Welcome to Samoa. Our simple accommodation in Malifanua is close to the airport and there are beaches nearby if you are looking for a swim.

Time to unpack your unicycle and relax into island life.

Our ferry is scheduled for 10am so we'll have a relaxing morning before riding to the ferry for the journey to Savaii, the larger, but quieter of the two main Samoan island. The Apolima Strait crossing takes just over an hour to Salelologa.

The ride begins through numerous villages as the road winds along close to the lagoon. Stop for a swim at the John Williams Memorial Pool (8kms from Salelologa). At Tuasivi the road ascends a small hill to the administrative centre of the island. A good place for an ice-cream before the last 8kms beside the lagoon to Lano. While it’s tempting to stop at most of the beaches along the way, Lano has an absolutely gorgeous beach.

In the evening we will enjoy a traditional Umu meal.

Today's ride is a gentle ascent with lots of stops for lava fields and interesting villages. The route initially winds alongside the lagoon before heading inland with gentle undulations through regenerating forest. Check out the village of Mauga which is built around a crater and the LMS (London Missionary Society) church with a metre of lava across the floor at Saleaula.

This is probably our hardest day as we travel inland away from the cool breeze and there are quite a number of undulations and some significant ascents. Take your time through the first few villages as there are lots of photo opportunities before the road starts climbing for the second time at Sasina.

The Pe’ape’a Cave at Letui is well worth a stop to watch and listen to the birds echo-locating in the cave where they nest. Aopo is located near the top of the first steep climb and is one of the only inland villages in Samoa. Take your time to discover what the locals are selling in their shops and stalls. The descent into Asau is fast and steep. Here you are rewarded with a swim in the large freshwater pool, the perfect place to cool off and celebrate the day’s ride as it is only a short distance to your accommodation.

Enjoy a day filled with snorkelling, swimming and relaxing.

It is interesting to visit the cocoa processing plant to see how cocoa is processed for inclusion in your Whittakers chocolate bar. Also check the activities board to see what is happening.

Take an out and back day ride to the Falealupo Peninsula. The ride starts with a gentle ride through villages followed by a short, sharp climb. The sealed road runs out as the road hits the coast and it’s a short ride on gravel and sand roads to beautiful Falealupo Beach.

Return by the same route back to our accommodation in Vaimoana.

But don’t rush as there is much to see along the way. The 1990 and 1991 cyclones destroyed the village, but the church ruins 1 kilometre before Falealupo are worth a visit to appreciate the power of these storms. Opposite the church is a small crypt that may surprise.

We climb again up to the Falealupo Peninsula turnoff but this time continue straight and head back downhill to the coast.

Undulations follow as we ride along the cliff tops with lots of wild seascapes where the surf crashes into the lava coast and sea arches. Stop at the cliff top, Lovers Leap, to look for the shark and turtle that legend tells us the lovers turned into. Then follow along the cliff tops through numerous villages. Faiaai Beach is worth the walk down to, for those with energy to spare. There is also a lovely swimming beach at Foailalo, that is worth riding back to if it’s low tide when you arrive at Satuiatua.

This is the night of our most basic accommodation: simple fales right on the beach with shared bathroom facilities.

The day begins with a gentle climb through Lata, then it’s mostly flat for the rest of the way. Lata is an example of the original German copra estates, with its neatly planted rows of coconut palms. These were harvested mostly for their oil for use in lamps, while cattle were grazed under the palms.

The blowholes at Taga are a trip highlight, as they tend to ‘blow’ in all weather. Likewise, the falls at Afu Aau are magnificent and a swim here is a must.

An easy 11kms of riding brings you to Saleloga and the completion of your lap of Savaii. Saleloga is the commercial centre and only true town of Savai’i. The markets offer a range of souvenirs before boarding the midday ferry back to Upolu.

After arriving on Upolu we transfer to a resort on the south coast which will be our base for our last few days in Samoa.

We swap the unicycles for kayaks and take in one of the highlights of Samoa. Gently paddle through the mangroves and out into the lagoon where you can see large bales (groups) of turtles. This lagoon is one of the few remaining with large sandy beaches suitable for nesting. The turtles are plentiful.

In the afternoon you can choose to make a visit the Giant Clams, just 4km from our resort. These giant fluorescent molluscs are almost a metre long and located in a safe and sheltered lagoon.

Our final ride is the longest of the trip but worth it for the destination: To Sua Trench. This collapsed lava tube is one of the picture postcard attractions of Samoa, with the steep ladder leading down into the sea water pools. The trench and surrounds deserve a couple of hours at least. Take in the seascape, blowholes, beach and history along with a gentle swim in the pool.

We will return to our resort in our support vehicles.

Our tour ends after breakfast. Time to head to the airport or stay on and enjoy more days in paradise!