The north of Mauritius is awash with history, culture and nature – this trip dips into all three in the photogenic north of the island. Visiting Cap Malheureux village and Pamplemousse Gardens, you'll stop for lunch and a rum tasting experience before free time to shop in the Caudan city craft market. Jean, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Pamplemousse is a unique botanical garden, famous for its big pond full of giant water lilies, the largest leaves of which can support a weight of around 50 kilos.'

The morning begins with a photo stop at the pretty village of Cap Malheureux, home to the iconic, red-roofed church of Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice, a bright contrast to the colours of the Indian Ocean beyond. Next, we'll take a trip to Pamplemousse Gardens – the oldest botanical gardens in the southern hemisphere. Explore more than 500 rare plant species sprouting among the shady palm avenues and spice plantations here, then head on to Sugarworld for lunch.

This factory and museum won't just see you fed, it's also the place to be schooled in the sugar trade, its history and to sample some sugarcane. There's some special Mauritian rum to wash it all down with too. You'll also visit the Blue Penny Museum, where displays include the famous postage stamps of 1847. Rounding off, we'll head to the city of Port Louis for free time to shop the modern boutiques down at Caudan Waterfront or hit the historic quarter's old craft bazaar.

All other TUI experiences we have been on the tour guide gave constant information throughout the journey about the area but this tour guide spoke very little and seemed preoccupied by a French lady who she chatted with (in French, which we do not understand) for most of the trip. She did give out relevant information at the venues attended but we felt let down by her lack of information and chatting in French throughout

Needed more time to wander at the gardens, we could have been done quicker, and more time to read all the info at the sugar mill. The time in Port Louis was a little limited.

Guide was lovely, very knowledgeable and friendly. She was well organised and kept everything running smoothly. Our lunch was very tasty and served quickly. Very generous with the rum at the tasting experience ?? Overall a really enjoyable day that we would recommend

First off we were not on the pick up list for the bus but the guide zul was very helpful trying to sort this out in the end we got on the French speaking one as he didn't want us to be left behind, from that point we felt that the guide included us into the group as we were the only non french speaking couple on board and was more than happy to do his best to include us. at the first stop another English couple joined us from another bus so we had some company, the rest of the day was brilliant

Overall this was a great tour that gave a real flavour of the northern half of the island. I particularly enjoyed visiting the hustle and bustle of the market in Port Louis before seeing the modern side of the city

The tour was great. The guide, Nicholas, was very knowledgeable and really helped to set the scene about the island, it's history and life in Mauritius. We spent just the right amount of time at each stop, all of which were very worthwhile. The rum tasting was good fun and lunch was fabulous. I'd definitely recommend it as a good way of seeing the north of the island.

Why you’ll love this…

You'll take a stroll through tranquil Pamplemousse Botanical Garden
There's a stop at Malheureux village and the Blue Penny Museum
You can try local sugarcane and enjoy a rum tasting experience
There's a chance to browse the shops and markets with free time in Port Louis
Your tour will be led by an expert local guide with unrivalled knowledge of Mauritius

Important to know

Drinks not included
Comfortable shoes, a hat and sunblock recommended

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 2 days before the experience begins.

What’s included

Transport
Guide
Lunch

This experience meets the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria. By choosing this experience you can protect the places you love, care for the environment and support local communities.

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Pickup points

To see which pickup points are available, check under availability & prices.

Provider

MUSEMENT SPA

What people say about this experience

4.4/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 32 reviews

Review categories

Safety

4.6/5

Staff

4.6/5

Value for money

4.3/5

Service

4.6/5

All ratings (32)

5 stars (19)

59%

4 stars (10)

31%

3 stars (3)

2 stars (0)

1 star (0)

N
Newfinch
Travelled as a couple
20 December 2025
3.4
United States of America
All other TUI experiences we have been on the tour guide gave constant information throughout the journey about the area but this tour guide spoke very little and seemed preoccupied by a French lady who she chatted with (in French, which we do not understand) for most of the trip. She did give out relevant information at the venues attended but we felt let down by her lack of information and chatting in French throughout
C
Couple of old codgerz
Travelled as a couple
16 November 2025
4.2
United States of America
Needed more time to wander at the gardens, we could have been done quicker, and more time to read all the info at the sugar mill. The time in Port Louis was a little limited.
A
Alyson1309
Travelled with family
13 November 2025
5
United Kingdom
Guide was lovely, very knowledgeable and friendly. She was well organised and kept everything running smoothly. Our lunch was very tasty and served quickly. Very generous with the rum at the tasting experience ?? Overall a really enjoyable day that we would recommend
M
Mick j
Travelled as a couple
11 November 2025
4.6
United Kingdom
First off we were not on the pick up list for the bus but the guide zul was very helpful trying to sort this out in the end we got on the French speaking one as he didn't want us to be left behind, from that point we felt that the guide included us into the group as we were the only non french speaking couple on board and was more than happy to do his best to include us. at the first stop another English couple joined us from another bus so we had some company, the rest of the day was brilliant
M
Matt M
Travelled as a couple
19 September 2025
4.6
United States of America
Overall this was a great tour that gave a real flavour of the northern half of the island. I particularly enjoyed visiting the hustle and bustle of the market in Port Louis before seeing the modern side of the city
K
Katy H
Solo traveller
18 September 2025
5
United Kingdom
The tour was great. The guide, Nicholas, was very knowledgeable and really helped to set the scene about the island, it's history and life in Mauritius. We spent just the right amount of time at each stop, all of which were very worthwhile. The rum tasting was good fun and lunch was fabulous. I'd definitely recommend it as a good way of seeing the north of the island.