Normally a no-nonsense guy, even taciturn Captain Cook fell madly in love with Tahiti . When Cook and botanist Joseph Banks landed in Matavai Bay in 1769, they found an untouched Eden . But it was the glowing tales of French explorer Compte Antoine de Bougainville that forever perpetuated the image of Tahiti as a voluptuous paradise of nature, attracting a bevy of followers, notably artist Paul Gauguin and writer Robert Louis Stevenson. Nearly 400 miles square, and almost bisected by the sea, Tahiti is skirted by miles of white and black sands. In the lushly forested mountains, waterfalls gleam and a sacred lake hides the spirits of the gods.

A laid back haven for surfers, ex-pats and others who prefer the road less traveled, Huahine offers an authentic example of what the islands used to be. Tahitian, rather than French, is the lingua franca and the island's numerous archaeological digs offer a fascinating window into the past. In sacred maraes reminiscent of Stonehenge , giant stones looking like gravestones remind you that human sacrifices were part of the Polynesian religious rituals. Near the settlement of Faie, ogle six-foot blue-eyed eels undulating in the water.

When you venture up the jungle-clad shores of Raiatea 's Faaroa River you could well believe you'd been transported to pre-European times. A hike up Mt. Temehani might lead you to the sacred Tiare Apetahi flower, found only on Raiatea , while a walk through the sacred Marae Taputapuatea takes you to the place where the ancient Polynesians set out to explore the vast reaches of the Pacifac, ranging from New Zealand to Hawaii and Easter Island . Raiatea is also birthplace of the legendary god, Hiro, father of the Polynesians. The hibiscus tree, or purau , is the wood used since time immemorial for outriggers of Polynesian proas. In the evening you'll sail on to Tahaa'a.

Just a kiss away from Raiatea is the island of Tahaa . Site of Vanilla plantations, pearl farms and not much else, it's a delightfully quiet reminder of the old island ways. From the invitingly named little fishing village of Patio , take a boat out to a local pearl farm to see how pearl oysters are cultivated or savor an afternoon of basking in the shade of a palm tree on one of the tiny motus that dot the lagoon. The sunset view of Bora Bora in the distance will keep your camera very busy as you arrive there in the evening.

Even if you've never been there, most people recognize the chiseled peak of Mt. Otemanu on Bora Bora . This is where James Michener was stationed as a young naval officer, which later inspired him to write 'Tales of the South Pacific' . You can find remains of rusting WWII gun batteries hidden in the jungle-choked hillsides. Then quench your thirst at a bar called Bloody Mary's. In pre-European times, Bora Bora was the launching place for fierce war parties to other islands. Today the peaceful lagoon is a favorite snorkeling place where you can hand feed harmless black-tipped sharks.

Beloved by yachtsmen, Moorea's heart-stopping beauty is a vision of paradise that takes your breath away. This was the real-life site of Michener's longed for “special island,” Bali Hai. Star Flyer anchors in both Cook's Bay and Opunahu Bay , so you'll have two opportunities to savor every glorious view of this spectacular island. Take a 4X4 ride to the old Kellum Stop Estate and the top of Belvedere, where your Polynesian guide picks a fresh fruit from a tree to refresh your palate as you drink in the stunning panorama. Set sail from Opunohu Bay for your evening return to Papeete.

Disembark from the Star Flyer for your journey home, or opt for a post-cruise stay in Bora Bora and Taha'a or a visit to the Marquesas. Post cruise packages include all travel and transfers, accommodations, and daily breakfast.