Excursion Ancient tonga cultural discovery tour at Nuku Alofa

Experience the culture, traditions and lifestyles of the Tongan people during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Ancient Tonga Cultural Centre

Depart the pier and proceed to Ancient Tonga. Here, learn about the culture, attire and daily lifestyles in the Kingdom of Tonga through demonstrations of the Lali (Tongan drum), Fale Tonga (Tongan house), mat-weaving, tapa- and coconut oil-making, and cooking in an underground oven. A kava ceremony, floor show and refreshments are also included. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach for the short drive back to the pier.

Royal Tombs

Next, continue with a drive to the Royal Palace, an ornate wooden building constructed in the 1860's for the royal family and the Royal Tombs, which was first used as a burial ground for King Tupou 1 in 1893. The area is known as Mala'e Kula or 'red ground', a reference to a festival in which everyone wore red, held here prior to the land becoming a cemetery.

At the conclusion of your tour take a brief transfer back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Nuku'alofa, Ancient Tonga, Lali, Fale Tonga, Mat-Weaving, Tapa- and Coconut Oil-Making, Cooking, Kava Ceremony, Floor Show, Royal Palace & Royal Tombs

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking, at times over unpaved surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and at the sites visited. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, but is not wheelchair-accessible. The guides and coach supply in Tonga is very limited and are the best-available in the area. Buses are non-air-conditioned and not equipped with PA systems nor microphones. Some of the roads are unpaved and rutted; the ride maybe bumpy. To make your day as enjoyable as possible, please ensure to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection. All guests should bring bottled water from the ship to drink. Restrooms facilities may be rustic. The tour itinerary may operate in reverse.

Local conditions may be challenging; therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. Coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. We thank you for your understanding.