Upon arrival at Ivato International Airport, you will be met by your driver-guide and transferred to the hotel for check-in. Antananarivo is known for its abundance of vintage French cars still on the road—4Ls, 404s, and 2CVs—turning the city streets into a living museum of these iconic 1950s vehicles. Malagasy mechanics display remarkable ingenuity in keeping them running, and many serve as taxis while the most beautiful are owned by passionate collectors. We will explore the old streets of the capital aboard a charming 2CV, enjoying a half-day tour through Tana’s historic heart. In order to participate in the half-day tour, arrival must be before 12 PM.

Overnight: Louvre Hotel & Spa, Antananarivo (3 nights) (D)

Our full-day tour begins in the Upper Town with a visit to the Rova – the Queen’s Palace, where we take in a stunning panorama of the city of a thousand, including the historic Andohalo area with its civil and religious landmarks and the iconic Andohalo Square. We then descend to the lower city along Independence Avenue (formerly Avenue of the Liberation), passing the newly rebuilt City Hall and the charming arcades that line this lively thoroughfare. Our retro journey concludes at Soarano Train Station, built in 1910 by architect Fouchard in the style of classic French railway stations, now an exhibition space with shops.

Lunch follows at Le Café de la Gare, a brasserie that immerses us in a 1920s atmosphere. In the afternoon, we explore Tana’s leading art galleries, including Fondation H, showcasing artists from across Madagascar and Africa; Hakanto Contemporary, promoting contemporary Malagasy creativity; and Flow Gallery, highlighting the island’s vibrant artistic scene. (B, D)

After breakfast, we depart Tana and drive west to visit the Lemurs’ Park, a 5-hectare botanical reserve home to nine species of lemurs living freely. The park was established to introduce these fascinating animals to as many visitors as possible and to raise awareness for their conservation. Madagascar is home to over 110 lemur species, found across diverse habitats—from lush rainforests to the dry forests of the south—and the park offers a unique chance to observe them closely in a protected environment. The visit lasts about two hours, followed by lunch on site.

The afternoon is free for shopping in Tana, where small arts and crafts shops open their doors to reveal a wide array of local products, including art, handmade crafts, and aromatic spices—a perfect opportunity to discover authentic Malagasy treasures. (B, D)

Early transfer to Ivato International Airport for your flight to Morondava. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to the hotel for check-in and breakfast, followed by free time to relax in the morning. In the afternoon, take a city tour of Morondava before visiting the iconic Baobab Alley. Along the way, stop at the Sacred Baobab and the Baobabs in Love, then continue to the alley to watch the sunset, enjoying a cocktail appetizer as you take in this unforgettable view.

Overnight: Palissandre Cote Ouest, Morondava (2 nights) (B, D)

After breakfast, transfer to Kirindy Forest for a morning spent exploring this remarkable private reserve. Home to eight lemur species, 68 birds, 43 reptiles, and other wildlife including tenrecs and mongooses, Kirindy is also the only place to spot the fosa (Cryptoprocta ferox), Madagascar’s largest carnivore. Walks of 2–4 hours follow easy trails—be sure to wear walking shoes or sturdy sneakers and bring sun protection, mosquito repellent, and water. Lunch is at your own expense, after which you return to Morondava for a relaxing afternoon at leisure. (B, D)

Enjoy a leisurely morning at your own pace before transferring to Morondava Airport for your flight back to Antananarivo. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in and an overnight stay.

Overnight: Louvre Hotel & Spa, Antananarivo (1 night) (B, D)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Mayotte. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. This French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, part of the Comoros archipelago, is celebrated for its rich biodiversity, vibrant coral reefs, and unique blend of French and Mahoran culture, offering a fascinating mix of tropical landscapes, marine life, and local traditions.

Overnight: O’lolo Guest House, Mayotte (2 nights) (B)

Following breakfast, we explore Mayotte, one of the world’s most unique and least-visited islands. Renowned for its rich biodiversity and coral reefs, the island’s strategic location between Africa and Asia also marks it as a place of geopolitical significance. Driving across Mayotte, we observe the lasting effects of the 2024 Category 4 cyclone, which caused widespread damage, power outages, and food shortages, highlighting both the island’s resilience and its development challenges. Comprising Grande-Terre and Petite-Terre, the island is framed by a vast and vibrant coral reef. (B)

We fly to Réunion Island, a volcanic French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean. Renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including the active Piton de la Fournaise volcano, lush rainforests, and cascading waterfalls, Réunion is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The island’s unique Creole culture, blending French, African, Indian, and Chinese influences, shines through its cuisine, festivals, and vibrant traditions. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight: Radisson Hotel Saint Dennis, Reunion (2 nights) (B)

Today, we explore the Pitons, cirques, and ramparts of Réunion Island, beginning at La Réunion National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dominated by two volcanic peaks and three cliff-rimmed cirques. The park’s rugged terrain, forested gorges, and dramatic escarpments showcase a landscape rich in endemic plant species. We travel to Cilaos, a mountain resort famed for its hot springs, stopping for a short walk to La Roche Merveilleuse for sweeping views of the cirque and a picnic. Along the way, we visit local artisans to learn about embroidery, wine production, and lentil cultivation. In the afternoon, we drive to Saint-Gilles-les-Bains, the island’s coastal hub. (B, D)

