Samoa & Fiji Adventure - Samoa

SUMMARY

On this 16-day tropical adventure, you’ll snorkel over colourful coral reefs that teem with wildlife and plunge into pristine waterholes below hidden waterfalls. Starting in the islands of Samoa, spend time learning about the locals' traditional culture and village life. Take fully guided day tours around different parts of two islands and enjoy some time to yourself to relax and unwind. With a few nights in a fale (a traditional waterfront villa), you’ll fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves and experience a traditional fiafia night with fire dancing and feasting – then, take on an active escapade in gorgeous Fiji! From the picturesque coast to the lush highlands, you’ll weave through the untouched jungle to the most pristine waterfalls and remote villages. Uncover the Fijian way of living off the land with village stays and sacred ceremonial customs, hike over lush grasslands, raft through Fiji’s volcanic rock interior and snorkel off remote beaches at Nananu-i-Ra Island. Wander through national parks and cool off in the sparkling South Pacific waters. This is bliss! 

TOTAL DURATION : 16 Days

GROUP SIZE : MIN 1 MAX 12

TOUR ITINERARY AND DATES

START : Apia

END : Nadi

COUNTRIES VISITED : Fiji,Samoa

Validity : 01 JAN 2024 To 31 DEC 2024

Day :1

Location : Apia

Talofa! Welcome to Samoa. An arrival transfer is available for pre-booking from Apia’s Faleolo Airport. If you've booked one, keep an eye out for your driver who will present you with a flower ula to wear to get you in the mood for your island getaway. They will take you to your hotel where you can check in before meeting your group and trip leader for a welcome meeting at 6 pm over drinks and snacks. After the welcome meeting, maybe head out for dinner with your group – your leader will be able to show you some great local spots.

Day :2

Location : Apia

After a leisurely breakfast you’ll head out for a full day of exploration. Today’s schedule includes some water activities, so make sure you pack swimwear. This morning you’ll visit Mulivai Cathedral and then take a quick tour of the beautiful Mulinuu Point on the peninsula. Stopping in at the markets on the way, you can shop for souvenirs, fruit and local handicrafts. Then it's on to Papase’ea Sliding Rocks - a natural playground that gives even the best water parks a run for their money! After lunch at a local cafe, where you can often see a demonstration of ‘elei printing, the traditional Samoan designs on fabric, you'll head to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum – the famous Scottish author who made his home on the island. Further uphill, visit the Baha'i House of Worship – a beautiful temple set among acres of prayer gardens. Our final destination for the day is the white sandy beaches of Palolo Deep Marine Reserve, with the option of snorkelling over the vibrant reef, abundant with colourful coral and wildlife. Return to the hotel and enjoy an optional dinner at one of the many waterfront eateries in Apia tonight.

Day :3

Location : Savai'i

An early start today as you’ll leave the hotel around 6 am and take a private transfer to the ferry terminal. Board the 8am ferry for the journey to your next destination in Samoa - Savai'i, the largest island in the Samoan Islands Archipelago. The ferry trip takes just over an hour, with complimentary snacks and drinks served on board. Savai’i also features prominently in Samoa’s history, legends and myths, and you will get a chance to visit a few spots where some of these stories originated from. Your first stop will be the Savai’i Market before travelling to one of the region's highlights - the spectacular Blowholes. As you journey across Savai'i, there'll be a chance to visit a number of other points of interest along the way as well as enjoy the views of Samoan villages and their colourful gardens. If there's time before your included dinner at our accommmodation, you can fit in a quick dip in the ocean.

Day :4

Location : Savai'i

After a delicious included breakfast spread, start your day with a visit to Cape Falealupo - the easternmost point in Samoa. Spend half a day here at the various sites learning about Samoan legends and culture, including Giant Moso's Footprint, the Ancient Star Mound, Fafao o SaoAli'l (Passage of the Afterlife) and more. Return to our accommodation for some relaxation and beach time. Tonight we will have a fia fia (happy get together) at our accommodation. This is a chance for everyone to come together and celebrate heritage with music and dance and a delicious buffet dinner made with fresh local produce. Don’t be shy, join the fun and dance along!

Day :5

Location : Savai'i - Lalomanu

Travel along the north coast of Savai'i after breakfast today, with a picnic lunch along the way. You will travel through some of the most beautiful villages in Savai’i then continue on to the Sale’aula Lava Fields to witness the remains of the eruption of Mt Matavanu in 1905, the Virgin’s Grave and nearby church. Depart from Savai’i on the 2pm ferry and continue to our final accommodation of the trip on the coast of Upolu at Lalomanu, voted one of the best beaches in Samoa. There'll be time for a swim, snorkel or wander along the beach here before our included dinner tonight. 

Day :6

Location : Lalomanu - Vavau Village

Enjoy breakfast, and a bit of free time this morning before we depart for our village cultural day. Make sure to bring your lavalava as you'll be met by village chiefs and matais who will hold an ava (welcoming ceremony) for us at the village of Vavau. Be prepared to enjoy plenty of traditional Samoan foods as part of our feast while the local women's committee and youth share songs and dances. After lunch, join in some Samoan games and activities such as taulafoga (coconut tossing) and tagati'a (spear throwing) before farewelling our friends and having some free time to ourselves on the beach. Return to Lalomanu in time for our included dinner. 

Day :7

Location : Lalomanu

More exploring today after breakfast, including the Sopoaga waterfalls, Ma Tree walk, and the iconic To Sua Trench. Bring your swimwear as there will be plenty of opportunities for a dip! Back at our accommodation for our final night, farewell your time in Samoa with dinner and a show of fa'ataupati (slap dance) and fire knife dancing. Make some final memories, dance and have fun!

