Explore the island nation of Mauritius, a tropical oasis known for its gorgeous beaches, botanical gardens, bird sanctuaries and engaging cities such as Port Louis, all of which you will experience.
NOTES:
•This is an extensive 4-day program that covers a lot of ground both on foot and by luxury coach. There is a lot of driving involved. This tour is not recommended for guests with walking difficulties due to the amount of walking, steps and uneven ground.
•Guests requiring distilled water for a CPAP machine are required to bring their own small supply. This cannot be provided in Mauritius.
•A Tourist fee of EUR 3 per night per tourist has been introduced in Mauritius, this fee will apply to every tourist staying in Mauritius and must be settled directly at the hotel upon check-in. Children under 12 are exempt from this fee which has been introduced to contribute to sustainable tourist development and infrastructure support.
DAY 1
Upon arrival at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel located in the city center. The remainder of the day and evening are at your convenience.
Dinner is included at the hotel’s main restaurant.
Note that check in time at the hotel is 3:00pm.
Although every effort will be made to have rooms available before this time, this cannot be guaranteed. If you have an early arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night in order to have the room available upon your arrival.
DAY 2
Meet your guide after breakfast for a tour of the north of the island. North Mauritius is famous for its white-sand beaches, lively villages, shopping malls, historical sites and heritage.
Leaving the hotel, you will travel to the historic village of Pamplemousses to see the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens. A must for any visitor, this garden was created by French naturalist Pierre Poivre in 1767. Often called the “Jewel in the Crown”, the garden is known by world botanists for its 500 rare plant species from all over the world.
The most famous are the giant Victoria Regina water lilies and the 80 varieties of palm trees, including the talipot, said to flower once every 60 years and then die. Today the garden houses the “samadhi” (funeral shrine) of the Father of the Nation, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam.
Your next destination will be the Domaine de Labourdonnais. a privately owned 540 hectares Estate which was founded in 1774 and recently opened to the public. The main mansion, Château de Labourdonnais, surrounded its beautiful orchards, was built between 1856 and 1859 by Christian Wiehe where himself and his descendants lived until recently. Christian Wiehe was an influential figure in Mauritius in the 19th century.
Today, the Estate has further diversified its activities offering products and services such as; fruit transformed products, leisure and events activities, real estate services, distillation of rum and much more. Continue the day at the charming restaurant La Table du Chateau, amidst the garden of the estate, to enjoy a meal which is inspired from unique flavors while maintaining a rich Mauritian culinary heritage.
Proceed next to the Notre Dame Auxiliatrice Church famous for its lovely red roof in the village of Grand Gaube. Ideally situated at the very northern point of Mauritius, overlooking the Coin de Mire islet, it offers a picturesque background for worthy snapshots.
Back at your hotel, enjoy some free time before dinner which is included at your hotel’s main restaurant.
DAY 3
The next day enjoy breakfast at your hotel and board your coach for the drive to the south. Explore some of the best scenic highlights during this full day tour in the South of Mauritius. This region is the most preserved part of the island with its sandy coves, basalt cliffs, hidden falls, and hundreds of miles of sugar cane fields and dense forests.
Boarding your coach at the hotel, it's a 60-minute scenic drive to the Bois Cheri Tea Estate. Bois Chéri is the first tea plantation in Mauritius and dates back to 1892. Explore the making of local tea in Mauritius through a visit of the tea factory and museum. You will learn the history of this unique venue and the importance the tea industry in Mauritius. Afterwards you will be taken uphill to their panoramic chalet to taste different ranges of tea produced there while you enjoy a view over the south of the island.
Your drive continues from here to Grand-Bassin (Ganga Talao), a sacred lake and pilgrimage place for the Hindu where you will have a guided visit. In this idyllic location there is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and other Hindu deities and many Hindu pilgrims make the walk in bare feet from their homes to the lake. Hindu legend is that the lake is filled with the waters of the holy Ganges of India, making this a very significant place for all Hindus.
Further down towards the forest reserve of Plaine-Champagne where you will reach a local restaurant with a breathtaking view over the coastline for lunch.
Traveling along through thick Chinese Guava groves, your route next takes you to discover the magnificent Chamarel Waterfall which emerges from the moors on the way down to view the unique seven-colored earths of Chamarel. These unusual mounds of undulating land that stretch in contrasting rainbow-colored layers of earth are believed to be the result of weathering and volcanic origin.
A few meters away is The Rhumerie de Chamarel. Set in a charming chalet, exhibiting tropical and traditional vibes, this distillery will have you learn all you need to know about Rum making. From the growing, harvest, fermentation to the sophisticated distilling process of this eco-friendly agricultural rum. The visit will end with a tasting of 6 rums (classic, double distilled, premium gold, coconut, vanilla, coffee, etc.)
Your journey back takes you down a winding road that unveils the West coast offering a panoramic view over the Benitiers Island and Le Morne Brabant.
Before reaching your hotel, your route will pass the fishing villages and the famous salt pans of Black River.
Back at your hotel, enjoy some free time before dinner which is included at your hotel’s main restaurant.
DAY 4
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before you check out and then meet your guide in the lobby to begin your sightseeing tour of Port Louis and its surroundings. The capital city is the largest urban area of the island with 200,000 inhabitants, established under the French colonization. It is also the economic center-point of Mauritius and it a perfect blend between tradition and modernity.
Begin with a short walk to the Blue Penny Museum, a fascinating museum dedicated to the history and culture of Mauritius. The Museum is best known for housing the rare world-famous Blue Penny and Red Penny Stamp of 1847. The Museum also dedicates several exhibits to the island’s colonial past, maritime trade and cultural heritage.
