Sleeping Giants and Village tour

Legend has it that Viseisei Village was landing place of the first Fijians over a thousand years ago. You will witness one of the most honoured rites of Fijian life, the ceremonial preparation for drinking kava. Used at births, marriages, deaths and new chief ceremonies, Kava is a tranquilizing, non-alcoholic drink that numbs the tongue and lips. Derived from the dried roots of the pepper plant, it is an intriguing ritual and an acquired taste. Then, continue to the famous orchid Garden of the Sleeping Giant, with a magnificent mountain backdrop (Sleeping Giant). Finally, stop briefly at Nadi where you’ll find a range of duty-free products and local crafts including woodcarving, crochet, pottery and colourful Tapa cloth. Special Notes: • Ladies must wear below the knee clothing, hats must be removed when you enter the village, and it is forbidden to touch any Fijian’s hair. Footwear should be removed before entering any Fijian home • Please bring cash for optional purchases including locally made handicrafts at Viseisei village (FJD or AUD currency recommended). Credit cards are widely accepted in Nadi • Village visits are closed on Sundays, Good Fridays or if there has been a death In the village • There are a few steps to be negotiated at the entrance of the garden, moderate walking is involved over stepping stones and uneven ground. Not recommended for guests with mobility problems • Please wear comfortable flat-soled shoes, clothing suited to the weather conditions, bring a hat, plenty of bio-degradable sunscreen and fill your water bottle before leaving the ship

Photography

Please bring your camera

Refreshments

IMPORTANT NOTE ON THE CONSUMPTION OF KAVA: Please note Kava is a non-alcoholic beverage used traditionally in the Pacific Islands for ceremonial purposes. Formed by the root of the pepper tree Kava usually has a mildly sedative and anaesthetic effect, alt