9 Days • 8 Nights
Grand Mauritius: Beaches, Mountains, Culture & Islands
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Combining two beautiful coasts and the whole island is the great strength of this grand journey. Mauritius is beautiful all around, and this grand journey reveals it all, staying on two different coasts, perhaps the lively north or west and the beautiful east, and exploring the whole island, from beaches and mountains to culture and islands. Experiencing two coasts and the full island reveals the breadth and beauty of Mauritius. Combining two beautiful coasts and exploring the whole island, from beaches and mountains to culture and islands, is the great strength and a rewarding highlight of this definitive journey through Mauritius.
- Beautiful beaches and turquoise lagoons on two coasts are the blissful heart of this journey. Mauritius is ringed by beautiful beaches and a protected turquoise lagoon, and staying on two coasts lets you savour the best of them. You relax on beautiful white beaches, swim and snorkel in the warm, calm turquoise lagoons, and soak up the serenity and beauty of two different coasts, from lively to tranquil. The beaches and lagoons are magical. Relaxing on beautiful white beaches and swimming in the turquoise lagoons of two different coasts is the blissful and unforgettable heart of this grand journey through Mauritius.
- The seven-coloured earth, Chamarel and the Black River Gorges reveal the island's dramatic nature. In the wild, green interior and south-west, you explore the extraordinary Seven Coloured Earth and spectacular waterfalls of Chamarel, and hike the wild Black River Gorges National Park, amid endemic forest, waterfalls and rare birds, taking in the island's dramatic mountains and scenery. The natural wonders and beauty are spectacular. Exploring the extraordinary seven-coloured earth and waterfalls of Chamarel and hiking the wild Black River Gorges reveals the island's dramatic nature, a spectacular highlight of this grand journey through Mauritius.
- Lively Port Louis, Grand Bassin and the rich culture are a fascinating highlight. You explore lively Port Louis, with its bustling market, Chinatown and the moving Aapravasi Ghat UNESCO site, the sacred Hindu lake of Grand Bassin amid the mountains, and the island's rich multicultural heritage, tea route and vibrant sega, savouring the warm, harmonious culture and delicious flavours. The culture and heritage are fascinating. Exploring lively Port Louis, the sacred lake of Grand Bassin and the island's rich multicultural culture and flavours is a fascinating and rewarding highlight of this grand journey through Mauritius.
- Catamaran cruises to beautiful islands and dolphins are a magical highlight. You cruise the turquoise lagoons by catamaran to the stunning Ile aux Cerfs and the beautiful northern islands, snorkelling over vibrant reefs and relaxing on beautiful beaches, and swim with playful dolphins in Tamarin bay, savouring the island's most beautiful waters and isles. The cruises and dolphins are magical. Cruising by catamaran to beautiful Ile aux Cerfs and the northern islands, snorkelling vibrant reefs and swimming with dolphins, is a magical highlight of this grand journey through Mauritius.
- Above all, this grand journey offers the full beauty of Mauritius, the definitive island experience. Mauritius is beautiful all around, and this grand journey reveals it all at a considered, rewarding pace, from two beautiful coasts to Port Louis, Chamarel, the Black River Gorges, catamaran islands and the rich culture, immersed throughout in beaches, mountains, nature, culture, islands and warm hospitality. The combination of beaches, mountains, nature, culture and islands across the whole island makes this the definitive experience of Mauritius. For the traveller seeking to truly know beautiful Mauritius in all its breadth and beauty, this grand journey is deeply rewarding and unforgettable.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 9-day journey.
Your grand Mauritius journey begins as your flight arrives at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, where you are met and transferred to your first beautiful beachside resort, on the lively north or beautiful west coast. Mauritius is a jewel of the Indian Ocean, beautiful all around, and over the coming days you will experience it in full. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, taking a first swim in the warm, turquoise lagoon, relaxing on the beautiful beach, and watching a glorious sunset over the ocean. This evening, dine on the delicious blend of flavours that make Mauritian cuisine so special. As you settle in, the beauty and warmth of Mauritius work their magic. Rest well, ready to explore the beautiful island in full.
Today you savour the beauty of your first coast. You relax on the beautiful white beach, swimming and snorkelling in the warm, calm turquoise lagoon, and enjoy gentle water sports, savouring the serenity and beauty of your setting. You might explore the lively north around Grand Baie, with its beaches, shops and atmosphere, or the beautiful west, savouring the beaches and famous sunsets. The beaches and lagoon are wonderful. As the sun sets over the ocean in a blaze of colour, you savour the glorious sunset. This evening, savour Mauritian cuisine and the relaxed island atmosphere. Rest well, for tomorrow you explore lively Port Louis and the sacred lake of Grand Bassin.
