SUMMARY
With its fragrant plantations, Réunion is the Vanilla island par excellence. Birthplace of Edmond Albius, the first person to hand-fertilise a vanilla pod, the island remains 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, throb to the heartbeat of the young Piton de la Fournaise. Our guide, Ç Péi È, will then take you deep within the National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with subtle scents and colours.
After your break on the Intense Island, you will be enjoying the pearl of the Indian Ocean. Its people’s diversity is evidence of a rich history. During your stay on the island of Mauritius, you will experience some unforgettable moments. Ile aux Aigrettes, the Chamarels rum distillery and the seven-coloured earth will leave you with enduring memories. During this trip, a host of fun activities await you, such as hiking or an electric bike ride — or why not go kayaking or snorkelling some time ? Admire the contrast between the dense vegetation and the urban environment, which is showing systematic growth. You cannot fail to enjoy the breathtaking views, the beautiful beaches and the temperate turquoise lagoons, typical of the Vanilla Islands.
17
DAYS
14
NIGHTS
From
€3,098
inclusive of taxes*
per person
(Based on 6 people)
| Getting in touch with nature | 4/5 |
|
| Meeting the locals | 3/5 |
|
| Eco-responsibility | 3/5 |
|
| Comfort | 5/5 |
|
| Accessibility | 3/5 |
A ECOTOURISTIC CIRCUIT CHARACTERIZED BY
Discovering the local biodiversity and the importance of protecting it
Promoting traditional farms and local handicrafts
Hiking and activities in the countryside
Historical and cultural visits, and visits to UNESCO sites
COMBINED ITINERARY
The guided tours, meetings and transfers mentioned may vary depending on the availability of the participants and local constraints.
Day 1 : Paris / La Reunion
Take-off to La Réunion. Dinner served on board.
Day 2 : The Cirque of Salazie
After landing, you will go immediately to the Cirque de Salazie. You will get a close look at the vanilla growing in the midst of the countryside. Next, you will have the opportunity to sample the local cuisine in a traditional Hell-Bourg restaurant. A guide will take you to the Folio House, a historic monument, before dinner at the Diana Déa Lodge.
Day 3 : The Piton de la Fournaise and the forest of Bélouve
After breakfast, go on an excursion to the heart of the legendary Piton de la Fournaise. A short stop at the Gite de Bélouve is a must for lunch. Head off with a specialist for a stroll in the primeval forest in the heart of the National Park. Then back to the Lodge for dinner.
Day 4 : The Wild South, the lava flows of Cilaos
You can have a good breakfast before heading to the Entre-Deux. On the way, admire the Wild South and especially the lava stream of 2007, before a fixed-price lunch. Then, a guide will take you to the garden of Scents and Spices before reaching the Hôtel Le Dimitile, which promises relaxation and comfort.
Day 5 : Cirque of Cilaos
Breakfast at the hotel before heading to Cilaos to meet a lentil planter. Lunch at a guest house belonging to the Cirque of Cilaos, before returning to the three-star Hôtel Le Dimitile and its welcoming staff.
Day 6 : L’Entre-Deux
Kakouk, a herbal tea maker with a long family tradition, will surprise you at lunch. See 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 St Paul’s Lake
After breakfast, go on an excursion to the Piton Maido. Meet at lunchtime for a demonstration of traditional culinary art and to taste the products of Ç Lontan È. An environment warden will take you to a geranium distillery and the St Paul’s Lake nature reserve. Return to the hotel for dinner and rest.
Day 8 : Hermitage Lagoon
Breakfast served. Take the opportunity for 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 : Mauritius
Your next stop : the island of Mauritius. At the airport, a team will take care of your transfer to the hotel. Once settled in, discover the wonders of Mauritius. You will return to the Hotel Lux Belle Mare for dinner, and spend the night there.
Day 10 : Free Day
After breakfast, enjoy a day of relaxation at the three-star Hotel Lux Le Morne where you will be served a delicious lunch. Return to the Hotel Lux Belle Mare for the night.
Day 11 : Mahebourg
A beautiful walk is on the agenda for the day. Go and see the spices that grow profusely on the Isle of Aigrettes, then admire the beauty of the town of Mahebourg, its sea front, its naval museum and all its attractions. Enjoy some manioc biscuits from an old factory, as well as the typical lunch that follows, before returning to the hotel for the night.
Day 12 : Free Day
Enjoy a good breakfast. Then enjoy the many activities at the Lux Le Morne. Relax in this idyllic and luxurious setting. Return to Lux Belle Mare for the night.
Day 13 : Chamarel
A full day’s guided tour has been organised for you after breakfast, starting with the Trou aux Cerfs and the Black River Gorges National Park. On the way, you will taste the Mauritian wine Takamaka. Then, the tour will continue on to the Chamarels rum distillery and the 7-coloured earth, where you will have lunch. At the end of the day, you will return to Hotel Le Morne.
