SUMMARY
With its fragrant plantations, Réunion is the ultimate Vanilla Island. The birthplace of Edmond Albius, the first person to hand-fertilise a vanilla pod, the island is rich in human and natural diversity. A subtle mix of spices and flavours from Asia and Madagascar, the “Intense Island” is your next stop in the Vanilla Islands. But before that, visit the young Piton de la Fournaise volcano.
Your next destination? The Seychelles. This heavenly archipelago, in the heart of the Indian Ocean, offers you some of the most spectacular atolls in the world with their tropical climate. The landscape is an idyllic postcard: turquoise sea lining long, fine white sandy beaches, coconut trees, unique fauna and flora. The three-star hotels guarantee you peaceful and quiet nights. Your taste buds will benefit from the Creole cuisine. You can also take part in an unforgettable experience : navigating a sailing boat. Your holiday on three of the archipelago’s islands will allow you to see the most beautiful sites on land and underwater, with their unique, unspoiled biodiversity.
17
DAYS
14
NIGHTS
From
€3118
inc. taxes*
per person
(Based on 6 people sharing)
| Getting in touch with nature | 5/5 |
|
| Meeting the locals | 3/5 |
|
| Eco-responsibility | 3/5 |
|
| Comfort | 3/5 |
|
| Accessibility | 3/5 |
A ECOTOURISTIC CIRCUIT CHARACTERIZED BY
Learning about biodiversity and the importance of protecting it
Promoting traditional farms and local artisanal products.
Hiking and outdoor activities
Interactions with local people and associations
Historic visits and cultural diversity
COMBINED ITINERARY
The tours, meetings and transfers mentioned may vary depending on the availability of participants and local constraints.
Day 1 : Paris / La reunion
Flight to Réunion. Dinner served on board.
Day 2 : Cirque de Salazie
After landing, you will immediately go to the Cirque de Salazie. You will get a close look at the vanilla growing in the middle of nature. Next, you will have the opportunity to sample Creole cuisine in a traditional restaurant in Hell Bourg. A guide will take you to the Maison Folio, a historic monument, before dinner at the four-star Diana Dea Lodge.
Day 3 : Piton de la Fournaise volcano and the Bélouve forest
After breakfast, go on an excursion to the heart of the mythical Piton de la Fournaise. A short stopover at the Gite de Bélouve is a must for lunch. Head off with a specialist guide for a stroll in the primary forest in the heart of the National Park. Then back to the Lodge for dinner.
Day 4 : The Sud Sauvage, lava flows
Start the day with a good breakfast before heading to L’Entre-Deux. On the way, you can admire Le Sud Sauvage and in particular, the lava flows of 2007, before lunch at a guest house. A guide will then take you to the Garden of Perfumes and Spices before heading to Le Dimitile Hotel, which promises relaxation and comfort.
Day 5 : Cirque de Cilaos
Breakfast at the hotel before heading to Cilaos to meet a lentil planter. Lunch at a guest house belonging to the Cirque de Cilaos, before returning to the three-star Le Dimitile Hotel and its welcoming staff.
Day 6 : L’Entre-Deux
Kakouk, a herbal tea blender and heir to a long family tradition, will surprise you at lunch. Learn how coffee is produced using permaculture and agroforestry practices. Spend the night at the three-star Relais de l’Hermitage in Saint-Gilles, where you will also have dinner.
Day 7 : Piton Maido and L’Etang de St Paul
After breakfast, go on an excursion to Piton Maido. Lunchtime appointment for a demonstration of traditional culinary arts and to taste the “Lontan” products. An environmental warden will take you to a geranium distillery and the Etang de St Paul Nature Reserve. Return to the hotel for dinner and rest.
Day 8 : Hermitage Lagoon
Breakfast provided. Enjoy a ride in a transparent kayak with a professional on the Hermitage Lagoon. A family-owned restaurant will serve you a good, tasty lunch. Then enjoy the underwater experience on the Hermitage trail before returning to the hotel.
Day 9 : Ile aux Cerfs
It’s time to leave Réunion. After your airport transfer, you will fly to the Seychelles. Once you get to Mahé, our team will take care of your transfer to the Île aux Cerfs. You will have all day to make the most of the well-being haven offered by the three-star Cerf Island Hotel.
Day 10 : Port Launay Tour
After breakfast at the hotel, head off on a half-day trip to the Port Launay bay. A marine biologist from the NGO Wise Ocean will accompany you on the site. You can choose where to have lunch. In the afternoon, you will have some free time. Dinner will be organised at the Cerf Island Hotel.
Day 11: La Digue
Have breakfast on the Île aux Cerfs. Afterwards, you will travel by boat from Mahé to La Digue. You will be welcomed at the dock and transferred immediately to the Patatran Hotel. Once you’ve settled in, you can choose how to organise your day. Make the most by discovering the surrounding area.
Day 12 : Grande Sœur / Coco / Félicité islands
The Grande Sœur islands await you. The sailing trip will be a highlight of your holiday. Don’t forget your swimsuits. The only interruption in your relaxing day will be lunch aboard the catamaran. Return at the end of the day for dinner and overnight stay at Patatran Hotel.
