Islands of the South Pacific: Fiji, Samoa & Tonga

Make your own way to the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort in Port Denarau before transferring to Heritage Adventurer. After boarding, settle into your cabin and meet the expedition team for an introduction to the voyage ahead. This afternoon the ship departs Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu and sails towards Vanua Levu.

Meals:  D

Our first exploration is on Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second-largest island and a quieter contrast to the better-known resorts of Viti Levu. Savusavu sits between forested volcanic hills and a sheltered bay and provides access to both the island’s rainforest interior and local communities. Head inland to Nakawaga Rainforest, a 200-acre tract of tropical forest where huge indigenous trees, wild orchids and flying foxes are among the species to look for. A walk through the forest leads to Wainiliku Creek, limestone caves and the 15-metre Nakawaga Waterfall, with the opportunity for a swim in its clear pools. Alternatively, spend the day gaining an insight into contemporary Fijian village life. A traditional meke combines song, dance and storytelling, before visiting a local cacao producer to follow the process from growing cocoa through to handmade Fijian chocolate.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we reach one of the voyage's most remote destinations. Futuna is part of the French overseas territory of Wallis and Futuna, yet geographically and culturally it remains firmly rooted in Polynesia. Mountainous, volcanic and isolated, it offers a fascinating insight into an island community rarely encountered on conventional South Pacific itineraries. Visit the striking Poi Basilica, built on the site where Saint Peter Chanel, Oceania's only canonised martyr, was killed in 1841. We also learn about the cultivation of taro, a crop that has played an important role in island life here for thousands of years. Later, turn to the natural world around neighbouring Alofi Island. Uninhabited since the 19th century and now recognised as an Important Bird Area, its forests support Polynesian Wattled Honeyeaters, Polynesian Trillers, Fiji Shrikebills and Polynesian Starlings. Offshore, extensive coral gardens are home to parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish and reef sharks. Depending on conditions, explore by Zodiac, on foot or in the water before returning aboard for an evening beneath some remarkably dark Pacific skies.

Meals:  B,L,D

Wallis, traditionally known as Uvéa, presents another side of this little-visited French territory. A volcanic island surrounded by a vast reef-fringed lagoon and 13 small white-sand islets, it also has a history stretching from the expansion of the Tongan maritime empire to its role as an American military base during the Second World War. Explore Lake Lalolalo, an almost circular volcanic crater lake surrounded by steep cliffs and dense rainforest. From here, delve further into the island's Polynesian past at the remains of Kolonui, one of the Pacific's most extensive fortified settlements, and the archaeological site of Talietumu. Visits around Mala'efo'ou reveal another layer of Wallis, including its churches and reminders of the thousands of American servicemen stationed here during the Pacific War. It's a day that brings together archaeology, Polynesian culture, colonial history and a landscape few travellers have the opportunity to see.

Meals:  B,L,D

Cross into Samoa and arrive at Savai‘i, the country's largest island. Less developed than neighbouring Upolu, Savai‘i is one of the best places to experience fa'a Samoa – the customs, community structures and traditions that continue to shape Samoan life. Nature and culture provide two different ways to explore today. At Tafua Rainforest Reserve, walk through tropical forest and dramatic volcanic terrain towards Tafua Crater. Flying foxes roost in the canopy, while the reserve provides habitat for endemic birds including the Samoan Triller and Samoan Island Thrush. There is also the possibility of sighting the extremely rare Tooth-billed Pigeon, Samoa's national bird. Alternatively, spend time with the community at Palauli village. A traditional Taualuga dance introduces an important element of Samoan ceremonial life, while demonstrations of siapo reveal how bark from the paper mulberry tree is transformed into patterned cloth used for clothing, ceremonial occasions and decoration.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we reach Apia, Samoa's capital and the cultural and commercial centre of the country. After the traditional village life and rainforest of Savai‘i, Apia provides a different perspective on modern Samoa. Explore the former home of Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, who spent the final years of his life here and became known locally as Tusitala – teller of tales. His former estate at Vailima now houses a museum, surrounded by botanical gardens containing hundreds of native and introduced plant species. Continue into Apia to see the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and explore the lively Fugalei Market, where produce, food and locally made arts and crafts offer a glimpse of everyday island life. There is also the option to explore beneath the surface at Palolo Deep Marine Reserve. Protected since 1974, its deep blue trench and coral gardens support parrotfish, butterflyfish and angelfish, with turtles, eagle rays and octopus also found in these waters.

Meals:  B,L,D

We leave Samoa behind and turn south towards the Kingdom of Tonga. A day at sea provides time to hear from the expedition team, catch up on photography or simply spend time on deck as we cross another stretch of the South Pacific. The Bridge, Observation Lounge and outside decks provide good vantage points for watching the ocean and looking for passing seabirds and marine life.

Meals:  B,L,D

Arrive in Vava‘u, part of the Kingdom of Tonga – the Pacific's last remaining Polynesian monarchy. More than 50 islands make up this northern archipelago, creating a maze of sheltered waterways, forested islands, limestone cliffs and caves. Explore the main island from Mount Talau National Park, where elevated viewpoints look across the Port of Refuge and surrounding islands. The forest is also home to the endemic Tongan Whistler. Continue to Ene‘io Botanical Garden, established by former Tongan Director for Agriculture and Forestry Haniteli Fa‘anunu to conserve the country's native and endangered plants. Alternatively, discover two important local industries with visits to a community Mabé pearl farm and an organic vanilla plantation. This afternoon the focus shifts to Vava‘u's limestone coast. Travel to Swallows Cave on Kapa Island, a large sea cavern where sunlight enters through the opening and illuminates the clear water beneath towering rock walls and stalactites. Conditions permitting, there will be opportunities to explore the cave and surrounding coastline from the water.

Meals:  B,L,D

Returning to Fiji, we reach one of the most compelling destinations of the voyage: Fulaga in the Southern Lau Islands. Its large, sheltered lagoon is scattered with hundreds of mushroom-shaped limestone islands rising from turquoise water, creating a landscape quite different from the volcanic islands encountered earlier in the journey. Its isolation has also helped preserve strong traditions of navigation, canoe building and woodcarving. Around 400 people live across Fulaga's three villages. Spend time with the local community, take part in a traditional kava ceremony and learn about life in this remote part of Fiji. There will also be opportunities to see and purchase handicrafts made by local artisans. The lagoon itself is a major part of the experience here, and conditions will determine how we explore its maze of limestone islets, beaches and sheltered waterways.

Meals:  B,L,D

Our final full day brings us to Taveuni, Fiji's third-largest island. Known as the ‘Garden Island’, its volcanic interior receives some of the highest rainfall in the Pacific, supporting dense rainforest, waterfalls and a remarkable concentration of endemic plants and wildlife. Explore Bouma National Heritage Park, an extensive conservation area covering much of the island's interior and co-managed by local communities and the Fijian Government. Walk through tropical rainforest in search of species found nowhere else, including the Taveuni Silktail and Orange Dove, with the island also providing habitat for the endangered Fijian Monkey-faced Bat. Or discover an equally rich environment underwater in the Somosomo Strait, separating Taveuni from Vanua Levu. Strong currents carry nutrients through the strait, supporting extensive soft corals and more than 1,400 species of reef fish. Turtles, manta rays and spinner dolphins may also be encountered in the surrounding waters. Return aboard this evening for our final night at sea.

Meals:  B,L,D

Arrive in Lautoka on the western coast of Viti Levu this morning. After breakfast, disembark Heritage Adventurer and transfer to either Nadi International Airport or the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort. NB* Flights should not be booked to depart before 1.00pm.

Meals:  B