The north of Mauritius is awash with history, culture and nature – this trip dips into all three. 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.

The morning begins with a photo stop at the pretty village of Cap Malheureux and 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 lily ponds 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 see how authentic African jewellery is made at Patrick Mavros Atelier. 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.