Discovered by the Portuguese in 1505, Mauritius was subsequently held by the Dutch, French, and British before independence was attained in 1968. Of volcanic origin and generally sheltered by barriers of coral reefs forming natural, safe, crystal clear lagoons, Mauritius has long been a dream destination. The amazing beauty of the island of Mauritius does not only reside in its natural landscapes, beaches, seas and weather but in a more complex, but sometimes forgotten, sort of a gem, its culture. Mauritius is a blend of diverse cultures and religions. The population consists of Hindus, Creole, Chinese, Muslims and Europeans. Mauritius is a great escape for those looking to get away from it all as it lacks the hustle and bustle of some resorts, making it ideal for total relaxation.

Things you will experience Discover the Mauritian culture - Hindus, Creole, Chinese, Muslims and Europeans Explore Mauritius flora, fauna and fish species Taste the large range of exotic food - blend of Creole,

Chinese, European, and Indian influences Experience local markets

Mauritius

Mauritius is situated in the Indian Ocean, approximately 2,400 kilometres off the South East Coast of Africa. The island, which is of volcanic origin, covers an area of 1,865 square kilometres or 720 square miles.

Coral reefs surround most of the coast except the south.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – Friday 16th May - Arrival at Mauritius airport at 17:40 - Transfer to Le Cannonier Hotel North Island - Dinner at Hotel

Day 2 – Saturday 17th May - Leisure day at the hotel - Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Day 3 – Sunday 18th May - Breakfast at hotel - Lunch cruise Northern Islands - Dinner at the hotel.

Northern Islands Catamaran Lunch Cruise Departing from Grand Bay on the north coast, embark your own exclusive superb catamaran, head for an uninhabited desert island, white sandy beaches, seashells, exotic fish and magnificent coral. After an hour of sailing, Coin de Mire reveals itself, an island renowned for its steep landforms and the birds “Paille en queue” - emblems of Mauritius, offering a majestic waltz. This site is preserved and classified as a protected nature reserve and is therefore not accessible to the public. Around the corner from Coin de Mire, there is a rosary of paradise islands floating on a sometimes turquoise, sometimes emerald lagoon where it is nice to spend a day snorkeling. Your friendly and professional crew will prepare a BBQ lunch on board and will serve wine, punch, beer, soft drinks. INCLUSIONS - Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle to the jetty + full day on our own exclusive catamaran, BBQ lunch and drinks served on board.

12 Days, 11 Nights Friday 16th May to Tuesday 27th May, 2014

Cultural Tour “The Jewel of the Indian Ocean”

North Island Discovery Tour Departure from the hotel, the tour will head towards the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden which extends over an area of 26 hectares with beautiful palm trees, camphor laurels and baobabs trees scattered across the almost 300 year old garden amongst a wide variety of water lilies and endemic plants of all shapes and sizes.

Day 4 – Monday 19th May - Breakfast at hotel and North Island - Discovery Tour with lunch included - Dinner at the hotel

Lunch will be served at La Maison Eurêka, a unique Creole house built in 1830 located by the river of Moka. It is an elegant Créole residence originally owned by British and French aristocrats in the 19th century. It also has a magnificent garden surrounded by waterfalls of the Moka River. After lunch, head towards Port Louis, the capital city, where you will visit the Natural History Museum. It is a state museum listed on the National Heritage since 2000 with a rich collection of wildlife of the Indian Ocean. Discover cultural and historical centres of interest such as “Champs de Mars” the oldest racetrack of the southern hemisphere, and the second oldest in the world and visit the old Fort The Citadelle – “Fort Adelaide”. Shop at leisure in the picturesque central market of Port Louis followed by a visit of the Blue Penny Museum with its rich collection of priceless national treasures all shapes and sizes.

INCLUSIONS - Full day in an air-conditioned vehicle visit the Pamplemousses Garden, Natural History Museum & Blue Penny Museum + lunch (excluding drinks).

Day 5 – Tuesday 20th May - Breakfast at the hotel and full day touring Grand Baie/ Goodlands - Dinner at hotel

This village located further inland is bustling all day. To feel the atmosphere and culture, walk around the local market where you can find all kinds of garments, textiles, accessories, and local products. Then visit Historic Marine (Maquettes de Bateaux), a well-known model ship factory on the island. You will get to watch how professionals create masterpieces using only the finest materials. Back to Grand Baie for lunch, then shopping at leisure.

Day 6 – Wednesday 21st May - Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Dinarobin Hotel Golfs & Spa Le Morne - Dinner at the hotel

INCLUSIONS Full day in an air-conditioned vehicle + lunch (excluding drinks) + visit of Cap Malheureux Red Church + Goodlands Market & Historic Marine + shopping in Grand Baie.

Full Day Grand Baie / Goodlands In the small village of Cap Malheureux, a real postcard view awaits you with its beautiful beaches, local fishermen and their catch, and a small church in front of the sea with its red roof, the Notre Dame Auxiliatrice – commonly known as the Red Roof Church. Head towards Goodlands.

The Countryside - Discover the crater of the extinct volcano “Trou aux Cerfs” located in Curepipe, which offers an exceptional panorama of the plains up to the Indian Ocean with a backdrop of mountain peaks. Then head towards the sacred lake of Grand Bassin (sacred Hindu lake) followed by a stop to the “Black River Gorges” where you will be dazzled by the abundance of endemic plants which serve as habitat for monkeys and for some species of rare bird namely the “Paille en Queue” the “Cateau Vert” and sometimes even the “Crécerelle”.

