Cashmere & Local Gourmet

OVERVIEW

Enjoy this totally unique and exclusive tour which showcases some of the very best of Mauritius, including a delicious lunch of traditional Mauritian dishes. Boarding your transport at the pier, you will set-off on a 1-hour drive to Mare d'Albert, where you will visit a small and typical "out of this world" Cashmere factory. During your visit of approximately 1-hour, you will be able to observe how these fine cashmere products are manufactured from raw material to the finished goods. Before leaving, you will have a bit of time to shop at the factory store. Boarding your transport at the pier, you will set off on a short drive to the authentic village of Mahebourg, named after the famous French Governor Mahé de Labourdonnais. Founded in 1805, it was the old colonial capital of Mauritius. The well-planned wide streets in the old section of Mahébourg still bear testimony to this Dutch and French colonial past. Visit the Historical Naval Museum which recounts the epic naval battles of the past between the French Navy and the British Royal Navy. The museum is housed in Château Gheude, a national heritage building dating back to 1772. It also showcases a number naval artefacts and the maritime history of Mauritius such as sea battles and shipwrecks. Some bones of an extinct species of Giant Tortoises and of the Dodo are displayed at the museum.

Your tour next travels to a local "Table d'Hôte", located in the old offices of a sugar estate in Beau Vallon, to enjoy a traditional creole lunch at the best table d’hote of the area Ingredients are sourced from local farmers, fishermen and food producers from the area. These delicious dishes have been inspired from the old days, when natural and fresh ingredients were used; blending history, culture and the passion for good food. Proceed next to view some architectural treasures such as the colonial washhouse and the Notre Dames des Anges Church. After a photo stop at the popular waterfront, you will re-board your transport for the transfer back to your waiting ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Appreciate how cashmere is developed from its raw materials at a factory in the village of Mare d’Albert.
• Browse the irresistibly soft wares of the cashmere factory store.
• Enjoy a traditional creole lunch at the best table d’hote of the area Ingredients are sourced from local farmers, fishermen and food producers from the area.
• View some architectural treasures such as the colonial washhouse and the Notre Dames des Anges Church.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.