Itinerary
- Day 1
Saint Denis to Saint Gilles les Bains
You'll arrive at the airport and collect your tour documents. After that, take a walk through Saint Denis to check out the colonial buildings, local markets, and gardens in the capital. Then drive west across the island to Saint Gilles les Bains on the coast, where you'll reach your hotel by evening.
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Saint Denis colonial buildings
- Explore traditional markets in Saint Denis
- Visit gardens in Saint Denis
Landmarks Saint Denis - Day 2
Saint Gilles les Bains
This day is yours to plan around what interests you most. Head up to Piton Maïdo viewpoint if you want those high views over the Cirque de Mafate basin, or spend time on the beach trying water sports. If you'd rather take it easy, the hotel pool works just fine too.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Trip to Piton Maïdo viewpoint (2,000 m elevation) with views over Cirque de Mafate basin
- Water sports at Saint Gilles les Bains beach
- Relax by swimming pool at hotel
Landmarks Piton Maïdo Cirque de Mafate - Day 3
Saint Gilles les Bains to Cilaos
Travel through the scenic Road of 400 Bends to get to Cilaos, a mountain town sitting below Piton des Neiges at 3,012 m. The UNESCO World Heritage basin here gives you nice views and plenty of hiking paths to explore through the surrounding landscape.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Travel via panoramic trail 'Road of 400 bends' to Cilaos
- Extensive hike in Cilaos area
Landmarks Piton des Neiges Cirque de Cilaos - Day 4
Cilaos to East Coast
Start from the interior and head toward the west coast through Saint Pierre, then continue to the east side. Stop at Cap Mechant to see the powerful waves, then visit the Jardin des Parfums et des Epices botanical garden. If you're interested, you can also see Notre Dame des Laves church, which sits encased in lava from the 1977 volcanic eruption.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Cap Mechant viewpoint
- Visit Jardin des Parfums et des Epices botanical garden
Optional Activities
- Visit church Notre Dame des Laves in Sainte Rose (encased in lava during 1977 volcanic eruption)
Landmarks Saint Pierre Cap Mechant Jardin des Parfums et des Epices Notre Dame des Laves - Day 5
Piton de la Fournaise Volcano
Get an early start to climb Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Check out the museum to learn about its history, then take in the views from Pas de Bellecombe mountain pass. The La Pleine des Cafres plateau has both short and longer hikes depending on what you're up for.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Climb Piton de la Fournaise volcano
- Visit volcano museum
- View Pas de Bellecombe mountain pass
Optional Activities
- Short hiking tour on La Pleine de Cafres plateau
- Extended hiking tour on La Pleine de Cafres plateau
Landmarks Piton de la Fournaise Pas de Bellecombe La Pleine de Cafres - Day 6
Cirque de Salazie and Hell-Bourg
Travel to Hell-Bourg, a village that's known as one of France's most beautiful places, with colorful Creole colonial houses and thick gardens. From there, explore the Cirque de Salazie, which is the largest and easiest-to-reach basin in the area, with tall rock walls and waterfalls throughout.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Hell-Bourg village
- Explore Cirque de Salazie basin
Landmarks Hell-Bourg Cirque de Salazie - Day 7
East Coast to Saint Denis Airport
Spend your morning using the lodge facilities and consider booking a spa treatment or massage if that appeals to you. After that, drive back along the coast toward Saint Denis Airport, return your rental car, and get ready for whatever comes next in your travels.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Massage or spa treatment at lodge
