Silversea Expedition Cruises Nach NEIAFU VAVA'U GROUP

Embrace the splendid beauty, culture and traditions of ancient Polynesia during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Vavau, Ene'Io Botanical Garden, Guided Walking Tour, Plant Collections, Cultural Demonstration

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Ene'Io Botanical Garden, Tonga's only tropical botanical garden. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour through the exquisite garden. Along the way, hear fascinating stories and folklore whilst passing by the rich and varied collections of plants and flowers. Learn about the medicinal uses of different plants and the local fauna, and observe cultural demonstrations that include mat-weaving, the pounding of tapa cloths, making nonu juice and vanilla essence, extracting of coconut milk, and a kava-tasting. Before you leave, stop by the gift shop to browse the items available for sale.

Beachside Restaurant, Snack, Cultural Dance Performance, Tongan Music, Swimming, Beach

Next, re-board your bu and continue on to the Beachside restaurant and bar for a fruit snack whilst observing a traditional performance of cultural dancing by schoolchildren, and the sweet sounds of Tonga island music. Afterward, some free time is made available to enjoy the swimming pool, beach and/or ocean. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your bus and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier. En route, a souvenir stop is made in Vavau Town.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking and standing for approximately 1.24 miles (about two kilometres), at times over uneven and natural surfaces and trails, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the bus. Walking at the beach is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a towel, bottled water and change of clothing from the ship. Buses utilised on this tour are rustic, with no A/C nor microphones. Guests must be at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions.

Explore the evolution and historical landmarks of Vavau during this scenic and informative sightseeing excursion.

Vavau, Christian Landing Place, Kilikilitefua Volcanic Rock Wall

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the Christian Landing Place, the first landing place of Christianity into Tonga. In addition, visit Kilikilitefua, a wall made of volcanic rock where the ongoing census for the noble and local families took place; when the first son was born, a single stone was added to the wall.

Scenic Drive, Villages, Schools, Pouono Village, Veimumuni Caves

Next, re-board your coach for the drive past villages and schools en route to the village of Pouono, where the first King of Tonga, King Siaosi Tupou I, gave Tonga to God. Upon arrival, proceed for a final stop at the Veimumuni Caves. According to legend, a princess once bathed in this freshwater cave, which is situated beside the sea. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your bus and commence the short drive back to the pier. En route, a souvenir shopping stop is made in Vavau Town.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 3.1 miles (about five kilometres), at times over uneven and grassy surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the bus. This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and bottled water from the ship. Buses utilised on this tour are rustic, with no A/C nor microphones. The tour sequence may vary.

Experience the panoramic island beauty of Vavau from a unique perspective during this invigorating hiking excursion to the summit of Mount Talau.

Vavau, Mount Talau, Royal Palace at Fangatongo, Talau Village

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to the base of Mount Talau. Mout Talau has a rich history; according to legend, the tip of the mount now rests in the sea to the north-western side of the mount, and is an island known as Lotuma. Upon arrival, begin your guided, approximately 15-minute slow hiking trek up to the summit. En route, pass by the Royal Palace at Fangatongo and village of Talau.

Mount Talau Summit, Eastern Deck, Vavau Islands, Port of Refuge, Neiafu Township, Islands

Upon arrival at the summit, there are two decks; one facing east and one facing north. From the eastern deck, take in spectacular panoramic views overlooking the islands of Vavau, Port of Refuge and township of Neiafu. Looking further out towards the east, take in spectacular views of the eastern islands and outlying villages, and islands to the south.

Northern Deck, Northern Vavau Island and Town, Bridge, Mount Talayu Bay, Cruise Ships

The northern deck offers a bird's-eye view of the northern end of the island, which features the only bridge in Tonga connecting the villages to the main business centre of Neiafu. There are also tracks leading around the summit, and to the very back of the mount. Here, marvel at the view of Mount Talayu Bay, where cruise ships berth whilst visiting Vavau. Following your stop at the summit of Mount Talau, begin the approximately 15-minute descent to the base on-foot. Upon arrival at the base, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier. En route, a souvenir shopping stop is made in Vavau Town.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking, at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the bus. This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests with a fear of heights, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe and sturdy hiking shoes, and bring sun protection and bottled water from the ship. Buses utilised on this tour are rustic, with no A/C nor microphones. The tour sequence may vary.

Explore the local culture, lifestyle and traditions of Vavau during this sunny and relaxing excursion to the exquisite Tongan Beach Resort.

Vavau, Neiafu Town, Villages, Schoolchildren in School, Tongan Beach

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to beautiful Tongan Beach. En route, observe the daily routines of the local people whilst passing through the town of Neiafu and nearby villages, and stop to see schoolchildren in school. Nestled on the shores of Tongan Beach, the most awe-inspiring beach on mainland Vavau, is the elegant Tongan Beach Resort.

Tongan Beach Resort, Singing and Dancing Performance, Sunbathing, Swimming, Snorkelling

Upon arrival, you are greeted by the staff of the Tongan Beach Resort, served local seasonal fruit, and regaled with a singing and dancing performance by local villagers. Afterward, ample free time is made available to relax, soak up the tropical sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean, and/or snorkel amidst the coral reef, tropical fish and marine life. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your bus and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, at times over sandy surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the bus. Walking at the beach is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, however not those guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a towel, bottled water and change of clothing from the ship. Buses utilised on this tour are rustic, with no A/C nor microphones. Guests must be at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions.