Arrive at Roland Garros Airport and collect your hire car. Depending on your time of arrival, you may get the chance to nip along the coast to the island's administrative capital Saint-Denis; a visit to the city's lively Grand Market is a great introduction to the distinctive produce and crafts of the island. This would be a good opportunity to pick up some additional supplies before you make your way to the little village of Hell-Bourg, located in the cirque of Salazie. The drive from the coast into the mountainous interior of the island will give you just a taste of the incredible scenery in store for you on your holiday. Travelling on a winding road into magnificent gorges shrouded in lush tropical plants, where enchanting waterfalls stream down the hillsides, you may feel like you have stumbled upon a scene out of Jurassic Park. Soon you reach Hell-Bourg, described as one of the most beautiful villages in France, and discover colourful houses surrounded by the magnificent backdrop of the steep-sided cirque. This evening, you can settle in to your charming traditional hotel where a warm welcome and a delicious Creole dinner awaits.

Waking this morning after a restful night's sleep, today you have the opportunity to discover the village and explore some of the trails in Salazie, one of the three cirques formed around the summit of Piton des Neiges (3,070m) - the highest point on Reunion in the heart of the island. The first walk option is a circular route from the village and takes you into the fascinating forest of Terre Plate. Evergreens such as casuarina and tall Japanese cedars cocoon you in their shade but tantalise with viewpoints over the cirque and its numerous waterfalls. (7km / 480m ascent / 480m descent / 4-5 hours walking). The second walk option is a challenging climb of Piton d'Anchaing (1,356m), which takes its name from a former slave who, with his lover, took refuge on the summit of this seemingly inaccessible mountain to flee the brutality of their masters. A short drive from Hell-Bourg takes you to the start point of this hike at Ilet a Vidot. The path initially crosses a small ravine and climbs steadily through the tropical flora across some small streams, before becoming a steep and narrow trail carving hairpins up the side of the densely vegetated pinnacle. Making your way over tree roots and rough steps carved out of the earth and rock, your efforts are rewarded upon reaching the top: a path circumnavigates the broad summit pinnacle for breathtaking views over the surrounding cirque of Salazie. From the summit, you will carefully retrace your steps to descend and return to your vehicle. Please note: the path up and down Piton d'Anchaing is steep and slippery, exposed in sections, and can become perilous in the rain. As such, this walk should only be attempted by experienced hikers, and in good weather conditions. (8km / 650m ascent / 650m descent / 5 hours walking).

After breakfast, pack up your car and drive to the Col des Boeufs, from where you will hike to your next accommodation within the cirque of Mafate. You will need to carry your overnight items with you today as you make your way on foot to the car-free hamlet of Marla. You will also pass some inviting streams and pools on your hike, so remember to pack your swimsuit and towel if you would like to enjoy a refreshing dip on the way. From the car park, you make your way to the pass at Col de Fourche, on the ridge demarcating the cirques of Mafate and Salazie. Descending the rocky path, you soon enter the Plaine de Tamarins where beautiful gnarled tamarind trees give this area its name. The trail continues down to the Riviere des Galets, where you might like to cool off with a dip and a picnic by the stream, before completing the final leg of your journey to reach Marla. At 1,645m above sea level, the little hamlet of Marla mainly subsists from farming and tourism. This is a beautiful and peaceful spot within the natural amphitheatre of the rugged walls of the cirque. Tonight you will stay in one of the simple gite accommodations dotted about this small but sprawling village, and enjoy a home-cooked meal of hearty Creole dishes, washed down with the house specialty 'rhum arrangé'. On a clear night, the opportunities for stargazing at this remote and unpolluted spot are wonderful. Depending on availability, your stay tonight may be in Marla or in the neighbouring hamlet of La Nouvelle.

Wake up in the tranquillity of this isolated hamlet and feel rejuvenated by the early morning light and fresh mountain air that greet you today. After a quick and simple breakfast at the gite, collect your lunch sandwich from one of the local shops before departing from Marla (remember to pre-order this a day in advance; alternatively you may choose to pick up some lunch in La Nouvelle). Retracing your steps initially on the GR R1 route, the path takes you through gullied landscapes to a ford at the Riviere des Galets. In the event of heavy rains making the ford impassable, take the alternative route via a footbridge over the river. The trail continues to ascend through the steamy forest to emerge at the hamlet of La Nouvelle, before you climb above the Plaine des Tamarins and over the Col de Boeufs to return to your car. You will now say goodbye to the interior of the Salazie cirque and make your way to La Plaine des Palmistes, a green plateau located between the volcanic summits of Piton des Neiges and Piton de la Fournaise. You will stay for two nights at this next lush location, renowned for its pleasant climate and verdant forests containing a multitude of delightful hiking options.

This morning, set off in your car to the Gite de Belouve, positioned at the top of an escarpment overlooking Hell-Bourg. The gardens here offer a magnificent panorama over the valley and the stunning peaks that make up the cirque of Salazie, including Piton des Neiges, the wonderfully named Piton Marmite (1,877m), Le Cimandef (2,228m) and La Roche Ecrite (2,276m). Today's walk is a delightful loop through the tropical rainforest of Belouve, resplendent with majestic tree ferns, gnarled tamarinds, tall cedars, and barbell palm trees. In fact, the plant species here number in their thousands, certainly too many to name! As you walk on the occasionally muddy paths and clamber over roots and beneath twisting tree trunks, it is easy to imagine you have stepped back in time and you can half-expect a pterodactyl to swoop overhead. Reaching the viewpoint overlooking the Trou de Fer waterfall, the views over the 300m-deep gorge cannot fail to impress you. On clear days, keep an eye out for the sightseeing helicopters that fly dramatically close to the cascading water, the pilots displaying exceptional skills with jaw-dropping manoeuvres. You will make your way back to where you left your car, passing the wetland area called Grande Mare where the break in the forest canopy gives you wider views of the surrounding natural ramparts. Return to your hotel in Plaine des Palmistes.

Check out of your hotel and load up your car. You have an exciting day in store as today you have the opportunity to walk on the flanks of one of the most active volcanoes in the world: Piton de la Fournaise (2,632m). The drive to reach the volcano rim at Pas de Bellecombe takes you across the lunar landscape of the old caldera as the volcano migrated eastward, and shows you another of Reunion's spectacularly varied landscapes. Conditions dependent, you have a couple of options; you could aim for either Piton Kapor (2,200m) or Cratere Rivals (2,243m), both are out-and-back walks from the car park at Pas de Bellecombe. Setting off on your hike, you will descend the rampart walls to enter an otherworldly environment often shrouded by cloud and full of mystique. Passing the cone of Formica Leo, follow the white markers and hike over the fascinating formations of cord lava and rough 'gratons' lava within the caldera. Those with a keen eye might even spot the fine thread-like glassy lava known as Pele's hair, or find specimens of volcanic glass known as Pele's tears. Just incredible. Returning to your car in the afternoon, you will head to the south coast of the island. Along the way, a stop at the Maison du Volcan with interactive exhibitions is highly recommended. Your destination this evening is Le Baril, close to the old port town of Saint Philippe on the south eastern coast, where you can settle in for your next two night stay.

Facing the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, the south coast of Reunion is known as the 'Wild South', where forces of nature collide in dramatic fashion. Spectacular landscapes of rugged volcanic rock formed by ancient (and not so ancient) flows of lava withstand the pounding of the roiling waves - a breathtaking sight to behold. Today is a relaxed day with plenty available for you to see and do along this majestic stretch of coastline. Close to Le Baril, the windswept basalt cliffs of Cap Mechant harbour legends of pirate hideouts and hidden booty. Today this is a popular spot for outdoor recreation, with pleasant paths and picnic areas in the shade of native screwpine trees. A seawater pool invites you for a swim at Puits des Anglais, sheltered from the wild seas. You have the opportunity to walk on the youngest headland on Reunion Island: the Pointe de la Table, formed during the volcanic eruption of 1986. The Jardin des Parfums et des Epices (Garden of Perfumes and Spices) is also a possible stop today, offering an insight into the intriguing flora and fauna of Reunion. Home to over 1500 species of plants with a multitude of uses, you are surrounded by the wonders of Mother Nature and we recommend a guided tour to get the most out of your visit.

Leaving behind the wild south coast, you will now make your way to Cilaos, nestled in the last of the three cirques surrounding Piton des Neiges that you visit on your tour of Reunion. The drive into the island interior is even more spectacular than your first impressions a week ago when you entered the cirque of Salazie. Cilaos is a vibrant location in which to spend your next two nights - Creole culture abounds in the colourful dwellings and gardens full of flowers, as well as in the local produce and crafts on offer at the small but comprehensive covered market. Those with an interest in viticulture might like to pay a visit to the wine cellar of Le Chai de Cilaos, featuring wines produced from the surrounding hills and indeed the highest vineyard in France. From this stunning plateau ringed by jagged peaks, domestic and international visitors alike use this as a launching pad for their outdoor adventures: hiking, canyoning, climbing, mountain biking and trail running. Your own adventure begins with a hike on lush green forest trails to the viewing platform of La Roche Merveilleuse, from where you can gain a magnificent panorama of the cirque of Cilaos and an elevated view over the town. You will be able to spot the church, the school and playing fields, and the recreation pond at the centre.

Waking refreshed this morning, you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and admire the beautiful surroundings bathed in the morning light; you might find the rugged cirque draped in atmospheric wisps of clouds, and spot tall cascades hanging from the steep walls. Pack your day bag with your swimwear and towel before setting off on foot to your objective today: the waterfalls at Bras Rouge. The path follows the course of the ravine created by the stream of Bras des Etangs before it joins the Bras Rouge. Crossing a couple of small pools and falls on the way, you will hear the roar of the falls before you catch sight of it. Emerging through the foliage, you arrive to the impressive drop of the Cascades des Bras Rouge - take care and keep well away from the edge, as the rocks are polished and can be incredibly slippery. Having admired the gorge, you can go in search of the thermal springs that are located above and enjoy a dip, before retracing your steps following the red-and-white markings to return to Cilaos and your lovely hotel for the evening.

Enjoy a relaxed morning before you say goodbye to the charming town of Cilaos, and make your way to the seaside resort of Saint-Gilles les Bains located at the leeward (western) coast of the island. Staying the next two nights here, you are free to enjoy your time at your leisure, whether that is with some water-based activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, sea kayaking or a dolphin cruise; or you could even treat yourself to a spectacular flight over the island by sightseeing helicopter or microlight. Of course, the beach is always ready to welcome you if you simply prefer a spot of rest and relaxation with a good book and perhaps a rum cocktail! Depending on availability, you may stay at a hotel in Saint-Gilles les Bains or a little further along the coast in nearby Saint-Paul.

For those that might like to fit in another hike on this lush tropical island, you have the option of a walk from Le Maido to le Grand Benare (2,896m) - a stunning hike along the edge of the cirque of Mafate. An early start is recommended if you wish to undertake this hike, it takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to reach the car park at Le Maido and this is a full day's excursion. (17km / 730m ascent / 730m descent / 6-7 hours walking). Alternatively, the day can be spent at your leisure! You might like to pay a visit to the botanical gardens at Le Jardin d'Eden, offering up a little peaceful nature haven for humans and small creatures alike - keep your eyes peeled for the quirky Madagascan hedgehog, colourful chameleons and other reptiles among the lush foliage. The Aquarium of Reunion also makes for a fun visit in Saint-Gilles as you explore this lively seaside town. In the evening, you can take your pick from the many restaurants available for a celebratory meal accompanied by a Beer Dodo and some flavoursome rum, and perhaps enjoy a spot of music as you drink in the island vibes.

Depending on your time of departure this day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before checking out of your hotel and making your way back to Roland Garros Airport where you will return your hire car. The drive along the northern coast via Saint-Denis completes your loop of this island, and gives you the opportunity to admire the breathtaking engineering feat that is the Nouvelle Route du Littoral built over the ocean (the most expensive road in France!), as seen on motoring program The Grand Tour. If you would like to extend your stay on this magnificent island, just get in touch with our sales team for further information.