From Port Louis to Victoria (Mahé) · Africa & Indian Ocean · 16 nights
From Port Louis to Victoria (Mahé)
Widely acclaimed as the best ship in the world, Europa 2’s stylish Nordic décor, fantastic accommodation and great dining options make her a great choice
Europa 2 really is a ship with a difference, and you feel it
from the moment you step on board. Her beautiful light-flooded
interiors are fresh and inviting, and the feeling of space created
by innovative design is vastly refreshing. This dedication to
design is not, incidentally, confined to public areas: the elegant
suites themselves are a wonderful place to stay.
The lovely island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean is striking in the contrasts between its mountainous backdrop and beautiful white sand beaches. The capital Port Louis, on the northwest coast, dates back to 1735 and is a busy administrative centre, packed with office workers during the day. Interesting as it is, visitors arriving in Port Louis may well choose to travel immediately to other areas of the island, as it boasts many excellent hotels. Although English is the official language, French is more widely spoken and most Mauritians will also speak Creole in relaxed settings.
Toamasina, also known as Tamatave, is Madagascar’s main seaport, situated on the east coast. The streets are a little hectic, thronged with rickshaws (known locally as a ‘pousse-pousse’), and the colonial buildings are a little run-down, but there are some interesting local markets, and the nearby Parc Ivoloina Zoological Park is a popular excursion.
The name Zanzibar evokes images of sultans and spice traders, an island of beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise waters criss-crossed by dhows. It’s also a great place for spotting wildlife, including dolphins, antelope and the rare red colobus monkey.
Mombasa is a vibrant and colourful city of contrasts, and the gateway to some of the extraordinary national parks of East Africa, as well as being an appealing beach destination with some beautiful hotels.
The island of Praslin is home to some of the Seychelles’ top attractions, including the Vallée de Mai, a protected forest where you’ll see the rare coco de mer, a tree that produces the world’s largest seed and palm flower. The grove is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been compared to the Garden of Eden.
Mahé is the largest island in the Seychelles, home to the diminutive capital, Victoria, and 90% of the country's population. It's the quintessential tropical paradise, a sun-drenched landscape of granite mountains, lush jungle and heavenly white sand beaches.
