Sun-drenched Mauritius with Turkey – Appologies, trip is closed

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“Dreamy Mauritius & Wonders of Turkey”

Nov 23-Dec 6. Must finalize and close trip by Sept 1

Cappadocia, Istanbul, Mauritius

TURKEY- Talk about a unique two week dual destination to two of the world’s coolest places, nothing can top our Sea Safari in breathtaking Mauritius coupled with delightful explorations of Istanbul and even Cappadocia! Why combine these two? Simple – for a vacation packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Any trip to high-end Mauritius is worth the extra mile and fabulous Turkish airlines have the best flights and prices to cut the cost of Mauritius on its own. Starting our journey with a stop in mesmerizing Istanbul breaks up the long-haul flight journey.

AFSers never get enough of this captivating city, and we fly nonstop to an ancient capital that straddles two continents for historic tours and cultural immersion. Been there before? Who wouldn’t want to return to explore more of its wondrous treasures? December is the perfect time with fewer crowds to savor the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar and more sites. Our Turkish guide Mehmet loves he’ll assist you with other fun options. Everyone asked for Cappadocia so we added 4 fun days here to glorious Cappadocia, top of all bucket list dreams with hot air ballooning, fairy chimney Jeep Safari, Whirling Dervishes, cooking with locals, AFS Cave hotel and more!  Since everyone wanted this, we now built it in as in a single tour package for you.

MAURITIUS – Time to experience Mauritius, my favorite island chain because there’s so much adventure here.  A hypnotic blend of Indian, Chinese, African, French, and British influences, Mauritius is trending hot on 2023 bucket list. This dazzling small island nation in the Indian Ocean is stunning with white sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, a gorgeous interior of lush towering mountains, and nature parks.  We begin in the capital of Port Louis before exploring outer regions. You’ll love the relaxing vibe of our lux 5-star Sofitel Resort and Spa on Sugar Beach with its water activities.

We’re not gonna just hang on beach chairs.  By both land and sea, we are immersed each day in experiences one could find nowhere else. Imagine- Breakfast with Giraffes, Swimming with wild Dolphins, Walking with Cheetahs and Lions!  Enjoy stunning panoramas of Maritimus’s famous Trou aux Cerfs Crater with a waterfall tour, Paradise Island cruise, fishing villages, winetasting, museums and we even throw in a Hindu blessing ceremony. At sea, there’s free time for watching whale watching (Humpback and Sperm Whales), snorkeling, diving, sea scooters, deep sea fishing, horse rides on the beach and the best grilled seafood imaginable. 

The world’s top dreamiest islands are Maldives, Seychelles, Tahiti, and Mauritius. We saturated 3 of these islands with previous AFS groups.  Now it’s time for Mauritius, set apart from all other islands for its variety of things to do and see here. Our past group loved it. We’ve added even more daily tours to really wow you on this one.  

Our perfect adventure combines historical treasures of Turkey with some of the world’s most scenic wonders of nature in Mauritius.  Lonely Planet says Mauritius is “the whole world in one slice of paradise!” Come join us to see for yourself.

Our Glorious AFS Itinerary

We originally had just Istanbul with Mauritius but everyone wanted Cappadocia pre-trip so here is our final beautiful itinerary.

23 NOV  FRIDAY Depart JFK on group air or arrange own from USA.

Group air on Turkish Airlines from JFK to Istanbul-  Nov 23 JFK – IST 11:45PM – 5:15 PM next day.  Price is $1685 includes all six air legs! See details in trip tips.

24 NOV – Today arrive at Istanbul airport. Our representative will meet you upon group air arrival.   Hoşgeldiniz! Welcome to stunning Istanbul. Set on the Bosporus peninsula, with part of the city in Europe and part in Asia, Istanbul is perhaps one of the most important cities in history. Born as Byzantium and later renamed Constantinople, Istanbul served as an imperial capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires for almost 16 centuries.
Check-in at the hotel.
Overnight at hotel Holiday Inn Old City.

25 NOV – Istanbul to Cappadocia by flight  

This morning we will transfer to Istanbul airport to catch your flight for Capadocia (Kayseri airport). Depart Istanbul at 09:55 AM by Turkish Airline: TK 2016 Arrive Kayseri at 1120 Hrs. Check into our fabulous cave hotel with all the traditional Turkish amenities.

