Grand Samoa: Upolu, Manono & Savai'i

Today you explore Apia and Samoa's heritage, and experience the joyful fiafia. You begin in the lively capital, visiting the colourful Maketi Fou (main market), a wonderful window into Samoan life, the pretty waterfront, the landmark clock tower and the grand mission churches. Then you head into the lush hills to Vailima, the beautiful home of Robert Louis Stevenson, the great author beloved by the Samoans as Tusitala, now a wonderful museum full of his belongings and poignant story; the energetic can climb the forest path towards his tomb on Mount Vaea for sweeping views. This evening you experience a fiafia, a joyful celebration of Samoan performing arts, an evening of song, graceful siva dance and the spectacular fire-knife dance, in which dancers spin flaming knives with breathtaking skill, accompanied by a delicious island feast. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having tasted the heritage and joyful culture of Samoa, the living heart of Polynesia.

Today you journey to Upolu's spectacular south and east coasts and their most beautiful natural wonders. The highlight is the extraordinary To Sua Ocean Trench, a deep, sheer-sided pool of impossibly clear turquoise water sunk into the lush coastal cliffs, reached by a steep wooden ladder and connected to the sea through hidden lava tubes; swimming in its cool, clear water, surrounded by tropical greenery, is a magical and unforgettable experience. You also visit beautiful coastal spots along the way, perhaps a blowhole or coastal lava field, before arriving at the golden sands and turquoise lagoon of Lalomanu, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, where you swim, snorkel over the coral gardens teeming with fish, relax in the shade of a traditional beach fale, and soak up the beauty of the coast. As the day ends, you return along the scenic coast to your hotel, having experienced the natural wonders and beautiful beaches of Upolu.

Today you explore the lush, mountainous interior of Upolu, a world of waterfalls, cave pools and rainforest. You might visit the spectacular Papapapaitai Falls, plunging dramatically into a deep, forested gorge, and the beautiful Sopoaga Falls in their lush tropical garden setting, take a refreshing swim in the magical Piula Cave Pool, a crystal-clear freshwater pool in a lava cave beneath a historic church, and pass through the cross-island road with its stunning views and lush rainforest. Along the way you pass traditional villages of open, thatched fale, plantations of taro, banana and coconut, and glimpse the timeless rhythm of village life. The beauty of the interior offers a lovely counterpoint to the coast. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, having explored the lush green heart of Upolu. Rest well, for tomorrow you cross to tiny, timeless, car-free Manono, one of the most magical islands in all of Samoa.

Today you cross to tiny, timeless Manono, one of the most magical islands in all of Samoa, set in the strait between Upolu and Savai'i. You transfer to the coast and take a short boat across to Manono, a tiny island with no cars, no dogs and no noise, just a handful of peaceful villages, beautiful beaches, clear lagoons and a single path that circles the whole island. On arrival you are welcomed into the timeless island world, and settle into your simple beach fale or guesthouse accommodation. This afternoon you walk part of the island path, which circles the entire island in a gentle couple of hours, passing beautiful beaches, timeless villages and friendly, welcoming people, and perhaps visiting an ancient star mound; you swim in the pristine, clear lagoon and soak up the extraordinary peace and timelessness of a place where fa'a Samoa thrives untouched and you feel you have stepped back in time. As the sun sets over the strait, you settle into the timeless peace of Manono, dining with your hosts.

This morning you bid farewell to timeless Manono and cross to Savai'i, the largest and most unspoiled island in Polynesia, via the ferry, a scenic voyage over the sparkling strait with views of both islands and, perhaps, dolphins or flying fish. On arrival, you transfer along the coast to your accommodation, beginning to explore the beautiful, laid-back island as you go. This afternoon you visit the moving lava fields of Saleaula on the north coast, walking across vast fields of black lava that poured from Mount Matavanu in eruptions between 1905 and 1911, burying villages and leaving a hauntingly beautiful black landscape; the preserved shell of the old church, half-buried in lava, and the poignant 'virgin's grave', mysteriously left untouched by the flow, are moving and unforgettable. As you take in the raw volcanic beauty and timeless village life of the island, the wild character of Savai'i captivates. As the sun sets over the unspoiled coast, you settle into your accommodation, immersed in the raw beauty and peace of Savai'i.

