Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip

City Buzz & Island Calm Los Angeles and French Polynesia Combo

Los Angeles – Papeete – Mo’orea – Teti’aroa

Starting from between £7745 to £11565 per person for 16 days depending on the season of travel, advance booking time and the accommodation and activities chosen

Itinerary Highlights

  • Explore Santa Monica and Venice Beach by bike while in Los Angeles
  • Snorkel in the sparkling lagoons of French Polynesia
  • Experience ultimate privacy on Marlon Brando’s exclusive island
Ready to experience the best of both worlds? On this 15-day holiday, you’ll be treated to the perfect balance of city buzz and island calm, breaking up the long journey to the beautiful islands of French Polynesia with an exciting stopover in Los Angeles.

Your holiday begins with a whistle-stop tour of Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world. With a pleasant climate, picturesque hills, beautiful beaches and, of course, the iconic Hollywood Hills, this fast-paced city has a lot to offer. Stretch your legs with a bike ride in Santa Monica and Venice Beach, explore the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods or chase thrills at Universal Studios.

After three action-packed days, it’s onto French Polynesia, where you’ll get a taste of island paradise on the enchanting islands of Tahiti, Mo’orea and Teti’aroa. Against a backdrop of sparkling waters and pristine sands, French Polynesia promises some well-earned R&R, whether you’d rather sunbathe on the pristine beaches, discover myriad marine species during a diving lesson or try your hand at whipping up the local cuisine in a cooking class. After rounding off your trip in Teti’aroa, a seriously secluded private island once owned by Marlon Brando, it’s time to head home, sporting golden tans and a camera roll full of island snaps.
Los Angeles - United States © Sarah Van Rij
Los Angeles - United States © Sarah Van Rij
Observatory Griffith - Los Angeles - United States © Zoé Fidji
Observatory Griffith - Los Angeles - United States © Zoé Fidji
Venice Beach - Los Angeles - United States © Zoé Fidji
Venice Beach - Los Angeles - United States © Zoé Fidji
Los Angeles - United States © Zoé Fidji
Los Angeles - United States © Zoé Fidji
Santa Monica - California - United States © De Imagine/Getty Images/iStockphoto
Santa Monica - California - United States © De Imagine/Getty Images/iStockphoto
United States © Théo Gosselin/Maud Chalard
United States © Théo Gosselin/Maud Chalard
Venice Beach - Los Angeles - United States © Zoé Fidji
Venice Beach - Los Angeles - United States © Zoé Fidji
Teti'Aora - Polynesia © Tim Mckenna/The Brando
Teti'Aora - Polynesia © Tim Mckenna/The Brando
Polynesia © Britney Gill
Polynesia © Britney Gill
Polynesia © Britney Gill
Polynesia © Britney Gill
Los Angeles - United States © Jens Goerlich / Gallery Stock
Los Angeles - United States © Jens Goerlich / Gallery Stock
Tahiti - Polynesia © Britney Gill
Tahiti - Polynesia © Britney Gill

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

Passports at the ready: your holiday begins today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and enjoy a celebratory drink in the lounge before boarding your 11-and-a-half-hour flight to Los Angeles, which will land mid-afternoon.

Once you arrive in the ‘City of Angels’, you’ll be privately transferred to your hotel, where you’ll be spending the next three nights. Spend some time relaxing after your long journey before heading to the hotel restaurant for some Californian cuisine – or, if you fancy going out, get in touch with our clued-up Concierge for their top restaurant recommendations in the area.

We’ve left your first day free so you can get to know Los Angeles at your own pace. Whether you prefer walking among nature, experiencing the buzzing city life or soaking in the sun on the beach, Los Angeles has it all, so grab your sunglasses and head out to explore.

Don’t miss a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a wander in the stylish neighbourhoods of Beverly Hills and Bel Air, or a trip up to the Griffith Observatory for a 360° view of the city. Head Downtown to catch a football or basketball game (bonus points if the Lakers are playing) or spend the afternoon browsing the incredible murals in the arts district. And, if you’re after a taste of salty sea air, head to the postcard-perfect beaches of Malibu.

