Hop into an air-conditioned vehicle with a private guide for a flexible and comprehensive tour of Rarotonga's historic landmarks and beautiful natural sights. Visit museums and tropical gardens, see a pearl artist at work, and chat about the Cook Islands' history and legends over a tasty seafood lunch.

After you're picked up from your hotel, set off along the ancient Ara Metua, the road that circles the island and was built in 1050 AD. Listen to your guide narrate about the island's major points of interest as you cruise past ancient maraes (ceremonial sites), churches, and inland plantations.

Stop to stretch your legs with a stroll among the colourful hibiscus, heliconias, and fragrant frangipani of the Marie Nui Tropical Gardens. From there, continue on to Black Rock, a volcanic boulder perched on the edge of a luminous, sandy-bottomed lagoon that's believed to be the place where spirits move on into Avaiki, the afterlife.

Stop in Avarua to refuel with an espresso, before heading to the Beachcomber Pearl Market, an old building of colonial architecture which now houses a number of boutique stores including a contemporary art gallery and a pearl store. You will then head to the stunning Muri lagoon to visit the departure point of the 7 Canoes that set sail for Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Te Ara Museum, a building that houses many products and much history of the Cook Islands.

Browse the natural beauty products at Rito, a cold-pressed coconut processing facility, and watch your guide demonstrate how to husk a coconut to extract its flavourful flesh and hydrating milk. Your tour will end with a scrumptious lunch.