Abu Dhabi & Mauritius

Description

3 Nights – Abu Dhabi
7 Nights – Mauritius

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✈ UK – Abu Dhabi (3 nights): First, you’ll fly from your chosen UK airport to Abu Dhabi where you’ll have 3 nights. You could choose to stay near the Corniche, the city’s 8km seafront promenade and then it’s an easy taxi ride to most places you’ll want to visit or, stay on the exclusive man-made Yas or Saadiyat islands, near so many of the cultural and entertainment venues.

Once you have settled into your hotel, why not start with some culture and visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque? This massive marble mosque with its mosaics and intricate carvings is Abu Dhabi’s landmark building and was opened in 2007 after 20 years in construction. Then, to see what life was like before the oil boom, visit the Heritage Village which is a fascinating replica of a Bedouin village.

On your second day you could choose one of the new museums to visit; there’s both the Louvre and Guggenheim here, or visit the atmospheric souks for some bartering. Then head to Yas Island, home to luxury hotels, sandy beaches, a mammoth water park and Ferrari World! Yas Marina is also where the Formula One racing takes place.

Also, fit in a boat trip to see this gleaming city of skyscrapers from the water, visit the mangroves too if you’ve got time. A bird’s eye view of the city is also a must, so head to the observation deck on the 74th floor of the Jumeirah at Ethiad Towers Hotel for an incredible view.

✈Abu Dhabi – Mauritius (7 Nights): You’ll then fly on to Mauritius where you’ll have seven nights in your chosen resort. Mauritius is the ultimate tropical beach holiday destination with powder soft white sandy beaches fringed with palm trees but also offers absolutely every activity you could possibly want on a beach holiday. As well as having African, Indian and Oriental influences, the Island is actually French and the combination of these cultures gives the island a wonderful exotic mix – particularly evident in the outstanding fusion food.

Although only the size of the Yorkshire Dales, Mauritius is big enough to offer a range of world-class hotels, cultural interest, exceptional sporting facilities and markets for fantastic shopping experiences. You could happily spend a week here and never leave your all-inclusive resort, or you could explore somewhere new every day!

Encircled by one of the world’s largest unbroken barrier reefs, the sea life is out of this world. The golf here is world-class too – some of the best resorts are on the South of the island. In the centre of this lush island rain forests and mountains are waiting to be explored with waterfalls and rare wildlife. Take a day trip to the Black River Gorges National Park where hiking through the virgin rain forest you might spot a giant tortoise or even a flying fox! But, if you’re simply after relaxation, there are incredible spas that will satisfy even the most high-maintenance among us!

The capital Port Louise is a buzzing city with French Colonial houses and Indian temples – the Central Market is definitely worth a visit. Get there early before it gets too hot – the spices, tea, leather goods, fruit and vegetables all mix into a heady exotic aroma.

The west of the island has calm waters with fantastic coral reef not far from the shore so it’s perfect for diving, snorkelling and other water sports. The island’s only resort town of Grand Baie is on the north west and is a popular option for eating out and shopping.

The east coast is less built up and has exclusive resorts, sleepy fishing villages and a sea breeze which is very welcome in the hot weather. The stunning island of Ile aux Cerfs to the east is a popular day trip and the waterfalls at Tamarin Falls are another worthy day trip in the southwest.

✈ Mauritius – UK: After a week on this divine island you will get a flight back to your chosen UK airport.