ITINERARY

Islands of the Indian Ocean

Arrive LONDON Heathrow
Leave LONDON Heathrow by Air Seychelles flight

MAURITIUS

Full day Southern Island
This full day tour is designed to show you the very best that Mauritius has to offer including the most spectacular scenery on the island. Highlights of the day include a visit to Trou aux Cerfs, the crater of an extinct volcano, and a trip south into the hills to visit the sacred lake of Grand Bassin, the Black River Gorges, the forests of Plaine Champagne and a part of the Central Plateau. At Chamarel, well off the beaten track, you can see waterfalls and the unique seven colored earths.

MAURITIUS

Full day excursion by air to Rodriguez Island
An Island of beauty that stretches over 18kms in length with a width of 8 kms, situated 600 kms east of Mauritius . There, time has stood still. Its remote location ensures a calmness "out of this world." She imposes her own rhythm, defeating restlessness. She derives her charm from the extreme timidity of her inhabitants, their inhabitants, their simple approach to life. You will be overwhelmed by the kindness of another era.

MAURITIUS

Full day Northern Island Tour
A cruise along the north coast contrasts with the bustle of Port Louis and the peace of the Pamplemousses Royal Botanical Gardens. Start with a drive up to La Citadelle for a panoramic view of the capital, Port Louis, and harbor. Downtown, there is time for shopping at Argonaute for shells, and for exclusive jewellery at Poncini Jewellery Shop. At the market, there is a dazzling array of goods where Mauritians barter wares with expert skill. For a complete contrast, board a motorboat to continue your journey to the north by sea at Grand Baie for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit the famous Pamplemousses Royal Botanical Gardens with their fine collection of rare plants and colony of giant tortoises. At Historic Mrine, local craftsmen produce the finest model sailing ship in Mauritius , working entirely by hand from the original shipbuilders design.

MADAGASCAR ISLAND

Arrive ANTANARIVO
HOTEL HILTON

An afternoon drive to the top of the highest of the twelve sacred hills where stands the Queen's Palace, formerly the seat of the Merina Dynasty that ruled the kingdom until the coming of the French in 1895. This palace is now a museum. Visit also the Botanical and Zoological gardens which offer an oasis of some 24 ha just a few minutes drive from bustling traffic and feverish activity.

ANTANARIVO

Full day Perinet Reserve
Perinet is one of the most accessible tropical rainforests in Madagascar. You will see nine different species of lemurs, including Indri, lemur fulvus, griseus, mircocebus, murinus, and others.

ANTANARIVO

Morning excursion to visit the Queen's palace, on the highest hill of Antanarivo.

Afternoon free.

Arrive ST. DENIS
HOTEL LE SAINT DENIS

Afternoon city tour of St. Denis

REUNION ISLAND

Full day excursion to the Volcano, lunch included
Leave early in the morning for Saint-Benoit, Plaine des Palmistes, Plaine des Cafres, the forest track to the volcano. Stop at the view point of Nez de boeuf, the Caverne des Lataniers, the Plaine des Sables, the Pas de Bellecombe from where one discovers the Piton Bory (altitude 2,100 meters) and the Plaines des Laves. Return to Saint-Denis and visit a workshop where vanilla is prepared.

MAYOTTE

Arrive DZAOUDZI
HOTEL TREVANI

DZAOUDZI

Full day tour South Tour
The first stop is in the town of Mamoutzou with its atmosphere of sailors and ferries coming to and fro, embarking and disembarking the local people going to work, school children, etc. The market place, situated above the port on a small hill, is a colorful, rowdy and attractive place offering an abundance of local articles for sale. On the way to Jardin Maore Hotel, ( Ngouja Beach ) you will be delighted by the small, curved mountains; the modern towns, neat and quiet; the young population and the very lush, well-trimmed vegetation.

Morning free

Leave DZAOUDZI by Air Austral

COMOROS

Arrive MORONI
HOTEL ITSANDRA

MORONI

Morning tour of Moroni
Depart from hotel about 8:30 AM to Moroni , the capital of the island, which was founded in the 15 th century and was then known as Undroni; which means "well being". Many of the buildings are still the original, when houses were built using carved volcanic stones for walls and roof-tops. The shining white building of the Friday Mosque, which contrasts with the blue sea-striking colors in picturesque harmony, offers an ideal opportunity for photo-enthusiasts to capture one of the most breathtaking sights.From the moment one enters the Volo Volo market, one is immediately attracted to the aroma of tropical fruit, spices, vegetables, against a clamouring background of market vendors. Here you will have delight of entering a world where business is a pleasure.A wide range of souvenirs, carved by the local craftsmen, and inspired by their view of life are available. This excursion will proceed to Iconi,a village which was already a prosperous commercial centre during the 11 th century, and was frequented by Portuguese, Arab and Persian traders.A success story which also led to its destruction by the Malagasy Piratesduring the 19th century.

MORONI

Full day Island tour
The excursion starts in Moroni. The shining white building of the Friday Mosque offers an ideal opportunity for photo - enthusiasts to capture one of the most breathtaking sights.

Proceed with a visit to the museum where one will be initiated into the culture, traditions, economy and history of Comores. One of the rare coelacanthe fish, a species which was supposed to have became extinct more than 350 million years ago is also on display. Enjoy a walk from the Museum to Badjanani, the capital town while visiting the colorful bazaars nestled along narrow streets. The village of Iconi awaits you on the South of Moroni . Until the 19 th Century, it was the monarchic capital and trading post for the Portuguese, Arabas and Persians on their way to India and East Africa.

You will briefly visit the village of Singani which was completely transformed by the last volcanic eruption in 1977. The Karthala serves as a reminder to the locals that they owe their livelihood to this volcano as the Comoro Islands came about through volcanic eruptions.

Heading southwards, winding through roads fringed with lush vegetation, your eyes will be appeased by the sight of the clear blue sea of Chindini. A brief stop at a fishermen's village, pregnant with a busy silence that only a fishermen can understand, with boats going to and fro.

Next, is a visit to Chomoni Beach , a pleasantly quiet place with simple elegant bungalows overlooking the beach. You will have time to swim and relax before lunch.

Proceed north to the "lac sale"(salted lake), a very old volcanic crater filled with sea water. According to legend, it was a small village through which a saint passed and asked for a drink of water. However, he refused and the village was then wiped out by the sea.

On the northern tip of this island, in the village of Bangoi-Kouni , visitors catch sight of the miraculous mosque which according to legend, was built in one night by the genies. Nestled behind the mosque, are numerous Portuguese tombs which clearly shows the Portuguese reign in the 16th century where Comoros was already an established port of call.

MORONI

Day free

MAURITIUS

Arrive MAURITIUS
HOTEL BEAU RIVAGE

MAURITIUS

Day free

SEYCHELLES

Arrive MAHE ISLAND
HOTEL FISHERMAN'S COVE

MAHE

Full day Northern Highlights Island Tour
Our full day tour is an excellent introduction to the Seychelles. Breathtaking scenery combined with the flora, fauna and visits to the craft workshops show you some of the contrasts on Mahe.

The day begins with the scenic drive round the north east coast where there is a stop at the "great Banyan tree" and wonderful views of unspoiled coves and the sea. At the craft village you will see local craftsmen at work in a jovial environment.

MAHE

Day free
Optional excursion to Amirante Island

Leave MAHE early in the morning
Arrive LONDON Heathrow
Leave LONDON Heathrow by connecting flight
Arrive USA

Note: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner