18 Oct 2026
Twin share
£2,040pp
Single from £2,360
Escorted tour
Samoa Small Group Tour: Upolu, Savai’i & To Sua Trench – 9 Days
Waterfalls, blowholes and lava fields on Savai'i, a village day with chiefs, giant clams and To Sua Trench on Upolu, in a group of up to 12.
9 days
From £2,040
Tour overview
This 9-day small-group tour explores Samoa's two main islands, Upolu and Savai'i, combining natural wonders with time in the villages where Samoan customs remain part of daily life. Groups have up to 12 travellers aged 21 and over, with a local leader throughout, and travel by private vehicle and inter-island ferry. You stay in simple, locally owned places: hotels in Apia, a lodge or resort on Savai'i and air-conditioned beachside fales at Lalomanu. Breakfast is included daily, with five lunches and two dinners.
After a welcome meeting in Apia, a guided tour of the capital takes in the Mulinu'u Peninsula, the flea and produce markets, Mulivai Cathedral, the Bahá'í House of Worship and the hillside home of Robert Louis Stevenson, the Scottish author who spent his last years here. A ferry crosses to Savai'i, the largest and least developed island in the archipelago, rich in legends.
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On Savai'i you see the Alofaaga Blowholes, where the ocean shoots high into the air, swim at the Afu Aau Waterfall and spend half a day at Cape Falealupo, where stories of Giant Moso's footprint and the passage of the souls to the afterlife are told on the spot. A free day lets you relax by the beach or try optional activities such as a visit to a chocolate maker or a traditional fofo massage. The journey back along the north coast crosses the Saleaula lava fields, where an eruption early in the 20th century buried villages and churches.
Back on Upolu you spend a day in Vavau village, welcomed by chiefs with an ava ceremony, followed by songs, dance, traditional games and a feast. You snorkel among giant clams and starfish at a marine sanctuary, see the Sopoaga Waterfall and swim in To Sua Trench, a deep, clear ocean pool reached by a long ladder. On the final Sunday you join a church service to hear the choir, then share a toonai, the traditional Sunday feast, before returning to Apia.
The physical rating is low, with short walks and optional swims. Accommodation is simple and hot water can be sporadic. This trip suits relaxed travellers who want to experience genuine Pacific island culture as well as beaches.
Trip highlights
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Robert Louis Stevenson's home in Apia (Day 2)
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The Alofaaga Blowholes and Afu Aau Waterfall on Savai'i (Day 3)
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The legends of Cape Falealupo (Day 4)
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The Saleaula lava fields (Day 6)
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An ava ceremony and feast in Vavau village (Day 7)
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Snorkelling with giant clams and swimming in To Sua Trench
Your route
7 stops from Apia to To Sua Trench
- Apia Days 1–2 & 8
- Savai'i Days 3–5
- Afu Aau Waterfall Day 3
- Cape Falealupo Day 4
- Sale'aula Lava Fields Day 6
- Lalomanu Days 6–7
- To Sua Trench Day 8
Why choose this tour
Both main islands of Samoa in a small group, with a local leader who opens doors to village life. A rare chance to share a village ceremony and a traditional Sunday feast.
Best suited to
- Travellers looking for an authentic Pacific island experience
- Couples and solo travellers aged 21 and over
- Anyone combining Samoa with New Zealand or Australia
- Snorkellers and beach lovers
Day-by-day itinerary
9 days from Apia, Samoa to Apia, Samoa
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Day 1 · Apia Arrive in Apia
Arrive in Samoa's capital for a welcome meeting at 6pm over drinks and snacks.
- Hotel
- Hotel
-
Day 2 · Mulinu'u Peninsula, Apia market, Robert Louis Stevenson Museum Apia
A guided tour of Apia, including the markets, Mulivai Cathedral, the Bahá'í House of Worship and Robert Louis Stevenson's home.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
-
Day 3 · Savai'i, Alofaaga Blowholes, Afu Aau Waterfall Ferry to Savai'i
Take the ferry to Savai'i to see the blowholes and swim beneath the Afu Aau Waterfall.
- Hotel
- Lodge or resort
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 4 · Cape Falealupo Cape Falealupo
Spend half a day at Cape Falealupo, hearing the legends of Giant Moso's footprint and the passage of the souls.
