(Deprecated) TUI collection in Mauritius Island

Northern Mauritius tour with Sugar World and botanical garden

The north of Mauritius is awash with history, culture and nature – this trip dips into all three in the photogenic north of the island. Visiting Cap Malheureux village and Pamplemousse Gardens, you'll stop for lunch and a rum tasting experience before free time to shop in the Caudan city craft market. Jean, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Pamplemousse is a unique botanical garden, famous for its big pond full of giant water lilies, the largest leaves of which can support a weight of around 50 kilos.'The morning begins with a photo stop at the pretty village of Cap Malheureux, home to the iconic, red-roofed church of Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice, a bright contrast to the colours of the Indian Ocean beyond. Next, we'll take a trip to Pamplemousse Gardens – the oldest botanical gardens in the southern hemisphere. Explore more than 500 rare plant species sprouting among the shady palm avenues and spice plantations here, then head on to Sugarworld for lunch.This factory and museum won't just see you fed, it's also the place to be schooled in the sugar trade, its history and to sample some sugarcane. There's some special Mauritian rum to wash it all down with too. You'll also visit the Blue Penny Museum, where displays include the famous postage stamps of 1847. Rounding off, we'll head to the city of Port Louis for free time to shop the modern boutiques down at Caudan Waterfront or hit the historic quarter's old craft bazaar.

Mauritius South Island Tour with Chamarel Geopark & Grand Bassin

Wild beauty abounds in Mauritius. But the island's colourful south is absolutely bursting with it. This tour takes you to a roll call of must-sees. Trou aux Cerfs volcano, a sacred lake, the seven-coloured earth of Chamarel and much more await. Sandya, one of our local guides, says, ‘The south is how I imagine my island was 400 years ago. I try to imagine how our animals lived, such as the giant tortoises and extinct dodo, and the now-protected luxuriant forests.'The fun kicks off at Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcano with a 90-metre-deep pine-studded crater. Next, we'll visit Voiliers de l'Océan, where artisans handcraft teak models of 18th century galleons. Laurna, another of our local guides, says, ‘It takes about 300 hours to complete a small boat of 70cm, while for larger boats about 1 to 3 months, depending on the size.' At the Takamaka winery, sample lychee wines and find out how discarded skins are used. This visit supports the employment of locals in a traditional business.Then, at Grand Bassin, a lake sacred to Hindus, you'll visit a temple and maybe offer prayers. A drive through Black River Gorges National Park takes you to a restaurant in Chamarel for a lunch made from locally sourced ingredients. Highlights in the park include the 100-metre drop Chamarel waterfalls and the seven-coloured earth of Chamarel. These barren volcanic dunes are surrounded by greenery.

Mauritian Tea Route Tour with Bois Chéri factory and Plantation

When it comes to history and culture, this Mauritius highlights tour is just the ticket. You'll visit colonial estates, tea plantations, and a rum distillery, with plenty of local flavour along the way. A Creole lunch, fragrant gardens, and a stop at the former home of one of Mauritius's best-known poets round off the experience. Aurelie, one of our expert local guides, says, “You'll follow the story of the island through its monuments and most important products – sugar, tea, rum and vanilla. It's a fascinating story that I love to tell our guests.”The day begins at 19th-century Domaine des Aubineaux, a colonial manor with an attic of antiques. At the Bois Chéri tea factory, you'll tour the plantations, explore the museum, and pause for a tasting with sweeping views. Next up is Domaine de Saint Aubin, where you'll discover the secrets of rum-making before enjoying a traditional Mauritian lunch on the colonial house veranda.Afterwards, stroll through gardens filled with anthurium and vanilla plants, stop at the old sugar factory for insights into production, and explore the mini-farm and La Maison de la Vanille. In the afternoon, visit La Nef, the coral-built home of poet Robert Edward Hart, now a museum dedicated to his life and work. The day ends with a photo stop at Gris Gris, one of the island's most scenic viewpoints where you'll see waves crashing against the cliffs.