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Day 1 Arrive in South Africa
Welcome to South Africa! Upon arrival at O.R. Tambo International
Airport, you will be me t by our Travel Representative and transferred
to your hotel in Pretoria.
Illyria House: Upon entering through the wrought
iron gates, a fairytale ambience, reflecting the epitome of gracious and
romantic living unfolds, complete with white-gloved butlers discreetly
working their magic to please.
Unrivalled personalized
service, exclusivity and luxury are a given at this intimate haven. Fine
antiques, 17th century tapestries, soft classical music and exquisite
cuisine have contributed to Illyria’s standing as a sought-after oasis
of tranquility, refined beauty and charm.
It comes as no surprise that Illyria House has become a destination
in its own right, a unique, nostalgic, colonial experience, highly
appreciated by the discerning traveler, and the secret retreat of
royalty, heads of state and celebrities alike.
Services rendered by your personal butler include organizing
historical tours, sports activities, country picnics, individualized
shopping outings and transfers to attractions in the city and
surrounding areas. Guests may enjoy beauty treatments in the magical
wellness spa in the secret garden or in the privacy of their rooms.
Secluded yet centrally located, a stay at Illyria House is ideal in
combination with a luxury rail journey, wildlife safari or Indian Ocean
island resort, and holds the promise to add an unforgettable authentic
experience in colonial African hospitality.
Illyria, often referred to as the highlight of a visit to Africa,
makes the pleasure all the more ours. We look forward to welcoming you.
The hotel is situated 25 minutes from O.R. Tambo Airport – 5 minutes
from Pretoria Railway Station.
Overnight: Illyria House OR SIMILAR ~ Dinner included
Day 2 Blue Train - Pretoria to Cape Town
This morning you will be collected from your hotel and transferred to
Pretoria Station.
On the southbound trip,
the train departs from Pretoria main train station at 8:50 and arrives
in Cape Town train station at 12:00 the following day. En route to Cape
Town there is a stopover and excursion in Kimberley, where we take a
step back in time to the days of the diamond rush.
07:50 – 08:30 Register
and check-in at The Blue Train Lounge, Pretoria Station. Guests enjoy
pre-departure snacks and drinks.
08:30 Boarding starts
Butlers usher guests to their suites. Suite orientation done by butlers.
08:50 The Blue Train
departs from Pretoria Station
11:30 – 13:00 First
sitting for Brunch
13:15 – 14:30 Second
sitting for Brunch
15:30 High tea is
served in the Lounge Car.
17:10 The Blue Train arrives at Kimberley Station. Guests disembark
and assemble at the railway museum, from where they will be ushered to a
bus, which transfers them to the centre of Kimberley to join an old tram
for a ride down to the mine.
17:45 Guests arrive at the Open Mine Museum for a tour of the mine.
Guests are first taken to the Diamond Die to try their luck to win a
diamond, after which they will view, interesting and historical sites.
Guests are also taken onto an enclosed ramp on the edge of the Kimberly
hole.
18:35 Guests depart from the Open Mine Museum for Kimberley Station.
At Kimberley Station guests are greeted with a glass of sherry. The
sherry glass engraved with The Blue Train logo is a memento for guests
to keep.
19:05 The Blue Train departs Kimberley Station for the journey
Southbound to Cape Town.
After this exciting tour, guests are free to refresh themselves and
enjoy pre-dinner drinks served at any one of our lounges. Remember,
dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and
tie or dress in traditional attire and ladies in elegant evening or
traditional wear.
19:30 First sitting dinner
21:15 Second sitting dinner
Overnight: BlueTrain ~ Full Board
Day 3 Arrival in Cape Town
07:00 - 10:00 Breakfast is served on a first come first serve basis.
Breakfast can also be served in-suite at the guests’ request.
12:30 The Blue Train arrives at Cape Town Station. Butlers usher
guests to The Blue Train Lounge.
Upon arrival at Cape Town Station, you will be collected and
transferred to your hotel.
One&Only Cape Town:
Amidst the vibrant playground of one of the world’s most
fascinating cities, cradled between the scenic wonder of iconic
sandstone cliffs marching toward the brilliant waters of two great
oceans, One&Only Cape Town is an oasis of cosmopolitan style
establishing an unprecedented level of luxury in South Africa…an urban
chic waterfront resort with captivating views of Table Mountain and
private Spa Island.