Day :8

Location : Apia - Nadi

This morning, you have the option to visit a local Samoan Church before breakfast. This is highly encouraged, as it can be a beautiful way to end your stay in Samoa. Say your goodbyes to your group over breakfast and then take a short flight to Fiji for the next stage of your adventure. When you arrive, transfer from Nadi International Airport to your hotel and settle into your accommodation on the edge of town. Spend the rest of the day getting to know Fiji's cultural capital. You will meet your new group and tour leader tomorrow.

Day :9

Location : Nadi

Wake up to the beauty of another day on the Pacific! You have a free day to explore at your pace today, before your a second welcome meeting at 6 pm. Why not check out the colours of the Hindu temple Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami, or Nadi Temple as it’s known locally. Or, you can go wandering around the local markets in search of the best seasonal fruits. Tonight, meet your new leader and group members, followed by evening drinks. After your meeting, the evening is yours to enjoy – perhaps at a beachside restaurant or in Nadi Town. 

Day :10

Location : Hiking Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park - Pacific Harbour

After breakfast, head south of Nadi to Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park. Here, you’ll take a 4 km ranger-guided walk through the incredible dunes, ranging in height from 20 to 60 m – mounds that have formed over millions of years. The views from the sand dunes open out to spectacular scenes along the Coral Coast. Archaeologists have found relics of pottery in the national park dating back 2600 years, and the area is home to an ancient burial site that gives clues to Fiji’s first inhabitants. After the hike, make your way to tonight’s accommodation at Pacific Harbour, where the afternoon is dedicated to chilling out by the pool or along Rovodrau Bay. Settle in ‘cause you’re on island time now!

Day :11

Location : Rafting Upper Navua Gorge - Pacific Harbour

Gear up for an incredible rafting experience in Fiji’s highlands at Upper Navua Gorge. Ride down rapids naturally carved through the island’s volcanic rock interior, surrounded by towering gorge walls, dense rainforest and dozens of waterfalls. The combination of the dipping parts of the river and biological diversity makes this Fiji’s best spot for rafting. Stop at a lunch spot along the way to get a good feel for the rainforest terrain. After, return to Pacific Harbour for another night in your beachside surroundings.

Day :12

Location : Suva & Colo-i-Suva

Leave the resort after breakfast and make your way to Fiji’s capital – Suva. When you arrive, you’ll have time to take an optional walk through Suva’s market and the city centre. Then, enjoy a guided visit to the Fiji Museum, which showcases the early history of the island and is home to artifacts dating back up to 3700 years. This afternoon, head to Colo-i-Suva Forest Park for a short hike to palm-fringed freshwater pools where you can take a refreshing dip. Look to the trees for local birdlife, as the park harbours many of Fiji’s endemic bird species, including barking pigeons, golden doves and musk parrots. Later, continue listening to the sounds of the rainforest at the river at your lodge accommodation, on the outskirts of the park.

Day :13

Location : Hiking Nabalesere - Nananu-i-Ra Island

This morning, drive to Nabalesere village, passing locals living traditional Fijian life along the way. This community is nestled in the province of Ra, where you’ll hear another form of greeting – instead of saying ‘Bula!’ as in other parts of the island, ‘Yadra!’ is used to say hello. When you arrive, your local guide will help the group present a sevusevu to the local village chief – this ceremonial gift is to gain acceptance into the community, often in the form of a kava root. While farming is the main source of income for many Fiji communities, partnering with the village helps to create an additional source of income. Embark on a 1.5-km hike to the breathtaking Savulelele Waterfall – one of Fiji’s most majestic waterfalls, tumbling down from a height of 50 m. After the swim, return to the village for lunch and a hot lemon leaf tea, then travel to the coast, where you’ll take a short boat transfer to Nananu-i-Ra Island to spend the night in beachside cottages.

Day :14

Location : Snorkel Nananu-i-Ra Island - Naga Village

Soak up island life on Nananu-i-Ra Island this morning – sunrise is the perfect time to relax on the beach or cool off with a swim in the South Pacific. After breakfast, strap on a snorkel and get exploring underwater with your group, looking for colourful tropical fish. Then, maybe take a walk along the island’s ridgeline for some seriously scenic views. In the afternoon, you’ll head inland to Naga village, presenting another sevusevu to be welcomed and invited in. Enjoy a stroll through the surrounding food gardens and join the locals with a communal dinner in the village. Tonight you’ll stay in the basic but comfortable village community hall.

Day :15

Location : Hiking Nubutautau

Get your hiking shoes on and prepare for today’s 11-km trekking adventure across Fiji’s grasslands and into Nubutautau village. The journey will be broken up with lunch and a rewarding swim along the way, following the scenic Sigatoka River. Arriving later in the afternoon, you’ll spend the night in the village that sits in the heart of the island, with a scenic backdrop of small farms, grassy hills and an evergreen rainforest. Enjoy an insight into local life here and rub shoulders with the locals over a glorious sunset.

Day :16

Location : Nubutautau - Nadi

This morning, take a cultural tour of the village and learn the history of the region in the 19th century, hearing the story of missionary Rev Baker. For those who want to get more active, you can take an optional walk to a lookout point down the river. Then, continue by 4WD along the ridgeline separating two of Fiji’s major rivers – the Sigatoka and the Ba – and back down to Nadi for lunch in a local cafe. With no more activities planned after lunch, your trip will come to an end. If you would like to spend more time in Nadi, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. Better yet, why not check out another of Fiji’s picturesque islands, like the nearby Mamanuca or Yasawa clusters.