A full day exploring the spectacular natural wonders of Savai'i's dramatic south coast. The highlight is the extraordinary Alofaaga blowholes near Taga, where the powerful ocean surges through lava tubes in the black volcanic coast and erupts in towering jets of spray, thundering dozens of metres skywards with a roar, a raw and thrilling display of the ocean's power (local villagers may throw coconuts into the tubes to be launched high into the air). You take in the wild, rugged beauty of the surrounding coast, black lava, crashing surf and endless ocean, and explore more of the dramatic south, perhaps visiting coastal villages and beautiful, empty beaches. The raw, dramatic beauty of the coast is captivating. As the day ends, you return to your accommodation, having witnessed one of the great natural spectacles of Samoa. Relax this evening in the peace of the unspoiled island, savouring the raw beauty of the largest island in Polynesia.

Today you explore the lush green interior and ancient heritage of Savai'i. You swim beneath the beautiful Afu Aau (Olemoe) Falls, which cascade into a magical, clear jungle pool perfect for swimming, surrounded by rainforest, a refreshing and beautiful spot. You also venture into the jungle to the mysterious Pulemelei Mound, the largest ancient structure in all of Polynesia, a vast stone pyramid hidden in the forest whose purpose is still debated, a fascinating and atmospheric glimpse into Samoa's ancient past, and possibly its role as a cradle of Polynesia. Along the way you pass timeless traditional villages, plantations and lush rainforest, glimpsing the rhythm of island life. The combination of refreshing waterfalls, clear pools and ancient mystery is captivating and reveals the lush, green, ancient heart of the island. As the day ends, you return to your accommodation, having explored the beautiful interior and ancient heritage of Savai'i. Relax this evening in the peace of the unspoiled island.

Today you experience the pristine rainforest, wild coast and profound culture of Savai'i. You visit a rainforest preserve, such as Falealupo or Tafua, walking forest trails rich with birdlife and flying foxes, and, at Falealupo, crossing a thrilling canopy walkway high among the treetops of an ancient forest, with spectacular views over the canopy and coast. You also explore the wild western tip of the island, perhaps standing near the legendary 'edge of the world' to watch the endless Pacific, and experience the profound traditional culture of Savai'i, being welcomed into a village to learn about fa'a Samoa and see traditional crafts such as siapo and fine mat weaving. The pristine rainforest, thrilling canopy walk and profound culture reveal yet more facets of unspoiled Savai'i. As the sun sets over Savai'i for the last time, you enjoy a final island evening, reflecting on the raw beauty and deep culture you have experienced. Rest well, for tomorrow you cross back to Upolu.

This morning you bid a fond farewell to beautiful, unspoiled Savai'i and cross back to Upolu aboard the ferry, taking in a final scenic voyage over the sparkling strait. On arrival, you transfer to the beautiful south-east coast for a final, relaxed day in paradise. You might return to the glorious golden sands of Lalomanu, or relax at another beautiful beach, swimming and snorkelling in the warm, clear turquoise lagoon, lazing in the shade of a traditional beach fale, and soaking up the beauty and peace of the coast one last time. This relaxed final day lets you savour the beauty and warmth of Samoa and reflect on the grand journey you have made across all three islands. As the sun sets over the lagoon for the last time, you enjoy a final dinner, savouring the flavours and warmth of Samoa. As the stars fill the clear Samoan sky, you reflect on the extraordinary beauty, culture and warmth you have experienced across all three islands of the heart of Polynesia. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow.

After a final, relaxed morning in paradise, perhaps a last swim in the warm lagoon or a stroll along the beach, you are transferred to Faleolo Airport for your onward international departure. You leave having truly experienced Samoa in full, across all three main islands, the beaches, waterfalls, culture and heritage of Upolu, the timeless, car-free magic of Manono, and the lava fields, blowholes, waterfalls, rainforest, ancient sites and unspoiled villages of Savai'i, all wrapped in the famous warmth of fa'a Samoa. The images stay vivid long after you land, the turquoise trench, the golden beaches, the timeless island path of Manono, the thundering blowholes, the black lava fields, the church singing and the warm smiles of the Samoan people. Samoa, the true heart of Polynesia, offers beauty, culture and warmth in abundance, and having experienced it in full, across all three islands and at a relaxed pace, you depart with the definitive experience of this beautiful, welcoming country, already dreaming of a return to these beautiful shores.