In the heart of Cape Town’s picturesque Victoria & Alfred Waterfront,
this contemporary urban resort embodies a chic island design and African
flair. The crescent-shaped architecture of the seven-storey Marina Rise
allows for splendid views of Table Mountain and Signal Hill from 91
spacious rooms and suites. Two lushly landscaped islands at the centre
of the waterfront feature 40 Island Suites and the tranquil One&Only
Spa.
Located in close walking distance to exciting nightlife and
entertainment, the One&Only Cape Town hotel is an ideal gateway to the
uniquely rare adventures of South Africa such as wildlife safaris, wine
country excursions and enjoyable visits to Cape Town's sandy white
beaches such as Camps Bay and Clifton.
Sumptuous rooms and suites feature either stunning views of Table
Mountain or are situated on a lushly landscaped private island with
waterway views. A second private island features Cape Town's most
comprehensive wellness spa with vitality pools and a yoga pavilion.
Dining at the One&Only Cape Town Hotel is headlined by two
world-renowned chefs: cutting-edge star Gordon Ramsay for The Maze and
legendary Nobuyuki Matsuhisa for The Nobu. The spectacular tri-level
Wine Loft houses more than 5,000 bottles including popular and
undiscovered South African vintages-the most magnificent collection of
wines in the country.
One&Only Cape Town is situated at the heart of the city's working
harbour within the charming Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Cape Town
itself is located at the foot of Table Mountain at the northern end of
Africa's Cape Peninsula, where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet.
Approximately 25 minutes (22 kilometres) from Cape Town International
Airport; transfers available by taxi, limousine or helicopter.
Overnight: One&Only Cape Town ~ Bed & Breakfast
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Day 4 Cape Town
Enjoy a morning City Tour (with a difference!) with an afternoon at
leisure.
This morning you will be collected for your
morning tour of the city of Cape Town (including Table Mountain) Proceed
directly to the lower cableway station on the slopes of Table Mountain.
Weather permitting; ascend the mountain by aerial cable car. From a
height of 1067 meters view the city and Table Bay below; also Robben
Island, the Atlantic Seaboard and most of the spectacular Cape
Peninsula. Head down into the Malay Quarter with its narrow cobbled
streets and colourful Mosques - drive by the Grande Parade and Castle.
The we head to the V&A Waterfront from where we will enjoy a scenic
helicopter flight over the City as well as the Atlantic sea-board
getting a birds eye-view of the spectacular City of Cape Town.
Your historical journey begins at the world-renowned Victoria and
Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, passing over the Atlantic Seaboard, to
the white sands of Clifton and along the splendid Twelve Apostles and
rugged beauty of Llandudno.
Overnight: One&Only Cape Town ~ Bed &
Breakfast
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Day 5 Cape Town
Enjoy a full day Cape Point tour
08h00 We depart the
hotel for a tour of the spectacular Cape Peninsula. Begin by traveling
to the exclusive suburbs of Seapoint, Clifton and Camps Bay; then
continue via Llandudno to the fishing harbor of Hout Bay.
08h45 If calm seas
prevail, join a launch cruise to view the Duiker Island seals and
cormorants at close quarters.
09h30 After your cruise
to Seal Island we depart for Boulders penguin colony followed by lunch
at the every popular Black Marlin sea-food restaurant, lending
uninterrupted views of the ocean.
After lunch
we enter Cape Point Nature Reserve where you will be taken to the best
vantage point to view what is erroneously said to be the meeting place
of the two mighty oceans.
We then travel back to the City visiting the famous Kirstenbosch
Botanical Gardens for a tour of the gardens en-route. Kirstenbosch
Botanical Gardens is situated against the southeastern slopes of Table
Mountain. The gardens have 9 000 of the country’s 18000 indigenous
flowering plant species, including ferns, proteas, cycads, ericas and
many different species of trees. There are also more than a 100 bird
species to be found in the gardens.
Overnight: One&Only Cape Town ~ Bed &
Breakfast
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Day 6 Cape Town to Stellenbosch
Today you are collected from your hotel and transferred to Stellenbosch.
Asara Wine Estate & Hotel:
The new Asara Hotel opened its doors in 2008 and offers
discerning clientele a slice of world class, five star luxury within the
heart of the Stellenbosch vineyards. New Relais & Chateaux hotel, 36
deluxe rooms & suites on a working Asara Wine-estate with breathtaking
views, exceptional dining choices, wine tasting centre, own boutique
shopping, modern banqueting facilities, perfect base to explore the
Winelands and Cape Town surrounds, excellent golfing. ASARA - Your
ultimate “Out of Africa” wineland experience.
