Itinerary
- Day 1
Saint Denis to Saint Anne
You'll arrive at the airport where a local agency representative meets you with your rental car and trip documents. From there, take a leisurely walk through Saint Denis, the capital, checking out colonial buildings, traditional markets, gardens and museums. Then it's a straight drive along the coast to Saint Anne, about 50 km away which takes around an hour.
Optional Activities
- Explore colonial buildings in Saint Denis
- Visit traditional markets in Saint Denis
- Walk through gardens in Saint Denis
- Visit museums in Saint Denis
Landmarks Saint Denis - Day 2
Hell-Bourg - Cirque de Salazie
Head to Saint Benoit and tour the Rivière du Mât rum distillery, one of the oldest and largest on Reunion since 1886. After that, drive to Hell-Bourg, a village known as one of France's most beautiful with colorful Creole colonial houses and gardens in the Cirque de Salazie basin. You'll wander through the lush landscape with high rock faces and waterfalls. The day finishes with a 6-course dinner at your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (6-course dinner at hotel)
Included Activities
- Visit Rivière du Mât rum distillery in Saint Benoit
- Visit Hell-Bourg village
- Explore Cirque de Salazie basin
Landmarks Rivière du Mât Distillery Hell-Bourg Cirque de Salazie - Day 3
Saint Pierre - Lavaland
Travel south and see the Notre Dame des Laves church in Sainte Rose, surrounded by lava from the 1977 eruption that came right up to the front door. Stop at Cap Mechant to watch the impressive waves crash against the rocks. Later, check out the Jardin des Parfums et des Epices botanical garden. Then continue to Saint Pierre, which sits as the gateway to the southern lava region with its steep cliffs and cooled lava flows.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel, Hotel
Included Activities
- Visit Notre Dame des Laves church in Sainte Rose
- Stop at Cap Mechant viewpoint
- Visit Jardin des Parfums et des Epices botanical garden
Landmarks Notre Dame des Laves Church Cap Mechant Jardin des Parfums et des Epices - Day 4
Cilaos Off-Road Safari
Set out on an off-road adventure by four-wheel drive heading to Cilaos. The Cilaos basin, with Piton des Neiges mountain at 3,012 m, is the sunniest of the three basins and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. You'll reach the mountain town via the spectacular 'Road of 400 bends' with panoramic views the whole way. By evening, settle in at your hotel to relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Off-road safari by four-wheel drive to Cilaos
- Drive the Road of 400 bends panoramic route
Landmarks Cilaos Piton des Neiges 
- Day 5
Piton Maïdo
Take a guided market visit, usually Saturdays in Saint-Pierre, to find local products though the day or location might shift depending on when you're traveling. The rest of the day is yours to do what you like. Many people head up to the Piton Maïdo viewpoint at 2,000 m for views over the Cirque de Mafate basin. Then return to your hotel and relax by the pool.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel
Included Activities
- Guided market visit in Saint-Pierre
Optional Activities
- Visit Piton Maïdo viewpoint at 2,000 m
Landmarks Saint-Pierre Market Piton Maïdo Cirque de Mafate - Day 6
Helicopter Sightseeing Flight
Fly over La Reunion on a 45-minute sightseeing flight and see the tropical forests, volcanic landscape, beaches and waterfalls from the air. Later that evening, have a 4-course meal with wine pairings at your hotel. If preferred, this dinner can happen on day 7 instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (4-course menu with accompanying wines at hotel)
Included Activities
- 45-minute helicopter sightseeing flight over La Réunion
Landmarks La Réunion - Day 7
Catamaran Cruise
Board a luxury catamaran for a 3-hour cruise along the coast, departing from Saint-Gilles-les-Bains. You'll sail on a spacious catamaran following Reunion Island's coastline with panoramic views the entire way. This gives you a unique perspective of the lagoons and the water's edge you don't get from land.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- 3-hour catamaran cruise from Saint-Gilles-les-Bains
Landmarks Saint-Gilles-les-Bains - Day 8
Saint Denis Airport
Drive back to Saint Denis Airport along the coast, heading through Saint-Paul on the way. Return your rental car and wrap up your trip. The drive covers about 70 km and takes roughly an hour depending on traffic.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Saint-Paul