Fancy an adrenaline rush instead? We can arrange for you to spend the day at Universal Studios, where you can ride thrilling rollercoasters and go behind the scenes of some of the world’s biggest blockbusters.

Get ready to feel like a true Californian, because today you’ll be discovering two legendary spots by bike: Santa Monica and Venice Beach. On an aptly-named ‘Beach Cruiser’, ride along the seafront and watch the locals as they run, rollerblade and play basketball.

As you glide alongside the beach, keep an eye out for the slender silhouettes of palm trees and iconic lifeguard huts; a little further on, you’ll be treated to a view of Santa Monica’s iconic Ferris wheel. Continue your ride towards your stop, Venice, where you’ll discover picturesque canals, trendy artists’ boutiques and open-air flea markets.

Your final day in California is yours for the taking, whether you’d rather soak in the sun at the beach or head out for one last wander around the city streets. Come evening, you’ll be privately transferred back to the airport, where you’ll board the plane for the next phase of your adventure. Your flight to Papeete, French Polynesia’s capital, will take around eight-and-a-half hours, arriving there the following morning.

When you touch down, you’ll be privately transferred to your hotel, your home for the next two nights. You’ll likely be tired after your journey, so spend the rest of your day resting and relaxing before enjoying a delicious dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Today is yours to spend exploring the vibrant town of Papeete on Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia. This capital city might be small compared to Los Angeles, but there’s plenty to get stuck into: hunt for local crafts in the traditional market, attend a folkloric show in To'ata or Vaiete Square or visit the Pearl Museum to marvel at its beautiful gemstones.

Fancy a taste of the island’s scenery? Explore the breathtaking botanical gardens or relax under the Gauguin Banyan Tree before sampling some local dishes from the food vans sitting on the seafront.

If you’d prefer to get out onto the water (we don’t blame you), we could also arrange for you to tour the Punaauia Lagoon by boat in search of cute sea turtles.

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to Papeete and head to the idyllic island of Mo’orea, set just a ten-minute flight from Tahiti. When you land, you’ll be privately transferred to your accommodation, where you’ll have the chance to unwind among the island’s pristine scenery.

Mo’orea is a small (but mighty) island, so you’re never too far from its legendary lagoon, which boasts calm and shallow waters, perfect for snorkelling. If you like, you can also rent a car to explore the island more freely.

Come evening, enjoy a traditional Polynesian meal before flopping into bed, ready for more island adventures tomorrow.

Affectionately known as ‘Tahiti’s little sister’, Mo’orea is renowned for its dramatic and dreamy landscapes and vibrant culture. The island’s gentle way of life has long attracted artists, writers and poets, so we’ve left the next three days free for you to explore.

Spend your days tucking into fresh mahi-mahi on the white-sand beaches or perhaps attending a traditional Polynesian dance performance. If you don’t fancy renting a car, a bicycle tour is a great way to explore the island, and we’d recommend cycling the famous ‘Pineapple Trail’ to the island’s sprawling pineapple fields.

The sparkling Mo’orea Lagoon is brimming with colourful flora and fauna, so grab your mask and snorkel and dive right in. For more of the island’s marine life, pay a visit to the sea turtle care centre, or head out on a catamaran trip around the island’s pristine bays – bonus points if you time your sail perfectly to see the golden sunset over the water.

This morning, it’s time to travel to the final stop on your tour of the USA and French Polynesia. After a tasty breakfast, you’ll be privately transferred to the airport, where you’ll board the 30-minute flight to Teti’aroa.

Originally an exclusive holiday destination for Tahitian elites, Teti’aroa was acquired by Marlon Brando in 1966 after he filmed Mutiny on the Bounty in Polynesia. Ten years after his death, the island’s solitary hotel opened in his name, featuring thatched-roof villas scattered between the beaches.

