La Réunion - Short trip to the volcanic island

The glistening sun rays welcome you to the magnificent island of La Réunion! After retrieving your luggage, our partner will greet you outside the airport. You will receive all the necessary documents and information for your rental car. And just like that, you are all set for an unforgettable tour around this colorful island!

The first part of your journey will lead you to Saint-Gilles on the west coast of La Réunion. Spend the day relaxing as you wish. Explore the beautiful swimming spots and stroll along the famous boulevards.

End your day on a romantic Sunset Cruise. This one-and-a-half-hour excursion will lead you to the vast ocean for a front-row seat to an epic sunset. And what makes this experience even more unique? Tasty cocktails, Creole music, and sometimes even a playful show by the wild dolphins will complement the breathtaking cruise. Book this experience for an additional fee of 25 euros per person.

Journey time: approx. 1 hour / approx. 50 km

Bed and breakfast in Saint-Gilles, La Réunion

Set those alarm clocks early and embark on your journey toward Piton Maido. The long drive rewards you with a stunning view of the vivid island. From this viewpoint, you can admire the volcanic crater Cirque de Mafate. The emerald green surroundings and rigid mountainsides are so steep that they can only be reached by foot or helicopter. Let your gaze wander over this enchanting haven of pristine nature and savor the majestic beauty of the mountains.

In the afternoon, you will drive to the caldera, Cirque de Cilaos. The road toward this caldera takes you around 400 curves and turns and through the island’s serene nature. Plan hiking and rafting tours at this famous caldera, and discover why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travel time: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes / approx. 80 km

Bed and breakfast in Cilaos, La Réunion

Cilaos is not only famous because of its pleasant thermal springs but also for its typical Creole ease and relaxed lifestyle. Pamper yourself at the thermal springs or savor the delectable local wines during a wine-tasting experience. If you’re an adventure lover, indulge in countless mountain and hiking trips through the caldera’s extraordinary landscape. The tours offer different levels, ideal for any traveler! Are you interested in a hiking tour? Contact us, and we will help you book this experience.

Whichever way you tailor your day, experience the soothing tranquility of the people around you, lean back, and seize the day.

Bed and breakfast in Cilaos, La Réunion

On this magical day, you will leave Cilaos and travel along the west coast towards the island’s south. On your way, discover the scents and spices of the surrounding landscapes and stroll through Forêt de Mare Longue. The spice garden is a sensory experience where you will learn about La Réunion’s spice production. For a long time, the island was a French colony and an important location for spice production. During this tour, you will learn about the spice legacy, how they grow in nature, and how they emit their unique smells. Discover the distinctive island features of this ancient forest, where a subtropical ecosystem and many native plant species thrive.

In the afternoon, you will continue your adventure to Plaine des Cafres. This high plateau is reminiscent of the scenery of the Alps because of the hilly landscapes dotted with cow pastures, farms, small swamps, and heather. Are you craving a hike through this enchanting landscape?

Travel time: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes / approx. 55 km

Bed and breakfast in La Plaine des Cafres, Reunion Island

Today, enjoy your roundtrip’s main highlight: Plaine des Cafres. Your day begins early in the morning to catch an incredible sunrise view of the Plaine des Sables and Pas de Bellecombe from Piton de Fournaise. Our tip: Hike along the crater and explore its entire length in about five hours. We promise it will be an unforgettable experience with the up-close experiences of this mighty volcano.

Plaine des Cafres is a gentle rolling area that spreads between the Cirques and Piton de la Fournaise. Piton de la Fournaise is one of the most active in the world, with occasional small, relatively harmless eruptions. Like Hawaii’s volcano, the erupting lava makes its way toward the ocean with no significant gas explosions. Locals have an exceptionally loving relationship with the volcano. It’s a big part of their identity. In the event of an outbreak, locals get into their cars and secure the best viewpoints for this spectacle. The last major eruption occurred in 2007, and its traces are still visible today.

After a great visit to the volcano, you will return to Plaine des Cafres.

Journey time: Plaine des Cafres to Piton de la Fournaise approx. 1 hour / approx. 30 km

Bed and breakfast in La Plaine des Cafres, Reunion Island

After breakfast, organize a walk through the Forêt de Bébour in Plaine des Palmistes, a native and unspoiled rainforest. Awaiting you are the deep, lush forests, which seem almost magical. Experience its unique atmosphere when thick patches of fog hang between the moss-covered trees.

In the afternoon, you will drive via St. Benoît (where you can have a quick stopover) to the small Creole mountain village, Hell-Bourg. Visitors consider the town one of the island's most beautiful and authentic Creole settlements. Since La Réunion is a French department, the quaint village has won an award for the "most beautiful village in France"” Enjoy a relaxing night at this famous destination.