Overnight: Asara Wine Estate & Hotel ~ Bed &
Breakfast + Lunch included
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Day 7 Stellenbosch
Enjoy a full day Winelands tour
09h00 After breakfast we depart on a full day
Winelands tour, starting with a drive though Stellenbosch - the second
oldest town in South Africa - with its many historic Cape Dutch
Buildings. Stellenbosch is also known as a University Town with nearly
25000 students and where the sport Rugby, originated in South Africa.
After the morning Stellenbosch tour we continue to
Franschhoek region for a visit to Boschendal where a picnic lunch will
be enjoyed under the old pine and oak trees, surrounding the historic
manor house. Boschendal received the SA Wine Producer of the Year Trophy
in 2004 and make excellent white wines.
After lunch group will travel to the near by town
of Paarl, and en route pay a visit to the Afrikaans Language Monument.
It was in this town where the Afrikaans language was founded nearly 300
years ago.
The tour terminates at your Stellenbosch hotel late afternoon.
Overnight: Asara ~ Bed & Breakfast + Lunch
included
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Day 8 Stellenbosch to Umhlanga via Durban
You are collected from your hotel and transferred to Cape Town
International Airport for your domestic flight to Durban (not
included). Upon arrival at Durban International Airport, you will be
met and transferred to Umhlanga where you will spend the following two
nights.
Endless Horizons:
The subtle combination of natural colours and textures – from
the deep, dark mahogany of custom-made wooden furnishings to the cool,
airy slate and stone walls, woven chairs and sheer fabrics, Endless
Horizons is a feast for the senses.
Burnt orange and burgundy accessories and dining room chairs in
natural blues and greens add splashes of colour, while giant clay pots
and life size wall murals add a ruggedness to the sophisticated decor.
Enjoy a world of peaceful sophistication.
Situated in the convenient, picturesque setting of Umhlanga Rocks
Drive in Durban North with easy access to the airport, major business
hubs and tourist attractions, our 5-star accommodation, dining and
conference facilities, will pander to your every need for an
unforgettable experience.
Overnight: Endless Horizons ~ Bed &
Breakfast
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Day 9 Umhlanga
After breakfast spend a full day at leisure
Overnight: Endless Horizons ~ Bed
& Breakfast
Day 10 Umhlanga to Zululand
You are collected and transferred to Thanda Private Game Reserve.
Thanda Private Game Reserve:
Thanda, meaning ‘love’ in Zulu, is an expression of the
magical union of the power of Zulu culture, wildlife, romance and
exclusivity. Thanda Private Game Reserve is South Africa’s top award
winning safari destination and is situated in northern Zululand, in
close proximity to the Indian Ocean.
Free your adventurous spirit with the thrill of Big Five game
viewing, the exhilaration of diving with dolphins, or the wonder of
whale watching from sun-drenched beaches. An abundance of activities
awaits guests who would like to enjoy all that the area has to offer.
The Elephant Coast has 21 different ecosystems and is home to a rich
variety of fauna and flora. Sand forests, lakes, lagoons, wetlands and
pristine stretches of beaches are home to many animals such as hippos,
crocodiles, giant turtles and over 460 bird species. Thanda is a unique
beach and bush destination, with Sodwana Bay located merely an hour
away. It’s the magic of romance and Zulu culture that makes Thanda
unforgettable.
Overnight: Thanda Private Game Reserve ~ Full Board
Day 12 Zululand
Full Day spent enjoying lodge activities.
Thanda Private Game Reserve has created a world-class spa facility
with exclusive treatments which consist of reflexology, aromatherapy,
hot stone massage using African essential oils in a base of shea butter,
pressure point scalp massage, manicures, pedicures, hot & cold outdoor
kniepp therapy pools, a reflexology pool, outdoor sala treatment area,
steam room & hydrotherapy bath all with a unique Zulu feel and designed
exclusively for Thanda.
Overnight: Thanda Private Game Reserve ~
Full Board
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Day 13 Zululand to Swaziland
You are collected and transferred to Swaziland.
Royal Swazi Sun:
In the fascinating kingdom of Swaziland is a lush and verdant
valley named ‘heaven’ by the noble Swazis. In this valley lies a
sensational casino resort comprising a trio of hotels. Each touched by
the magic of Africa, none more so than the 5-star Royal Swazi Spa Hotel.
The Royal Swazi Spa is an oasis in the Kingdom of Swaziland with its
sweeping verandas, large oak trees and wide open spaces. This regal
colonial hotel stirs and stimulates the senses with its contrasting
qualities.
The Royal Swazi Spa, originally built in 1965, has a graciousness
that is immediately apparent from the winding tree lined approach to the
elegant sweeping staircase in the entrance hall.