After a short flight, we arrive at Rodrigues Island and are transferred to our hotel. The island invites exploration with its unspoiled nature, vast lagoon perfect for watersports and fishing, and warm, welcoming locals. Ideal for kitesurfing, hiking, and diving, Rodrigues also delights with creative local cuisine. This small volcanic territory, part of Mauritius, retains colonial charm in Port Mathurin with its historic buildings, while the François Leguat Giant Tortoise and Cave Reserve in the southwest offers encounters with fruit bats, giant tortoises, and stalactite-filled caves. After some independent exploration, we enjoy a sumptuous dinner with local hosts.

Overnight: Tekoma Hotel, Rodrigues (2 nights) (B, D)

We enjoy a full-day guided tour of Rodrigues Island, discovering its distinctive lifestyle of simplicity, warmth, and hospitality. This volcanic, autonomous island east of Mauritius is celebrated for its tranquil, unspoiled nature, stunning lagoons, and unique endemic species. Visitors can immerse themselves in the slow pace and culturally rich life of Rodriguan Creole-speaking locals, a peaceful contrast to bustling Mauritius. (B)

Depending on flight schedules, we continue our exploration before transferring to the airport for our onward journey to Mauritius. This volcanic island nation east of Madagascar is famed for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant cultural mix of African, Indian, European, and Chinese influences. Known as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," Mauritius offers tropical weather, coral reefs, waterfalls, mountains, and a blend of bustling Port Louis and tranquil natural wonders, making it a popular and diverse vacation destination.

Overnight: Sands Suite & Spa, Mauritius (2 nights) (B, D)

Making several stops to soak in local life and take in scenic vistas, we explore the diverse island of Mauritius. Along the way, we learn about the history, origins, and cultural richness of its people and languages. Highlights include a visit to the Aapravasi Ghat in Port Louis, a UNESCO World Heritage site marking one of the largest migrations in 1834 and an early chapter in the global economic system, and the Le Morne Cultural Landscape, a dramatic mountain where escaped slaves once sought refuge in caves and on its summit, offering a powerful glimpse into the island’s history. (B, D)

A relaxed day begins with a flight to Mahé Island in the Seychelles, where we are warmly welcomed and transferred to our hotel. Mahé, the archipelago’s largest island, features white-sand beaches like Beau Vallon, granite peaks cloaked in rainforest, and the capital, Victoria, with its Creole architecture and bustling covered market. The remainder of the day is at leisure, as we settle in for a two-night stay on the island.

Overnight: Savoy Hotel, Mahe (2 nights) (B, D)

Enjoy a full-day tour of Mahé, beginning in the heart of Victoria, the world’s smallest capital. We visit the brightly painted Hindu temple, a striking place of worship, then wander through the colorful market, alive with fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and local spices—the perfect introduction to Creole flavors. Highlights of the morning include the iconic Clock Tower, inaugurated in 1903, and the Botanical Garden, home to rare endemic plants and spirited land tortoises, offering countless photo opportunities. After lunch, we continue to Domaine de Val des Prés, a charming craft village, or one of Seychelles’ pristine beaches to complete a memorable day. (B)

Transfer from Mahé to Praslin by flight. Praslin, the second-largest island in the Seychelles, is famed for its pristine beaches and lush tropical forests, making it a haven for nature lovers and a showcase of the archipelago’s unique biodiversity. Later, we discover the Valle de Mai. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the last remaining palm forests of its kind. It is famed as the natural home of the coco de mer, the world’s largest seed, and is often described as the original “Garden of Eden.”

Overnight: Indian Ocean Lodge, Praslin (2 nights) (B, D)

Journey to La Digue, the quintessential island of slow-paced Creole life, first settled in 1798. Wander its narrow, winding roads through residential areas, guesthouses, and a few charming hotels, stopping at the Veuve Reserve, a sanctuary for endemic birds. Explore the historic L’Union Estate, where traditional copra milling and coconut oil extraction are preserved, and visit the art gallery in the iconic Grann Kaz, a 19th-century French Colonial plantation house featured in the 1977 film Goodbye Emmanuel. Meet giant tortoises, stroll through a vanilla plantation, and finish at Anse Source d’Argent, where its striking granite boulders, crystal-clear waters, and powdery sand create a picture-perfect scene ideal for capturing unforgettable photos. (B, D)

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Mahe Island in order to connect to your departure flight from Mahe. (B)

Cap off your Indian Ocean odyssey with two nights of barefoot luxury on Desroches Island. Accessible by a scenic 30-minute flight from Mahé, this exclusive private coral island remains one of the Seychelles' best-kept secrets. Explore 14 kilometers of pristine white-sand beaches virtually to yourself, snorkel vibrant reefs teeming with sea turtles and tropical fish, or simply unwind at a boutique resort where the only sounds are gentle waves and rustling palms. The perfect end to an extraordinary journey.