Fiji Museum & Thurston Gardens
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Port
Suva, Viti Levu, Fiji Islands
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
12,14
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$100
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Departing your ship, you’ll board your motorcoach for a narrated ride throughout the city.
Traveling through Suva’s busy downtown district, you’ll arrive at Government House, the official residence of the President of the Republic of Fiji. The present mansion was built in 1928 to replace the original building, once the residence of the colonial governor, which burnt to the ground after being struck by lightning in 1921. Try to catch the majestic monthly Changing of the Guard.
After your visit, continue past the Walu Bay industrial area and see such highlights as Saint Giles Hospital and the Australian Embassy, reaching Tamavua Heights, one of Suva's nicest suburbs, for stunning panoramic views of Suva Harbor and Lathala Bay. Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will point out the National Sporting Center, site of the 2003 South Pacific Games, as well as the University of the South Pacific main campus and the Parliament House building. You will also have a chance to see the British and United States Embassy buildings from the comfort of your motorcoach.
Pause for some refreshments at the Grand Pacific Hotel, located right across Thurston Gardens. Opened in 1913 on what was once the original village of Suva, the Gardens feature an array of the native flora where you’ll see a variety of palms, gingers, water lilies and other local flora.
The Fiji Museum is the oldest museum in the South Pacific. Inside, you’ll find archaeological findings dating back 3500 years as well as cultural objects reflecting Fiji's inhabitants during the past 100 years. You’re free to explore the museum at your own pace. And there’s much to see. Among the exhibits you’ll discover is the rudder of Captain Bligh's HMS Bounty: Ratu Finau, the last waqa drua (double-hulled ocean-going canoe) made in Vulaga in 1913; and the boots of Rev. Thomas Baker as missionary who was eaten by cannibals.
While your adventure officially ends here, you can stay and explore Suva some more, finding your own way back to your ship at your leisure.