Lunch will be served at the “Restaurant le Chamarel” with spectacular views of the west coast followed by a visit of the Seven Coloured Earth and the rum distillery including a tasting. On the way back you will spend a peaceful time in the “Casela Nature & Leisure Wildlife Park”, with its small farm houses, 140 species of rare birds, Java deer, antelopes, ostriches, peacocks, leopard, Bengal tigers, lions, monkeys and many others. INCLUSIONS

Full day in an air-conditioned vehicle + entrance fees of Rhumerie de Chamarel & Casela Nature & Leisure Wildlife Park + rum tasting + lunch at the restaurant Le Chamarel (excluding drinks).

Day 7 – Thursday 22nd May - All day leisure time at hotel - (water sports, deep sea fishing, tennis & golf) - Breakfast, lunch and dinner

The Tea Route - Start the day with a score of history by visiting the magnificent colonial style residence “Le Domaine des Aubineaux”, formerly the house of a rich tea grower. This high-class residence has been turned into a museum housing personal objects and family photos. From the tea plantation to your cup, this brew has gone through several manufacturing processes, which we invite you to see, while visiting

Bois Chéri Tea Factory and the Tea Museum. At Bois Chéri’s Chalet, enjoy a tea tasting of different blends and flavours such as vanilla, lemon grass, bergamot, coconut and tropical fruits while enjoying the panoramic view of the south of the island. Lunch will be served at “Saint Aubin” table d’hôte, a colonial house of 1819 where you will enjoy a typical Mauritian meal. After lunch, visit the vanilla and

anthurium flower greenhouses as well as the “Maison du Rum” to watch the rum making process. Don’t miss the rum tasting. On your way to the south coast, we will stop at “Gris-Gris”, which is an interesting spot to watch the steep cliffs where huge waves break in a burst of foam.

INCLUSIONS

Full day in an air-conditioned vehicle + entrance fees at the Tea Museum + Vanilla & Anthurium greenhouses + tea tasting + rum tasting + La Reserve des Mascareignes Park + lunch (excluding drinks).

Late afternoon, you will visit “La Vanille (Vanilla) Réserve des Mascareignes” (Reserve Park) situated in a dense tropical forest of giant bamboos where caimans, crocodiles of the Nile, iguanas, wild boar, geckos, Japanese carp, monkeys and giant tortoises coexist. Their insectarium unique to the Indian Ocean is home to more than 23,000 species of butterflies and insects.

Day 8 – Friday 23rd May - Breakfast at hotel - Full day “La Route du Thé” (The Tea Route) - Dinner at the hotel

Day 9 – Saturday 24th May

- Leisure time at the hotel (water sports, deep sea fishing, tennis & golf) - Breakfast, lunch & dinner at hotel

Day 10 – Sunday 25th May - Leisure time at the hotel (water sports, deep sea fishing, - tennis & golf) - Breakfast, - lunch & dinner at hotel

Day 11 – Monday 26th May - Breakfast at hotel - Discover South Island - - Dinner at hotel

Pass Island, Fouquet Island, Lighthouse Island, Vacoas Island and Red Handkerchief Island. Lunch at “Les Copains d’Abord” restaurant. Then have a look at “LaFoire” (local market) where you can find various items. It is famous for its collection of local arts, crafts and all sorts of spices and delicacies, drinks + visit of Naval Museum + visit Seaside markets & crafts.

INCLUSIONS Full day in an air-conditioned vehicle + lunch at Les Copains D’Abord (excluding drinks) + visit of Naval Museum + visit Seaside + markets & crafts

Day 12 – Tuesday 27th May - All day leisure at hotel (water sports, deep sea fishing, tennis & golf) - Breakfast, lunch & dinner at hotel - Depart, transfer to airport for flight at 11:10pm to Perth/Sydney

........Bon Voyage

Price

$7,945.00 AUD Double/twin per person

$8,985.00 AUD Sole room use Tour price is based on minimum 15 paying passengers Tour price valid for travel 2014 and is subject to international currency fluctuations. Please note that airport taxes/ levies are subject to change without notice INCLUSIONS

Return economy class airfare and departure taxes Sydney/Perth/Mauritius

11 nights accommodation including breakfast & dinner in a 3- and 4-star luxury beachfront resorts

Hotels subject to availability

All touring by comfortable and air-conditioned buses with all entry fees and lunch included

Accompanied by a French/English-speaking tour manager

Detailed preparatory information services of tour program EXCLUSIONS

Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls and laundry

International comprehensive travel insurance

Some activities offered by resort at extra cost such as day spa, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, speedboat rides etc

Extra food & drink items

Visa is required for Mauritius

The number of participants is limited to approx. 15-20 pax to ensure your comfort and convenience.

About Robert

Meridienne Tours specialise in small group fully escorted touring packages to New Caledonia and Mauritius.

Join one of our scheduled departures or get together with a group of friends and we will take you to paradise.

What better way to explore New Caledonia and Mauritius than on a fully escorted small group with Meridienne Tours.

Australian tour leader Robert Mayer, of French origin, will accompany the group from Australia and return. Robert speaks French, Creole and English taking the hassle out of the language barrier. Robert will take you to places to experience the most fascinating Mauritian culture and its local exotic French, Indian & Creole cuisine.

Robert has 10 years’ experience in the tourism industry specialising in small personalised groups of 15-20 people.

These trips are ideal for Probus, Social and Seniors groups . Itineraries can be tailored to fit your clubs touring

programme.

Guidepost Tours, Gerringong NSW 2534 Australia Phone 1300 733 323 Lic # 2TA5895 A division of SCT Travel Group – IATA AFTA Uniglobe Magellan TCF

website: www.guideposttours.com.au email: enquiries@guidepost-travel.com