Day 1: Apia
Talofa! Welcome to Samoa. If you’ve booked an arrival transfer, it will be waiting for you at Apia’s Faleolo Airport. When you arrive at your hotel, you’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm over drinks and snacks to meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After, maybe head out for dinner with your group – your leader will be able to show you a great local spot.
Day 2: Apia
After breakfast this morning, you’ll head out for a guided tour of Apia, starting with the Mulinu’u Peninsula. See a few historical sites here, then carry on to the flea market and maybe pick up a couple of souvenirs or some fruit. See the Mulivai Cathedral, then have lunch at a local cafe. Here, you can often see a demonstration of ‘elei fabric printing – using a stencil to transfer traditional Samoan designs onto fabric. After, you'll head to the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum – the famous Scottish author who made his home on the island. Further uphill, you’ll see the Baha'i House of Worship – a beautiful temple set among acres of prayer gardens. Tonight, you have free time at your accommodation to relax or head out for dinner.
Day 3: Savai'i
Board the ferry this morning to your next destination in Samoa, Savai'i – the largest island in the Samoan archipelago. This island also features prominently in Samoa’s history, legends and myths, and you’ll visit a few spots where some of these stories originated. First, stop at the Savai’i Market to wander around the hustle and bustle of daily life, then travel along the South Coast to the Afu Aau Waterfall and the Taga Blowholes. Sit back and relax while enjoying the view of the Samoan villages and colourful gardens as you make your way to your accommodation for the next three nights. You’ll arrive at your hotel rested and ready for a quick dip in the ocean!
Day 4: Savai'i
After your morning breakfast spread, start your day with a visit to Cape Falealupo – the easternmost point in Samoa. Spend half a day exploring the various sites and learning about Samoan legends and culture, including Giant Moso's Footprint, the Ancient Star Mound and Fafao o SaoAli'l (Passage of the Afterlife). Return to your accommodation for some relaxation and maybe spend the late afternoon chilling out on the beach. Tonight, maybe grab some dinner at your accommodation or a local restaurant.
Day 5: Savai'i
Today is a free day on Savai’i to either sit back, relax by the beach and use the resort’s facilities, or choose one of the optional activities on offer: Tour a chocolate maker, enjoy a traditional Samoan fofo (massage) or explore a local village on a guided walk. Your leader will be of assistance to advise of options and point you in the right direction. Tonight maybe just chill out beachside and grab some dinner and drinks over sunset.
Day 6: 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 to the Sale’aula Lava Fields to witness the remains of the eruption of Mt Matavanu in 1905, the Virgin’s Grave and the nearby church. Depart from Savai’i on the afternoon ferry and continue to your final accommodation on the coast of Upolu at Lalomanu – voted one of the best beaches in Samoa. Stop for a swim and snorkel along the way at the Giant Clam Sanctuary – home to brain corals, large starfish and other various colourful fish. When you arrive at your beachside fales, where there'll be time for a swim, snorkel or a wander along the beach here before dinner tonight.
Day 7: Vavau Village / Lalomanu
You’ll have a bit of free time this morning before departing for your 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) at the village. Feast on an array of traditional Samoan foods while the local women's committee and youth share songs and dances with the group. After lunch, soak up some free time on Vavau Beach this afternoon, then return to Lalomanu for dinner tonight. You’ll also be treated to an upbeat cultural show with Fa’ataupati (slap dance) as night falls.
Day 8: Lalomanu / Apia
Today after breakfast, visit a local Samoan Church to watch the service and listen to the beautiful sounds of the local choir. Then, sit down for a traditional toonai lunch (Samoan Sunday feast). After, say goodbye to Lalomanu and head back to Apia for the last night of your trip. On the way, you’ll stop at the Sopoaga Waterfalls to see the cascades and visit the iconic To Sua Trench, where you can take a refreshing swim or just relax and admire the view of the Pacific Ocean. Tonight, you have a free night to celebrate an amazing adventure with your group.
Day 9: Apia / Nadi
This morning, you’ll say goodbye to those leaving the adventure, then take a shared transfer to the Apia Airport for your flight to Fiji’s main island – Viti Levu. Transfer from Nadi International Airport to your hotel and settle into your accommodation. You’ll then have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not check out the Hindu temple Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami or try the island’s fresh fruits (pomelo, rose apple and soursop) at the Namaka Produce Market.
Day 10: 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, head to Bula Coffee for lunch, Fiji’s first coffee producer who uses wild-grown beans harvested by communities around the island. Then, make your way to tonight’s accommodation on the coast, where the afternoon is dedicated to chilling out by the pool or on the beach. Settle in ‘cause you’re on island time now!
Day 11: 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 rapids 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 the coast for another night in your beachside surroundings.
Day 12: 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 with a local guide. Then, enjoy a 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 is a good time to further explore the city with your hotel being in the centre of town.
Day 13: Nabalesere Village / Nananu-i-Ra Island
This morning, drive to Nabalesere village, travelling along the Wainibuka river and through several local villages along the way. Nabalesere 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 village elders – 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: 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. 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 a communal dinner in the village. Tonight you’ll stay in the village community hall, an essential Fijian experience.
Day 15: Naga Village / Nubutautau Village
Get your hiking shoes on 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 and grassy hills. Enjoy an insight into interior Fijian culture and talanoa with the community.
Day 16: Nubutautau Village / 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. 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.
