Return to Eden
The Polynesian Paradise of Tahiti
December 27, 2003 – January 6, 2004

FORBIDDEN FRUIT

Ever since Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden, mankind has searched the world over for a place worthy of comparison to that legendary spot. Such an idyllic paradise would be so blissful that the burdens of our very souls would seem instantly to melt away. Anyone who has ever been there is convinced that Tahiti is about as close to Eden as we will ever get.
     Tahiti (French Polynesia) is not just one small patch of land jutting out of the Pacific Ocean. It is actually many islands of volcanic peaks and atolls spreading over hundreds of miles of ocean. Each island possesses its own unique flavor and charms, from the broad lagoon of Rangiroa to the bustling marketplace of Papeete. Thanks to their geography, spectacular mountain peaks, the lush vegetation, and the clearest water anywhere, the islands of Tahiti are indeed the most beautiful in the world.
     It is little wonder that Tahiti has inspired artists, writers, and songwriters. Paul Gaugin made what he thought would be a brief visit and ended up spending the rest of his life committing the glories of Tahiti to canvas. James Michener visited the Tahitian island of Moorea during World War II and was inspired to write his novella “Bali Ha’i,” the inspiration for the musical South Pacific. A couple hundred years earlier, Robert Louis Stevenson had a similar experience and penned “In the South Seas,” extolling the virtues of these islands in ravishing language. Even that quintessentially French cafe songwriter Jacques Brel found his musical muse in the Tahitian Isles, writing many of his world famous songs while living here.
     Tahiti and her islands are a remarkable blend of new and old. The people form a fusion of many races and cultures defining today’s Polynesian way of life. The atmosphere of French Polynesia blends French sophistication and Polynesian gaiety. Everyone here seems to approach life with a joyous spirit. A vacation to these islands warms the heart, clears the mind, rejuvenates the body, and fills you with peace. Once you visit the islands of Tahiti, you will know why so many people refer to them as the most magnificent paradise on Earth.
     Whether you are looking to relax on a white sand beach, sway in a hammock, hike the slopes of an ancient volcano, or swim in the clearest waters in the world, you will find it all waiting for you in Tahiti. French Polynesia’s lovely beaches, breathtakingly blue lagoons and open ocean offer a world of adventures and relaxation.
     The islands boast of range of activities including dolphin encounters, shark feeding, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, water skiing, hiking, golf, helicopter rides, horseback riding, tennis, sailing, surfing, wind surfing, hang gliding, shopping, outrigger canoeing, and para-sailing. The region is a mecca for divers who come to see the rich and abundant marine life in the warm, pristine waters of some of the world’s most unusual diving environments. In addition, Tahiti is the birthplace of surfing, and there are popular breaks at Papenoo, Punaauia, and Paea. With the jagged beauty of the ancient volcanic mountain peaks, walkers and climbers will find much to enjoy, and safaris into the deep recesses of the islands reveal entirely new worlds of wonder.
Make this New Year celebration more like a rebirth as you join Toto Tours for a “Return to Eden.” You are certain to find peace and tranquility, excitement and adventure, and perhaps a new place for your heart to call “home.

ITINERARY

Saturday, December 27, 2003
Departure from the U.S.

Depart your home city on an international flight bound for Papeete, Tahiti. Hotel accommodations have not been included tonight since it is possible to take an overnight flight and arrive early tomorrow morning. However, if you are arriving today (or even earlier), we can arrange extra hotel nights for you.

Sunday, December 28, 2003
Welcome to Paradise / The Island of Tahiti

This morning our group gathers for breakfast, with a brief tour orientation and introductions all around. Afterwards take a half day circle tour of Tahiti Nui, the northwest portion of the island, also known as Big Tahiti. Among the sites we see today are the cliffside Tahara View Point (with views of Papeete five miles to the east), the Ahrahoho Blow Hole, the Vaipahi Gardens and the lush Mara’s Fern Grottoes. Visit the Museum of Tahiti, and the former home of James Norman Hall, one of the authors of Mutiny on the Bounty. After lunch the afternoon is free at leisure. This evening enjoy a Welcome Dinner at our hotel.     (All Meals Included)

