Gardens of Mauritius 675
Gardens of Mauritius 675
$5245
Gardens of Mauritius 675
12 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: London, Mauritius, La Vanille Tropical Garden, Domaine de Saint Aubin, Morcellement St André, Port Louis, Blue Penny Museum, Caudan Waterfront, Black River Gorges National Park, Plaine Champagne, Grand Bassin, La Morne Beach, l'Ile aux Aigrettes, Trianon, Chamarel, Curepipe, Le Petrin Nature Reserve, Bois Cheri, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden, Domaine de Labourdonnais, Moka, Eureka House
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BMAU
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an enchanting journey through the Gardens of Mauritius, where nature's wonders await. Begin your adventure with a visit to La Vanille Tropical Garden, home to giant tortoises and lush landscapes. Discover the colonial charm of Domaine de Saint Aubin and savor local rum. Explore the vibrant Port Louis market and the Blue Penny Museum, housing rare stamps. Marvel at the exotic flora and fauna in Black River Gorges National Park and relax on La Morne beach. Experience the serene beauty of l’Île aux Aigrettes and the Cuerpipe Botanical Garden. Delight in the fragrant tea plantations of Bois Cheri and the grandeur of Eureka House. Conclude your journey with a taste of local fruit at a pineapple plantation. Enjoy luxurious accommodations and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, making this a truly unforgettable escape.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Location: London, Mauritius
Enjoy access to the airport Executive lounge before we depart from London in the afternoon on our overnight flight to Mauritius.
Day 2
Location: Mauritius
Accommodation Name: Hotel Anelia
Meals Included: Dinner
Upon arrival in Mauritius, we transfer to our hotel and have the rest of the day to settle in and relax.
Day 3
Location: La Vanille Tropical Garden, Domaine de Saint Aubin
Accommodation Name: Hotel Anelia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We begin this morning with a visit to La Vanille Tropical Garden, where we will have a guided tour of the flora and fauna in this unique zoo, which is beautifully landscaped with tropical plants.
In the afternoon we visit the Domaine de Saint Aubin, a colonial house from 1819, which offers number of different visitor experiences. The Moulin de Saint Aubin shows how sugar cane was processed; the Rum House, a pioneer in the production of agricultural rum in Mauritius, demonstrates the subtleties of distilling agricultural rum and offers a tasting session, and the Vanilla House explains the production process of the famous aromatic pod. There is also a Botanical Garden which houses one of just two Chorisia (silk floss trees) in Mauritius and a Spice Garden.
Day 4
Location: Morcellement St André, Port Louis, Blue Penny Museum, Caudan Waterfront
Accommodation Name: Hotel Anelia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, we head to Morcellement St André on north coast where we visit a large greenhouse filled with plants and flowers and also meet the owner. Afterwards, we travel to the capital Port Louis, which was used as a harbour by Dutch settlers from 1606, when it was known as the Harbour of Tortoises, but took its present name under French colonial rule in honour of King Louis XV. We enjoy a visit to the Port Louis market and also the Blue Penny Museum, an art and history museum that is wholly devoted to Mauritius. The museum collection includes the 1847 Blue Penny and Red Penny stamps, which are amongst the rarest and most sought after stamps in the world. Later we have a visit to Caudan Waterfront including the local handicraft market
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5
Location: Black River Gorges National Park, Plaine Champagne, Grand Bassin, La Morne Beach
Accommodation Name: Hotel Anelia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we will depart on an excursion to the Black River Gorges National Park. This beautiful highland area south-west of Curepipe is like no other part of the island and looks more like North America than an island in the Indian Ocean. Look out for the rare tambalacoque or dodo tree, black ebony trees and the exotic birds that perch in them. We will also visit the Plaine Champagne and the Grand Bassin and in the afternoon we will stop at La Morne beach where those who wish can have a swim.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 6
Location: l'Ile aux Aigrettes, Trianon
Accommodation Name: Hotel Anelia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we will take a boat trip to the island nature reserve of l’IIe aux Aigrettes, where we will see plants and animals on the verge of extinction, which have been saved and now thrive here, such as rare orchids and pink pigeons.
This afternoon we visit the well-stocked Vaneron Garden Centre and Nursery at Trianon.
Day 7
Location: Chamarel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Anelia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Free day to relax and enjoy the facilities of the hotel or explore the surrounding area at your leisure
Day 8
Location: Curepipe, Le Petrin Nature Reserve, Bois Cheri
Accommodation Name: Hotel Anelia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we enjoy a guided visit to Cuerpipe Botanical Garden and Le Petrin Nature Reserve. The little botanic garden is notable for its palm Hyphorbe amaricaulis, a doomed species as it is the last of its kind in the world and has proved impossible to propagate. The mountain and moorland reserve at Le Petrin is home to many endemic plants such as the starfish-like yellow Roussea and the scarlet-bellied Trochetia, all set among dainty ferns and mosses.