Central Anatolia’s mountain-lined plains hide a unique land of fairy chimneys and valleys full of underground cities. The spectacular landscape of Cappadocia is entirely sculpted by erosion. Check-in at the hotel. Later we will start our visits of Red valley, Avcilar valley, Uchisar castle. Whirling Dervishes Ceremony. We will enjoy panoramic views from Uchisar castle of Cappadocia.  Tonight, attend the Whirling Dervish performance; their captivating mystical ritual connects one in infinite spinning to perfect harmony.
Overnight at Utopia Cave Hotel.  B = breakfast

26 NOV – Cappadocia  Full day tour

Early in the morning, there will be an OPTIONAL hot-air balloon ride (extra charge $TBA).
We have dedicated a whole day to the beauties of Cappadocia, Kılıclar Valley, Love Valley, Goreme open-air museum, Pasabag valley. Start a day with visit to the Love Valley, is a real place just outside of the city Gerome in Turkey‘s Cappadocia region. Standing erect between the Goreme open-air museum and the town of Goreme, one finds this valley of the Super-sized Slongs. If you‘ve got a good sense of humor and some hiking boots, you too can rummage through the underpants of this Turkish countryside.

Göreme Open-Air Museum
This Unesco World Heritage site is an essential stop on any Cappadocian itinerary. First thought to be a Byzantine monastic settlement that housed some 20 monks, then a pilgrimage site from the 17th century, this splendid cluster of monastic Byzantine artistry with its rock-cut churches, chapels and monasteries is 1km uphill from Göreme’s center. Continue with famous views of Cappadocia at Paşabağ y Zelve.

At sunset we enjoy The Jeep Safari Tour – on our AFS jeep safari tour, you’ll have an experience with driving in open-top jeeps through the valleys, having better views of the churches and cultural highlights. We will take you to off-beaten tracks for spectacular views. You’ll get the best photos and laughter ever!
Overnight at Utopia Cave Hotel B

27 NOV – Cappadocia  Half day tour

Today is a relaxing day. After a leisurely breakfast, we will enjoy a Turkish Cooking Class with locals were you will meet local people to interact and learn to make some of their traditional dishes.  Then enjoy a delicious four-course lunch. (Next door is an elementary school. Please bring some school supplies for children with a surprise joy bomb for them.)
Suggestion– Horse Riding tour of Cappadocia- book on own there. Our awesome guide Mehmet will offer you plenty of suggestions.
Overnight Utopia Cave Hotel.   B,L

28 NOV- Cappadocia – Kayseri by flight

This morning transfer to Kayseri airport to catch flight to Istanbul
Depart Kayseri at noon Arrive Istanbul at 1:40 PM.  You will be met and transferred to your hotel.  Welcome to stunning Istanbul. Set on the Bosporus Peninsula with part of this stunning city in Europe and part in Asia, Istanbul is perhaps one of the most important cities in history. One could spend a month here exploring all the historical and cultural treasures.

Check into hotel located in city Center. If time, nothing like visiting a traditional Hammam Turkish bath to rejuvenate. Our guide Mehmet will be there to assist you. Then we will sample local seafood dishes with Turkish delights and get to know your fellow AFS Travelers with a Welcome Dinner at a pier on the Bosphorus River that divides two continents.

 Overnight at hotel Holiday Inn Old City (2 Nights)    B  D

29 NOV – Full day City Tour, Istanbul 

Our full-day tour begins with a visit to the renowned Sultanahmet Mosque, known popularly as The Blue Mosque. Incredibly beautiful, it is known for its blue Iznik (Nicaea) tiles and six minarets. We then continue to the Hippodrome, a massive arena that once functioned as the heart of sporting events and political activities of the old city.

From here we continue to the nearby Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom. Ranking as one of the greatest marvels of world architecture, this awe-inspiring building was constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian. From here, we take a short walk to the Underground Cistern, the largest of the many underground cisterns built during the Byzantine Empire to supply the city with water. This cistern is especially fascinating because the Byzantine builders repurposed many stone structures-capital heads and columns that had been used in earlier temples. Now, an upside-down Medusa stares out at you from her watery home.