Monday, December 29, 2003
Inner Island Safari

Today experience Tahiti’s natural beauty on an inner island safari in 4-wheel drive vehicles. Get a closer look at the island’s interior, where almost-vertical vegetable plantations edge their way into bamboo and fern forests, and waterfalls cascade into hidden pools watched over by stone-faced tiki. Travel to the 4200-ft. summit of Mt. Marau, overlooking Papeete Harbor, and Moorea and Tetiaroa 12 miles off in the distance. En route, you will see magnificent rock formations, the Fataua waterfall, and ancient stone temples. This full-day safari includes a picnic lunch at a scenic spot. The evening is free.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Tuesday, December 30, 2003
Moorea

After breakfast we check out of our hotel and transfer to the port for our ferry ride across to the island of Moorea. Upon arrival enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of the island’s volcanic peaks, verdant slopes, archaeology sites, and rugged northern coastline. Traveling past fields of pineapple and taro, we make our way up to the “Jus de Fruits de Moorea” to sample the island’s delicious pineapple—by itself, in teas, juices, liqueurs and jams. Bring plenty of film for our stop at the Belvedere Lookout Point. This rest stop, part way up Mt. Mouapouta, looks out over a spectacular landscape created by Mt. Rotui, flanked by the two bays. In the late afternoon we check in at our hotel and the remainder of the day is free to relax and enjoy the wonderful amenities of our Sheraton Resort.     (Breakfast)

Wednesday, December 31, 2003
Lagoon Cruise / New Year’s Eve

Viewed by boat, Moorea is a spectacular sight. Today experience a full day lagoon cruise to a motu, one of the tiny uninhabited islets that dot the surrounding sea. You will have plenty of time to lounge on a secluded beach, go snorkeling, swim, sunbath, and enjoy a picnic lunch. The early evening is free to rest up for our festive New Year’s Eve party.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Thursday, January 1, 2004
Free Day

There are no planned activities today, so you may do exactly as you please. Some fun things to do include beachcombing, hiking, biking around the island, taking optional boat tours, snorkeling, diving, or just relaxing at our resort.     (Breakfast)

Friday, January 2, 2004
Rangiroa

After breakfast check out of our resort and transfer to the airport for a short flight to the island of Rangiroa. With its 42-mile long by 16-mile wide turquoise lagoon, Rangiroa is the largest atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago. Only an hour’s flight from Tahiti or Moorea, this island offers sunshine, white coral beaches and an immense playground for water sports and activities. After checking in at our hotel, the entire day is free to enjoy the beaches.     (Breakfast)

Saturday, January 3, 2004
Blue Lagoon Cruise

The lagoon is more like a vast inland sea, and dry land exists as a narrow chain of sandy motus encircling this huge waterway. The Blue Lagoon is an hour’s boat ride from the village of Avatoru over to Taeo’o motu. Basically the motu is a gigantic natural aquarium. The surrounding motus are home to rare birds, including the Vini ultramarine parakeet. Towards the southwest part of the atoll are the Pink Sands. Bring a camera to capture the natural pallet of pink sand, turquoise lagoon and blue sky. A visit here may combine with a stop at The Island of the Reef, (“Ile au Récif”) where raised coral formations create a dazzling tidepool environment. Enjoy a Barbecue lunch on the beach.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Sunday, January 4, 2004
Beach Day

Rangiroa is unquestionably one of the finest dive locations in the world. With warm water, excellent visibility that can reach 200 feet, and a huge pelagic population, it is a paradise for any level of diver. Today is completely free, so you may want to take advantage of the great marine environment here. Other optional tours could include a visit to a Pearl Farm on nearby Manihi, bird-watching on the Tikehau circular reef, or a visit to the UNESCO-classified biosphere beautifully described by Robert Louis Stevenson in his novel “In the South Seas.” The evening is free back at our resort.     (Breakfast)

Monday, January 5, 2004
Return to Papeete

After breakfast, check-out of our hotel and transfer to the airport for the hour-long flight back to Papeete on Tahiti. After arrival and hotel check-in, the remainder of the day is free. This evening Toto Tours hosts a Farewell Dinner at our hotel to mark the conclusion of our sojourn in Paradise.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Tuesday, January 6, 2004
Departure

The entire day is free until the time you need to transfer to the airport for your return flight home. The tour officially ends after breakfast this morning.     (Breakfast)

ACCOMMODATIONS

Papeete: Meridien Tahiti, the island’s newest and most deluxe international-class hotel. Each of the 150 guest rooms emphasizes the Polynesian setting, with local decor. Rooms have tea/coffee set-up, safe, mini-bar, cable TV, private bath, and A/C. Hotel has activities desk, gift shop, bar, and two restaurants.