Travel time: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes / approx. 70 km

Bed and breakfast in Salazi, La Réunion

The drive from Hell-Bourg to St. Denis leads you through the Cirque de Salazie, where you can marvel at the mystical waterfalls, Voile de la Mariée. Countless crystal clear waterfalls of every size stream down the vast, lush mountainside. They shimmer in the sun, with sparkling rays bouncing off foam from the spraying water and spreading a delightful scent through the valley. Drive past banana plantations and the bourbon vanilla vineyards that partially flourish in the jungle. Your La Réunion adventure will ignite all of your senses.

Journey along the coast until you reach St. Denis. Inviting views will allow you to experience unique moments. Small stops along the way will give you the whole experience of this stunning scenery.

End the last day at your hotel. Comfort and tranquility will blanket you as you reflect on the adventures you experienced this week.

Travel time: approx. 1 hour / 53 km

Bed and breakfast in Saint-Denis, La Réunion

The rental car is still available to you on the last day of your round trip. Depending on your departing flight, you can embark on one final tour of St. Denis. Discover the old city hall, a beautiful villa with an elegant colonial style, stroll through the exotic Jardin de l'Etat and gather little souvenirs from the boutiques of the city.

Finally, you will drive to St. Denis International Airport. Return your rental car and enjoy your flight home or onwards to Mauritius.

Bon Voyage!

Hotel Le Nautile***, Saint-Gilles, La Réunion (One night)

The elegant and well-managed hotel enchants its guests with Creole charm and its beautiful location. It's an ideal starting point for tours and excursions across the island. Nestled in the middle of a quiet residential area, the hotel offers direct access to the sandy beach and tranquil lagoon. Enjoy breakfast at the open-air restaurant by the swimming pool, a small bar, library, salon, children's pool, and whirlpool. Choose from a variety of room categories, starting with the superior room. The approximately 25 m² room offers a bathroom with a bath or shower and toilet, a hairdryer, TV, telephone, free internet access, adjustable air conditioning, minibar, a safe, and a pool view. Seaview rooms are possible for an extra charge and are subject to availability.

Le Vieux Cep**, Saint Leu, La Réunion (Two nights)

Le Vieux Cep is in the middle of the Cilaos caldera, awaiting you on a family estate close to the village. The hotel offers 45 renovated rooms, 24 with standard equipment, and 21 for the more luxurious guests.

The restaurant is famous for its regional cuisine. Try a delicious selection of Creole specialties prepared with typical products on the island. We recommend traditional dishes, the Cari with duck and corn or smoked pork chops with lentils from Cilaos. They also offer classic French cuisine on the menu.

Hotel L’Ecrin**, La Plaine de s Cafres, La Réunion (Two nights)

Hotel L'Ecrin is in the heart of the village Bourg Murat. With an altitude of over 1,493 m, the 21 bungalow-style rooms offer unique views. They come equipped with active heating for the colder seasons and an LCD flat-screen TV. You will receive a continental breakfast buffet in the hotel's central area in the morning. Other amenities include a sauna, steam bath, whirlpool, and mini-golf. You can also go mountain biking and quad biking nearby.

Hotel Relais des Cimes**, Salazi, La Réunion (One night)

Authenticity, tradition, and hospitality. The magical village of Hell-Bourg offers these three things and more. The hotel offers 29 cozy rooms - 18 are in the main building with Creole architectural style, and 11 are in an authentic Creole residence from the 19th century. The restaurant invites you on a culinary journey of discovery into the flavors of Creole cuisine. French specialties are also on the menu.

Hotel Bellepierre****, Saint-Denis, La Réunion (One night)

Nestled on a hill, Hotel Bellepierre offers a beautiful view over Saint-Denis and the Indian Ocean - the best view from the outdoor pool and solarium. The rooms have a minibar, a beautiful bathroom, and an LCD satellite TV. Some of the accommodations even have a balcony! A buffet breakfast is available daily, and the restaurant, Le Concorde, serves international dishes on the poolside terrace. Relax with a cocktail at the outdoor lounges.

Duration of the trip: 8 Days / 7 Nights

Including

• 7 nights in the mentioned accommodations or similar:
  • 1 night at Hotel Le Nautile*** with breakfast in a superior room in Saint-Gilles
  • 2 nights at Hotel Le Vieux Cep** with breakfast in a standard room in Cilaos
  • 2 nights at Hotel L'Ecrin**** with breakfast in a standard room in Plaine des Cafres
  • 1 night at Hotel Relais des Cimes** with breakfast in a standard room in Salazie
  • 1 night at Hotel Bellepierre**** with breakfast in a Classic Ocean in Saint-Denis
• 8 days category I rental car (Clio or similar)
• One-time handling fee
• The starting price is valid during the travel period 01.09.22 - 30.09.22

Excluding

• International flights

• Meals and drinks not specified in the scope of services

• Optional excursions (sightseeing, entrance fees, etc.)

• Tips and personal expenses

• Rental car deposit (to be paid on site)

• Travel Insurance

• Visa, entry, and/or exit fees, if required

• Airport tax (approx. 24 EUR per person to be paid on site)

• Tourism tax (0.80 EUR and 2 EUR per person/night, to be paid on the spot)