Apia

During your scenic drive, you will pass through traditional villages, nestled along the coastline, which time has changed very little over the decades. Enjoy the sights of island life as local people go about their daily business.

A stop will be made at ‘Plum Pudding Rock’ for photos. Take in the sight of this wonderful cluster of coral, which has been aptly named by the locals, before continuing on to Falefa Falls and Estuary.

Falefa Falls was once a trading post for the local beach whalers in the early 1800’s. Now the Falls are just one of the many scenic delights on the island, which convey its natural beauty. Located in a small village, Fagaloa Bay affords wonderful views of the surrounding coastline and countryside.

Make a stop at Gina's Tropical Garden, where there is an abundance of tropical plants, flowers and fruit trees. See the different varieties of Heliconia, Birds of Paradise and Frangipanis. Here, you will be offered light refreshments of tropical fruits and bottled water.

Your return trip is made via the same coastal road. Pause at a small village for photos and to take in any cultural activity that may be experienced on the day of your tour.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach or mini-van. Passengers are advised that disembarking the coach during the stops is optional.

Start your day with a beautiful scenic drive along the north-eastern coast of Upolu stopping at Plum Pudding Rock and a slow drive through Le Mafa Pass (1,700 feet above sea level). The Pass has breathtaking views of the northern shorelines and the scenic drive is through lush green forests, waterfalls, plantations and traditional Samoan villages.

Sopo’aga Botanical Gardens our next stop has a variety of indigenous plants and your guide will tell you about their medicinal qualities. You will also be shown a demonstration of how the locals prepare some of their meals, cooking their food in ‘umu’ (stone ovens).

A BBQ lunch is served at the Tafatafa Beach, where you can relax and enjoy the sea and sunshine. The return trip to Apia is made via the south-western part of the island, stopping at Papapapaiuta Falls which drop into an old volcanic crater. The scenic return trip is via rainforests, plantations and mountains. As you descend towards the township to the wharf, fantastic coastal views of the Apia can be seen.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 15 minutes walking involved on this excursion. The ground at the falls is rather uneven. There may be independent suppliers on the beach that offer watersports. These are provided by parties unconnected to P&O Cruises.

Enjoy the highlights of this beautiful island by coach, beginning with photo stops at Mulinu’u the sacred burial grounds of Samoan royalty, the Independence Monuments, Parliament House and other historic monuments.

Another stop will be made at the local food and handicraft market, where an abundance of fresh local produce from the rich soils of Samoa is sold. A visit to the market not only allows you to see the many varieties of fruit and vegetables available, but also invites you to browse for handicrafts, souvenirs, kava and other items unique to this region. The interesting sights and aromas of this vibrant market typify life in Samoa.

After a drive through the Agricultural Campus of the University of South Pacific, you will have time at the Moamoa Theological College to visit an old Cathedral, which features exquisite Parisian stained-glass windows.

Your final stop will be at Robert Louis Stevenson’s former home. The novelist spent the last 4 years of his life here and you will hear interesting historical facts and stories about the house and its residents.

Explore the well-groomed grounds of Vailima, the grounds of the Museum, where you can enjoy some welcome refreshment on the patio.

Essential information

This excursion will operate by coach or minivan. The visit to the museum and college will be on foot and involves uneven ground and steps.