RTW Pacific Tour
London - California - Hawaii - Tahiti - Cook Islands - Fiji - New Caledonia - Hong Kong - London
A world tour that will take you to the heart of the Pacific Ocean, to the wonders that Mother Nature has bestowed on this amazing part of the planet. And if that were not enough, there are two other legendary stops, in California and in glittering Hong Kong.
When this page went up it sold the ticket from £2,000. AirTreks now puts the same route, London back to London, at about $4,094 to $6,246 per person in economy. That is a planning estimate from AirTreks fare history, checked 1 October 2026, and an AirTreks specialist will price your exact route and dates. Hotels and land arrangements are extra.
The island hops are the part to plan first. Hawaiian Airlines flies Honolulu to Papeete only a couple of times a week, and Air Tahiti and Air Rarotonga share the 2 hour 45 minute hop from Tahiti to Rarotonga. On a route like this the timetable decides how many nights you spend on each island, so give every island at least three or four, and don't try to do this in less than a month.
London
The Old World is well represented in this itinerary by what could be called its modern capital, London. It's no coincidence that the city has become the European hub for intercontinental flights.
California
Even if you only have a few days, Los Angeles and San Francisco have a lot to offer to even the most demanding tourist. Hollywood, Venice Beach, Malibu, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz, Lombard Street... remind you of anything? It's also possible, if you wish, to insert an "overland" that will allow you to visit both cities (landing in one and departing from the other) and cover one of the most spectacular roads in the United States, the Pacific Coast Highway.
Hawaii
Visiting this lush sun-kissed archipelago is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience. Beaches with crystal clear waters, ideal for snorkelling, alternate with stretches of coastline with majestic waves where professionals ride the surf. Forested mountains (remember Jurassic Park? It was filmed here!), hidden waterfalls, green valleys and volcanoes spilling their magma into the ocean. The relaxed atmosphere of the inhabitants and the variety of landscapes leave no doubt... this really must be heaven on earth!
French Polynesia
French Polynesia is one of the most popular destinations for lovers of the sea and you really can't blame them! The international airport is on the island of Tahiti, with wild mountains, turquoise seas and a lively capital, Papeete. Among the many beautiful atolls, all worth a visit, we must recommend what is considered one of the most precious pearls of the Pacific, Bora Bora. The setting for countless films, Bora Bora embodies the legendary image of the South Seas... a mountain encircled by a spectacular coral reef!
If you have twelve days to spare, the passenger freighter Aranui 5 sails from Tahiti through the Tuamotus to the Marquesas. There is more about it on our page on freighters.
Cook Islands
The Cook Islands, also known as "New Zealand's Polynesia", are a small and remote archipelago of 15 islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. A must for the priceless natural heritage that includes not only sun, sand and sea, but also green mountains waiting to be discovered. Breathtaking backdrops, mysterious caves and tropical fish of all kinds complete the picture.
Fiji
The Fiji archipelago consists of around 322 islands of which only 110 are inhabited. Most of the islands, rich in lagoons, coral reefs, forests and mountains as well as sandy beaches, are volcanic, but none has an active crater any more. The most popular islands are in the Mamanucas, not far from the main island and Nadi International Airport. Their wild beauty was immortalised in the film Cast Away, starring Tom Hanks. The Yasawa group, a little further away but easily reached by fast catamaran, includes the most exclusive islands, such as Turtle Island and Yasawa.
New Caledonia
New Caledonia owes its name to Captain James Cook, who noted many similarities with Scotland (Caledonia being Scotland's old Latin name). Still French, it consists of the main island, Grande Terre, whose capital Nouméa has the international airport, and the small islands around it such as Lifou, Maré and the Isle of Pines, all with extraordinary beaches protected by a barrier reef some 1,600 km long. Because of its isolation, New Caledonia has kept a biological diversity all its own: of its 3,400 plants, 2,500 grow only here. The Isle of Pines, only 70 km and a 40-minute flight away, has long white and pink beaches, turquoise lagoons and tall green pines. From diving along the reef to dinners à la française, and from trekking through the rainforest to the Riviera atmosphere of the capital, the choice is vast.
Hong Kong
Inhabited since the second century BC by Chinese fishermen, Hong Kong was the haunt of pirates and opium smugglers in the following centuries, until the arrival of the British in the nineteenth century. During the twentieth century it became the main financial centre of Asia. This urban anthill, ever expanding both vertically and horizontally, still keeps its attraction and magnetism. Shaped by a multitude of skyscrapers, host to fantastic hotels, award-winning restaurants and luxury shops, the New York of Asia is buzzing day and night.
For a route that covers more of the southern hemisphere, see RTW Southern Hemisphere, and for a route through five continents, the Great Classic.
Tags: RTW Pacific Itinerary
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