Today you explore lively Port Louis and the sacred lake of Grand Bassin. You explore the vibrant capital, visiting its bustling central market, atmospheric Chinatown, colonial architecture, and the moving Aapravasi Ghat UNESCO site. You visit Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao), a sacred Hindu crater lake set amid the mountains, ringed by colourful temples and towering statues, a place of pilgrimage and beauty, and perhaps the beautiful Pamplemousses botanical gardens. The culture and heritage are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your resort. This evening, savour Mauritian cuisine and, perhaps, a vibrant sega performance. Rest well, for tomorrow you explore Chamarel and the wild Black River Gorges.
Today you explore the dramatic nature of Mauritius. You visit the extraordinary Seven Coloured Earth of Chamarel, undulating dunes of naturally coloured sands, and the spectacular Chamarel Waterfall plunging into a lush gorge, perhaps with a rum-distillery tasting. You explore the wild Black River Gorges National Park, hiking amid endemic forest, waterfalls and rare birds to panoramic viewpoints, and take in the dramatic Le Morne mountain and coast. The natural wonders and scenery are spectacular. As the day ends, you return to your resort. This evening, savour Mauritian cuisine. Rest well, for tomorrow you transfer to your second coast, cruising to beautiful Ile aux Cerfs along the way.
Today you cruise to beautiful Ile aux Cerfs and transfer to your second coast. You transfer towards the beautiful east coast, and cruise the turquoise waters by catamaran to the stunning Ile aux Cerfs, an island of powder-white beaches and clear lagoons, snorkelling over vibrant coral, swimming in the warm, clear water, and relaxing on beautiful beaches, with a delicious barbecue lunch aboard. You then settle into your second beautiful resort, on the stunning east coast. The cruise, island and new coast are magical. As the sun sets over the ocean, you savour the glorious colours from your new resort. This evening, dine on Mauritian cuisine, savouring the beauty of your second coast. Rest well, ready to savour the beautiful east coast.
Today you savour the beauty of the stunning east coast. You relax on the beautiful white beaches, among the finest in Mauritius, swimming and snorkelling in the warm, clear turquoise lagoon, and enjoy gentle water sports, savouring the serenity and beauty of the east coast. You might visit the beautiful Belle Mare beaches, or take a glass-bottom boat over the reefs. The beaches and lagoon are magical. As the sun sets over the ocean, you savour the glorious colours. This evening, savour Mauritian cuisine and the relaxed island atmosphere. Rest well, for tomorrow you cruise the beautiful islands or swim with dolphins.
Today you cruise the beautiful islands or swim with dolphins. You might cruise by catamaran to the beautiful northern islands of Gabriel, Flat and Round, snorkelling over vibrant reefs and relaxing on beautiful beaches, with a barbecue lunch aboard, or take a west-coast excursion to swim with playful dolphins in Tamarin bay, a magical encounter. Alternatively, you relax on the beautiful east-coast beaches. The cruise or dolphins are magical. As the day ends, you return to your resort, deeply relaxed. This evening, savour Mauritian cuisine and a beautiful sunset. Rest well, for tomorrow you enjoy a final day in beautiful Mauritius.
Today you enjoy a final, relaxed day in beautiful Mauritius. You might relax on the beautiful beaches and turquoise lagoon, indulge in a spa treatment, snorkel the beautiful Blue Bay Marine Park, or explore the wild, dramatic south coast, with its cliffs at Gris Gris and the beautiful scenery, savouring the beauty and warmth of the island. It is a lovely finale to your grand journey. As the sun sets over the ocean for the last time, you savour the glorious colours. This evening, enjoy a final dinner, savouring the delicious flavours and warm hospitality of Mauritius, reflecting on the full beauty of the island you have experienced. Rest well ahead of your departure, the beaches, mountains, culture and islands of Mauritius vivid in your memory.
