Experience Overview
On this 16-day tropical adventure, you’ll snorkel over colourful coral reefs that teem with wildlife and plunge into 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 traditional 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 jungle to waterfalls and remote villages. Uncover the Fijian way of living off the land with village stays and sacred ceremonial customs, hike over 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 paradise!
Highlights
- Visit the gorgeous sandy beaches of Vavau and Lalomanu and go snorkelling and swimming at the Giant Clam Sancturary, teeming with starfish, tropical fish and coral.
- Discover Samoan culture through storytelling and legend – visit Fafao o SaoAli'l (the Passage of the Afterlife), Giant Moso's Footprint, the Star Mounds (one of Samoa’s most sacred places), the remains of the Virgin's grave.
- Immerse yourself in local culture and be treated to song, dance and performance – you'll attend a Fa’ataupati (slap dance) and enjoy a fire knife dancing night. Then, attend a church service followed by a traditional Sunday feast.
- Get your pulse racing as you raft through the heart of Fiji’s highlands at Upper Navua Gorge and take the plunge with a swim at one of Fiji’s most picture-perfect waterfalls in Nabalesere.
- Head off the beaten track on a full day’s hike through the grasslands into Naga to Nubutautau villages, hearing firsthand about the history of the area from expert guides and local villagers. These cultural experiences will show you a unique insight into landscape and community.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2665
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle,Boat,Ferry
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator: Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: TESSC
Starts: Apia, Fiji
Finishes: Nubutautau - Nadi, Fiji
Duration: 16 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating: Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (15), Lunch (9), Dinner (5)Accommodation: Hotel (5 nights),Lodge or Resort (5 nights),Airconditioned Villas (2 nights),Eco Lodge (1 night),Beachside Cottages (1 night),Community Hall (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $8,140 ($509 /day)
Itinerary
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.
Accommodation:
- Hotel - Superior Garden & Ocean View Rooms (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Apia - Robert Louis Stevenson Historical Home
- Apia - Bahai House of Worship
- Apia - Mulivai Cathedral
- Apia - Fresh Produce & Flea Market visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel - Superior Garden & Ocean View Rooms (Number of Nights: 1)
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!
Included Activities:
- Savai’i - Market visit
- Savai'i - Blowholes
- Savai’i - Afu Aau Waterfall
Accommodation:
- Lodge or Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Savai'i - Giant Moso's Footprint
- Savai’i - Ancient Star Mound
- Savai’i - Cape Falealupo half day tour
- Savai’i - Fafao o SaoAli'l (Passage of the Afterlife)
Accommodation:
- Lodge or Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day on Sava’i to explore at your own pace. Maybe head out on a Whittaker's Chocolate tour or hit the water for some diving or snorkelling. You could also opt for a kayaking tour along the coast, paddling through the mangroves. Maybe just chill out beachside and grab some dinner and drinks over sunset.
Optional Activities:
- Savai'i - Mangrove kayaking tour from (100 WST)
- Savai'i - Whittakers Chocolate Koko tour (15 WST)
- Savai'i - Traditional Samoan Fofo massage (from) (40 WST)
Accommodation:
- Lodge or Resort (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Savai'i - Virgin’s Grave
- Savai'i - Saleaula Lava Fields
- Upolu - Giant Clam Sanctuary
Accommodation:
- Airconditioned Villas (Number of Nights: 1)
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, join in some Samoan games and activities such as taulafoga (coconut tossing) and tagati'a (spear throwing) before farewelling your new friends. 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) and fire knife dancing as night falls.
Included Activities:
- Vavau Village - Traditional games & cultural activities
- Vavau Village - Ava (Welcoming Ceremony)
- Vavau Village - Customary feast
- Lalomanu - Fire knife & fa'ataupati show
Accommodation:
- Airconditioned Villas (Number of Nights: 1)
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 take a hike up to the Ma Tree. 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.
Included Activities:
- Upolu - Sopoaga waterfall
- Upolu - To Sua Trench
- Upolu - Ma Tree walk
- Lalomanu - Samoan church service
- Lalomanu - Traditional toonai Sunday feast
Accommodation:
- Hotel - Superior Garden & Ocean View Rooms (Number of Nights: 1)
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 on the edge of town. You’ll then have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight over drinks. 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. After your meeting, the evening is free – maybe at a beachside restaurant or in Nadi Town.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
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!
Included Activities:
- Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park - Ranger-guided walk
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Upper Navua Gorge - Rafting
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Suva - Fiji Museum
- Suva - Suva Municipal Market
- Suva - Guided walking tour
Optional Activities:
- Colo-i-Suva Forest Park - Hike - Free
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Nabalesere - Savulelele waterfall hike
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Naga Village - Welcome ceremony
- Naga Village - Traditional dinner
- Nananu-i-Ra Island – Snorkelling
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Sigatoka River - Trek to Nubutautau village
Accommodation:
- (Number of Nights: 1)
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.
Included Activities:
- Nubutautau - Village tour
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
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