Moorea: Sheraton Moorea Lagoon Resort, situated on a pristine white sand beach and crystal blue lagoon between historic Cooks Bay and Opunohu Bay. The resort offers spacious lush tropical gardens, private beach, restaurant, bar, health club and spa facilities.

Rangiroa: Kia Ora, a gorgeous hotel with bungalows in tropical gardens, on the beach or overlooking the water. Each room has a private bath, TV, A/C, and ceiling fan. The hotel has a bar, restaurant, tennis courts, pool table, Petanque (French ball game) court, and game room.

TOUR PREPARATION

Entry Requirements
For citizens of the United States and Canada, a valid passport is all you will need.

Immunizations
No immunizations are required, but you should have a current tetanus booster.

Exit Requirements
There is no departure tax required when leaving the country from Papeete Airport.

WHAT TO BRING

Tahiti has summer-like temperatures throughout the year. Comfortable and cool natural fabrics, such as cotton shorts and t-shirts, make perfect daytime wear. Long slacks and tropical shirts are appropriate evening wear. Shorts, bathing suits and the local pareo, a sarong-like wraparound garment, are the ideal daytime wear on beaches. Be sure to pack reef walkers or old tennis shoes for walking on coral. Electric voltage is 220 volts, so bring a converter (although most hotels have 110v outlets for electric razors).

Suggested Packing List:

_____ Passport. Valid for at least 6 months after departure.

_____ Walking shoes / sandals.

_____ Polo shirts / T-shirts (8 - 10).

_____ Shorts (4 or 5 pairs).

_____ Lightweight long pants for dinners.

_____ Cool sleepwear.

_____ Sunscreen / lip balm / bug spray.

_____ Sunglasses / sun hat with tie-on.

_____ Windbreaker or waterproof jacket.

_____ Personal toiletries (anti-diarrhea too!)

_____ Swimsuit.

_____ Camera / film / batteries.

_____ Ziplocs (small for papers, large for wet clothing).

_____ A good book for the long flights.

MONEY MATTERS

Upon arrival in French Polynesia, most visitors exchange some money at the Papeete Airport or at their hotel. It is not necessary to change very much since credit cards and U.S. dollars are accepted. The currency used in French Polynesia is the French Pacific Franc or CFP. As of April 9, 2003, the exchange rate was 111.7 CFP to the U.S. $1.

Taxes and Tipping
You customarily pay a 10% gratuity for dining service, but always check your restaurant bills for automatic service charges. We make a collective tip to our guides at the conclusion of each group excursion.

LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS

Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person from whatever cause. All tour participants are required to sign a standard liability form.
      The tour operators reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes may become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 10 participants.

RESERVATIONS   

To reserve a place on this tour, click on the "Reservations" link above. Print the form, fill out the information requested, sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit check. The balance of $2,995 (double) or $3,295 (single) is due 80 days prior to departure (by October 8, 2003). Tour registration is not complete until we have received both the form and your deposit check.
     Toto Tours does not accept credit cards as a form of payment. An installment plan is possible. Our mailing address is:  Toto Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626-4753. Make checks payable to: Toto Tours, Ltd.

THE TOTO SPIRIT

• fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate the positive;
• good natured realists who are willing to accept situations as they exist;
• undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad weather;
• willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for granted;
• eager to try new things & test limits;
• punctual;
• not whiners!

THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)

Price: $3,495 double occupancy

Private Room: $1,000 supplement

Deposit: $500

Final Payment: $2,995 (double) / $3,995 (single)

Final Payment Due: October 8, 2003

Included: Nine nights accommodations in double-occupancy; all meals and activities as listed in the itinerary; ferry from Papeete to Moorea; flights between Moorea/Rangiroa and Rangiroa/Papeete; inner island safari; lagoon cruises; beach barbecue; Welcome Breakfast & Farewell Dinner.

Not Included: Round-trip air transportation from your home city to Papeete, Tahiti; airport fees; insurance; soft drinks; alcohol; laundry; telephone calls; faxes; or any expenses of a personal nature. Gratuities to drivers and guides not included.