Day 1: Nadi
Bula! Welcome to Fiji. Your adventure begins on Fiji’s largest island – Viti Levu. When you arrive, you’ll be transferred from Nadi International Airport to your accommodation. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your local leader and group members. If you arrive early, why not check out the colours of the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple, or Nadi Temple, as it’s known locally. It’s also highly recommended you try the island’s fresh fruits at the Nadi or Namaka Produce Market – some of the usual tropical suspects will be on offer (pawpaw, mangoes and pineapples) as well as some you might not recognise (pomelo, rose apple and soursop).
Day 2: Sigatoka Sand Dunes / Pacific Harbour
After breakfast, head south of Nadi to Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park. Here, you’ll take a ranger-guided walk through the dunes, which range in height from 20 to 60 m and have been formed over millions of years. The views from the sand dunes look out to spectacular scenes along the Coral Coast. Archaeologists have found relics of pottery in the national park dating back more than 2600 years and the area is home to an ancient burial site that holds archaeological remains of Fiji’s first inhabitants and earliest settlements. After the hike, head to Bula Coffee for lunch – Fiji’s first coffee producer that uses beans grown and harvested by communities around the island, and part of the Duavata Collective. Take a tour of their farm and processing facility, then taste some of their coffee. Later, make your way to tonight’s accommodation on the coast, where you’ll have a free afternoon to chill out by the pool or on the beach. Settle in – you’re on island time now!
Day 3: 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 landscapes, surrounded by towering gorge walls, dense rainforest and dozens of waterfalls. The combination of the rapids and the surrounding biological diversity makes this Fiji’s best spot for rafting. You’ll stop for a picnic style lunch along the way. After, return to the coast for another night in the beachside surroundings.
Day 4: Suva
Leave the resort after breakfast and make your way to Fiji’s capital – Suva. When you arrive, you’ll take a walk through Suva’s market and the city centre with a local guide, who will show you the city from a local's perspective. Then, you’ll visit the Fiji Museum, which showcases the early history of the island and is home to artefacts dating back 3700 years. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to further explore the city from your centrally located hotel.
Day 5: Nabalesere Village / Nananu-i-Ra Island
This morning, drive to Nabalesere village, travelling along the Wainibuka River and through several local villages. Nabalesere is nestled in the province of Ra, where you’ll learn another form of greeting – instead of saying ‘bula’ as in other parts of the island, ‘yadra’ is used to say hello here. When you arrive, your local guide will help the group present a sevusevu to the village elders – this ceremonial gift is to gain acceptance into the community, often in the form of a kava root. You'll also have the opportunity to try kava. Then, embark on a hike to the Savulelele Waterfall, which tumbles down from a height of 50 m. After going for a swim, return to the village for a home-cooked lunch hot lemon leaf tea with your village hosts. Then, travel to the coast, where you’ll take a short boat transfer to Nananu-i-Ra Island, your home for the next two nights in a beachside cottage.
Day 6: Nananu-i-Ra Island
Soak up island life on Nananu-i-Ra this morning – sunrise is an excellent time to relax on the beach or cool off with a swim in the South Pacific. After breakfast, put on a mask, snorkel and do some underwater exploring with your group, looking for colourful tropical fish. The rest of the day is free for you to spend however you like. Maybe lie back on the sand with a book, take a dip in the ocean or go for a sunset walk along the sand.
Day 7: Nadi
Wake up to the sound of the waves this morning. After breakfast, say goodbye to your island hosts and return to the mainland for the drive back to Nadi, where you can opt to have lunch in a local cafe (at your own expense). With no further activities planned after lunch, your adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to spend more time in Nadi, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.