GEMS OF SOUTH AFRICA   

A Deluxe Tour with the Prestigious Blue Train, Cape Winelands, Mala Mala and Phinda Game Reserves

      14-Day, Air-Inclusive Holidays.  Participation Limited to 18 Passengers.

Day 1, Depart U.S.A. or Canada

Your luxury odyssey begins with a flight to Europe aboard your select airline.
Note:  Travelers flying on South African Airways may depart a day later, on Friday, aboard a direct flight with no European stopover.


Day 2, Europe

Land in Europe and relax comfortably in your dayroom until departing tonight to southernmost Africa. (dayroom)

 Days 3-4, Cape Winelands, South Africa

Arrive Saturday in Cape Town, one of the world's most impressive cities.  You are welcomed on arrival and driven to the green heart of the winelands to begin your two night stay in a luxurious country manor home, impeccably appointed with fine art and furnishings.  Tonight celebrate your arrival at a welcome dinner of delicious delicacies of this gourmet region.  On Sunday your program begins with a full day tour of the picturesque vineyard villages of Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek. Spend a wonderful day touring landmark estates dating from the early 1700's, and sampling premium labels that have earned the nation's vintages world acclaim.  Grand Roche (Paarl), Le Quartier Francais (Franschhoek), or Lanzerac Manor (Stellenbosch) (Sat: D;  Sun: B,L,D)

 Days 5-6, Cape Town
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Transfer on Monday to your Victorian-style hotel among the docks of Cape Town’s beautifully-restored waterfront district.  In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Cape Town’s famous landmarks, culminating in a thrilling cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain (weather permitting). Tuesday, a full day Cape Peninsula tour presents breathtaking views of the land at the tip of the continent.  Marvel at the exotic Kirstenbosch Gardens and enchanted Tokai Forest. Visit Groot Constantia, the oldest and grandest Cape Dutch homestead; see the penguins at Boulders Beach; and stand at the Cape of Good Hope, where two oceans crash violently into each other.  Cape Grace Hotel (Mon: B;  Tue: B,L)

 Day 7, The Blue Train

A day of five-star luxury and splendid scenery begins as you board the recently-refurbished Blue Train for your overnight excursion to Pretoria.  The purple-hued Huguenot Mountains fade from view as you cross the Hex River range through a wondrous 10-mile tunnel system.  Emerge in an emerald green valley steeped in local legend, then scan the desolate Karoo as the skies erupt into a dramatic sunset.
  Every effort has been made to make this magnificent train the most luxurious in the world.  A sophisticated, opulent atmosphere prevails on board, from the gourmet menu and fine wines served in the Dining Car; to the Club Car where guests gather for cigars, cognacs and conversation; to the Lounge Car where a big-screen TV projects a driver's-eye view of the scenery ahead, courtesy of a camera mounted on the front of the locomotive.  For privacy, your suite offers a relaxing haven with panoramic windows, plush furnishings, en-suite bathroom, individual thermostat, TV, phone, video and CD players.  A personal butler and complete range of on-board services ensure you will want for nothing during your time on board.  Blue Train (B,L,D)

 Day 8,  Pretoria

Roll into Pretoria Station and disembark the Blue Train.  Enjoy a short tour of the nation's capital, famed for its eclectic architecture, gracious landscaped boulevards, and massive diamond mines. Your tour will bear witness to both the old and new South Africa, from the Voortrekker Settlers' Monument to the Union Buildings where Nelson Mandela was inaugurated President in 1994.  Mt. Grace Hotel (B,L,D)

 Days 9-10, Phinda Private Game Reserve
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After breakfast, set off on safari as you transfer to Johannesburg and board a charter flight to Phinda Reserve near the Natal coast.  Transfer to your sumptuous lodge, the realization of a dream by Africa's legendary Conservation Corps.  For two days you will game-view in one of the finest wildlife areas in Africa, with exceptional birding and hundreds of big game including rare species.  Reconnect with the natural world on your choice of activities including river cruises and canoeing, hiking, open landrover game-drives, beach picnics and bush breakfasts, and even snorkeling safaris to view Indian Ocean marine life.  Phinda Lodge (Daily: B,L,D)

Days 11-12, Mala Mala Private Game Reserve

Your safari adventures continue as you fly to the world-renowned Mala Mala private game reserve, bordering Kruger National Park.  This vast, uncrowded expanse of countryside offers the thrilling game-viewing of Kruger, but with more options than are permitted within the National Park.  Choose among guided game walks and drives in open vehicles to search for big game, including elusive nocturnal species at nighttime "spotlight safaris".  Between outings, your safari camp offers every comfort and convenience, and a romantic ambiance in a secluded corner of the bushveld.  Enjoy the pool, the savory dinners served in an African-style boma, and the thoughtful design of your air-conditioned room.  Mala Mala Main Camp (Daily: B,L,D)

 Day 13, Johannesburg

Awaken one last morning in safari country, then depart by air to Johannesburg.  Here a dayroom is available for your use until your transfer to the airport tonight to begin your journey home.  Grace (Rosebank) Hotel (dayroom) (B)

 Day 14, Europe - U.S.A. or Canada

Arrive in Europe, and connect with your homebound flight to the U.S. or Canada