This island really throws a punch! From active volcanoes, incredible landscapes and majestic viewpoints, attractive coastal villages, great food and old-time French culture!
Day 1: Arrive Saint-Denis / Cirque de Salazie
Meet & greet at the airport and recuperation of the travel book (vouchers, map …), delivery of the vehicle by our partner & then drive to the east coast, which is the greenest area of the island with its sugar cane, vanilla plantation, etc. Stop recommended at Saint-André Tamil temple "Le Colosse", Vanilla Plantation “Roulof”, the Savanna Distillery … and then Salazie Cirque: waterfalls, tropical luxuriance and gardens. Arrival in Hell-Bourg, a lovely charming creole village
Installation for 2 nights in a charming guest house in Hell-Bourg
Day 2: Cirque de Salazie
After breakfast, visit the charming village of Hell-Bourg (do not miss the sightseeing tour of Maison Folio & the Museum des Musiques & Instruments de l’ocean indien) or discover beliefs and Creole’s traditions with a local guide.
Night in Hell-Bourg
Day 3: East Coast / Wild South / Saint-Philippe
After breakfast, drive to the Wild South through the South-East cost, discovery of the volcano “Piton de la Fournaise” southern side and the famous lava road. Go to the Saint-Philippe’s Tourism Board Office for a guided tour of the Garden of Perfumes and Spices. Installation for 2 nights in a guest house in Saint-Philippe.
Day 4: Wid South / Saint-Philippe
Day in the Wild South and Hinterland. Opportunity to visit this charming area with a local guide: Plaine des Grègues, Maison du Curcuma, hikes, etc. (in option)
Drive back to Saint-Philippe.
Day 5: Saint-Philippe / Vlcano / Cilaos
After an early breakfast, departure to the high Plaines until Bourg-Murat and then drive to the volcano “Piton de la Fournaise”, arrival at “ Pas de Bellecombe”. For the most courageous, possibility to climb and walk around the crater (5 hours approximatively, plan an early departure). Return to Plaine-des-Cafres, visit of “Maison du Volcan” before driving back to the South and taking the only road to go to Cilaos. Arrival at the end of the day in the Cirque. Installation for 2 nights in a guest house in Cilaos.
Day 6: Cilaos
After breakfast, visit of the village of Cilaos to discover its specialties, such as lentils, embroidery, wine, etc. you can also visit the nice and old village “Ilet à cordes”, it will take approximatively 40 minutes to Cilaos. Suggestion: point of view of la Roche Merveilleuse, canyoning or hiking, etc. Night in Cilaos
Day 7: Cilaos / West Coast
Return towards the coast by Saint-Louis. Discovery of the west coast and its beaches. Relaxing afternoon and drive to the western highlands and Installation for 1 night in a guest house in Saint-Leu.
Day 8: Maido / Departure from Saint-Denis
After an early breakfast, drive to Piton Maïdo by the high forest road, for achieving a memorable moment: a beautiful view over the cirque of Mafate. This Cirque is only accessible by feet.
Drive to the airport according to the flight schedule.