Matagofie Aulelei Samoan 10 Day Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Apia

Stop At: Taumeasina Island Resort, Matautu St, Apia, Samoa
Taumeasina Island Resort. Sheraton Samoa Aggie Grey's Hotel & Bungalows. Enjoy the newly renovated Hotel & Bungalows located conveniently by the harbor. This beautiful hotel includes a spa, cultural shows, and of course, traditional ceremonies.
Start this day with a stop at the local fish market. This traditional market is one of the main hubs for the economy for many of Samoa's people. Afterward, you will continue to the clock tower, a national memorial, where Samoa's Police Band proudly raises the national flag. This beloved nation shows great patriotism and pride. After the band's performance, we will be walking across the road to the Catholic Cathedral of Mulivai. Here you will witness the strong sense of community in Apia. Around 10:30 am, you will end up at the Cultural Village of Samoa for a show. This two-hour village tour is an enriching inspiration, to say the least. This incredible show journeys through various 'stations' such as traditional food cooked in a ground oven (umu), an Ava ceremony (kava), a beautiful dance show, a tattoo show, woodworking, and fa'a saipo (traditional tapa creations). You will also learn the Samoan way or old code of conduct. This still influences every Samoan's life.

Afternoon

You will be spending this time at the main market, Maketi Fou. This market boasts a tropical oasis of locally grown vegetables and fruit. You can buy many items ready to eat. Be amazed at the local avocados, super sweet star fruit or delicious mangos. Next, off to the third market in Apia. This is the flea market where traditional clothes, souvenirs, and sarongs are sold. Afterward, we are going to visit the central bus station. Samoan buses are a unique way to see the community pride and charm of Samoa. These busses are incredible. They blast music, and these brightly painted treasures are an attraction all their own. However, a more critical aspect of Samoan culture is found on the bus. It shows how well the Samoans get along and share. Walk along the Beach Road for stunning Apia views. The road leads to the Marine Reserve of Palolo, where snorkeling in Samoa is at it's very best. On the way, there is also the Seafood Gourmet Bar & Grill and Cocktails on The Rocks, which offer great food and drinks.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Lodging accommodations will vary based on availability. Please contact us for info.

Day 2: Cross Island Road

Pass By: Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, Vailima, Apia, Upolu Samoa
Morning

We'll start at the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum. The Scottish author of Treasure Island came to Samoa hoping its tropical climate would help with his tuberculosis. He built a beautiful mansion that serves as the present-day museum. A short hike from the estate, Stevenson is buried atop Mount Vaea, a good spot for panoramic views of Apia and the blue ocean.

After visiting the museum; you will continue on the Cross Island Road headed to Papapapaitai Falls lookout. This 100-meter waterfall is the highest in Samoa but often covered in clouds that quickly form in the deep gorge.

As you reach the main South Coast Road, visit the Ma Tree. The easy 15-minute walk will lead you through the forest to the base of this massive ma tree, with its overgrown roots fanning out in every direction. It's something straight out of a fairytale, ubiquitous in French Polynesia but rare in Samoa.

From the Ma, Tree you will travel to the Aganoa Black Sand Beach.

Afternoon

Go to Togitogiga Waterfall which is located further east along the South Coast Road. A path through a tropical garden, part of the recreation reserve, leads to many beautiful cascade swimming pools. Old Samoan warriors liked to swim here, and it is not a bad place for a picnic. If you want to hit the beach before you're going to our last stop, Togitogiga Waterfall Samoa. The beach is beautiful and enjoyable to swim in. Now, we're going to drive back to Apia, again going through Papapaaitai Falls. We'll finish our day in the Papasee Sliding Rocks on our way through Apia. It's fun to ride the smooth volcanic rock down to the pool, as its name suggests. Check just before sliding down, because in the dry season it can be a bumpy landing.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Lodging accommodations will vary based on availability. Please contact us for info.

Day 3: Waterfalls, Swimming Holes and Beaches

Pass By: Piula Cave Pool, Piula, Upolu Samoa
Morning

It's time to take a look at Apia and get on the road again. We'll get another early start today. Not because it's as action-packed as day 2, but rather because you'll want to make it to the Piula Cave Pool before everyone else arrives. The water from the highlands fills this magical swimming hole. Go for a swim and use some snorkeling gear to get the full experience in this incredibly clear water!

Stop at the Fuipisia Waterfall and walk to the top of this 55-meter high waterfall. Wow!

Further down the road are the last waterfall of the day and the most impressive one on the island. The Sopoaga Waterfall emerges from the jungle like a scene from a movie about paradise. Cascading from one pool to another, it eventually finds its way to the river, and into your dreams.

Afternoon

Take to the south coast to the east and stop to have a picnic and swim in the To - Sua Ocean Trench. You cannot come to Samoa without visiting one of nature's most exceptional achievements. Two sinkholes are connected by a lava tube from a seemingly flat grassy surface, and one is filled with sapphire blue waters that come from the nearby ocean. In the list of 'sites you need to visit before you die 'the To - Sua Ocean Trench is an ongoing member, and you'll see why.

At Lalomanu Beach, the day will come to an end, where you will also check in on Taufua Beach Fales or Litia Sini's more upscale Beach Fales.

