Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 : Depart from New York or Washington for your flight to Cape Town, South Africa via Johannesburg on South African Airways.
Day 2 : Upon arrival at Johannesburg International Airport you will go through immigration and clear customs, re-check your bags and then proceed to the Domestic Terminal for your onward flight to Cape Town. Then upon arrival at Cape Town Airport you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel.
With a classically inspired exterior and gracefully elegant within, the Cape Grace Hotel is set on its own private quay on Cape Town's vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Cape Grace's charm lies in its intimate atmosphere, stylish décor and unique personalized hospitality, where you will find staff warm and flexible, with a spirit of unrivalled generosity.
Alternatively, the gracious Table Bay Hotel is also situated in Cape Town's Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with its array of wonderful shops, restaurants and bars. Discerning guests are offered panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean to Robben Island while behind soars Table Mountain. Combined with contemporary charm and attention to detail, the Hotel recalls the era of the great cruise liners and elegant Hotels that served them.
Accommodation: Cape Grace Hotel or The Table Bay Hotel (Breakfast Included)
Day 3: After breakfast at the hotel you will take part in a full day Cape Peninsula Tour including Table Mountain (weather permitting). The tour starts early with a visit to Table Mountain, which is well known for its spectacular views. After making your descent you will start the rest of your tour with a drive along the Atlantic Ocean en route to Hout Bay - once a fishing community, now it is one of the most popular residential areas.
There will be a chance to join the M.V.Circe for a half-hour cruise to the "Seal Island" (own account), or for the less adventurous the possibility of a stroll through the fish market at the "Mariners Wharf". The tour continues to the Indian Ocean to Fishhoek for lunch (own account). After lunch, the tour will take you for a visit with the Jackass Penguins at Boulders Beach near Simonstown. Then on to the Cape of Good Hope Reserve and Cape Point, said to be the romantic meeting place of the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans.
Accommodation: Cape Grace Hotel or The Table Bay Hotel (Breakfast included)
Day 4: After breakfast, at the hotel the remainder of the day is at leisure to either visit the fabulous stores and restaurants at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, or just relax
at the hotel.
Accommodation: Cape Grace Hotel or The Table Bay Hotel (Breakfast included)
Day 5: After breakfast, head out on the scenic drive to Franschhoek where you will spend the night at Le Quartier Francais. In any language, Le Quartier Français is a splash of style in the heart of the historic village of Franschhoek, a quaint corner of the Cape winelands that is forever a little French.
Set behind a delightful Provençal façade lined with a charming rose and lavender border, Le Quartier Français welcomes visitors from all over the globe who come here to dine in fine style and spend the night in a room with a spectacular view. With a melange of French, Malay and traditional South African dishes, Margot Janses' menu tempts with a modern twist of the old Cape and the new.
Accommodation: Le Quartier Francais (Breakfast)
Day 6: Today you travel to Paarl which proudly bears the title of the third-oldest town in South Africa. Standing tall on Paarl Mountain and celebrating the birth of Afrikaans, is the Afrikaans Language Monument, and just outside Paarl is Drakenstein Prison, where Nelson Mandela spent his last years of captivity and started his walk to freedom.
Paarl offers a diversity of attractions - from museums and galleries, to shops selling handmade gifts and products made by local crafters. The goal today is to discover a gastronomic feast! Starting at Fairview Wine Estate, sample some of the goat and jersey milk cheeses produced in this area. Fairview is South Africa's largest producer of specialty cheeses.
Later this morning, travel to Nederburg Wine Estate, for an'Incredible Journey of Tastes'. Nederburg Wine Estate's history dates back to the 17 th Century. Nederburg is home to South Africa's most awarded wines, and also annually hosts the internationally acclaimed Nederburg Auction, which ranks as one of the top five wine auctions in the world.
