Begin your 8 hours North tour with a complimentary hotel pick-up at your accommodation anywhere on the paradise Island. You will meet and be greeted by our certified guide and after boarding to your comfortable vehicle, then set off for your first stop.You'll be heading to Cap-Malheureux, a small village in the island’s far north, to visit the attractive red-roofed Church which offers a splendid view over Gunner’s Quoin and the northern islands. The beach behind allows you to soak up the sun and enjoy the view, while the kids can play in the white sand and discover aquatic life in the rock pools. Fishermen are also frequently docking, with a fresh catch.Afterward, head to visit the Mauritius National Botanical Garden which is the home to an incredible variety of tropical plants, many of them indigenous. The Botanic Garden, formally known as Sir Seewoosagur Botanic Garden, is one of the most visited attractions in Mauritius. The garden is located in the proximity of Port-Louis in the district of Pamplemousse. Pamplemouses Garden is the oldest botanical garden in the Southern Hemisphere, famous for its long pond of giant water lilies and its 500 rare exotic plants.Then, you'll head to a local restaurant to savor a 3-course Mauritian lunch. Following lunch, continue to the Citadel Fort which is now famous for the 360-degree view of the Capital. Here, you will have a breathtaking view of the Capital and you get it from all angles! You will have views of China Town, Champ de Mars, and mountains all at one place. So pack your things and bring along your camera as panoramic pictures are a must at this spot! The little piece of historical architecture is sure to impress youAfterward, you'll head to visit The Aapravasi Ghat which is a World Heritage Site located on the Bay of Trou Fanfaron in Port Louis. This historical site served as an immigration depot by the colonial British government in 1849. It has played a pivotal role in the Mauritian history, as it is from this very instance that the Mauritian population became more diverse than ever.
It was here that indentured laborers transited before starting a new life on the island or set off to other distant lands. Between 1834 and 1920, about half a million immigrants, mainly from India, some from China, Madagascar or Africa, began working on the various sugar plantations across the island.After a few minutes later, you'll head to Le Caudan waterfront which has been the first major shopping development on the island of Mauritius and still is able to keep up with the trends and retain its charm as a modern waterfront mall. You will have the opportunity to stroll around and take great pictures of the umbrella alley and see the panoramic view of the port Louis harbour.Then, continue to the craft market. Everyone wants to bring back home a small piece of Mauritius and we understand why! The Craft Market, located at Caudan, will surely help you in finding your piece of Mauritius.
Based on a two-storey building within the Caudan Waterfront complex, The Craft Market is known for its unique craft collection. With 36 stalls, visitors will get a wide variety of products ranging from exquisite woodwork to detailed baskets without forgetting beautiful glass souvenirs.
You will also find items made from seashells, boxes of ground spics, embroidered linen, handmade jewelry, and the very famous African rag doll dressed in a typical sega outfit.
Many of the handicrafts are made by the stalls owners, their families, or sourced from their villages, so you will get the chance of meeting the artists behind the paintings on sale or even witness your name being engraved on a wooden keychain.
The location of The Craft Market is definitely one of the best as well.Afterward, head to The Blue Penny Museum which is the most famous museum in Mauritius. The museum displays a precious heritage collection about Mauritius and shows the rich history of the island. It offers you a real expedition through the past of Mauritius, its colonial period, and its growth over the years. The Blue Penny Museum collection also includes a series of treasures: old marine maps, paintings, sculptures, stamps, engravings and old documents that bring forward the richness of Mauritian history and culture.Then, head to the local market. We know that you will probably never be fed up with beaches but a visit to the Central Market located in Port Louis is a must for anyone visiting Mauritius. Here at the bustling Central Market, you will find shops that fit all your needs, ready-made garments, spices, jewelry, watches, shoes, crafts amongst others.
We do recommend tasting the dhal puri, made with split chickpea and flour, and the famous alouda, almost like a milkshake with basil seeds, grated jelly, and sometimes a scoop of ice. If you wish to try some of the local snacks, you will find a large choice of samosas, bajas (fritters made with chickpea flour) or gato piment (fritters made with yellow split pea and chilli).
The Central Market remains busy as it is one of the main shopping spots for locals and attracts people across the island for shopping. It is definitely worth a visit for you to learn more about how locals live and experience the Mauritian vibe.It is without any doubts that Mauritius is home to many beautiful beaches and diverse fauna and flora, but did you know that it is also home to the oldest racecourse in the Southern Hemisphere? It is home to the Champs de Mars which is located in the capital, Port Louis. Should you wish to visit during weekdays to just enjoy the quietness and enjoy the infrastructure; you will surely be able to see the race track from the outside and get a feel of this place.
Next, we will passby china town to see the culture of the sino-Mauritian which is very interesting, especially the shops, wall art and the decoration is very unique in Mauritius.
After a long day at exploring, your North full-day tour ends with return transport to your hotel.
