Samoa - Fiji
Day 01: Greetings! Step into Samoa with a pre-booked arrival transfer from Apia’s Faleolo Airport. Look for your driver, adorned with a welcoming flower Ula, ready to whisk you away to your hotel. Check-in, then join your group and trip leader for a 6 pm welcome meeting with drinks and snacks. Following the meeting, consider exploring local dinner spots with your group, guided by your leader.
Day 02: Embark on a day of discovery after a relaxed breakfast. Dive into water activities, ensuring you pack swimwear. Begin your morning at Mulivai Cathedral and explore Mulinuu Point. Grab souvenirs and local treasures at the markets, then experience the thrill of Papase’ea Sliding Rocks. Enjoy lunch at a cafe featuring ‘elei printing’ demonstrations. Visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum and the Baha’i House of Worship. End the day at Palolo Deep Marine Reserve, snorkeling over a vibrant reef. Opt for dinner at a waterfront eatery in Apia.
Day 03: Embark on an early adventure, leaving the hotel at 6 am for a private transfer to the ferry terminal. Set sail at 8 am on the ferry to Savai’i, the largest island in the Samoan Islands Archipelago. The one-hour journey offers complimentary snacks and drinks. Explore Savai’i’s historical sites, including the vibrant Savai’i Market and the stunning Blowholes. Along the way, discover other points of interest, enjoy scenic village views, and maybe squeeze in a quick ocean dip before dinner at your accommodation.
Day 04: Begin your day with a delightful complimentary breakfast, then explore Cape Falealupo, Samoa’s easternmost point. Discover Samoan legends at sites like the Giant Moso’s Footprint and the Ancient Star Mound. Afterward, returned to unwind at our accommodation. In the evening, join a lively fia fia gathering for music, dance, and a delectable buffet crafted from local produce. Embrace the celebration of heritage – come dance and enjoy the festivities!
Day 05: Embark on a scenic journey along Savai’i’s north coast after breakfast, enjoying a picturesque picnic en route. Explore charming villages and visit the Sale’aula Lava Fields, showcasing the aftermath of Mt Matavanu’s 1905 eruption, including the Virgin’s Grave and a nearby church. Catch the 2 pm ferry back to Upolu and conclude the day at Lalomanu, a top-rated beach in Samoa. Take a refreshing swim, snorkel, or stroll along the shore before indulging in our included dinner tonight.
Day 06: Savor your morning meal and take a moment of leisure before we head to the village cultural day. Don’t forget your lavalava, as the village chiefs and matais await us at Vavau for an ava ceremony. Indulge in a feast featuring traditional Samoan dishes, accompanied by songs and dances from the local women’s committee and youth. After lunch, engage in Samoan games like taulafoga (coconut tossing) and tagati’a (spear throwing), bid farewell to our hosts, and enjoy some beach time on your own. Return to Lalomanu for the included dinner.
Day 07: Embark on a day of discovery post-breakfast, taking in the enchanting Sopoaga waterfalls, strolling through the Ma Tree walk, and marveling at the iconic To Sua Trench. Remember to pack your swimwear for spontaneous dips! Conclude your Samoa adventure with a farewell dinner and an entertaining showcase featuring fa’ataupati (slap dance) and mesmerizing fire knife dancing. Dance, make lasting memories, and savor the final moments!
Day 08: Begin your day with a visit to a charming Samoan Church, offering a unique start to your morning. Bid farewell to your companions over breakfast and embark on a brief flight to Fiji for the next chapter of your journey. Upon arrival, make your way from Nadi International Airport to your downtown hotel, immersing yourself in the local culture. Use the remainder of the day to explore Fiji’s cultural hub, and anticipate meeting your new travel companions and guide tomorrow. Day 09: Embrace the dawn on the Pacific with a free day for exploration. Discover the vibrant hues of Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami, known as Nadi Temple, or explore local markets for fresh seasonal fruits. Connect with your new leader and group during an evening welcome, then savor the night at a beachside eatery or in Nadi Town. Your day, your adventure!
Day 10: Embark on a unique adventure post-breakfast by heading south from Nadi to explore the captivating Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park. Join a 4 km ranger-led stroll through these extraordinary dunes, varying in height from 20 to 60 m, shaped over millions of years. Marvel at the panoramic views of the Coral Coast. Uncover ancient relics like pottery dating back 2600 years and discover a burial site offering insights into Fiji’s earliest inhabitants. Conclude the day with a relaxing poolside or Rovodrau Bay session at your Pacific Harbour accommodation. Embrace the laid-back island vibes – you’re officially on island time!
Day 11: Embark on a thrilling rafting adventure through Fiji’s Upper Navua Gorge, where you’ll navigate rapids carved by nature in volcanic rock. Surrounded by towering gorge walls, lush rainforest, and numerous waterfalls, this spot boasts Fiji’s premier rafting experience. Take a break for lunch amidst the rainforest, absorbing the unique terrain. Later, return to Pacific Harbour for another night in your coastal haven.
Day 12: Embark on a post-breakfast adventure from the resort to Suva, Fiji’s capital. Explore the vibrant market and city center, followed by a guided tour of the Fiji Museum, unveiling the island’s history with artifacts spanning 3700 years. In the afternoon, venture to Colo-i-Suva Forest Park for a brisk hike to freshwater pools surrounded by palms. Discover local birdlife, including barking pigeons and golden doves. End your day at a lodge by the park’s edge, immersing yourself in the soothing sounds of the rainforest along the river.
Day 13: Today, venture to Nabalesere village, immersing yourself in the authentic Fijian lifestyle. Tucked away in the Ra province, the locals here greet you with a unique ‘Yadra!’ instead of the usual ‘Bula!’. Upon arrival, follow your local guide in presenting a sevusevu, a ceremonial gift like a kava root, to the village chief for community acceptance. While agriculture sustains many Fijian communities, this partnership opens avenues for additional income. Embark on a 1.5-km hike to the stunning Savulelele Waterfall, cascading majestically from a 50m height. After a refreshing swim, return to the village for a lunch featuring hot lemon leaf tea. Head to the coast, where a brief boat ride takes you to Nananu-i-Ra Island for an overnight stay in charming beachside cottages.
Day 14: Embrace the morning vibes on Nananu-i-Ra Island – sunrise invites relaxation on the shore or a refreshing South Pacific swim. Post-breakfast, don your snorkel for an underwater adventure with your crew, spotting vibrant tropical fish. Explore the island’s ridgeline for breathtaking views. In the afternoon, venture inland to Naga village, offering a sevusevu for a warm welcome. Wander through lush food gardens, partake in a communal dinner, and rest in the simple yet cozy village hall tonight.
Day 15: Strap on your hiking boots for an unforgettable 11-km trek through Fiji’s picturesque grasslands to Nubutautau village. Break up the journey with a riverside lunch and a refreshing swim along the Sigatoka River. As the day winds down, immerse yourself in local life in the heart of the island, surrounded by small farms, green hills, and a lush rainforest. Share stories with the villagers and savor the beauty of a glorious sunset.
Day 16: Embark on a cultural journey through the village this morning, delving into the 19th-century history of the region with tales of missionary Rev Baker. For the adventurous, an optional riverside walk awaits, followed by a 4WD expedition along Fiji’s Sigatoka and Ba rivers’ ridgeline. Conclude your excursion with a delightful lunch at a local cafe in Nadi. Post-lunch, the adventure wraps up, leaving you free to explore Nadi further or extend your stay. Consider discovering other captivating Fiji islands, such as Mamanuca or Yasawa, for an extended getaway.