We’ll continue with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, which was the imperial palace of the Ottoman Sultans and features the fascinating imperial treasury, the Chinese porcelain section, the calligraphy section and much more. Visit the jewelry collection segment of the palace.  What time permitting, our tour ends at the incredible Grand Bazaar, a vast and legendary covered market that is the biggest souk in the world with nearly 4000 shops of antiques, jewelry, carpets, and so much more. Or visit my favorite place the fabulous Spice Bazaar, the largest market in the world for culinary delights.  Return to our hotel for a rest before our late departure airport at 11 PM

 Overnight at Holiday Inn Old City Hotel        B

 

30  NOV – Welcome to Mauritius  

We head to Istanbul airport to catch our 9-hour flight to Mauritius. There’s only one flight to MRU.  All group must be on this flight. If you do your own air be sure you book the same flight as our group  NOV 30th – IST / MRU – Tk 176 – 0220 / 1:15 PM 

Welcome to paradise, one of the world’s most beautiful island chains, famous for its beaches, lagoons and reefs!  We’ll arrive in the late afternoon at Ramgoolam Airport in Port Louis and be greeted by our local guide. We head to our resort where we have a free evening in our stunning tropical surroundings. From Port Louis it’s just an hour drive along the west coast to our paradise resort to be pampered throughout. Set in tropical gardens along palm-fringed Sugar Beach on the Indian Ocean our resort has an Asian spa and restaurants specializing in grilled seafood as well as two pools. Activities in the calm lagoon and coral reefs here make it perfect for snorkeling, sea kayaks, pedal boats and scuba diving with beach horse riding nearby.  The resort lies on two beaches with incredible snorkeling among submerged statues.  After dark, enjoy seaside dining under the stars.

 Overnight at hotel Sofitel le Imperial Mauritius Resort & Spa        B

1 DEC – Southern Mauritius – Gorges, Waterfalls and Lakes  Full day tour

Highlights – Total immersion in the lush nature of the Black River Gorges National Park.
Blessing from a Hindu priest at the sacred lake of Grand Bassin.
Seven-colored earth, nature’s wonder, and its waterfalls.
Michelin Acclaimed Litchi wine tasting.
Home hosted Creole lunch in Chamarel.

Breakfast at the hotel.  (Wear comfy walking shoes today).
Today we discover the spectacular wild beauty of the South during this unforgettable day which combines everything that the island has to offer.  From the splendid panoramic view from the Trou aux Cerfs crater to the guided tour of the Takamaka Winery, the only winery in the world dedicated exclusively to lychee wine, the South of Mauritius is a perfect tour for those who want to connect with nature since it is one of the most scenic and unspoiled parts of the island.

Learn about the history of the Sacred Lake and its relation to the Ganges in India according to Hindu mythology. Photo stop at the viewpoint of the breathtaking Black River Gorges National Park – Enjoy a full day of scenically contrasting delights.  Lunch will be hosted by Rico in Chamarel. Well-known in the village for coffee and creole cuisine, he will be pleased to welcome you to his place for an authentic Creole meal. Nestled amidst a steep landscape surrounded by lush and unspoiled nature, Chamarel is a small village with a thousand inhabitants, often called the cradle of Creole culture. Chamarel is a village of resistance because it is the place where the slaves who rejected the colonial order came to hide. This history adds a mystical dimension for the Rasta community and the village is home to their Nyabinghi Tabernacle, where they regularly meet to perform their rituals. Chamarel is also home to a true wonder of nature; unique dunes that have different colors, including red, brown, violet, green, purple, and yellow.  Drive back through small remote villages along the West coast.

Overnight at hotel Sofitel le Imperial Mauritius Resort & Spa   B, L

2 DEC –   Swim with Dolphins, Breakfast with Giraffes & Walk with Lions 

Get ready for an early 6AM departure for a day of once-in-a-lifetime experiences!  Wild Dolphin Swim– we start our day with a peaceful and responsible swimming experience with wild dolphins in the open sea, plunging into the remarkable world of these powerful marine mammals and come face to face with them.

Back on land, we make our way to Casela Nature Park for Breakfast with Giraffes, one of the most unique experiences anyone can have. Peering in over the raised deck where you will be having breakfast with their elegant necks, encountering giraffes at such close quarters gives a real appreciation of just how beautiful and soulful these creatures are.   And just when you think you can’t top that, we’ll meet the world’s fastest land animal on our Cheetah Encounter.   These elegant and graceful mammals, part of the Big Cat family, are an endangered species in the African bush. Experience a unique session among these magnificent beasts as we walk side by side and interact with the cheetahs alongside the handlers. You will have the opportunity to learn about the animals, their habitat, and their behaviors. Later board the safari truck into the Animal Kingdom to photograph monkeys, zebras, giant tortoises, exotic birds and more.

There are several options you can choose from to round out your day- A chance to Walk with lions. Take a walk on the wild side and feel the adrenaline rush on our lion walk. Our past group loved the sense of adventure and being so close to these amazing big cats. Professional guides lead us out to Rivian Rampart for a brief introduction on these lions. Truly once in a lifetime experience for some unique photos. Or opt for the new Rhino Encounter in addition to this. ($129 book there.)