Once you arrive, drop your bags and take in the beauty of this serene and secluded resort. The conservation of the island was important to Brando, and remains a priority today: the hotel is largely powered by coconut oil produced on-site, solar panels and seawater extracted from the Pacific.

Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the sun-soaked beach, before treating yourself to dinner and drinks in one of the hotel’s gourmet restaurants.

Teti’aroa is all about relaxation, so spend your last day of island life enjoying a Polynesian massage, lounging by the beautiful pool, or simply marvelling at the landscapes that surround you.

If you’d prefer to do something a little more active, we can arrange for you to discover the vibrant coral reefs during a diving lesson, try your hand at paddleboarding or, if you happen to be visiting between May and October, go whale-watching to spot the magnificent humpback migration.

For a dash of culture, get your body moving as you learn a traditional dance, or try your hand at preparing local recipes at a cooking class – what better way to round off your holiday?

Today, it’s time to say goodbye to French Polynesia and begin your journey back to the UK, which starts with a private transfer to the airport and a short 20-minute flight to Tahiti.

Once you’re back in Tahiti, you’ll have some more time to stroll through Papeete’s bustling centre and enjoy one last taste of local food (all with your luggage safely stored in a locker) before you head back to the airport by private transfer to board your flight home. You’ll likely be flying home via Los Angeles, so due to the time difference, you’ll touch down in the UK two days later, ready to regale your friends and family with tales of your dreamy getaway.

Suggestions

Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included

CHASE THRILLS AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

If you happen to be travelling with an adrenaline junkie, then Universal Studios is a must. This iconic LA hotspot is both a working film studio and an amusement park all at once, so you can marvel at the birthplace of your favourite TV series in the morning before riding some of California’s most thrilling rollercoasters in the afternoon. If you’re lucky, you might even get the chance to see something being filmed, so keep your eyes peeled for any passing celebrities.

EXPERIENCE MO’OREA BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A CONVERTIBLE

Want to explore Mo'orea in style? We can arrange for you to discover the island at your own pace, behind the wheel of a two-seater convertible. With the wind blowing through your hair, take in the island’s hot spots, from Cook Bay and Opunohu Lookout to the Sea Turtle Clinic and Tiki Village.

VISIT MO’OREA’S MARINE TURTLE CARE CENTER

Founded in 2004, the Te Mana O Te Moana association works to safeguard the Polynesian marine world, with a particular focus on their sea turtle population. On this tour, you’ll visit the turtle care centre and learn more about the Polynesian’s incredible marine environment and how to protect it.

RELAX ON A SUNSET BOAT TRIP AROUND MO’OREA

As the last rays of sunshine fade over the island, climb aboard a private boat to enjoy the amber sunset as it reflects in the crystal-clear waters of Cook and Opunohu bays. As you drift along the coast, let yourself be lulled by the gentle waves as you sample some fresh island fruit – or, if you’d rather see what it’s like below the surface, you can also don a snorkel to see reef sharks sleeping among the reef.

Why visit USA with Original Travel ?

Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.

ENQUIRE NOW

A few of the benefits of travelling with us to USA

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

Why visit French Polynesia with Original Travel ?

Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.

ENQUIRE NOW

A few of the benefits of travelling with us to French Polynesia

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Wi-Fi router and e-Sim
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

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Estimated Price

Dependent on the season of travel, advance booking time and the accommodation and activities chosen

The prices shown here are merely a guide, as all of our trips are entirely tailor-made. Tailor-made travel involves multiple moving parts, and prices can vary hugely depending on the season of travel, the lead time before the proposed travel date (last minute deals are pretty much a myth), availability, your choice of accommodation and any additional activities you want to include. That means the only exact price will be the one we quote you, which we can adapt to suit your budget. The estimated starting cost for this trip is between £7,745 and £11,565 per person. The average starting price for this trip is £10,000 per person.

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