Excursion On the spice route (tour & airport transfer) tour at Mahe Island

This tour with airport transfer is for guests who have flights after 7pm from Seychelles International Airport.  Drop off at the airport is at 4.00pm.

Discover the exquisite natural beauty of the Seychelles during this panoramic, full-day sightseeing excursion and airport transfer.

Victoria, City Walking Tour, Local Landmarks, Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, Free Time, Shopping

Depart the pier for a scenic orientation drive through Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles and world’s smallest capital city. Victoria is home to some of the many spectacular natural wonders of the Seychelles Archipelago. Golden beaches stretch beneath spectacular granite peaks that are covered in dense tropical vegetation, and offer breath-taking views overlooking the turquoise sea. Whilst in Victoria City, take a guided walking tour through its charming streets. From the antique Clock Tower and contemporary National Library Building to its colourful Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, Victoria possesses a uniquely special charm. Following your walking tour, some free time is made available to browse for a souvenir of your visit.

Botanical Gardens, Rare & Colourful Plants, Palms, Orchids, Giant Tortoises, Fruit Bats, Lunch

Next, re-board your coach and head to the Botanical Gardens. At the southern edge of Victoria lie some lovely gardens that are protected from development by their status as National Monuments. Upon arrival at the Botanical Gardens, take a guided walking tour. Along the way, your guide shows you a delightful variety of rare and colourful plants, including endemic palms, orchids, and the endemic coco de mare. You may even spot fauna that includes giant land tortoises and fruit bats.

Bel Eau Road, Photo Stop, Panoramic Views Over Victoria, Sans Souci Road, Mission Lodge Ruins

Next, re-board your coach for a drive up Bel Eau Road. A photo stop is made at a panoramic viewpoint for breath-taking vistas over Victoria, including the port, yacht basin, and main buildings of the capital. From here, your drive continues up scenic Sans Souci Road and past some of the island's cinnamon plantations before arriving at the Mission Lodge. Originally known as Venn's Town, this site was established as a school for children of freed slaves. Ruins blanketed with tropical greenery and a magnificent avenue of endemic trees are the only reminders of the school. A brief stroll here lets you enjoy this beautiful setting.

Tea Factory, Lower-Sans Souci Road, Fishing Villages, Leaving the Mission Lodge Ruins, re-board your coach and proceed for a refreshment stop at the Tea Factory. Afterward, continue your scenic route along lower-Sans Souci Road and take in lovely vistas of mountain slopes covered with tea shrubs.

Anse Royale Beach, Airport Transfer, Lunch

Your sightseeing drive continues along the southern coast of Mahe and through picturesque fishing villages en route to Allamanda Hilton Hotel or similar located in Anse Royale Beach area. Here enjoy a lunch of authentic local cuisine and some time to relax or take a quick dip in the warm, inviting waters of the Indian Ocean. After lunch, re-board your coach and transfer to Seychelles International Airport for check-in.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Victoria, Local Market, Botanical Gardens, Scenic Viewpoints, Mission Lodge Ruins, Anse Royale Beach, Lunch, Seychelles International Airport

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 0.74 miles (about 1.2 kilometres), at times over uneven, sandy, and natural surfaces, exposed roots, and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, 15 steps at the Botanical Gardens, and 20 steps at the Mission Lodge. Walking in Victoria City and at Anse Royale Beach is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes or sneakers, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, bottled water, and Euros, US Dollars, British Pounds, or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Guests wishing to swim at Anse Royale Beach should wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, and bring a towel and change of clothing from the ship. Guests must be at least 6 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 18 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Additional food and beverages are available at the restaurant at the expense of each guest. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. The Victoria Market, and most shoppes, are closed on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and public holidays. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.