Samoa Adventure

9 Days Starting and ending in Apia

Visiting: Apia, Savai'i, Savai'i - Lalomanu, Vavau Village - Lalomanu, Lalomanu - Apia, Samoa

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

TESS

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

15-99 years

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $3235

NB: Prices correct on 06-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Between snorkelling over colourful coral reefs that teem with wildlife and plunging into waterholes below hidden waterfalls, this trip is designed for lounging in the sun in your lavalava (sarong). Among all the beautiful natural gifts that the islands of Samoa have to offer, you’ll also spend time learning about the traditional culture and village life of the locals. With fully guided day tours around different parts of two islands, as well as time to yourself to relax and unwind, this nine-day Samoan adventure is paradisical. Explore bustling markets to stock up on souvenirs and fresh fruit and experience traditional practices like fire dancing and feasting to cap it all off.

Highlights

  • Fa'a Samoa – The Samoan Way. This phrase refers to the Samoan culture and traditions that influence the lives of many local people. Experience this in immersive village tours with your local leader, who will introduce you to the culture and traditions of each spot.

  • Make the most of the pristine water and slide down a natural rockslide into the waterholes at Papase’ea. Visit the stunning sandy beaches 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 and the LMS Church. Walk across lava rocks – evidence of the destructive eruption in 1905.

  • Enjoy a fiafia night – a traditional celebration of dance, costumes, music and feasting on dishes that are cooked in an umu oven using hot volcanic rock.

  • Experience Fa'a Samoa (The Samoan Way) – this phrase refers to the Samoan culture and traditions that influence the lives of many local people – with a local leader by your side to give you all the insights.

  • Explore Vavau village for an immersive cultural day with the locals. Watch an ava (welcome) ceremony, then be treated to songs and dance while you feast on traditional foods.

  • Visit the gorgeous sandy beaches of Vavau and Lalomanu and go snorkelling and swimming at the Giant Clam Sanctuary, 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) and 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 fire knife dancing night. On Sunday morning, attend a local church service led by a choir, followed by a traditional Sunday feast.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Apia

Location: Apia

Accommodation: Hotel - Superior Garden & Ocean View Rooms

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

Location: Apia

Accommodation: Hotel - Superior Garden & Ocean View Rooms

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

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

Day 3: Savai'i

Location: Savai'i

Accommodation: Lodge or Resort

Meals Included: breaksfast

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

Day 4: Savai'i

Location: Savai'i

Accommodation: Lodge or Resort

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

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)

Day 5: Savai'i

Location: Savai'i

Accommodation: Lodge or Resort

Meals Included: breaksfast

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
-Savai'i - Whittakers Chocolate Koko tour
-Savai'i - Traditional Samoan Fofo massage (from)

Day 6: Savai'i - Lalomanu

Location: Savai'i - Lalomanu

Accommodation: Airconditioned Villas

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

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

Day 7: Vavau Village - Lalomanu

Location: Vavau Village - Lalomanu

Accommodation: Airconditioned Villas

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

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

Day 8: Lalomanu - Apia

Location: Lalomanu - Apia

Accommodation: Hotel - Superior Garden & Ocean View Rooms

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch

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

Day 9: Apia

Location: Apia

Meals Included: breaksfast

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end today. If you decide to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Hotel (2 nights), Lodge or Resort (3 nights), Airconditioned Villas (3 nights)

  • Apia - Papase’ea Sliding Rocks

  • Apia - Robert Louis Stevenson Historical Home

  • Apia - Bahai House of Worship

  • Apia - Palolo Deep Marine Reserve

  • Apia - Mulivai Cathedral

  • Apia - Maketi Fou Market

  • Savai’i - Salelologa Market visit

  • Savai'i - Blowholes

  • Savai’i - Cape Falealupo half day tour

  • Savai’i - Fafao o SaoAli'l (Passage of the Afterlife)

show more

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

  • International Travel

Transport

  • Private vehicle , Ferry

Accommodation

  • We stay in simple accommodation throughout our time in Samoa. Hot water supply at some properties may be sporadic, so expect some cold showers.

Important Information

  • 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
  • 2. Please note the legal drinking age in Samoa is 21 years.

Mode of Transport

  • Private vehicle , Ferry

Accommodation

  • Hotel - Superior Garden & Ocean View Rooms (2 nights), Seaside Lodge - Tui Moana Ensuites (2 nights), Airconditioned Villas (3 nights)

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    There are some water-based activities included in this trip. You will get the most out of this trip if you are a competent and confident swimmer. If you are not so confident, we recommend that you bring a life jacket from home to allow you to still participate safely.

    The accommodation for this trip is not at luxury beach resorts, but is at simple, comfortable locally owned accommodation. Hot water may not be consistently available, so you should expect some cold showers. WiFi is also not widely accessible, and a local SIM will need to be purchased to have consistent internet access.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

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24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

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V Open (Google Reviewer)  

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26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

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Nicole  

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Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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