical paradise, and Taha’a is a cyclist’s dream come true. French Polynesia is a magical island archipelago that transports you to a time and place unlike any other.
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Meeting our bikes ashore, we’ll be greeted by a local troupe of dancers and musicians who will school us in the local customs and dances of French Polynesia. |
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We’ll navigate along the coast to a family-run vanilla plantation, where you can learn about the process or acquire a tasty souvenir. |
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When Jan and I first explored this island, we discovered an organic community fruit farm run by the locals. The new friends we made were so curious about two tourists on a bicycle built for two, that they had us sample all of their produce fresh from the field. Including coconuts harvested before our very eyes. We’ll continue the tradition by visiting this community orchard, which also features local musicians who will accompany the experience. |
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Whereas most tropical islands have airports, hotels, and rental cars, Taha’a remains lush and pristine. With the exception of its recently-paved road, the island and its friendly residents seem untouched by the modern era. The remote location of French Polynesia has preserved the natural beauty of these islands—you can ride for an hour on Taha’a and not see a single car. |
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Day 4 - Bora Bora
The world's most beautiful white sand beaches belong to the shorelines of Bora Bora, where we’ll pedal along the silky smooth ribbon of pavement that traces this world famous coastline.
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Because these islands are protected by reefs, the water in the surrounding lagoons is serene and crystalline. |
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While each island is large enough to ride all day long in the shade of the palm trees, the size of the islands offers up an assortment of post-lunch options. Each afternoon there’s ample time for beach-combing, snorkeling, kayaking, hikes, jet skis, scuba, or yes… even more cycling. |
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Each evening we’ll sail off into the sunset of this tropical paradise as we cruise to the next island... |
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...Except on the days of two signature Windstar events held on tiny private islands called "Motus".
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The first of these nights is a picture perfect motu evening where we'll experience the local cuisine at sunset. After the stars of the Southern hemisphere appear, we'll be entertained with exotic Tahitian dancing. |
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The second motu day is a relaxing afternoon of snorkeling, volleyball, or lounging in the sun before enjoying a Tahitian barbecue. |
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Day 5 - Huahine Iti & Huahine Nui
Today our cycling expedition spans two rainforest islands, connected by a bridge. Huahine Iti & Huahine Nui are the primal heart of French Polynesia. Routes wind through the dense jungle canopy of both islands, and emerge into the sunlight to trace coastlines jeweled by sparkling blue waters.
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When discussing French Polynesia, we often talk about the smooth roads encircling the islands. Why? These volcanic islands are all shaped like a witch’s hat—smooth white sand beaches along the rim, that transform to vibrant rainforests with a steep point in the center. |
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Perfect for cyclists looking for a relaxing beachside vacation or the hill-climbing adventure of a lifetime. Each day you can make the choice of mild to wild. |
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Day 6 - Moorea
Route choices are in abundance on Moorea, where the real question is... How much of the fresh-pressed juice from our mid-ride-stop can I fit in my water bottle?
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This day’s rides are intermingled with stunning beaches, over-water bungalows, tropical waterfalls, botanical gardens, a Tiki village, and a lookout point with one of the most spectacular views in all of French Polynesia. |
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The reef surrounding the island of Moorea leaves the aquamarine water so tranquil and crystal clear that you can actually photograph fish from above the water. |
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This is not photoshopped—bring your GoPro.
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Day 7 - Tahiti Iti & Tahiti Nui
After rides across six islands, today we’ll experience a unique route across Tahiti Iti & Tahiti Nui. Beginning our ride along the Southern coastline of Tahiti Iti, we’ll pedal along the isthmus between the two islands before crossing over to the North shore of Tahiti Nui.
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This incredible coastline features miles of cliffside cycling. Along the Northern coast we’ll make a short detour inland to visit an idyllic valley with a magnificent waterfall. |
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As we glide our way back along the coast we’ll enjoy traffic-free miles to finish our 8-island cycling adventure. This afternoon we’ll return our bikes to their cases for our flights home, before enjoying a farewell dinner extravaganza. |
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Day 8 - Tahiti Disembark
As flights won’t leave Tahiti’s PPT airport until the late evening, many of our participants opt for day-packages at local hotels, or choose to continue their stay in French Polynesia. We’ll provide plenty of details and recommendations in the flight update that participants will receive a year prior to embark.
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Ship & Stateroom Info Tomorrow! |
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Dates & Pricing on Wednesday! |
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Your personal invitation to Reserve a Stateroom will arrive on Thursday at 10am Pacific! |
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for all the updates on our cycling cruise here:
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Did you miss our previous emails highlighting the same itinerary?
Please take a look!
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