Day 14 : Souillac
After a night with half-board, set off for a sensational day on an electric bike. You will discover Souillac’s unspoiled coastal villages and its cultural and historical aspects with a visit to the home of poet Robert-Edward Hart. Return to your hotel at the end of the day.
Day 15 : Le Morne Brabant
After a good breakfast, get ready to climb Le Morne Brabant. It is a UNESCO heritage site, both for its historical aspect and for its unique flora and fauna. In the afternoon, you will have some free time. Meet for dinner back at Hotel Le Morne
Day 16 : Mauritius / Paris
Your trip to the Vanilla Islands ends with lots of photos, and memories you will treasure. Our team will take care of your transfer to the airport for your flight to La Réunion, from where you will travel back to Paris.
EXPERIENCES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
REUNION
• Discovering the local biodiversity and the importance of protecting it
• Discovering the local historical heritage : Hell-Bourg and Entre-Deux
• Showcasing the Creole culture : handicrafts and plantations
• Walks in the national park and around Le Piton de la Fournaise and Lake Saint-Paul
• Accommodation in three and four-star hotels
MAURITIUS
• Discovering the biodiversity of Île aux Aigrettes and the conservation of the primeval forest
• Discovering a traditional organic biscuit factory that is the only one of its kind in the world.
• Fun actitivies on an electric bike
• Climbing to the summit of Morne Brabant, a site rich in history
• Accommodation in eco-responsible establishments
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Tips
La Réunion & Mauritius : Tipping is at the customer’s discretion
Transports
Trips in air-conditioned car with driver-guide
Bank cards
La Réunion & Mauritius : All cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.) are accepted by the ATMs in big cities and medium-sized towns.
Insurance
La Réunion & Mauritius : Optional insurance can be provided for an additional charge
Trip management in both countries
• A driver-guide will accompany you on the entire tour
• Specialist guides are provided according to the programme and activities
Time difference (from UK)
La Réunion & Mauritius
• Summer : GMT+4
• Winter : GMT+3
Meals and drinks
La Réunion : Lunch as per the programme. Drinks are extra
Mauritius : Full board throughout the stay. Drinks are extra
Flights
• Paris – La Réunion
• La Réunion – Mauritius
• Mauritius – La Réunion
• Réunion – Paris
Health
As La Réunion is part of France, European tourists will be aware of the rescue and assistance services available. La Réunion has a healthcare infrastructure that meets the same standards as mainland France.
Mauritius : No vaccinations are required, and numerous private clinics are available in addition to the public hospitals.
Don’t forget to pack
Réunion
• Walking shoes
• Sun cream and mosquito repellent
• Windproof, rainproof jacket
• Clothing suitable for cool nights
Practical information
Documentation
La Réunion : For French or other European Union nationals : identity card or valid passport. For non-European Union nationals : valid passport with either a return or onward ticket.
Mauritius : For French nationals travelling to Mauritius, it is essential to have a passport or identity card (valid for at least 6 months after return date). You are also required to provide an address for your stay.
Accommodation
La Réunion
• Half board at the four-star Diana Déa Lodge, overlooking the Indian Ocean
• Half board at Luxe de Dimitile in the charming village of L’Entre Deux
• Half board at the three-star Relais de l’Hermitage, beside one of the island’s most beautiful seaside locations.
Mauritius : Full board in 5-star hotels : the Lux Belle Mare and the Lux Le More
TARIF
Price per person
€3,482 *
(airfare not included)
La Réunion : From €1,488 per person, based on double rooms and a minimum of 6 people
Mauritius : From €1,610 per person, based on double rooms and a minimum of 4 people
Air fares, which are indicative only, and subject to change
• CDG-RUN return trip : €550
• RUN-Mauritius return trip : €220
This price includes
• Hotels with half board, based on a double room
• Stated meals
• The guided tours and excursions mentioned
• Transfers
• Tourist taxes
This price does not include
• Insurance (can be provided at extra cost)
• International flights from Paris and inter-island flights
• Drinks and personal expenditure
• Bank charges
• Any other expenses not mentioned in this programme
This price includes
• Hotels with full board, based on a double room : Lux Belle Mare and Lux Le Morne
• Stated meals
• The guided tours and excursions mentioned
• Transfers
• Tourist taxes
This price does not include
• Insurance (can be provided for an additional charge)
• International flights from Paris and inter-island flights
• Drinks and personal expenditure
• Bank charges
• Any other expenses not mentioned in this programme
*Additional single room (La Réunion): 408 euros
Single room supplement (Mauritius): 237 euros
CONTACT
LA REUNION
Name : Compagnie des îles vanille
Tel : +262 (0) 262 38 93 89
Email : contact@compagniedesilesvanille.com
MADAGASCAR
Name : PROMOTOUR
Tel : +230 4658935
Email : audrey@promotourmauritius.com
THE VANILLA ISLANDS
info@vanilla-islands.org
www.vanilla-islands.org
