ENCHANTING REUNION

Breakfast and departure towards the north east of the island, known for its sugar cane production. We will also visit a vanilla plantation before taking a typical creole lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon we head for the Cirque of Salazie the largest and greenest of the island's three natural amphitheatres. This cirque is both rugged and beautiful, best described as a long, deep canyon, lined with more than 100 magnificent waterfalls and full of hills and valleys ripe for exploration. We finish our day in Hell-Bourg. This enchanting small mountain town is Creole culture at its finest, boasting enchanting Creole houses and colourful flower gardens that simply delight the eye. Overnight Les Jardins d’Heva Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Today we travel south to Sainte Pierre. Along the way we stop at Piton Sainte-Rose located on the island’s east coast. We visit the ‘Our Lady of the Lava’ church, named after the 1977 eruption of the Piton de la Fournaise, which remains an active volcano. We continue south towards Saint Philippe and the “Big Burnt Area”. It is a stunning landscape where various eruptions have caused dramatic lava flows. After lunch we visit Jardin des Parfums et des Epices located in the middle of Mare Longue forest, on an 800-year-old lava flow. A guide will show you the various plants including ylang-ylang, clove trees, cardamom, orchids and vanilla. On arrival we check-in to our hotel where we stay for 3 nights. Overnight Les Villa Delisle Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Today we visit L'Entre-Deux part of a local network of creole villages. These authentic 19th century villages offer a good opportunity to learn about the island’s history. We will meet one of the local inhabitants who will tell us about Reunion’s heritage, and will visit some of the houses and gardens. After lunch we head back to Saint-Pierre where we stop at the Isautier rum distillery. The island’s oldest family distillery founded in 1845 is the site of the Saga du Rhum, a rum museum. Overnight Les Villa Delisle Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Today we travel to the southeast corner of Reunion Island, to Piton de la Fournaise, which is one of the world's most active volcanoes. Erupting for the first time about 50,000 years ago, records note that this basaltic shield volcano has erupted nearly 180 times since such eruptions were first recorded in 1640. The most recent occurred in 2004. Piton de la Fournaise (Furnace Peak) stretches to about 2,631 meters in height and, since 1980, has been consistently monitored by volcano experts including scientists and government surveillance facilities, just in case an evacuation of residents and guests is required. After lunch we visit La Cité du Volcan, a scientific centre and museum. Return to Sainte Pierre. Overnight Les Villa Delisle Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Today we visit another of the island’s three natural amphitheatres. Cirque de Cilaos is well worth a visit, with a beauty akin to the Alps in summer. The village of Cilaos, inside the cirque, is attractive and tranquil. Access to the cirque is on an incredible mountain road, winding up and up from the coastal plain, with more than one hundred hairpin bends. After lunch we check-in to our hotel and the rest of the day is free with no organised activities. Overnight Le Vieux Cep Hotel or similar. (BLD)

Today we travel to the west coast and the resort town of Saint-Leu with its smattering of handsome stone buildings dating from the French colonial era, such as the mairie (town hall) and the church opposite. From Saint-Leu we continue to Saint-Denis. Overnight Bellepierre Hotel or similar. (BLD)