Meet at the Montreal airport to join your tour guide.

Flight to Antananarivo via Paris CDG.

Meals and overnight stay on board.

When you arrive in Antananarivo in the evening—the gateway to the Big Island—your first moments in Madagascar feel like a promise of escape. After clearing immigration, your private tour guide will give you a warm welcome and accompany you to your hotel.

During your drive through the capital, let yourself be swept up in the unique atmosphere of the Highlands before arriving at your exceptional destination—a haven of serenity where your journey into the heart of Madagascar begins.

Hotel Maison Galliéni

(170 km) – about a 4-hour drive

After breakfast, set out on a tour of Antananarivo that offers a deep dive into its history, culture, and unique atmosphere. The tour takes you through the city’s iconic neighborhoods, its bustling markets, its scenic hills, and its historic sites—such as the “Queen’s Palace”—which bear witness to the Merina royal past. Combining traditions, urban life, and spectacular views, this tour reveals the full authenticity of the “City of a Thousand.” Continue on to Antsirabe, passing through landscapes and small traditional villages of the Merina people, featuring red-brick houses. Antsirabe is Madagascar’s third-largest city, located in the Central Highlands and known for its cool, pleasant climate; it is often nicknamed the “City of Water” because of its many hot springs.

Founded during the colonial era, Antsirabe is known for its peaceful atmosphere, wide avenues, and European-inspired architecture. The city is also known for its colorful rickshaws, which are a hallmark of daily life there. Antsirabe is also a major center for handicrafts, particularly the production of zebu horn objects, miniatures, and semi-precious stones.

Stop in Ambatolampy for a brief visit to a family-run artisanal workshop that makes pots and pans.

Dinner at a local restaurant. Arrival in Antsirabe, transfer, and check-in at the hotel.

Supper.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hotel Couleur Café

(260 km) – about a 7-hour drive

After breakfast, depart for a brief tour of the city of Antsirabe, including a visit to workshops where zebu horns are crafted and miniature toys are made. Continue on to Ambositra (the capital of woodcraft) through landscapes and plateaus dotted with magnificent terraced rice fields (originally from the Far East), with a stop to visit a few Zafimaniry workshops. Dinner at a local restaurant.

After dinner, we’ll head to Ranomafana, the spa town.

Arrival at the end of the day. Dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Thermal Hotel

(120 km) – approximately 5 hours’ drive
Breakfast. The morning is devoted to a tour of Ranomafana National Park. The park’s name derives from the region’s hot springs, as “Ranomafana” means “hot water” in Malagasy. Located between 600 and 1,400 meters above sea level and covering an area of 41,600 hectares, the park was inaugurated in May 1991. Its purpose is to conserve its magnificent tropical forest, which is very dense at lower elevations and mountainous at higher elevations, and is home to endemic plant species such as Bulbophyllum orchids. In addition, the park is home to a rich and still largely unknown fauna. For example, the rare Hapalemur aureus lemur was not discovered until 1987. Waterfalls, streams, and rugged terrain make this natural park a unique place. The endemic nature of its flora and fauna attracts many foreign researchers, particularly from the United States, who established the VALBIO research center.

The Namorona River flows through the park, which is home to the Tanala people, known for their expertise in honey production and for a unique farming technique called “Tavy.” During your visit to the park, you can choose from a variety of tour options. Visits must be accompanied by local guides and park rangers. The park is open year-round, though it is best visited during the dry season, from May through September. Dinner at the hotel.

After the tour, we’ll head to Sahambavy, famous for its tea plantation nestled amid a lush landscape of rolling hills and rice paddies. As Madagascar’s only large tea plantation, Sahambavy offers visitors the chance to explore the various stages of tea cultivation and processing, from picking the leaves to drying and packaging. This tour also offers the chance to enjoy a peaceful setting and admire the magnificent panoramic views of the Malagasy Highlands.

Check-in and dinner at the hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lake Hotel

(60 km) – approximately 2 hours’ drive
Breakfast. Departure for Ambalavao, famous for its artisanal production of antaimoro paper, made from the bark of the avoha (papyrus) plant, which is soaked, processed, and decorated with natural flowers. Ambalavao is also known for its famous “Zebu Market,” held every Wednesday, which is Madagascar’s largest livestock market.

Visit to the Anja Reserve to see a large colony of maki lemurs, as well as chameleons and various species of reptiles endemic to Madagascar.

Lunch and Dinner at the Lodge

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Anja Reserve Lodge

Breakfast. Visit to the Anja Reserve,
, to explore a large colony of
lemurs (makis), as well as chameleons
and various species of reptiles endemic to Madagascar
. After lunch at the hotel,
depart for Ranohira through magnificent
rural landscapes, then cross the vast
Horombe Plateau, offering superb panoramic views
of the Malagasy Highlands.

Check-in and dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The King’s Garden

Breakfast. A full day exploring Isalo National Park via the magnificent Namazaha trail, with a stop at the natural pool formed by a small stream gushing from the rocks, surrounded by aquatic pandanus and lush palm trees (5- to 6-hour hike). Enchanting flora and fauna. Nature could not have chosen a better place than Isalo to showcase the majesty and richness of Madagascar’s landscape. A compelling testament to continental drift. This rocky landscape is one of the most beautiful in Madagascar, dating back to the Jurassic Period, with gorges carved over generations by deep canyons—such as the Maki Canyon and the Topi Canyon—which create unique scenery.