After a final, relaxed morning in beautiful Mauritius, perhaps a last swim in the turquoise lagoon, you are transferred to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport for your onward international departure. You leave having experienced Mauritius in full, two beautiful coasts and beaches, lively Port Louis and the sacred lake of Grand Bassin, the seven-coloured earth and Black River Gorges, the catamaran islands and dolphins, and the rich multicultural culture and delicious flavours. The images stay vivid long after you land, the turquoise lagoons and white beaches of two coasts, the seven-coloured earth, the wild gorges, the beautiful islands, and the warm, harmonious culture. Mauritius offers beaches, mountains, nature, culture and islands in abundance, and having experienced it in full, you depart with the definitive experience of this beautiful island, already dreaming of a return.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 8 nights accommodation across two resorts on two coasts, on a half-board basis
- Airport and resort transfers
- Island tours and excursions as per itinerary with local guides
- Services of expert local guides as per itinerary
- A Port Louis and Grand Bassin cultural tour, a Chamarel and Black River Gorges tour, a catamaran cruise to Ile aux Cerfs, a northern islands or dolphin cruise, and inter-coast transfers
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Lunches and some dinners (or upgrade to all-inclusive)
- Optional excursions, water sports, spa treatments and tips
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Most nationalities can visit Mauritius visa-free for up to 60 days with a passport valid for at least six months, a return ticket and proof of accommodation; a visa is issued on arrival where needed. Requirements can change, so we confirm the current details before travel
- Currency: The currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR); cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants and shops, but carry some cash for markets, small shops, taxis and tips. ATMs are widely available, and major currencies can be exchanged at banks and hotels
- Best time to visit: Mauritius is warm year-round; the cooler, drier winter (roughly May to November) is very popular and pleasant, while the summer (December to April) is hotter and more humid with a cyclone risk, especially January to March. The east and south can be breezier, the west and north calmer
- Languages & culture: English is the official language and French and Mauritian Creole are widely spoken; Mauritius is a warm, welcoming multicultural island blending Indian, African, Chinese and European heritage. Dress is relaxed at resorts and beaches, but modest dress is appreciated in towns and required at temples and mosques
- Beaches & lagoons: Mauritius is ringed by beautiful beaches and a protected coral lagoon, ideal for swimming, snorkelling and water sports; public beaches are open to all. Use reef-safe sunscreen, respect the marine parks (such as Blue Bay), and take care with sun, currents and coral, following local advice
- Getting around: Touring is by private vehicle with your guide or driver, and Mauritius is compact and easy to explore; driving is on the left. Distances are short, and we arrange all transfers and tours. Taxis and buses are also available, and many resorts offer excursions and shuttles
- Health & safety: Mauritius is a safe, welcoming and stable island with no malaria; standard precautions apply, and tap water is generally safe in main areas though many prefer bottled. The tropical sun is strong, so bring sun protection and stay hydrated, and take comprehensive travel insurance
- Money & power: Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory (a small tip for good service is customary). Power is 230V with UK-style type G (and some type C) plugs, so bring an adapter. Mauritius is well developed, with excellent resorts, restaurants and infrastructure, making travel easy and rewarding
Frequently Asked Questions
Why stay on two coasts of Mauritius?
Each coast of Mauritius has its own character and beauty: the lively north (Grand Baie) with calm beaches and nightlife, the west (Le Morne, Flic en Flac) with sunsets, dolphins and calm swimming, and the stunning, breezier east (Belle Mare) with some of the finest beaches and resorts. Staying on two coasts reveals the full breadth of the island, minimises long day trips, and adds variety. We choose two complementary coasts and resorts to create your ideal, varied grand journey.
Is nine days enough to see all of Mauritius?
Nine days is ideal to experience Mauritius in full without rushing, combining two beautiful coasts with the island's culture (Port Louis, Grand Bassin), nature (Chamarel, Black River Gorges), and islands (catamaran cruises, dolphins), plus plenty of beach relaxation. Mauritius is compact, so a week and a half reveals its full breadth and beauty at a relaxed pace. We can also adjust the length and balance, adding more relaxation, adventure or culture, to suit you.
What meals are included?
This depends on the board basis chosen: bed and breakfast, half board, full board or all-inclusive, which we tailor to you and your resort. Many Mauritius resorts offer excellent half-board or all-inclusive packages, while others are ideally placed for exploring the island's superb restaurants. Mauritian cuisine is a delicious blend of Indian, Creole, Chinese and French flavours, and we advise on the best board basis and dining for your holiday.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Excursions can be arranged privately, with your own guide or driver and vehicle, for flexibility and a tailored pace, or as shared/group tours and resort excursions for value; we tailor this to you. Mauritius is compact and easy to tour, and knowledgeable local guides bring its beaches, mountains, culture and history vividly to life. Many highlights, from catamaran cruises to island tours, are easily arranged.
Do I need a visa for Mauritius?
Most nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 60 days with a passport valid for at least six months, a return ticket and proof of accommodation, with a visa issued on arrival where needed. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality before travel, so entry is smooth. Mauritius is easy and welcoming to visit, with a modern international airport.
Is Mauritius safe to visit?
Mauritius is a safe, stable and welcoming island, popular with families, couples and honeymooners, with warm, multicultural hospitality and excellent infrastructure. Standard precautions apply, as anywhere, and there is no malaria. We use trusted local guides and drivers and choose reputable resorts. The island is easy, relaxed and rewarding to explore, and the warmth of the Mauritian welcome is one of the joys of a visit.
When is the best time to visit?
Mauritius is warm and beautiful year-round. The cooler, drier winter (roughly May to November) is especially pleasant and popular, ideal for beaches, touring and diving; the summer (December to April) is hotter and more humid, with a cyclone risk mainly January to March, but lush and green. The west and north are calmer for swimming; the east breezier. We advise on the best timing and coast for your interests.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can choose the ideal resort and coast for your style, from romantic and luxury to family and beachfront, add island tours, catamaran cruises, diving, hiking, golf and cultural experiences, and tailor the balance of relaxation and exploration. Mauritius offers beaches, mountains, nature, culture and adventure, and every holiday is tailored to you, matching the resort, board basis and experiences to create your ideal island escape.
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