Welcome to beautiful Samoa, where tradition meets breathtaking natural beauty. Get off the beaten track to Manono and take a glimpse into Samoan culture and life. Enclosed by a pristine reef and crystal-clear waters, this island is a haven of tranquillity. Journey to Savai'i, the largest and least populated island of Samoa and the "real" Samoa, where traditional villages co-exist with freshwater bathing pools fed by underground springs. Explore the bustling market, witness the incredible Blowholes of Savaii, and bask in the beauty of the Afuaau Waterfall.
Samoa's unique blend of culture, heritage, and natural splendour awaits you.
Apia's sightseeing treasures - including the sacred burial grounds of the chiefly families of Samoa, the impressive Mulivai Cathedral, Robert Louis Stevenson’s former home and the fabulous East coast beaches.
Get off the beaten track to Manono Island.
Journey to Savai'i, the "real" Samoa and partake in an Umu lunch.
Enjoy a traditional Church service and village tour.
FRI 14 JUN - AUCKLAND/SAMOA D
Depart Auckland at 8.45am on Air NZ NZ990. Arrive Apia at 1.25pm. Stay Taumeasina Island Resort (stay 7 nights).
SAT 15 JUN - SIGHTSEEING B,L
Sightseeing today includes Mulinu'u, the sacred burial grounds of the chiefly families of Samoa; Parliament House, the Independence Monument, Lands & Titles Court, the German Monument and the landing site of the first Catholic Missionary to Samoa. Also a stop at the impressive Mulivai Cathedral in Apia and a visit to Robert Louis Stevenson’s former home. Light lunch is included.
SUN 16 JUN - CHURCH SERVICE /VILLAGE TOUR B,L,D
This morning after breakfast an uplifting Church service and afterwards enjoy a tour of the village. Upon return to the Hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure.
MON 17 JUN - SAVAI'I DAY TOUR B,L,D
Spend the day exploring Savai'i, the largest island of Samoa and one of the least populated. We depart early for Mulifanua Wharf and the (90 minute) ferry to Savai'i. There are great views of the Samoan islands.Here we will find traditional villages sitting alongside freshwater bathing pools fed by underground springs. This is the "real" Samoa. We visit Savai’i’s market, the famous Blowholes and Afuaau Waterfall. Packed lunch included.
.
TUE 18 JUN - FREE DAY B,D
A day to relax at the resort and tonight head into town to experience the amazing service at ‘Paddles Resturant’ on the water front.
WED 19 JUN - MANONO ISLAND DAY TOUR B,L
A fascinating insight into Samoan culture and life. An hour's drive to the west and then 20 minutes by boat brings us to Manono Island. The boat leaves from Cape Lefatu, with views of the crater island of Apolima along the way. The island is entirely enclosed by a reef, with stunning crystal-clear water. On reaching Manono we will be greeted by our Samoan hosts for a briefing on Samoan customs and etiquette. Meet the locals and learn about their locally grown products and their uses. An Umu lunch is included. Electricity was only introduced here in 1995. It was here that the highest chiefs lived. In Manono there is a very Samoan atmosphere, no noise, no dogs, no vehicles, and the main thoroughfare is a footpath that follows the coast. Island life has hardly changed in the last 100 years. This is a real paradise.
THU 20 JUN - FREE DAY B,D
Day at leisure at the resort or look into an optional day trip that tickles your fancy at reception. Tonight dinner offsite as you say goodbye to your fellow guests.
FRI 21 JUN - APIA/AUCKLAND B
Relax before your Air New Zealand flight, departing Apia at 2.50pm and arriving into Auckland at 6.00pm.