Later, we head to Bois Cheri to discover the tea plantation and a thousand and one secrets about tea during the visit of museum. A tea tasting will served at the chalet.
Le Domaine de Bois Chéri is the first and biggest tea producer in Mauritius and thus holds some of the oldest tea plants of the island
Day 9
Location: Port Louis, Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden, Domaine de Labourdonnais
Accommodation Name: Hotel Anelia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we travel to the capital Port Louis for some free time before we depart for a visit to the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolan Botanic Garden at Pamplemousses, famous for its canal full of giant waterlilies, Victoria amazonica, with their pink flowers and 1.5m diameter leaves. We will also see sacred scented lotus, colourful Cannas and Heliconias and numerous palm avenues and tropical trees.
Later we visit the Domaine de Labourdonnais, which has become one of the most attractive cultural visits in Mauritius. We will visit the Château and the Nursery which has a wide range of plants before enjoying a tasting of local rum or fruit juice.
Day 10
Location: Moka, Eureka House
Accommodation Name: Hotel Anelia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We begin today with a visit to the plantations in Moka situated on central plateau of the island. We see how greenhouses are utilised to grow all manner of plants. We later visit a Pineapple plantation followed by tasting of local fruit. In the afternoon we visit Eureka House, a colonial mansion where as well as the garden we will see a dramatic woodland ravine. Lunch is included here.
Day 11
Location: Port Louis
Meals Included: Breakfast
For our final day we relax in the hotel and then transfer to the airport for our overnight flight to London.
Day 12
Location: London
On arrival in London this morning our group will disperse or transfer to onward flight connections.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation is included as part of the tour package.
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Meals - as per the itinerary
Meals are included as per the itinerary.
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London pre-flight Executive lounge access
Access to the Executive lounge at London airport before the flight is included.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.
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Optional excursions
Optional excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably throughout Mauritius with coach transportation, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey as you explore the island's stunning gardens and attractions. The tour includes airport transfers and local travel, making your experience hassle-free.Accommodation
Stay at the luxurious Hotel Anelia, where you can unwind and enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. This resort offers a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for rejuvenating after a day of exploring the beautiful landscapes and gardens of Mauritius.Check out our Q&As
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What unique wildlife can be seen at La Vanille Tropical Garden?
At La Vanille Tropical Garden, you can see giant tortoises and a variety of flora and fauna in a beautifully landscaped zoo with tropical plants.
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What experiences are offered at Domaine de Saint Aubin?
Domaine de Saint Aubin offers a variety of experiences including a demonstration of sugar cane processing at the Moulin de Saint Aubin, a rum tasting session at the Rum House, and an explanation of vanilla production at the Vanilla House. There is also a Botanical Garden and a Spice Garden to explore.
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What can visitors expect to see at the Blue Penny Museum in Port Louis?
Visitors to the Blue Penny Museum in Port Louis can expect to see a collection devoted to the art and history of Mauritius, including the rare 1847 Blue Penny and Red Penny stamps.
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What is special about the Black River Gorges National Park?
The Black River Gorges National Park is a beautiful highland area that resembles North America more than an island in the Indian Ocean. It is home to rare trees like the tambalacoque or dodo tree, black ebony trees, and exotic birds.
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What can be seen on the island nature reserve of l’Ile aux Aigrettes?
On the island nature reserve of l’Ile aux Aigrettes, you can see plants and animals that were on the verge of extinction but now thrive, such as rare orchids and pink pigeons.
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What is notable about the Cuerpipe Botanical Garden?
The Cuerpipe Botanical Garden is notable for its palm Hyphorbe amaricaulis, which is the last of its kind in the world and has proved impossible to propagate.
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What can visitors learn at the Domaine de Bois Chéri?
Visitors to the Domaine de Bois Chéri can learn about the history and production of tea in Mauritius, as it is the first and biggest tea producer on the island. The visit includes a tour of the tea plantation, a museum visit, and a tea tasting session.
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What makes the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolan Botanic Garden at Pamplemousses famous?
The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolan Botanic Garden at Pamplemousses is famous for its canal full of giant waterlilies, Victoria amazonica, with pink flowers and 1.5m diameter leaves, as well as its sacred scented lotus, colourful Cannas and Heliconias, and numerous palm avenues and tropical trees.
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What can be experienced at the Domaine de Labourdonnais?
At the Domaine de Labourdonnais, visitors can enjoy a cultural visit that includes a tour of the Château, a visit to the Nursery with a wide range of plants, and a tasting of local rum or fruit juice.
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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Transfer as credit for future tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.