Lunch takes the form of a 3-course meal, and is hosted by Katinka Van Niekerk - advisor to many of South Africa's most celebrated chefs. The relaxed and informal presentation uses the effective technique of show-and-taste. The menu matches up six wines with a selection of dishes. Guests decide on the spot what works, what does not and why, in a fascinating deconstruction of flavors. The purpose is to gain first-hand experience of how best to partner wines with food, by matching flavors, body and texture, and by using the five taste sensations as a guide.
Finish off with a stop at Huguenot Fine Chocolates, where delicious handcrafted Belgian chocolates are made as you watch. The Belgian-trained chocolatiers produce world-class products, and this is your opportunity to sample some! (A framed article extolling the health benefits of chocolate, has pride of place on the wall at Huguenot Fine Chocolates!)
Accommodation: Le Quartier Francais (Breakfast and Lunch)
Day 7: After a relaxing breakfast this morning, meet Chef Margot Janse in the kitchen at about 10:30 AM. Le Quartier Français is legendary for its innovative cuisine. With an endless list of awards and renowned executive chef Margot Janse at the helm, it is a superbly rated restaurant. The cuisine is contemporary and creative, using seasonal local ingredients.
Accommodation: Le Quartier Francais (Breakfast and Lunch)
Day 8: This morning you will have an early transfer to Cape Town Airport for your flight to Johannesburg on South African Airways. Upon arrival at Johannesburg International Airport you will then be transferred to your hotel.
The Michelangelo Hotel, a member of "The Leading Hotels of the World", is the perfect complement to Sandton's exclusive central business district. With its signature Renaissance architecture, elegance and service excellence, The Michelangelo makes a lasting impression from the moment you arrive. Forming an integral part of Renaissance styled Nelson Mandela Square, the 5 star Michelangelo Hotel reflects the architecture and design of the Square. A majestic dome in glass and steel tops the entrance lobby atrium rising eight stories. Scenic elevators overlook the atrium with its arches.
Accommodation: The Michelangelo Hotel (Breakfast)
Day 9: After breakfast you will be transferred to Johannesburg Airport for your light air charter flight to Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve. On arrival at Sabi Sabi's airstrip, you will be met and transferred to Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge for your 2 night stay.
Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 10: Sculpted deep into the earth it is almost invisible in the landscape. The Lodge is inspired by the textures, colors and shapes of the natural world. Here, you are at one with the wilderness. A corridor leads you down, on a journey beneath the ground, to an experience unique and unforgettable. Your entrance brings you to an uninterrupted bushveld panorama. A sense of peace consumes you.You are cocooned in luxury, inspiration and grace. There are only twelve suites, in addition to the Amber Suite. Each is attended by a private butler and is appointed with specially commissioned furnishings, a secluded plunge pool and open air shower. The natural sculptures of Geoffrey Armstrong add a powerful magic. You can renew yourself in this place. The Earth Nature Spa and Exercise Center offers massages, natural therapies and classic spa services. The secluded library, art gallery and meditation garden have been created for your indulgence. Dining in a subterranean cellar will be a celebration you are not likely to forget.
Accommodation: Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
Day 11: This morning you depart the African bush on a flight to Johannesburg. From there you will bid farewell to South Africa and depart on your international flight back to the USA on South African Airways. (B)
Day 12: Arrive in New York or Washington with a lifetime of memories!
Per Person Rates 2010 - A Taste of South Africa including airline fuel surcharges
Departures in January/February/March and April - $7699 plus airport taxes of approx $140*
Departures between May 1 and May 14 - $7599 plus airport taxes of approx $140*
Departures between August 16 and October 31 - $7699 plus airport taxes of approx $140*
All rates are based on 2 people sharing and are subject to availability. Please contact us for single supplement amounts.
*Package does not include Passenger Facility Charges of $4.50, Federal Segment Fee of $3.60 per flight segment, September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 per flight segment that originates at a US point, international government taxes and fees of up to $140 varying by currency exchange rate at time of purchase.