Next proceed to the liveliest part of the city for a guided visit of the Aapravasi Ghat UNESCO site that was built in 1849 to receive indentured laborers from India, Eastern Africa, Madagascar, China and Southeast Asia to work on the island’s sugar estates as part of the 'Great Experiment’. Today it stands as a symbol of migration, cultural heritage and the history of thousands of indentured laborers.
Continue to the 19th century Eureka Colonial House in Moka, reputed to be one of the oldest and largest colonial houses on the island, with 109 doors and windows. Enjoy a guided tour of the house with its authentic antique furniture, which provides an interesting glimpse into colonial living. After exploring the house and admiring the peaceful garden, you can relax under the veranda to enjoy delicious local lunch.
The tour concludes with a visit to the first and largest oceanarium in the Mascarene Archipelago. With over 3,500 specimens including sharks, rays, corals and tropical fish, your visit here offers an immersive journey into the marine biodiversity of the Indian ocean. From here, it’s a short drive to the pier where you will board the ship.
Land Program Details Step by Step
•The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Extra Nights
•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the hotel that is used on the FIRST NIGHT of your land program
•If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 3:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast and dinner at the hotel, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
•If you have an early arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 3:00pm.
•If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1
Arrive at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR) International Airport.
Transfer to your hotel to spend the afternoon and the evening at your leisure.
3:00pm Check in time at your hotel is 3:00PM. Although every effort will be made to have rooms available sooner, this cannot be guaranteed.
7:30pm Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel or similar hotel
Meet and Greet and transfers
•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.
•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.
•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.
•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.
DAY 2
8:45am Full English breakfast in the main restaurant at the hotel
9:15am Leave the hotel and proceed to the village of Pamplemousses
9:45am Visit of the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
10:45am Proceed to the village of Labourdonnais
11:00am Visit of the Chateau Labourdonnais followed by rum, fruit paste and juice tasting
12:00pm Lunch at La Table du Chateau restaurant
1:00pm Drive to the Village of Cap Malheureux
1:20pm Photo stop at Notre Dame D’Auxiliatrice Church (Red Roof Church)
1:45pm Transfer back to the hotel
2:30pm Arrive at the hotel
Time at leisure
7:30pm Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 3
7:45am Full English breakfast in the main restaurant at the hotel
8:45am Leave the hotel and drive to the village of Bois Cheri
10:00am Visit of the Tea Museum and Tea Tasting at the Chalet
11:00am Drive to Grand Bassin
11:15am Short stop at the Grand Bassin Sacred Lake
11:45am Proceed to Plaine Champagne
12:15pm Lunch at Varangue Sur Morne restaurant or similar venue
1:15pm Proceed to the Chamarel Village
1:30pm Stop at the Chamarel Waterfall and visit the Seven Coloured Earths Geopark
2:30pm Drive to the Rhumerie de Chamarel
2:45pm Visit of the Rhumerie de Chamarel followed by rum tasting
3:30pm Transfer back to the hotel
5:15pm Arrive at the hotel
Time at leisure
7:30pm Dinner at the hotel
Overnight at Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 4
8:00am Full English breakfast in the main restaurant at the hotel
9:00am Check out of the hotel and walk to the Caudan Waterfront
9:15am Visit the Blue Penny Museum
9:45am Drive to Immigration Square
10:00am Visit of Aapravasi Ghat UNESCO site
10:30am Drive to the village of Moka
11:00am Visit of the Eureka Colonial House followed by lunch
12:45pm Proceed to the Capital city of Port Louis
1:15pm Visit of Odysseo Oceanarium
2:00pm Short drive to the pier
2:15pm Arrive at Pier
2:30pm Embarkation
Expected Weather:
It will be summertime therefore expect sunny and warm days.
Daily temperature varies between 78°F to 85°F (26°C to 29° C)
The chance of a wet day over the course of February is essentially constant, remaining around 32% throughout.
What to Bring:
Light clothing, comfortable shoes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, camera, umbrella, bathing suit.
Guests requiring distilled water for a CPAP machine are required to bring their own small supply. This cannot be provided in Mauritius.
Local Currency:
The currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee, with one Rupee divided into 100 cents. The currency code is MUR and the symbol used is 'Rs.'
USD is accepted by a limited number of shops in the island.
There are plenty of exchange bureaus located at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, in the towns and villages and at the hotels.
All major debit and credit cards are widely used and accepted in Mauritius, such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. However, it is always best to ensure that your card will be accepted in Mauritius by your bank.
Electricity
220V. Please bring a travel adaptor if you have electronic devices as the hotels do not provide these
Documents and Visa Requirements:
No visa required for citizens of the United States of America
A passport that is valid for at least 6 months after travel is required
For residents of other countries, please visit the website of the Mauritius Passport and Immigration office.
https://passport.govmu.org/
Accommodation:
Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel or similar hotel
Caudan Waterfront, Mauritius
Phone: +230 202 4000
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required, they will be of equal ratings and standards, and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure, then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program Includes for guests:
•3 nights at Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel or similar hotel – Classic Room
•Meet and greet services at the airport upon arrival and transfers*
•Hospitality desk at the hotel (Time is TBA)
•Tours per the itinerary
•3 lunches which include ½ water + 1 soft or 1 beer + tea or coffee
•3 dinners (drinks not included)
•All applicable taxes
*Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program Excludes for guests:
•Any activities at the hotel that incur additional cost
•Drinks at the hotel including drinks during dinner
•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service
•Meals and drinks which are not included in the menu proposed during the excursions
•Gratuities for drivers and guides
•Personal expenses
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program. Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
Price: $2,199 per guest based on double occupancy.
Hotel and Land Program pricing is not combinable with FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Luxury Hotel Package. If applicable, please contact Regent Seven Seas Cruises or your travel agent for multi-night pre-cruise hotel pricing information. Land program promotions are subject to terms.