Day 13 : Praslin
After breakfast, you will head to Praslin by sea. Your hotel, Villas de mer, will provide you with half-board accomodation. You will have a day off. Let your imagination and your curiosity run wild.
Day 14 : Vallée de Mai / Anse Lazio
After breakfast, you will visit the Vallée de Mai and the Praslin Museum with a guide. Discover the other aspects of Creole cuisine at the Îles des Palmes restaurant, before going for a walk on the Anse Lazio. After sunset, you will head back to the hotel for dinner.
Day 15 : Saint Pierre / Curieuse / Anse Georgette
Get ready for a day trip on a Catamaran. Discover Saint-Pierre, Curieuse and Anse Georgette. A barbecue lunch is served at sea. In the afternoon, you can go for a walk in the mountains and in the mangroves of Anse Josee. Finish your day with a swim and head back to the hotel for a final dinner on the Vanilla Islands.
Day 16 : Seychelles / Paris
After breakfast you will return to Mahé. You will then be taken to the airport to go back to Réunion. From there, you will fly back to Paris.
EXPERIENCES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
REUNION
• Discovering the local biodiversity and the importance of protecting it
• Discovering the historic heritage : Hell-Bourg and Entre-Deux
• Promoting the Creole culture : handicrafts and plantations
• Walks in the national park and around Le Piton de la Fournaise and L’Etang de Saint-Paul
• Accommodation in three and four-star hotels
SEYCHELLES
• Accommodation in charming hotels, showcasing true Creole culture.
• A trip to the islands of the archipelago to discover its unspoilt nature and seabed.
• Participation in conservation projects with the NGO Wise Oceans
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Tips
Tips are not mandatory – they are at the client’s discretion.
Trip management in both countries
A driver guide and specialised guides
Bank cards
All credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) are accepted at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). They can also be used to make payments.
Flights
• Paris – Réunion return
• Réunion – Mahé return
Insurance
Réunion : Optional insurance can be provided at an additional cost
The Seychelles : Insurance is not mandatory but you can take out insurance at your own cost.
Transports
Transport for the whole trip in Réunion : Travel in air-conditioned car with driver guide
In the Seychelles : Land and sea transfer routes are included. (Catamaran cruise included).
Time difference (from UK)
Réunion
• Summer : two hours later than France
• Winter : 3 hours later than France
The Seychelles
• Summer : 1 hour later than France
• Winter : 2 hours later than France
Meals and drinks
Réunion : Depending on the programme (drinks at an additional cost)
The Seychelles : Meals included throughout your stay, with the exception of your days off. (Remember, drinks are at an additional cost)
Practical information
Documentation
Réunion : For French or European Union nationals : identity card or valid passport. For nationals of other countries : valid passport and a return or onward travel ticket.
Seychelles : For the Seychelles, it is essential to have a passport which is valid for at least 6 months after the return date. An entry visa is required and is issued on arrival at the airport.
Health
Réunion : As Réunion is part of France, European tourists will be aware of the help and assistance services available. It has a healthcare infrastructure that meets the same standards as mainland France.
The Seychelles : No vaccinations are required. Public hospitals and many private clinics on the islands are available 24 hours a day.
Accommodation
Réunion
• Half-board at the four-star Diana Déa Lodge
• Half-board at the luxury Dimitile Hotel.
• Half-board at the three-star Relais de l’Hermitage Ideally located on the lagoon, natural reserve and one of the most beautiful coastal sites on the island.
Seychelles
• Accomodation : Île aux Cerfs in the Mahé water park
• Patatran : Anse Sévère on the island of La Digue.
• Villa de Mer : Grand Anse Praslin.
What to bring with you
Réunion : Suitable footwear, sun cream and mosquito repellent (compliant with environmental norms), wind and rainproof jacket
The Seychelles : Pack lightweight summer clothes (Temperatures between 26 and 29°C).
The essentials : hat or cap, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, and sun cream (environmentally and coral friendly).
Even if you forget something, you will find everything you need in local shops.
TARIF
Price per person
€3118*
departing from Paris (excluding flight).
Air fares are indicative and subject to change:
• CDG-RUN return : from €550
• RUN-Mahé return : from €315
This price includes
• Hotels with half-board, based on a double room
• Stated meals
• The guided tours and excursions stated
• Transfers
• Tourist taxes
This price does not include
• Insurance (available at additional charge)
• International flights from Paris and inter-island flights
• Drinks and personal spending
• Bank charges
• Any other expenses not mentioned in this programme
This price includes
• Half-board accommodation (excluding drinks), based on a double room
• The guided tours, excursions and meals stated
• Land and sea transfers
• Tourist taxes
This price does not include
• Insurance (available at additional charge)
• International flights from Paris and inter-island flights
• Drinks
• Any expenses not mentioned above
* Private room supplement: €408 for the Réunion trip
CONTACT
RÉUNION
Name : COMPAGNIE DES ILES VANILLE
Tel : +262 (0) 262 38 93 89
Email : contact@compagniedesilesvanille.com
SEYCHELLES
Name : Seychelles European Reservation
Tel : 002484225058
Email : seyresa@seyresa.com
THE VANILLA ISLANDS
info@vanilla-islands.org
www.vanilla-islands.org