Evening

The beach is a popular place to stay in Samoa and on Wednesdays and Saturdays, you'll be treated to a Polynesian dance and fire show at Taufua Beach Fales.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Lodging accommodations will vary based on availability. Please contact us for info.

Day 4: Relaxing on the Beach

Pass By: Lalomanu Beach, Main South Coast Road, Lalomanu, Upolu Samoa
Surely Lalomanu Beach is one of the South Pacific's best beaches and the best beach in Samoa. It doesn't get any better! Enjoy a day of pure relaxation, Polynesian massages, and cocktails at happy hour! Find your way to nearby Vavau Beach if you want to explore another beach.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Lodging accommodations will vary based on availability. Please contact us for info.

Day 5: Going off the Grid

Pass By: Lalomanu Beach, Main South Coast Road, Lalomanu, Upolu Samoa
Surely Lalomanu Beach is one of the South Pacific's best beaches and the best beach in Samoa. It doesn't get any better! Enjoy a day of pure relaxation, Polynesian massages, and cocktails at happy hour! Find your way to nearby Vavau Beach if you want to explore another beach.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Lodging accommodations will vary based on availability. Please contact us for info.

Day 6: Swimming with Giant Clams

Pass By: Giant Clam Sanctuary, Le Valasis Beach Fales, Savaia, Upolu Samoa
Head out towards the west side of Upolu's southern coast. The Savaia village is a peaceful setting along the seaside. We will be observing Sa'a with the other villagers. From 18:00 to 19:00, villagers must remain indoors, pray, and have good family time on Sunday. The best sunsets on the islands can be seen here, and Le Valasi's Beach Fales are incredible. You will also get to visit the Sanctuary of Giant Clams.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Lodging accommodations will vary based on availability. Please contact us for info.

Day 7: Tropical Beach Hopping

Pass By: Salamumu Beach, Main South Coast Road, Apia, Upolu Samoa
Today, we will travel to Le Valasi's Beach Fales to visit a few tropical beaches. If you're cycling, take plenty of water, a hat and be prepared for off-road cycling as the beaches are always a few kilometers from the main road.

Morning

Cycling to Salamumu Beach, you can often see youth fishing along the way. This crescent-shaped stretch of white sand is striking! The ocean is clear, and the water is simply inviting.



Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Lodging accommodations will vary based on availability. Please contact us for info.

Day 8: Savaii South Coast

Pass By: Salelologa New Market, Salelologa, Samoa
Start this adventure on the morning ferry to Savaii. Savaii is much larger than Upolu, yet only about a quarter of the population lives here. The traditional way of life (fa'a) is practiced here. The volcano, Matuvano, erupted over 100 years ago. Heading to Saleloga, the only town on the island, we will get some snacks (fruits and vegetables) for the next couple of days. We head off to Afu Aau Falls a refreshing dip. You will most likely be the only ones here. We will continue from the falls towards the southern coast. You will pass several sleepy villages and picturesque basalt cliffs.

Afternoon

A long and pleasant drive through the coast of Savaii will take you for a quick stop to Lovers Leap. Legend tells of a blind woman and her daughter, believed that they had been left behind to starve, so they jumped off the ledge. Upon hitting the water, one turned into a sea turtle and the other a shark. They say that sometimes you can see a shark and turtle cruising the deep blue bay.

We will end the day in Cape Mulinuu on the southwestern coast. Before missionaries came to the islands, this was an area of great spirituality. It is believed that the Soul of Samoans was carried into the afterlife at sunset. It is a beautiful story, and the spiritual past is felt strongly in the area. It is worth feeling and hearing the stories for yourself. After a short walk, you will experience the Blood Well, Vaatausili Cave, and Moon of the Stars. Your local guide will show you where some of the more unusual rituals that occurred back in the day. Visit the sFalealupo Peninsula and enjoy the vast wild palm trees.

Evening

Check-in at Savaiian Hotel and back to Salelologa, the hotel also offers excellent buffet breakfasts and great meals, regardless of the type of accommodation you choose.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Lodging accommodations will vary based on availability. Please contact us for info.

Day 9: Savaii East and North Coasts

Pass By: Pe'ape'a Cave, O Le Pupu-Pu'e National Park, Upolu Samoa
There's an enjoyable day ahead, so we'll start early. Once you're out of' Salelologa Metro,' the houses along the beach are replaced with long, white sand and the occasional rustic village.

You will see the remains of the LMS church and hear the stories of entire villages and fertile land taken by lava that ran 9 meters thick.

Afternoon

Heading off to Mataolealo Spring, you will experience Polynesia's swiftlet nests. Then a quick stop in Peapea cave. This unique part of Savaii is riddled with underground lava tubes. The Canopy Walkway is an absolute Oasis. Next is the footprint of Moso and the remnants of the Catholic church beaten by a cyclone and time. Finally, the House of Rock. This part of Savaii is rural, and many of its people do not speak English.

Evening

This completes the tour, stays at Manase for the last two nights, and enjoys some time by the beach. The Savaii Lagoon Resort and Le Lagoto Resort and the Manase Beach Fales are the perfect choices for those on the beach who want simplicity.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Lodging accommodations will vary based on availability. Please contact us for info.

Day 10: Relax and travel home

Pass By: Le Lagoto Resort & Spa, Fagamalo, Savai'i, Savai'i, Samoa
It's ten days in Samoa, so why not relax on the sea? Travel home today.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.