Reunion Island - Saint Gilles - 7 Days
- Duration: 7 Days (approx.)
- Location: Saint Denis
- Product code: reunionsaintgilles
Reunion Island is a beautiful example of nature at its finest. With plenty of volcanic action on the west side of the island, there is a spectacular coral reef system on a part of the west coast.
The calderas, or cirques, on the Island are of epic proportion and what many come to experience for themselves - Cirque de Salazie, Cirque de Cilaos, and Cirque de Mafate - all of which you'll have the opportunity to visit on this tour.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed at the airport and then transferred to your hotel in Saint-Gilles.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Nautile (Dinner)
Day 2: Cirque de Salazie
Cirque de Salazie is amazingly lush and is the greenest of all the calderas. As you head up on the winding road, you're able to see beautiful waterfalls tumbling down the mountains, and in some cases even on to the road!
Today we will:
- Visit the Veil of the Bride Waterfalls- Village walk through the village famous for its Creole Houses. Here we have the possibility to check out the Cases Creoles.
- Walk to la Mare a Poule d'eau - a lovely pond
Accommodation: Hotel Le Nautile (Breakfast)
Day 3: Volcano Region
Today we will get to explore the Piton de la Fournaise, "Peak of the Furnace", currently listed as one of the most active volcanoes in the world! Although the volcano is classified as non-explosive, it has plenty of intense activity constantly. The volcanic activity on the island is often compared and is similar to that of Hawaii. This energetic volcano is located in Reunion National Park, a World Heritage Site.
We will enjoy panoramic views of the Rivière des Remparts, that flows in a deep caldera of Piton de la Fournaise, as well as Îlet de Roche Plate. We will then head to La Plaine Des Sables towards to Pas De Bellecombe where you'll experience spectacular views of the Piton de la Fournaise.
This afternoon, we will visit the Domaine du Cafe Grille and visit its 4 acres of creole botanical gardens. The gardens are full of exotic and indigenous plants, palm and bamboo, and much more. We will enjoy lunch together at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Nautile (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 4: Wild South (Sud Sauvage)
The Village of Entre Deux is a charming village with an impressive collection of creole houses and gardens. Today we will have the opportunity to stroll through the village and visit the arboretum to learn about the plant heritage of the island and its precious woods.
Our day will also include:
- Visiting Village Manapany les Bains
- Langevin Waterfalls
- Cap Méchant
Accommodation: Hotel Le Nautile (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 5: Cirque de Cilaos
1200 meters above sea level, Cirque of Cilaos is known to be the most mysterious of the cirques. Your guide today is sure to tell you the benefits of the cirques famous thermal waters and the history of Cilaos. The winding road all the way up is likely to be one of the most beautiful drives you'll ever take.
Our day will include visiting hamlets scattered on the mountain on the way the cirque and a beautiful walk to an amazing look out point where you'll really get a great view of all of the cirques. We will visit the trail of the old baths as well as the house of embroidery. We will continue hiking, finding beautiful trees, roots, mosses, and rocks that are all part of the special vegetation of the island and then we will enjoy lunch together at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Nautile (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 6: Piton Maido
Petite Maido offers an aerial view of the Cirque of Mafate. This Cirque is only accessible by foot or helicopter. We will leave early this morning and make our way to the Piton Maido.
Once we have soaked in the amazing view from here, we will make our way to Saint Paul to visit one of the best markets on the Island. The market, however, is only open on Fridays and in the morning on Saturday. We will then enjoy a lunch together at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel Le Nautile (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 7: Saint-Denis
Today is the last day of the tour! You will be transferred to the Saint-Denis airport for your flight. If you have a later flight, there is the opportunity to enjoy a helicopter ride (at an extra cost), for an epic view of the island.
End of Services.
Included:
- Accommodation as listed in itinerary
- English speaking Guide
- Fuel
- Lunch as listed in itinerary
- Dinner as listed in itinerary
- Breakfast as listed in itinerary
Excluded:
- Flights
- Fees and taxes
- Optional activities listed in itinerary
- Travel insurance