Mauritius

Start your ‘tea route’ at the Domaine des Aubineaux. Built in 1872, this is one of the few remaining colonial houses of the high plateaux.

A visit will then be made to the tea factory of Bois Chéri to witness the transformation of the tea leaves into flavoured tea bags. Afterwards, enjoy a cup of flavoured tea, while admiring the beautiful scenery around you.

Lunch, including wine and coffee, will be served at Domaine Saint Aubin, a plantation house built in 1819. After lunch, you will have time for some souvenir shopping and a visit to the Anthurium, Vanilla Plantation and the Rum Distillery.

The panorama of the south is full of photo opportunities, and you will see tea plantations, local villages, places of worship for all the different communities, and beautiful views over the south and south-east coast.

Soak up the spectacular scenery of Mauritius from the rim of the Trou aux Cerfs crater, formed from an extinct volcano in the central plateau of the island. You’ll learn that this volcanic island was discovered by sailors.

At the Ship Model Centre, you can watch craftsmen as they produce traditional souvenirs.

The Grand Bassin is considered a sacred lake for the Hindu community, nestling in a volcanic crater and interesting for both its beauty and legend. It is said that the water in the lake communicates with the Ganges in India, making it a site for pilgrimage for Mauritian Hindus. Visit one of the most ancient places of pilgrimage in Mauritius in this peaceful area.

At the Black River Gorges Viewpoint, marvel at the breathtaking views over Mauritius’ deepest gorge. Enjoy a buffet lunch in a beautiful setting close to the Gorges.

Your tour is completed with a photo stop at 2 of the island’s natural wonders: the beautiful Chamarel waterfall and the coloured earths. Here, the soil’s hues of red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple and yellow never erode in spite of torrential downpours and adverse climatic conditions. The volcanic ashes are naturally displayed in an orderly pattern of 2 colours.

Visit one of the few remaining colonial houses of the high plateaux Domaine des Aubineaux, built in 1872. Take time to photograph the magnificent wooden architecture of the house and stroll in the beautiful front garden. Tea and snacks will also be served.

Drive to the rim of the Trou aux Cerf crater, which is located in Curepipe. Here you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the island, including Rempart Mountain.

Passing through Phoenix and Quatre Bornes, you will then head to the fascinating Casela Bird and Nature Park. This 20-acre park was founded in 1979 and has become one of the island’s most popular attractions. Take a close-up view of species from five continents, the main attraction being the Mauritian Pink Pigeon, one of the world’s rarest birds. The layout of the Park is spacious, giving shaded walks through the 85 aviaries, and favourites include fishponds, tortoises and monkeys.

Pamplemousses Gardens, more formally known as Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens, is one of the most visited attractions in Mauritius.

Opened as a private garden by the French governor of Mauritius nearly 300 years ago, the gardens served as a major horticultural research centre for the French and British during the colonial period. Today it is home to a large collection of indigenous and exotic plants. Look out for the giant Victoria Regia Waterlilies and many species of palm trees. Of particular interest is the Talipot Palm, which is said to flower once every 60 years and then dies.

Mauritius is a photographer’s delight and you’ll have opportunities to capture many of the highlights, including St Francois d’Assise Catholic Church in the village of Pamplemousses and one of island’s most ancient Tamil temples with its beautiful architecture. There will also be a stop at the stone Citadel which sits proudly overlooking the harbour.

At Eureka Colonial House, you’ll have a guided tour of one of the oldest colonial houses of the island. Built in 1830, the house is set in a magnificent garden surrounded by the waterfalls from the Moka River. Enjoy a refreshing soft drink and local snacks during your visit.

Situated just off the east coast of Mauritius, the legendary Ile-aux-Cerfs is a real invitation to relax. Known as the ‘mini Eden of Mauritius’, its wide sparkling sand banks and warm crystal clear waters create the perfect tropical escape.

After a short boat transfer from Pointe Maurice jetty, you’ll arrive on Ile-aux-Cerfs. After a welcome soft drink cocktail, the day is yours to do as you please. Relax in the sunshine, take a dip in the cool waters of the ocean or, if you’re feeling active, there are various watersports available on the island (payable locally in Mauritian Rupee).

Lunch will be served at the island’s renowned seafood restaurant, Paul and Virginie’s Beach Restaurant. All too soon, it will be time to take the boat back to the mainland, enjoying views of the island’s sugar cane fields, lush vegetation and local villages en route to the ship.

Your tour begins with a drive to the east of the island, where you will join a boat for the short transfer to your catamaran. Once on board, enjoy views of the glistening turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and relax as you skim over the waves en route to the Grand River South East Waterfall. A boat transfer will take you closer to the waterfall for photos. Re boarding the catamaran, you’ll then sail south, stopping to enjoy some snorkelling. Enjoy unlimited refreshments on board the catamaran as you enjoy your scenic sail.

Transfer by boat back to the mainland, where you will drive through the village of Bel Air to reach the Domaine de l’Etoile. Meaning ‘the star’, this nature reserve lives up to its name, and is the setting for a Mauritian buffet lunch, which will be served on the river bank overlooking the spectacular mountains and tropical landscapes.

Visiting the south east of the island, you’ll begin your day at the Natural History Museum of Mahebourg, which offers a fascinating overview of the naval and colonial history of Mauritius.

At the jetty of Pointe d’Esny, board a boat to travel to Ile aux Aigrettes, where the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation is striving to protect and preserve different unique species of birds, plants and reptiles. Owing to the remarkable work accomplished by the Mauritius Wildlife Foundation, the island has become an international standard for the protection of natural resources and endangered species.

On a guided visit of the island, you can discover the extremely rare Pink Pigeon, the Green Gecko and the Aldabra Giant Tortoise. After this fascinating visit, travel back to the mainland, where you will drive to the monument of Pointe Canon. This monument commemorates the abolition of slavery, paying tribute to the men and women who were forced to work here.

Lunch will be served at the Falaise Rouge, overlooking Grand Port Bay. In August 1810 it became a strategic viewpoint, where a battle between the English and the French was observed.

There is much more to Mauritius than the idyllic white sand beaches fringed by turquoise blue waters, and this ‘safari’ is a special experience giving you the opportunity to get closer to nature.

As you travel to the Yemen Reserve, take in the views over the west coast, the sugar cane fields, the Grand River and the village of Bambous.

The Yemen Nature Reserve is located in the Black River District and is home to over 25 bird species from all 5 continents, as well as an abundance of flora and fauna. When you arrive at the park your 45 minute ‘Yemen Safari’ will begin and you will be able to get close to some of the many animals in the reserve, including deer, zebra, ostriches, antelopes, monkeys and wild boar.

After your ‘safari’, cool off with some refreshments and browse in the souvenir shop before the return drive to the Port Louis.