Reunion Island What to Do – Top 4

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Reunion Island is a tropical island southeast of the African continent. With diverse races comprising the local people, many attractive geological and historical sites, and a moderate climate throughout the year, it is never a wrong decision to visit Reunion Island. Here are Reunion Island What to Do: Top 4 Attractions:

Reunion Island: What to Do

Visit the World’s Most Active Volcano

Piton de la Fournaise reaches a height of about 2,700 meters and is one of the worlds most closely monitored volcanoes as it is known to erupt every nine months. The last recorded eruption since the writing of this blog was between the 28th of September and the 4th of October 2022. In this last eruption, the lava flowed at a speed of 8 meters per second and reached as far as 3 km from its origin.

This attraction is great for hikers, thrill seekers, and those who like to observe strange mineral formations. The attraction is surrounded by a semi-arid shrubland and savannah that is a site to behold and appreciate the solemness of from the heights of the hilly and volcanic peaks that overlook the valleys.

Visit the Slave Monument of “Place of Memory” known as the Géréon and Jasmin monument

Reunion Island has a deep history of slavery. It is due to this reason it has such a rich diversity of races and nationalities encompassing everything from nordic heritage, Indians, Africans and even Arabs. Located in Saint-Denis,Barachois, the monument of “Place of Memory” depicts a man holding his decapitated head above his shoulders. The story behind the monument speaks of a slave uprising of which 145 slaves were arrested and 25 of were executed. This monument is a tribute to those who were executed.

Holding his decapitated head as if rejoicing in victory, that his slain brother’s efforts were not in vain, the statue’s subject sends chills down onlookers’ spines. There are flowers and two chameleons at the feet of the statue, which according to some, symbolise innocence and a connection to nature, while others can speculate a darker meaning. The base of the monument is shaped conically, and it represents the mountains to which the slaves fled when there was no where else to go.

Explore the enchanting “Lava Tunnels”

An absolute must-do when visiting Reunion Island, this underground tunnel is found daringly close to the Piton de la Fournaise volcano (it was formed as a result of a volcanic eruption) and is a great chance to learn about geology and explore an extraordinary natural attraction. Visitors usually spend a stunning three hours exploring these tunnels and that is for a good reason; there isn’t a place quite like this anywhere else on the planet, especially one where people can view underflowing lava from an opening in the ground from a safe distance.

Spend a day at Rando Aqua Reunion

Rando Aqua is a natural water based attraction where visitors can engage in various rafting, canoeing, or kayaking activities in an expansive rainforest area. The area also boasts ziplining activities where visitors can zipline from alarming heights all the while enjoying the area’s rainforest features and mountainous peaks. The guides and instructors of this attraction are well-praised for their professionalism, gripping storytelling, and strong knowledge of the areas history and ecological features. After a long day of activities, visitors would be well advised to come prepared to enjoy a picnic in the natural elements.

Here’s a Reunion Island FAQ if you’re interested to find out more about the enchanting little island.

Gulf Reps

Gulf Reps is the leading travel and tourism representation company in the Middle East, with over 60 years of regional and industry experience. Specialising in directing the Arab traveller segment to your region or destination, we have served clients on six continents, delivering transformative results to everyone from hoteliers to tourism boards. 

Our mix of world-class marketing expertise, PR specialists, unparalleled connections and relationships, plus our eclectic mix of marketing channels, makes working with Gulf Reps the only sure way to drive Middle Eastern tourists to your destination.

To find out more about our services, you can call us at +971 (0)4 703 6333 or write to us at sammy@gulfreps.com 

Now Open: The Sydney Opera House Tour and Tasting Plate

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If you’re visiting Australia and are gearing up for the crem de la creme of the trip, this blog about the most frequented attraction that is the Sydney Opera House Tour and Tasting Plate, will provide you with everything you need to know about the UNESCO World Heritage site.

What is the Sydney Opera House?

Home to popular music performances, orchestras, and choirs, this is Sydney’s most popular landmark and that is for a good reason. Standing at 600 ft tall, 380 ft wide, and about 82 ft below sea level, this opera house has seven venues and boasts a stunning exterior that has become all but Australia’s most-seen poster child. The Sydney Opera House is also home to the world’s largest pillar-free chamber and a stunning waterfront view of the nearby harbor. 

The site is located next to a ferry terminal making it easily accessible and takes all visitor’s breath away come nighttime.

Sidenote: The Sydney Opera House is not wheelchair accessible.

What is the Sydney Opera House Tour and Tasting Plate

The Sydney Opera House Tour and Tasting Plate is a one-hour tour in and around the famous Australian opera house. The tour is completed (or can be started) with two tasting boxes in a refreshing outdoor diner beside the waters. The food generally includes mini burgers, seafood, and salads and serves two people (but is enough for three, according to some people). It is also worth nothing that foods for special dietary needs are also available as the Opera Kitchen caters to as big an audience as possible.

Tour Time: 9 AM to 5 PM daily.

Tasting Plate Time: 11:30 AM to 6 PM.

Price: Around $83 per person

Attendants of the tour can expect an enchanting history of the opera house accompanied by and an array of interesting and lesser-known facts and stories about the historic landmark, all presented by courteous and highly praised tour guides.

Although the tour is only one hour, attendants should come prepared with comfortable walking shoes as the walk is long, according to some reviewers.

Attending as family? Then consider the Kids Tour!

Kids Tour of the Sydney Opera House

Packed with fun games and activities, this one-hour tour will make your little one a Sydney Opera House expert! Activities start from 10:45 AM during the school holiday days, and cost $21 per child and $29 for an adult.

A more comprehensive full-day program is available for more engaged young visitors. The “Junior Day Pack” which runs from 8:45 AM to 12:15 PM, lasts around 3 hours, and costs $62 per child and $84 for an adult. Live famous book performances with music, games and an intriguing tour is tailor-made for your little ones.

If you opt for this option then its important to note that this rendition of the tour will only be available from January of 2023.

Is it better to sit in the stalls or the circle at the Opera House?

Rows D to H are the best seats which are located in the stalls. The first two seats at the front are also highly sought after due to their unobstructed view of the stage. But in either case, attendants will have an excellent view of the stage. The balcony seats closest to the edge are the best option for those wanting budget seats but also a great view.

Is the Sydney Opera House tour worth it?

Definitely. People who aren’t into musical performances or cant afford the pricey performance tickets, will be blown away by the tour. With the tours resuimg this year on the 5th of November, new visitors will get to experience backstage and off access not seen by even attendants of the actual performances.

Is there a dress code for the Sydney Opera House?

There is no real dress code in the Sydney Opera House. Wear anything tidy and comfortable. Although some people do attend wearing formal attire, there is no rule that dictates such a dress code.

Gulf Reps

Gulf Reps is the leading travel and tourism representation company in the Middle East, with over 60 years of regional and industry experience. Specialising in directing the Arab traveller segment to your region or destination, we have served clients on six continents, delivering transformative results to everyone from hoteliers to tourism boards. 

Our mix of world-class marketing expertise, PR specialists, unparalleled connections and relationships, plus our eclectic mix of marketing channels, makes working with Gulf Reps the only sure way to drive Middle Eastern tourists to your destination.

To find out more about our services, you can call us at +971 (0)4 703 6333 or write to us at sammy@gulfreps.com