Islands of the Indian Ocean

Day 1 London - In flight Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home, for your journey to London Gatwick Airport and a scheduled Emirates flight to Mauritius via Dubai. Day 2 Bel Ombre, Mauritius This morning, we arrive in Mauritius and transfer to Bel Ombre and the Tamassa Resort (4T+), where we stay for three nights on an all-inclusive basis. Days 3-4 Bel Ombre Two days are available to spend as you wish in this stunning part of the world. The hotel offers a wide selection of included activities, or you can simply relax on the beach, or by one of four swimming pools. Day 5 Bel Ombre - Port Louis (overnight) Our morning is free, before transferring this afternoon to Port Louis, to embark Boudicca (3T+). The rest of the day is free to settle in before dinner this evening. Our ship remains in port overnight. Day 6 Port Louis Today we remain in Port Louis, the capital and busiest city of Mauritius and a joy to explore. Maybe head to the colourful covered market and sample the local cuisine at restaurants on the sparkling new waterfront. Boudicca sets sail this evening. Days 7-8 At sea Relax on board Boudicca as we sail northwards, taking the time to familiarise yourself with the ship’s extensive facilities. Day 9 Praslin Island, Seychelles (overnight) This morning we arrive at beautiful Praslin Island in the Seychelles, for an overnight stay. Once a hideout for pirates, it is the picture-postcard image of a tropical paradise, with its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear seas and coral reefs. Take the opportunity to relax on the beach or perhaps visit the pristine palm forests of the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. Ship to shore tender service. Day 10 Praslin Island Enjoy a swim or a spot of sunbathing before we leave Praslin this afternoon, sailing towards Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles. On the way you may experience a simply unforgettable sunset as we cruise past stunning Silhouette Island, shrouded in the fading evening sunshine. Ship to shore tender service. Day 11 Victoria The Seychelles’ capital, Victoria, is on the archipelago’s main island, Mahé, and is a small but bustling town adorned with attractive colonial buildings and lively markets. Visit the 19th century cathedral and look out for the Edwardian Clock Tower, modelled on the ‘Little Ben’ clock tower on London’s Victoria Street. Also worth a look are the landscaped Botanical Gardens, with their coco de mer palms. We leave tonight. Days 12-13 At sea Take a dip in one of the pools, unwind with a massage and don’t forget the nightly music and cabaret shows as we spend two leisurely days at sea. Day 14 Mamoudzou, Mayotte, Comoros Islands Early this morning we arrive in Mamoudzou, the capital of Mayotte, a beautiful French overseas territory in the Comoros Islands. The town is located on Grand-Terre, the main island of Mayotte, which features stunning volcanic landscapes, marked by deep ravines and soaring ancient peaks as well as an extensive network of lush mangroves and humid rainforests. On boat tours around the island, you’ll see schools of tropical fish, while turtles, dolphins and whales are also often spotted in the warm, clear waters here. The town itself has a certain French ambiance, while there are plenty of restaurants offering French, Creole, Arabic and African inspired cuisine. We sail this evening. Ship to shore tender service. Day 15 Hell-Ville (Andoany), Nosy Be, Madagascar More commonly known as Hell-Ville - named after a 19th century French admiral - Andoany is anything but ‘hellish’. The capital of the idyllic Madagascan island of Nosy Be is a warm and welcoming place, with fine colonial architecture, busy markets and a pretty harbour. It’s also a gateway to the island’s stunning rainforests and inviting golden beaches. Don’t miss Lokobe Nature Reserve, home to fascinating endemic creatures such as lemurs and chameleons. Ship to shore tender service. Day 16 Antsiranana (Diego Suarez) Antsiranana is the largest city in Northern Madagascar, and was formerly known as Diego Suarez, named in honour of a 16th century Portuguese navigator. It’s an attractive city which has retained a great deal of its colonial charm, with French, Arabian and Indian-influenced architecture, while there are several traditional markets here selling an abundance of local produce and handmade crafts. Out of town, Amber Mountain National Park is one of Madagascar’s natural highlights, featuring waterfalls, crater lakes and a rich biodiversity. Day 17 At sea A full day to relax on board your ship. Day 18 Le Port, Réunion The French overseas department of Réunion is like a tropical version of the French Riviera, known for its gourmet restaurants, sandy beaches and chic boutiques. Inland, the island’s forested landscapes and vast mountain ranges offer some incredible views and photo opportunities, while the highest point of Réunion, Piton des Neiges (3,070m), is an active volcano. The coast is fringed with charming villages seemingly lost in time and there are a number of intriguing museums to visit, dedicated to native musical instruments, the local sugar industry and the island’s colonial history. Réunion National Park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - encompasses subtropical rainforests and cloud forests and is home to a wide variety of endemic plant and animal species. Day 19 Mauritius - In flight We disembark Boudicca this morning and join a sightseeing tour of Port Louis. The city blends the island’s past and present and is also a rainbow of cultures, religions and traditions. Our visit includes the Champ de Mars racecourse, St James Cathedral, Place d’Armes, the Jummah Mosque, the Chinese pagoda, China Town and La Citadelle. There will be time for shopping at a craft market, perfect for local handmade souvenirs. Continue to the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden which dates back to the 18th century, home to many indigenous, endemic and exotic plants. Marvel at gigantic water lilies, rare plants and giant tortoises. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant before we head to the airport for a scheduled Emirates flight to London via Dubai. Day 20 London Arrive at London Gatwick Airport, where you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.