Highlights of Reunion: Volcano, Cirques & Lagoons

Today you explore the beautiful west coast. You relax on the turquoise lagoon beaches of Saint-Gilles and L'Hermitage, swimming in the calm, protected lagoon and snorkelling over the coral reefs of the marine reserve, teeming with colourful fish. You might visit the Kelonia turtle centre, with its sea turtles and conservation, and Saint-Leu, a charming coastal town and paragliding capital. You ascend to the spectacular Maido viewpoint, high above the coast, gazing down into the remote, roadless cirque of Mafate, a breathtaking sight. The lagoons and viewpoints are beautiful. As the day ends, you return to your hotel. This evening, savour Creole cuisine and a beautiful sunset. Rest well, for tomorrow you descend into the spectacular cirque of Cilaos.

Today you journey to the spectacular cirque of Cilaos by its dramatic mountain road. You travel up the famous, winding road to Cilaos, with over 400 bends climbing dizzyingly into the mountains, with breathtaking views at every turn. You arrive in the charming Creole village of Cilaos, set in a vast natural amphitheatre ringed by jagged peaks, including Piton des Neiges, the highest peak in the Indian Ocean. You explore the village, with its thermal springs, famous lentils and wine, and Creole houses, and take in breathtaking viewpoints over the spectacular cirque. The dramatic road and cirque are spectacular. As the day ends, you settle into your accommodation in Cilaos, immersed in the spectacular mountain scenery. This evening, savour Creole mountain cuisine. Rest well amid the beauty of the cirque, ready to explore Cilaos tomorrow.

Today you explore the spectacular cirque of Cilaos. You take a scenic hike amid the spectacular mountain scenery, perhaps to viewpoints such as the Roche Merveilleuse, with breathtaking views over the cirque and its jagged peaks, or along beautiful mountain trails through forests and past waterfalls. You explore more of the charming village and its Creole culture, thermal springs and crafts, and, for the adventurous, might try canyoning in the spectacular gorges, a thrilling experience. The scenery and adventure are spectacular. As the day ends, you return to your accommodation in Cilaos. This evening, savour Creole mountain cuisine and the cool mountain air. Rest well amid the beauty of the cirque, for tomorrow you journey to the active volcano.

Today you journey to the dramatic volcano region. You travel from Cilaos towards the high plains and the volcano, taking in the dramatic changing scenery, from lush forests to the high, otherworldly plains. You arrive in the volcano region (around Bourg-Murat and the Plaine des Cafres), and might visit the excellent Maison du Volcan (volcano museum) to learn about Piton de la Fournaise. You take in the dramatic, high-altitude landscapes and, perhaps, a first viewpoint over the volcanic terrain. The changing scenery and anticipation are dramatic. As the day ends, you settle into your accommodation in the volcano region, high in the mountains. This evening, savour Creole cuisine and the cool mountain air. Rest well amid the dramatic scenery, ready to explore the active Piton de la Fournaise tomorrow.

Today you explore the active Piton de la Fournaise, one of the world's most active volcanoes. You drive up the dramatic road across the otherworldly Plaine des Sables, a Mars-like landscape of red and black volcanic terrain, to Pas de Bellecombe, on the rim of the vast caldera, gazing over the immense crater and the smoking volcano, an awe-inspiring sight. You walk across the otherworldly lava fields and, conditions and rules allowing, hike into the enclos towards the crater, an unforgettable, primal experience amid one of the most dramatic volcanic landscapes on earth. You might also explore a tunnel de lave (lava tube). The drama and scale are overwhelming. As the day ends, you return to your accommodation. This evening, savour Creole cuisine, reflecting on the awesome volcano. Rest well amid the dramatic scenery, for tomorrow you journey to the lush cirque of Salazie.

Today you journey to the lush cirque of Salazie and the heritage village of Hell-Bourg. You travel to Salazie, the greenest of the three cirques, a lush amphitheatre of waterfalls, forests and Creole villages, taking in the spectacular waterfalls cascading down the cirque walls, including the beautiful Voile de la Mariee (Bride's Veil). You discover Hell-Bourg, listed among the most beautiful villages in France, with its charming Creole houses, gardens, and heritage, exploring its atmospheric streets and, perhaps, a historic Creole house. The lush cirque and heritage village are beautiful. As the day ends, you settle into your accommodation in or near Salazie. This evening, savour Creole cuisine, reflecting on the beauty of your journey. Rest well amid the lush mountains, ahead of your departure tomorrow.

After a final morning in the lush cirque of Salazie or on the way to the coast, perhaps a last waterfall or viewpoint, you journey to Roland Garros Airport near Saint-Denis for your onward international departure (with time, perhaps, to explore the charming Creole capital of Saint-Denis en route). You leave having experienced the very best of Reunion, the active Piton de la Fournaise volcano, the spectacular cirque of Cilaos, the heritage village of Hell-Bourg and lush Salazie, the turquoise lagoon beaches, and the rich Creole culture and cuisine. The images stay vivid long after you land, the smoking volcano and lava fields, the spectacular cirques and jagged peaks, the waterfalls and Creole villages, and the turquoise lagoons. Reunion offers dramatic volcanoes, spectacular cirques, waterfalls, culture and lagoons in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to this spectacular island.