Departure dates 2009: Mar 21.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Cape Town, South Africa
Arrive in Cape Town in the evening and transfer to the distinguished Arabella Sheraton Grand Hotel.
Day 2: Cape Town and Stellenbosch
Tour Cape Town, before heading to the celebrated wine lands, nestled in three bucolic valleys. Most famous among the wine towns is Stellenbosch, with its historic buildings and oak-lined streets. In the evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception and dinner at the hotel.
Day 3: Embark, Cape Peninsula National Park
The striking combination of coastal and mountain geography that forms the Cape Peninsula is truly superlative. Travel through rolling hills to explore the Cape Peninsula National Park, the Cape of Good Hope, and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. In the afternoon, board the ship and sail.
Day 4: Mossel Bay, The Garden Route
After a morning at sea, arrive at Mossel Bay, for an excursion to the western part of the Garden Route. Arguably South Africa’s most spectacular area, it is comprised of forested mountains, golden beaches, steep cliffs, and rugged shoreline. Reach Wilderness National Park, a forested area of inland waterways and a variety of habitats that attract over 250 species of birds.
Day 5: Plettenberg Bay, Tsitsikamma National Park and Port Elizabeth
Arrive in Port Elizabeth; founded in 1820 by British settlers, it became a prosperous port and trading center. Drive to the Tsitsikamma National Park, a rugged and impressive region of the Garden Route. Stretching for some 50 miles along the coast, Tsitsikamma consists of deep river gorges, ancient hardwood forest that is home to a variety of wildlife, and dramatic rocky coast. After exploring this natural paradise, return to Port Elizabeth and spend the night aboard docked in port.
Day 6: Port Elizabeth, Addo Elephant National Park
After an orientation tour of Port Elizabeth’s historic section, drive to Addo Elephant National Park, established in 1931 to protect the last surviving Cape elephants. The park consists of thick and dry brush, and in addition to elephants, it is also home to other animals including eland, kudu, Cape buffalo, and red hartebeest. Enjoy an open air barbeque lunch at the park.
Day 7: At Sea
Spend the day at sea cruising along the Wild Coast.
Day 8: Richards Bay, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park
From the port city of Richards Bay, drive to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park. A pristine wilderness, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi is known for its rich wildlife, including black and white rhinos, lion, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, hippo, and others. Return to the ship and spend the night aboard docked in port.
Day 9: Richards Bay and Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park
Leave the ship in the morning to explore the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, a pristine wilderness consisting of five distinct ecosystems. This protected area is the largest estuarial lake system in Africa, and its variety of flora and fauna is staggering. In addition to large populations of Nile crocodiles, hippo, reedbuck, and other animals, an amazing 420 species of birds have been recorded. Offshore, humpback whales can be sighted.
Day 10: Durban
With its heterogeneous mix of Zulus, Indians, and whites, many look to Durban to lead the new South Africa into the future. But more than a cosmopolitan city with a sophisticated and polyglot populace, Durban’s busy streets, with their heady combination of colonial and native flavors, offer visitors an authentic African experience they will not find anywhere else in South Africa. Tour Durban’s major sites in the morning, and then spend the afternoon at sea.
Day 11: East London
Founded early in the 19th century as a permanent British settlement, East London is today the second-largest city in the Eastern Cape. Bizarre cliffs, meandering beaches, sleepy lagoons, and stunning waterfalls that tumble into the sea characterize East London’s spectacular shoreline. A tour of the city includes the East London Museum with its outstanding collection of South Nguni beadwork.
Day 12: At Sea
Relax aboard as we cruise toward Cape Town.
Day 13: Disembark in Cape Town
Disembark in Cape Town in the morning for a tour of the city. Spend the afternoon at leisure before transferring to the airport for return flights.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Notes:
- Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy.
- A limited number of cabins have been designated for single travelers in Categories D - A. Supplement depends on particular voyage; contact us for details. Singles in categories AA - PHS are available at double the per person, double occupancy rates.
- Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
South Africa
Cultural Journey
Boating and Sailing
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