Tropical Spices

OVERVIEW

Glory in superb botanical gardens and wonderful Port Louis on this in-depth tour with ample time for independent exploration. Travel to must-see Pamplemousses Village, where you’ll visit the 18th-century Église de Saint François d'Assise and the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens, founded by French naturalist Pierre Poivre in 1767. You’ll learn the world-renowned park boasts some 500 rare plant species and is often referred to as Jewel in the Crown. View the giant Victoria Regina water lilies, the striking 18th-century Château de Mon Plaisir and the funeral shrine of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, known as the Father of the Nation. You’ll return to Port Louis, Mauritius’ capital, and pause at La Citadelle, an 1834 fortress that provides a photo-ready view of the Champ de Mars, the world’s second-oldest horse track. Off the palm-lined main square, Place d’Armes, find some fine colonial buildings, including the Government House, as well as a cathedral, a mosque and the Natural History Museum. At the inviting Le Caudan Waterfront, a modern district filled with designer shops and a cosmopolitan craft market, relish approximately two hours of free time to shop and sightsee, perhaps making your way to the enticing esplanade of the Port Louis Waterfront or the vibrant covered city market.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience the historic Église de Saint François d'Assise in charming Pamplemousses Village.
• Stroll Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens and see the oversize Victoria Regina water lilies, one of the park’s 500 rare plant species.
• Pause for photos at Port Louis’ 1834 La Citadelle fortress, overlooking one of the world’s oldest horse tracks.
• Admire the colonial architecture of the Government House in Port Louis’ main square, Place d’Armes.
• Savor ample time at your leisure among the designer shops and craft market of the inviting Le Caudan Waterfront.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.