INDIAN OCEAN’S COLONIAL PAST MEETS TODAY’S INDULGENCES

Off-the-beaten-track tour specialists Far Horizons have a 28-day escorted tour to the far western islands of the Indian Ocean and to East Africa next July, that will transport guests from a one-time world of grand colonial extravagances into one of modern-day holidaying indulgences.

At the same time, animal-lovers will have a rare opportunity to see unique species found nowhere else in the world but here… while for those with a passion for food there will be an opportunity to taste an eclectic mix of dishes from Creole to those influenced by exploring Portuguese, French and Dutch.

This unusual tour that takes-in Mauritius for 2-nights, the Seychelles 3-nights, Zanzibar 2-nights, Mozambique six, Madagascar twelve and Reunion 2-nights, will depart Australia on July 14 2009.

Highlights will range from modern-day tourist hot-spots to crumbling one-time colonial trading centres of forts, clubs and palaces, ghost towns, rum distilleries, old sugar mills, the so-called one-time “Paris of Africa,” colourful markets and artisan centres, and gardens of tropical plants, spices and grape vines rising from balmy coastal beaches to cool mountain hill-stations.

The unique lemur, rare black parrots and giant tortoises will be amongst wildlife found along the way, with local transport ranging from air to ox-cart.

Prices start from $29,850pp twin-share including Business Class air (where available or Economy Class,) all land transport, all meals, guided excursions, transfers, gratuities and services of a Far Horizons escort; single supplement $2950. For full details phone 1800 083 141 or visit www.farhorizons.com.au