The Royal Kingdom of Swaziland has a history of tradition and culture
that pervades the land and infuses the Valley. The Royal Swazi Sun
Resort nestles in the Ezulwini Valley and the infusion of royal custom
and quality reigns. The warmth of the noble Swazi people is illustrated
by their amiable welcome.
Overnight: Royal Swazi Sun ~ Bed & Breakfast
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Day 14 Swaziland to Malelane
Re-enter South Africa and travel to Malelane.
Serenity Forest Eco Reserve:
Serenity Forest Lodge is truly a natural treasure set in rich
indigenous forests overlooking picturesque mountains.
Serenity Forest Lodge is a haven of tranquility and a paradise for
all nature lovers south of the world famous Kruger National Park. At
this exclusive lodge, it is always your choice to be active or to be
still.
Serenity Forest Lodge is home to an abundance of bird and butterfly
species as well as a growing population of wild animals. Ideally
situated close to the Kruger National Park, where you can experience
South Africa's Big Five, the lodge is built in a Swazi beehive style to
complete the texture of the guests' mystical forest experience.
Guests at Serenity Forest Lodge are accommodated in luxurious suites
offering forest or lake views in the most beautiful surroundings. The
world-renowned Kruger National Park as well as other attractions are
nearby. Game drives in open safari vehicles are available at this lodge
near Kruger.
Overnight: Serenity Forest Eco Reserve ~ Bed &
Breakfast
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Day 15 Malelane to Sabi Sands
Today you will be
transferred to Londolozi Private Game Reserve.
Londolozi Private Game Reserve:
Londolozi Private Game Reserve is an unashamedly exclusive and
luxurious safari destination covering 14 000 hectares (34 580 acres) in
the heart of the game-rich 56 000 hectare Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Londolozi is a Zulu word meaning "protector of all living things" - an
ambitious conservation ethic that Londolozi embraces in its sensitivity
to the natural world.
The exclusive camps are secluded in dense riverine forest on the
banks of the Sand River, in the northern section of the private reserve.
In the early dawn, you will hear the haunting calls of fish eagles, and
the booming snorts of hippo. Each camp is totally private and
self-contained.
Overnight: Londolozi Private Game Reserve ~
Full Board
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Day 16 Sabi Sands
Full Day spent enjoying lodge activities.
Activities at Londolozi center around game viewing drives in open
vehicles that traverse an area of some 14 000 hectares (34 580 acres) in
search of wildlife, including nocturnal species viewed after sunset. You
may request the sole use of a Land Rover for game viewing, (subject to
availability.)
Londolozi is a prime
wildlife haven and has been rated the best game experience in Southern
Africa. The characteristic species of the Sabi Sand are impala, greater
kudu, giraffe, buffalo, lion and leopard. Lions are the only truly
social members of the cat family, and sightings of lion prides are the
order of the day at Londolozi.
Your game viewing
experience is complemented by many other memorable activities such as:
moonlit bush dinners, private bush breakfasts, guided stargazing trips,
bird-watching, port served on the airstrip - usually after dinner on a
clear night, fishing with bamboo rods and "magic bush boxes" for
children, visits to the staff village encompassing the crèche, school,
adult learning centre, clinic and craft centre, bush presentations in
orientation centre.
Overnight: Londolozi Private Game Reserve ~ Full Board
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Day 17 A fond farewell…
Today we wish you a fond farewell as you are collected and
transferred to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for your flight
to Johannesburg (flight not included)…
TOUR ENDS VALID FOR April 2010, suggested arrival day 11
April (for Blue Train departure on 12 April)
INCLUDED:
Accommodation as stated above, subject to availability. Transportation in a luxury air-conditioned vehicle. Breakfast daily All other meals as indicated Services of a professional driver Services of a registered and experienced tourist guide. Entrance fees and excursions where stated in above itinerary. Porterage Welcome Pack: (e.g. itinerary, welcome letter, general
information, maps, flags, brochures)
EXCLUDED:
All airfares & airport taxes (if applicable) All other meals other than stated in above itinerary All other entrances and excursions than stated in above itinerary. Items of personal nature such as tips, beverages, laundry, etc.
NOTES:
The above is a quotation only. Services subject to availability at the time of booking. Rates subject to change without prior notice due to
circumstances beyond our control e.g. fuel increases, currency
fluctuations, etc. Should the period of travel, number of participants, type of
accommodation, type of vehicle, or the duration of the stay change,
the quote will vary accordingly. Terms and Conditions apply.
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