There are many hiking trails in Isalo—nicknamed the “Malagasy Colorado” by the Malagasy people—that are organized and can be either on foot or easily accessible: the natural pool, the Water Lily Waterfalls, and more. Isalo has been designated a national park under the auspices of UNESCO since 1962 and covers an area of 80,000 hectares. Located between 500 and 1,200 meters above sea level, it is a granite massif that offers, at a glance, a uniform landscape in the midst of a meadow resembling the African savanna. The flora is entirely endemic; in particular, the “Pachypodium” and “Aloe” share their habitat with lemurs: the fulvus lemur, the prosimian, and the Verreaux’s sifaka, as well as small reptiles, chameleons, geckos, and various species of insects.

The park is also home to many sacred sites for the local inhabitants, the Bara, who bury their dead in the caves of the canyons. You may encounter the Fulvus Rufus lemur and see the Pachypodium rosolatum “dwarf baobabs,” which grow to 50 to 60 cm and, during the flowering season, are covered with extraordinarily yellow flowers. During the tour, you’ll have another chance to admire the friendly Catta lemurs, with their black-and-white ringed tails…. Picnic dinner.

In the late afternoon, catch the sunset at the “Isalo Window,” a unique rock formation from which you can admire a magnificent sunset.

or (for those who aren’t so athletic)

In Isalo itself, several additional activities are also available—some free of charge and others for an additional fee—in partnership with the hotel:

“Les Rênes de l’Isalo” Equestrian Center: rides by the hour or half-day, guided, and suitable for all skill levels.

Via Ferrata: a guided route lasting about 1 hour and 30 minutes along the canyon ridges, with professional equipment and a safety line.
Mountain Bike Tour: a guided, challenging ride lasting about 1 hour and 30 minutes through the canyons.

Massages and Body Treatments: Treatments and massages are available in private or double rooms.

Relais de la Reine Shop: Discover Malagasy crafts and organic products from the hotel’s plantation.

Dinner at the hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The King’s Garden

(245 km) – about a 5-hour drive

Breakfast, then departure southward via Ilakaka, land of the sapphire miners, through the typical landscapes of southern Madagascar: arid vegetation, baobabs, and thorny forests. The various forms of Alo Alo—artistically carved wooden funerary stelae—adorn the Sakalava, Mahafaly, and Antandroy burial sites, which are covered in vibrant paintings. Arrival in Tulear, the City of the Sun.

Transfer and check-in, lunch and dinner at the hotel.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bakuba Concept

Shared boat transfer – approximately 1-hour crossing

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the port of Tulear, where you’ll board a speedboat bound for Anakao. The crossing will take about an hour. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the hotel staff. Settle into your bungalow, then enjoy the majestic view of the Mozambique Channel. Dinner on your own.

Check-in and dinner at the hotel

Dej, S

Anakao Ocean Lodge

After breakfast, enjoy a pleasant boat trip to Nosy Ve, a small uninhabited island off the coast of Anakao, renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and rich marine life. Take some time to swim, snorkel, and relax on the beach while discovering the unspoiled beauty of this idyllic island. Dinner on your own.

Dinner at the hotel

Dej, S

Anakao Ocean Lodge

A free day with half-board to fully enjoy the exceptional setting and natural beauty of Anakao. Relax on the white-sand beach, swim in the turquoise waters of the Mozambique Channel, or simply unwind at the lodge overlooking the ocean. Depending on your preferences, you can choose to enjoy the activities offered on-site or set out to explore the surrounding area. An ideal day to relax, savor the tranquility, and appreciate Anakao’s laid-back lifestyle. Dinner on your own.

Dinner at the hotel

Dej, S

Anakao Ocean Lodge

Shared boat transfer – approximately 1-hour crossing

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer by boat to the port of Tulear. Upon arrival, transfer to the Tulear airport to catch your flight to Antananarivo.

Upon your arrival in Antananarivo, you will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel.

Dinner on your own.

Dej, S

Novotel Convention & Spa

Breakfast, then departure for a tour of Ambohimanga, one of the twelve sacred hills surrounding Antananarivo and the former residence of the Merina monarchy. The royal hill of Ambohimanga stands as an exceptional testament to the civilization that flourished in the Malagasy Highlands from the 15th to the 19th century.

It bears witness to cultural and spiritual traditions, as well as to the cults of kings and ancestors, which are closely intertwined. The site is also associated with major historical events, notably the unification of the Malagasy kingdom, as well as with ancestral beliefs that are still alive today. It thus possesses outstanding universal value.

The Royal Hill comprises a royal city, a royal burial ground, and several sacred sites. Ambohimanga, which means “blue hill” or “beautiful hill,” was the former capital of the Merina dynasty.

Even after the seat of government was moved to Antananarivo for political reasons, Ambohimanga retained its sacred status and remained off-limits to foreigners for a long time. The entrance to the village is marked by one of the seven large traditional gates that once guarded access to the hilltop. Inside the Rova, you will discover the former residence of King Andrianampoinimerina, as well as Queen Ranavalona’s summer residence, featuring several artifacts and mementos from that era, including rare remnants of Jean Laborde’s cannons. Dinner on your own.

Dinner, followed by a transfer to the airport in the evening to catch your overnight flight back to Montreal via Paris CDG

Dej, S

Overnight flight via Paris CDG, arriving in Montreal.