Tahiti is French Polynesia’s largest and most glamorous tropical island — and home to its unique capital city of Papeete, which is surrounded by an artist’s palette of lush greens, blushing reds, warm browns, and vibrant blues of the island’s blissful landscapes and crystalline seas.  Sometimes called the “Island of Love.”  Tahiti is also the most populated of the 118 islands and atolls that comprise French Polynesia and, of course, the most famous.

Tahiti’s city of Papeete is like no other city in the world, and it’s filled with a unique energy unto itself.  As French Polynesia’s capital and center of business, its population is reported to be between 90,000-120,000 people, depending on where the city limit is defined — accounting for well over half of Tahiti’s overall population of 180,000 people.  As the starting and finishing point of m/s Paul Gauguin cruises, you’ll have a couple of days to explore this city and, like those who came before you, recognize this country for its many faces beyond that of a mere vacationland.  There’s simply no place on earth quite like it.

Trip description furnished by Vantage Deluxe World Travel.  Visit them at VantageTravel.com.

All of our photos are of the highest quality!  Visit the full Papeete photo journal.