Your Itinerary includes:
- All round trip airport and inter-island transfers
- 4 nights Mahe
- 4 nights Praslin
- 4 nights La Digue or 4 nights Cousine
- Non-motorized watersports
- 12 breakfasts.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Fly USA to Dubai
Please note international air from the USA has not been included in the package price.
Overnight on board the aircraft.
Day 2: Fly Dubai to Seychelles
On arrival at Mahe Airport in the Seychelles, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
The islands of the Seychelles offer a world of perpetual golden summer, where people and nature live in effortless harmony. The Seychelles is the name given to an archipelago of 115 islands in the heart of the Indian Ocean. It is immaculate with uncrowded beaches, powder-soft white sands, glorious tropical climate and warm turquoise waters. It is a kaleidoscope array of untouched forests, bird sanctuaries, exotic hideaways, virgin fishing grounds, and spectacular diving spots where few have ever ventured.
One of the Seychelles greatest assets is its wide variety of islands all with their own distinct geography, character and stories to tell. Experiencing more than one island during your stay is a must. Mahe is the largest island, cultural and economic hub of the inner islands and the gateway to the Seychelles.
Days 3-5: At Leisure, Mahe
Mahe is the main island of the Seychelles and the largest, and most of the Seychelles' population lives here on the north and east coasts of the island. Many visitors arrive here only to carry straight on to their hotels on one of the other islands, but Mahe is certainly worth a look if you have the time and inclination. Away from the beaches, the landscape climbs up hills covered in dense rainforests frequently shrouded in mist. There are also plenty of art and cultural attractions.
On the east coast of Mahe is Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles. Mahe's main tourism center is at Beau Vallon, on the west coast just opposite Victoria. Beau Vallon has a great bathing beach and there are also good facilities for sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing, parasailing and banana rides. Other places to visit include Baie Lazare with its long expanse of beach and the Seychelles' largest hotel, the Plantation Club, and the artists' studios in Anse a la Mouche and Anse aux Poules Bleues in the south.
Mahe is surrounded by a string of satellite islands, six of which are found just off the east coast and help to create Victoria's natural harbor. Ste Anne is the largest of the six and is the site of the five star Ste Anne Resort; Ile au Cerf used to be the home of Wilbur Smith, the novelist; Ile Moyenne shelters a double mystery - a pirate treasure and the ghost of an old woman who lived there with her dogs; Ile Longue used to be a quarantine station and is now a prison; Ile Cachee is just a tiny dot in the ocean; and Ile Ronde's main attraction is its excellent restaurant, Chez Gaby, set in an old leper's camp!
Day 6: Fly Mahe to Praslin
You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to Mahe Airport for your 15 minute flight to Praslin. On arrival at Praslin Airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.
Praslin is the second largest island in the Seychelles and is 3 hours by boat or 15 minutes by air from Mahe. Praslin is a lot slower, a lot less "rushed" (if you could ever call Mahe "rushed"!); Praslin is like a trip back in time.
When first visited by General Gordon (of Khartoum fame) over 100 years ago he believed he had found the original Garden of Eden, particularly on seeing the female pelvis shaped double nut coco-de-mer which instantly conjured Eve in his mind.
Praslin is the universal blueprint for the perfect tropical island. In its limited area, the richness and variety of plant and animal life is astounding. Fantastically shaped huge granite boulders dot the island. Coral reefs teeming with over 900 species of fish, living coral and jewel toned shells paint a living seascape.
Days 7-9: At leisure, Praslin
Enjoy these days at leisure relaxing on this beautiful island. Praslin is home to the amazing coco-de-mer palm, with its seductive bi-lobed nuts, which grows only in the Vallee de Mai and in nearby Curieuse Island.
If you are fortunate, you will hear the piercing call of the rare black parrot, which feeds on seeds and "Bilimbi" fruits high up in the branches. You may also choose to enjoy a full day tour to La Digue Island, which is where the striking giant granite boulders are found.
Day 10: Praslin to La Digue
Today, you will be transferred from your hotel to the jetty. Upon arrival at the jetty you will be transferred by ferry to La Digue Island. On arrival at the island, you will be transferred by oxcart to your accommodation.
If Praslin is several decades in "feel" behind Mahe, then La Digue is several centuries behind Praslin. It is the world's perfect place to do absolutely nothing but enjoy perfect tropical beauty and harmony. Possibly the best mode of transportation on La Digue is bicycles - the roads are somewhat uneven as most are still unpaved, but the glides under shady canopies to reach blissful beach solitude are incomparable.
The local population not engaged in tourist services are either fisherman or boat builders, but you won't find a one who won't smile and wave as you bike on by.
This stunning little island is probably the most photographed island in the world. It's 3 hours 15 minutes by schooner from Mahe and 30 minutes from Praslin, and is the breeding ground of the rare Black Paradise Flycatcher. This 4th largest island retains all of the charm and tranquility visitors travel halfway around the world to enjoy.
Days 11-13: At leisure, La Digue
Enjoy your days at leisure exploring the area or relaxing on the beach. The bird watching enthusiast can spot the Chinese Bittern, Cave Swiftlet and Waxbill. Ox carts are the primary means of transportation, which can take the visitor past old plantation houses, a vanilla plantation, a copra factory and, of course, the incomparable beaches.
These are protected by the surrounding coral reefs together with masses of pink granite rocks which glow red in the setting sun. These wild, deserted beaches are excellent for safe swimming, snorkeling and fishing. Ideal for walking, the island can be comfortably circumnavigated at a leisurely amble.
Day 14: Fly Praslin to USA (Via Mahe)
Today you will be transferred by oxcart to the jetty for your transfer on board the ferry back to the island of Praslin. On arrival at the jetty, you will be met and transferred to Praslin Airport for your departure flight back to the USA via Mahe and Dubai.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Seychelles
Island Vacation
Scuba/Snorkeling
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