EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

Visit a vanilla plantation and explore a stunning cirque on this fascinating tour that includes lunch and free time for shopping. Take a picturesque drive to Saint-Denis, the economic and political center of Réunion Island, and notice eye-catching colonial mansions and buildings that date back to the time of the East India Trading Company during the 18th century.

Driving through the Sainte-Marie region, you'll view sugar cane fields, lush greenery and, further east, vibrantly hued Indian temples. At a fragrant vanilla plantation, relish a guided tour and informative demonstration of how the plant's aromatic oil is produced. Continuing to the Cirque of Salazie, thrill to a route through the natural amphitheater that passes countless cascading waterfalls, verdant gardens and colorful flowers while you ascend to approximately 3,300 feet. You'll capture amazing photos during a stop at Bridal Veil Falls, then enter the town of Hell-Bourg, named for a respected former admiral and island governor.

Take a walking tour past the village’s enchanting Creole houses and enjoy time on your own to shop before savoring a traditional lunch, a wonderful conclusion to your delightful exploration.

View a plethora of spectacular geological wonders on this enthralling tour of Réunion’s volcanically formed landscape.

Take a scenic drive along the coastline to Saint-Pierre and begin your ascent to the high plateau of Plaine des Cafres, where you'll pass fields of heather and gentian, thick forests and small villages. Notice the cooling freshness of the coast gives way to the heat of the volcano and, from the nearly 6,800-foot summit of the Nez de Boeuf, delight in sweeping vistas across the valley to the Commerson Crater's stunning caldera.

Stand in awe at the Pas de Bellecombe, a viewpoint perched atop a 492-foot cliff overlooking a volcanic valley that is reminiscent of the lunar surface and features more than 60 small craters spread around the larger Bory and Dolomieu Craters.

Following your unique exploration, visit La Cité du Volcan museum to obtain further insight on the island's volcanoes before partaking in a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant. You'll long ponder Mother Nature's raw power and her role in creating the bewitching landscapes of breathtaking Réunion.

Admire the untamed natural beauty of Réunion Island on this beguiling tour that includes a visit to an aromatic garden and lunch.

Settle in for a leisurely 90-minute drive to Réunion's south coast, reaching a rugged shoreline of volcanic rock that has been battered for centuries by the tumultuous sea. You'll find dense vegetation and a primeval inland forest that stretches along the volcanic slopes and provides shelter for an abundance of avian species. Gaze in wonder at the stark Grand Brûlé, or Great Burn, which has been covered over the ages by successive lava flows and stands in dramatic testament to nature's sometimes beautiful devastation.

After a delicious lunch of traditional dishes at a local restaurant, tour the Perfumes and Spices Garden, where you’ll be introduced to hundreds of native and exotic plants, an aromatic coda to your scenic and fragrance-filled day.

Revel in mesmerizing scenery and magnificent vistas on this entrancing tour that explores the western region of Réunion Island and includes visits to a geranium factory and a handicraft market.

Journey approximately 90 minutes to the dramatic volcano Piton Maïdo and take in striking views of the Cirque of Mafate, which encompasses over 22,000 acres of nearly untouched wilderness. During an approximately 45-minute stop, discover that the cirque includes some 15 small villages, home to approximately 700 citizens, and that it's a haven for hikers and nature lovers.

Gaze in awe at Piton des Neiges, the highest mountain in the Indian Ocean, before continuing to a local geranium plantation to explore the traditional production and distillation methods used to create the flower’s alluring perfume.

You'll savor time on your own at the Saint-Paul handicraft market, where you can browse stalls that showcase local embroidery, palm-leaf hats and purses, tablecloths from Madagascar and numerous other regional products. Soak up the vibrant ambiance and absorb the rich aromas and heady spices that pervade this quaint market, so typical of magical Réunion Island.

Geared for those who like to explore on their own, this shuttle gives you the opportunity to visit the tropical resort town of Saint Gilles les Bains.

Your shuttle leaves from the pier and travels approximately 45-minutes to this charming town that features shopping, a beautiful sandy beach, turquoise lagoon, aquarium and full-service marina. There is no lack of things to do here and there are numerous cafés, restaurants and bars as well.

After approximately 3.5 hours at your leisure in Saint Gilles les Bains, you will meet your shuttle at the appointed time and place for the return trip to the pier in Pont de Galets.