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SEYCHELLES: ILES D'AMOUR

Departures Year Round
(Except January)

T R I P  B A C K G R O U N D

The Seychelles are, quite simply, some of the most beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean, if not the world. Lying 990 miles off the coast of East Africa, the Seychelles are a group of 115 islands formed from the peaks of a huge underwater plateau which fell off the edge of India about 65 million years ago. Today, these islands are famous for their unbelievable natural beauty, exotic Coco-de-mer palms, pristine beaches, superb snorkeling and diving, unspoiled Creole villages, and diverse natural history.

Highlights of your 8-night soft adventure and cultural tour include wonderfully scenic nature hikes on Mahe and Praslin; superb snorkeling off St. Pierre and Moyenne; leisurely bicycling through La Digue’s traditional villages; swimming off Cousin and Curieuse; observing giant tortoise colonies, the endangered black parrot, and a host of other birds and plants! You’ll also soak in the enchanting Creole culture, observing highly talented Seychellois sculptors and painters, listening to the delightful strains of Creole music and feasting on delicious Creole cuisine.

Note: All adventures are elective and low-intensity.

I T I N E R A R Y

Note: We will gladly customize an itinerary to meet your preferences.

Fly from the U.S. to the Seychelles, arriving on day 3. Private transfer to your first class beachside hotel on beautiful Beau Vallon Beach. Relax after your international flights. Meridien Fisherman's Cove (B,L)

(Note: You may upgrade to the Banyan Tree Resort or downgrade to Coral Strand.)

Today, you will have a choice of two activities. First, you may go on a small group tour of Mahe Island during which you’ll soak in wonderful views of Mahe’s pristine beaches and secluded coves before following an exceedingly scenic route through the Seychellois National Park. You’ll visit Mission Lodge, formerly a school for children of freed slaves, and then travel over the mountains to the western side of the island for a delicious Creole lunch. Stop at the highly original studios of sculptor Tom Bower and painters Michael Adams, Georgette Camille or Loic Barbotin. Then continue on to the Botanical Gardens with its colony of giant tortoises, fruit bats and fascinating array of flora, including the famous coco-de-mer palm.

Alternatively, you may take an easy, incredibly scenic half-day hike to Copollia (small group). Led by an expert naturalist, you’ll hike through mountainous forest where you’ll enjoy fabulous panoramic views of the Saint Anne Marine National Park and surrounding islands. You’ll also likely see the world’s smallest species of frog, the Pitcher plant and the Jellyfish plant, one of the rarest species in the world. Following the hike, you may visit the studio of one of Seychelles’ premier painters or explore the Botanical Gardens. Meridien Fisherman's Cove (B,L)

Note: We may arrange privately guided excursions for a surcharge.

Your second option is to go hiking through the Mare aux Chocon Valley. Led by an expert naturalist guide, your easy full-day small group hike will take you to the lovely lookout points of Mare D’Antin, Mont D’Or and Mont Jasmin as well as to a waterfall. You’ll be introduced to a profusion of rare Seychellois insects, birds and fruits. This is one of Mahe's nicest nature walks. Meridien Fisherman's Cove (B,L)

(Note: You may upgrade to the Lemuria Resort.)

Your three-island safari begins with a guided small group tour of Cousin Island, a tiny nature reserve that is a breeding ground for turtles and seabirds. You’ll likely be followed by two very old tortoises, George and Georgina, who will want their necks to be stroked. Then sail to Curieuse, the island with the second largest forest of coco-de-mer palms (after Praslin) and the largest colony of giant tortoises (several hundred). After a delicious Creole barbecue lunch at the ruins of a grand colonial house, you are free to explore the forests or admire the island’s stunning granite sculptures before sailing to St Pierre for wonderful snorkeling.L'Archipel (B,L)

You’ll return to Mahe via Praslin and have free time to mill about Victoria Market or visit artist studios before departing on your international flight. You’ll arrive in the U.S. on day 12.(B)

Land Cost Includes:
o Accommodations for 8 nights in mostly first class hotels (except on La Digue)
o 17 meals as indicated
o All elective "soft" adventures (small group nature walks, snorkeling, bicycling)
o All local guiding services
o Internal flights and schooner transfers
o All tours and entrance fees
o All vehicle transportation and airport transfers

* NEI reserves the right to adjust the price if the US Dollar depreciates against the Euro. Call for current quote.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Trip Grade: Easy. All included adventures are elective and low-intensity. Activities include nature walks, swimming, snorkeling and bicycling. Accommodations are mostly in first class hotels (except on La Digue). In general, this trip is suitable for most persons in good health.

Land Cost Includes: All vehicle transportation and transfers as stated in the itinerary; accommodations in first class hotels based on double occupancy; 17 meals as detailed in the itinerary; all internal flights; entrance/park fees; service and handling charges; local guiding services and leadership.

Land Cost Does Not Include: Airfares (quoted separately); excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages; laundry, passports or visas, personal insurance, other personal items; airport departure taxes.

Accommodations: Accommodations are mostly in first class hotels (except on La Digue) based on double occupancy. Deluxe hotel upgrade is also available. A single supplement charge is applicable for visitors traveling alone.

Climate: The temperature year-round ranges from the mid-70’s to the high 80’s. The wettest month is January, when rainfall averages 15 inches. The driest months are July and August. The prime times for diving (when visibility is best) are March-May and September-November. The best months for sailing and windsurfing are May-October.

Reservations and Payments: A deposit of $500 with the completed reservation form will ensure you a place on this trip. Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of two passengers. Final payment of the land cost is due 60 days prior to departure.

Cancellations and Refunds: If you need to cancel your trip, please notify us in writing or by fax immediately. The cancellation penalty is calculated from the day we receive cancellation notice. (For those persons who do travel, there are no refunds for any unused meals, accommodations or other trip activities.) In certain cases, the cancellation policies of NEI's subcontractors will supercede NEI's policy. The cancellation penalty is calculated based on the schedule below.

Number of days prior to departure. Cancellation fee per person:
    61+days         $500 plus applicable airfare penalties
    45–60 days    30% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties
    30–44 days    60% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties
    0–29 days     100% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties

Insurance: Trip cancellation, accident and baggage insurance are recommended and will be offered to all participants. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly advised; this will protect you in the case of cancellation due to personal or family illness.

Responsibility: Nature Expeditions International is responsible for conducting this trip as outlined in the published itinerary. It reserves the right, however, to cancel the trip should it become affected by conditions beyond the company’s control. In such an event, NEI will return all monies paid to it by the affected participants as full and final settlement. NEI also reserves the right to substitute other lodging during the trip or to change the guide(s), itinerary, or travel arrangements if the staff believes it is in the best interest of all participants. In addition, NEI may decline to accept or retain any member or prospective member of an announced trip. Full refund for the unused portion of the trip will be paid to the affected participant in such an event.

Airline Clause: All arrangements for airline transportation are made by the respective airlines, which companies shall not have or incur any responsibility or liability to any person taking an trip except their liability as common carriers. Nor shall such carriers be or be held responsible for any act, omission, or event occurring after the passenger has disembarked from the conveyance. The usual passage contract in use by the carrier, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between said carrier and the passenger. All rates are based on tariffs currently or those tariffs to be placed in effect and are subject to adjustment in the event of changes therein. The air transportation services of any IATA/ARC member may be used.