Zipline – Step outside of your comfort zone and Zip through the sky on a heart-racing Zipline Adventure, the ideal outdoor experience for any fun-loving thrill-seeker. Your journey will culminate with the legendary 400m zipline!

Quad Bike Safari Experience – Quad biking safari in the most amazing natural setting is a great adventure. This one-hour ride of intense fun will help you appreciate the exclusivity and the charm that prevails in the reserve. More than a quad bike outing, it is a real safari, allowing you to get close to deer, zebras, ostriches, African antelopes, wild boars and many more. Later in the Thrill Park here, you can also enjoy the Canyon Swing and mountain toboggan slide.

Overnight at hotel Sofitel le Imperial Mauritius Resort & Spa        B

 

3 DEC – Charming & Historic Mahebourg 

 After buffet breakfast, we take a scenic drive through small villages set in rolling sugarcane fields to the southeast of the island. We’ll visit the 18th-century local family-owned Biscuit Factory, which has been producing manioc biscuits since 1870. Learn the cooking technique and unique biscuit recipes that have made the success of this factory as we take a guided tour and of course get to sample!

We then head off to the historic Portugese village of Mahebourg, where we get a chance to tour this laid-back fishing community of 20,000, crammed with colorful old houses. A monument at the Mahebourg waterfront honors the naval battle between the French Napoleonic navy and the British Navy who wanted to conquer the Island in 1810.

We’ll visit the Naval Museum, housed in a beautiful 18^th century Creole mansion. Exhibits guide you through the Dutch, the French, and the British periods of Mauritian history and includes objects recovered from shipwrecks along the Mauritian coast. They include the bell of the St. Geran which sank back in 1744 or items from the Magicienne a British frigate that sank during the French-British naval battle in 1810.  Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

Late afternoon, you have the option of booking a breath-taking Helicopter Tour as an exciting way to discover the Mauritian landscape. See the Southeast part of the island unfold beneath you as you rise above a panorama of magnificent lagoons, pristine coastlines, undulating sugar cane fields, and other spectacular views.  (Helicopter tour $240 with four per chopper.)

Overnight at hotel Sofitel le Imperial Mauritius Resort & Spa  a             B, L

 

4 DEC – Full Day tour to Ile Aux Cerfs Island-Paradise Island 

Highlights: The discovery of an island with lush flora and clear water.  Photo stop at the waterfalls of the Grand River Southeast.  Mauritian BBQ lunch at Ile aux Cerfs.

Today is a day to chill and enjoy the superb beaches of Mauritius. The day begins with a boat cruise to one of the stunning beaches of the famous Ile aux Cerfs to enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the beautiful lagoon surrounding the island. The uninhabited Ile aux Cerf’s is one of Mauritius’s best-known tourist attractions, with its beautiful beaches, golf course, a handful of restaurants and plenty of water sports facilities. No wonder it is better known as “Paradise Island.”  Enjoy the beach, take a walk, swim or snorkel in crystal blue waters.  Lunch will be a BBQ at the beach. A boat trip in the estuary of the longest river in Mauritius is included, as we visit the famous waterfalls of the Grand River Southeast for a dip and great pics.

You can also take advantage of optional activities here, such as parasailing, sea scooters, submarine and the new underwater walking. We’ll return to the hotel in late afternoon, where we’ll enjoy our Farewell Dinner under the stars on the sand and toast our new found friend’s good night for a journey well done.

Overnight at hotel Sofitel le Imperial Mauritius Resort & Spa        B, L, D

5 / 6 DEC – Day at Leisure and Head home 9PM departure

Following breakfast, you will have a full day of leisure for last-minute enjoyment in this tropical paradise.  Early evening, we check out.  Then group transfer to the airport for our flights back home. (Group air on Turkish Airlines departs Mauritius at 9 PM and flies via Istanbul to land at JFK at 12:50 PM on December 6).

 

Original Land Price $2895 plus Cappadocia Land Portion $1185 includes 5 days with internal air. 

Based on pp twin share and min of 20 participants.  ($90 pre-paid for licensed guides, drives, and porters added to invoice for your convenience).

Group air price: $1685 including all taxes. Great price for six legs of Cappadocia, Istanbul and Mauritius. Holding limited number of seats. Book now.

(If doing own air you fly into Istanbul and out of Mauritius. See November 30 on itinerary. You need this flight to go from Turkey to Mauritius. Price is $895 now.  TK 176)

Trip Deposit $600

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