- Hotel
- Lodge or resort
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
-
Day 5 · Savai'i Free day on Savai'i
Relax by the beach, or choose a chocolate-maker visit or a traditional fofo massage.
- Hotel
- Lodge or resort
- Meals
- Breakfast
-
Day 6 · Saleaula Lava Fields, Lalomanu Savai'i to Lalomanu
Travel the north coast to the Saleaula lava fields, then take the ferry back to Upolu and on to the beach at Lalomanu.
- Hotel
- Beach fale
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 7 · Vavau, Lalomanu Vavau village day
Be welcomed by village chiefs with an ava ceremony, followed by songs, dance, games and a feast.
- Hotel
- Beach fale
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
-
Day 8 · Lalomanu, To Sua Trench, Apia Sunday in Samoa
Join a church service to hear the choir, share a traditional toonai lunch, and return to Apia.
- Hotel
- Hotel
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
-
Day 9 · Apia Trip ends in Apia
The trip ends after breakfast. Extra nights can be arranged.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Apia (2 nights) Hotel
- Savai'i (3 nights) Lodge or resort
- Lalomanu (2 nights) Beach fale
- Apia (1 night) Hotel
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 8 nights in hotels, a lodge or resort and beachside fales
- Meals 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 2 dinners
- Transport private vehicle and ferries between Upolu and Savai'i
- Guided tour of Apia, including Robert Louis Stevenson's home, the Bahá'í House of Worship and Mulivai Cathedral
- Savai'i sights the Alofaaga Blowholes, Afu Aau Waterfall, Cape Falealupo and the Saleaula lava fields
- Upolu sights the Giant Clam Sanctuary, Sopoaga Waterfall, the Ma Tree walk and To Sua Trench
- A village day with an ava ceremony, and a traditional toonai Sunday lunch
- Local leader throughout
Not included
- Flights to Samoa
- Airport transfers, unless booked
- Meals not listed
- Optional activities
- Tips, travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You want luxury resorts — accommodation is simple and locally owned
- You want guaranteed hot water — it can be sporadic
- You want a busy nightlife — Samoa is quiet and Sundays are for church
- You want flights included — they are not
Good to know
FCDO advice
UK FCDO travel advice for Samoa
Departures & prices
From £2,040 per person, twin share, tour only. 14 upcoming departures.
04 Apr 2027
Twin share
£2,080pp
Single from £2,400
18 Apr 2027
Twin share
£2,080pp
Single from £2,400
02 May 2027
Twin share
£2,080pp
Single from £2,400
16 May 2027
Twin share
£2,140pp
Single from £2,460
06 Jun 2027
Twin share
£2,140pp
Single from £2,460
04 Jul 2027
Twin share
£2,205pp
Single from £2,525
18 Jul 2027
Twin share
£2,205pp
Single from £2,525
01 Aug 2027
Twin share
£2,205pp
Single from £2,525
15 Aug 2027
Twin share
£2,245pp
Single from £2,565
05 Sep 2027
Twin share
£2,245pp
Single from £2,565
19 Sep 2027
Twin share
£2,245pp
Single from £2,565
03 Oct 2027
Twin share
£2,245pp
Single from £2,565
17 Oct 2027
Twin share
£2,205pp
Single from £2,525
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
What is a fale?
A traditional Samoan open-sided hut. At Lalomanu you stay in air-conditioned beachside fales or villas, with simple facilities.
What should I wear in villages?
Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees. A lavalava, the Samoan sarong, is ideal for the village day and church.
How many people travel together?
Up to 12 travellers aged 21 and over, with a local Samoan leader.
Is there snorkelling?
Yes, at the Giant Clam Sanctuary, plus a swim at To Sua Trench. Bring your own mask if you prefer.
How do I get to Samoa?
Usually via Auckland, Sydney or Fiji. A specialist can arrange flights and combine Samoa with New Zealand or Fiji.
How active is the trip?
The physical rating is low. Walks are short, and the ladder down to To Sua Trench is steep but optional.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
ATOL protected
100% financially protected in a Trust bank account
PTS 6035
4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary