Product Description
Highlights
In the beautiful Samoan language Fa’a Samoa literally means ‘The Samoan Way’. The phrase refers to the Samoan culture and traditions that influence the lives of many Samoan people and you’ll experience this for yourself in an immersive village tour, but also as your local leader introduces you to the culture and traditions throughout the trip.. Stay right on the beach in traditional Samoan villas, known as fales, that allow you to get as close to the ocean as possible.. Make the most of the pristine water and slide down a natural rock slide into the waterhole at Papase’ea, visit the stunning sandy beaches such as Vauvua and Lalomanu and snorkel in Palolo Deep Marine Reserve teeming with tropical fish and coral.. Be amazed by the ancient Star Mounds in Cape Falealupo, one of Samoa’s most sacred places, and the remains of the Virgin’s grave, the LMS Church and stretches of lava rocks which are evidence of the destructive eruption in 1905.
Overview
Between snorkeling over colourful coral reefs teeming with wildlife and plunging into pristine waterholes below hidden waterfalls, this is one destination where you don’t want to forget to pack your swimsuit! But Samoa is not solely about the beautiful natural gifts that the islands have on offer – spending time learning about the traditional culture and village-life is equally enjoyable. And on this trip, you’ll get the chance to do a mix of both with fully guided day tours around different parts of both islands, as well as time to yourself to relax and unwind. You’ll spend some nights in traditional, waterfront villas known as fales, which are positioned as close to the ocean as possible, so you’ll go to bed with the hush of the ocean sending you to sleep.
Breakfast Included: 7 Lunches Included: 5 Dinner Included: 5
Apia
Talofa! Welcome to Samoa. An arrival transfer is included from Apia’s Faleolo Airport, so 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 leader for a welcome meeting at 6pm over drinks and snacks. If you arrive earlier in the day you might like to visit Samoa Cultural Village for a taste of traditional life with workshops on weaving, woodworking, siapo cloth making, traditional tatau, dance, music and more. If you’re hungry, a stop at one of the local food markets is another great option or even do a little sightseeing at the breathtaking Mulivai Cathedral. After the welcome meeting, you might like to head out for dinner together – your leader will be able to show you some great local spots.
Apia
Today after breakfast you’ll head out for a full day of exploration, which includes some water activities, so make sure you pack swimwear. This morning you’ll visit Papase’ea sliding rocks, which are naturally formed rock slides into waterholes, which give even the best waterslide theme park a run for their money! On your way to lunch at a local café you’ll have a chance for a spot of shopping with a stop at Mailelani Factory, a sustainable body care company that uses cold-pressed coconut oil and other local ingredients in their products. After lunch, you’ll have some time to relax on the white sandy beaches of Palolo Deep Marine Reserve, with the option of snorkeling over the vibrant reef, abundant with colourful coral and wildlife. If you have time, you might like to end the day with a visit to Baha'i House of Worship, a beautiful temple set among 20 acres of prayer gardens that contain more than 60 species of native plants, flowers and trees. Or if you need a break from the sun, stop at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, an unusual yet famous Scottish author who made his home on the island. After heading back to the hotel, you might like to enjoy dinner at one of the many waterfront eateries in Apia.
Savai'i
Today you’ll have a more leisurely start and leave the hotel around 10am to make the one-hour drive to the ferry for a midday departure to the other island of Samoa, Savai'i. The trip takes about an hour and a quarter and you’ll have a light lunch on board. After disembarking you’ll head straight to the Savai'i Market where you’ll have the opportunity to buy some local snacks, before visit the Afua Auu Waterfalls – a beautiful swimming hole perfect for a dip - and the spectacular Blowholes. From here you’ll drive to your seaside villas, known as fales, on the western end of the island, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. The villas all have spectacular views of the ocean and a two-course dinner is included each night and breakfasts in the mornings, so all you need to do is sit back and enjoy your stay.
Savai'i
Today you’ll visit the Falealupo Peninsula for a half-day guided tour, which includes a canopy tree walk across a jerry-built bridge almost 10 metres above the rainforest floor. After you cross, you’ll have the chance to climb a wooden ladder to a platform up a 230-year-old banyan tree. There are many other attractions in the area including the legendary Moso’s footprint, a depression in the ground that is said to have been made by the giant Moso when he stepped from Fiji to Samoa and the Pulemelei Mound, one of the many famous archaeological star mounds that look like flat-top pyramids and date back thousands of years. After the conclusion of the tour, you’ll head back to your villa for a free afternoon to soak up some sun on the beach.
Savai'i - Lalomanu
After breakfast today you’ll wave goodbye to your villa and travel to the other coast of Savai'i via Manase. Beaches around the village of Manase are among the prettiest in Samoa and there’s usually hardly anyone around, so use your stop to scout the beach for sea turtles who may be feeding on the sea grass close to the coast. You’ll continue on your way to visit the Saleaula Lava Fields that were created by the eruption of Mt Matavanu back in 1905 to 1911. Five villages were buried and today you can see preserved ruins of the village, before you catch the 2pm ferry back to Upolu. On arrival back on Upolu you’ll transfer to Lalomanu, where you’ll spend the final two nights of your trip in beachside villas with ocean views and included dinners and breakfasts.
Poutasi Village - Lalomanu
Today you’ll transfer via local bus and be treated to full-day guided tour of Poutasi Village, where you’ll have the chance to learn all about village life, including the history of how the village traditionally runs. You’ll be welcomed by the High Chiefs at the Meeting House (known as the Fale Fono) before visiting the village Arts Centre and stopping past the traditional umu oven to taste some baked treats. You’ll end the day by taking part in ancient games of Taulafoga (coconut tossing), Tagati'a (spear throwing) with the locals, before being treated to a traditional island fiafia night of feasting, cultural singing and dancing and even a fire show, before making your way home to your villa for bed.
Lalomanu
Today you’ll be chasing waterfalls, so make sure you’re wearing your swimmers! Weave your way down the coast and visit stunning natural swimming spots, including the Sopoaga waterfalls, To Sua Trench, Vavau Beach and the Togitogiga waterfalls, which is known for being the favourite swimming spot of past Samoan warriors. You can also make stops at other places along the coast if you have time to spare. At the end of the day, you’ll make your way back to the villas for a final farewell dinner with your leader and fellow travellers.
Lalomanu
Today your trip comes to an end after breakfast. You may wish to book additional accommodation to extend your stay, otherwise, you can say goodbye to Samoa and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
