SOUTH AFRICA

DAY 1 - Monday, October 19, 2020 (Depart USA)Depart Washington D.C. on the first of your flights to South Africa

DAY 2 - Tuesday, October 20, 2020 (Arrive in South Africa)Arrive at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and transfer to hotel. The afternoon is yours to relax before gathering that evening for a Welcome Dinner. (NOTE - if the flight arrives too late, this Welcome Dinner will be scheduled for the following night.)Overnight: Cape Town, South AfricaMeals: Dinner

DAY 3 - Wednesday, October 21, 2020 (Cape Town City Tour & Robben Island)After breakfast, take a trip to the top of the world, high above the clouds on the famous Table Mountain, an icon in Cape Town and is most likely the most photographed landmark in the country. Table Mountain has been named as on the seven wonders of nature and attracts millions over visitors from all across the globe, in fact, since the opening of the aerial cableway in 1929, more than 22 million people have taken the trip to the top. At the upper cable station, guests will find a restaurant and a curio shop as well as some footpaths for exploration. From there, explore South Africa's exciting Mother City on this guided tour of the historical and cultural sights of Cape Town. You will step into the rich history of the city passing by key historical monuments and places of interest, such as the impressive Castle of Good Hope and Cape Town City Hall. The tour stops at the beautiful St. George's Cathedral, passes the through the lush Company Gardens, and explores a cultural hub of Cape Town, the Bo-Kaap, also known as the Cape Malay quarter. A tour of this vibrant city, home to street markets of every kind, cosmopolitan and rustic eateries, and a host of cultures is an unforgettable experience. Following lunch at a local restaurant, depart from the Nelson Mandela Gateway at the V&A Waterfront and head to Robben Island, one of the most famous prisons in the world. This is where South Africa's father of the nation spent 18 years, the legend of a man, Nelson Mandela. Guests will disembark at Murray's Harbour on the east coast of the island and take a short walk to buses that will transport them to all of the historically significant sites. The tour guides inside the prisoner today, are former political prisoners and their knowledge of this island is unparalleled and adds a unique cultural layer to this experience. This tour culminates with a viewing of Nelson Mandela's cell. Please Note: Robben Island requires guests to produce a form of identification when they purchase a ticket and board a ferry when visiting the island. Departures are reliant upon favorable sailing conditions and may be canceled because of bad weather.Overnight: Cape Town, South AfricaMeals: Breakfast, Lunch 

DAY 4 - Thursday, October 22, 2020 (Cape Peninsula Tour)Following breakfast at the hotel, start your journey through some of the most beautiful areas of the Cape region. The first stop is the working harbor of Hout Bay for an authentic fishing village experience from the colorful fishing boats moored on the dock to the range of fish markets, restaurants, street markets and shops set overlooking the bay. Indulge in fresh seafood, fabulous views, adventure activities and shopping experiences - everything from jewelry and maritime artifacts to seashells and more. Weather-permitting, you'll drive south along Chapman's Peak. The route stretches nine kilometers along the coast, taking over 100 curves in a road carved out by prisoners of war in the mid-1910s over seven years. On the one side are towering cliffs and on the other a steep drop to the ocean.Your next stop is the famous Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, a World Heritage site set at the end of Cape Town's south peninsula. Take a trip via funicular to the lighthouse at 286 meters above sea level (built to which warns ships they are approaching the feared “Cape of Storms”), stroll along the cliff paths or venture down the steep slopes to the stunning white-sand beaches below. The reserve is home to a variety of small wildlife and is a favored picnicking, fishing (with a permit) and hiking destination with its rich plant biodiversity and inspiring landscapes. The Flying Dutchman Funicular takes passengers uphill from the car park of the Cape Point Nature Reserve (a Natural World Heritage Site) to the old lighthouse sited at 249m overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The views from the lighthouse are spectacular and the air, coming off the Antarctic, is among the purest in the world. The funicular is believed to be the only commercial one of its kind in Africa and is named after a local legend of a ghost ship. The short three-minute trip passes through 585 meters of dense fynbos and over rocks to the upper lighthouse.From there, enjoy lunch in the port of Simon's Town (home of South Africa's largest naval base) before going to Boulders Beach, the home of an endangered land-based colony of African penguins (over 2000 of them). One can walk between the three pristine and sheltered beaches on boardwalks, which also link to the penguin-viewing area offering fantastic sightings of these unique and endearing animals in their natural habitat.The day's last stop is at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, which is set up against Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain, looking onto the city. Here you will find rich and varied displays of southern Africa's plant life (more than 7,000 species are planted out) and a restaurant on site. It is the first botanical garden to be included within a natural World Heritage site. Paths are set out throughout the garden allowing visitors to easily wander past the natural displays.Overnight: Cape Town, South AfricaMeals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5 - Friday, October 23, 2020 (Winelands Tour)There could be no better way to spend a day than indulging in a Cape Winelands experience packed with historic and modern architecture, fabulous cuisine, and, of course, world-class wines. The tour heads to the country's principal wine routes of Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek - all of them with fascinating histories and their unique offerings. Traversing stunning landscapes, this full-day experience stops along the way for wine tasting at prestigious estates. South Africa is known for its quality white, reds, blends, and bubblies.Overnight: Cape Town, South AfricaMeals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6 - Saturday, October 24, 2020 (South African Food Markets)This morning after breakfast you will make your way to the Old Biscuit Mill, situated in the heart of Woodstock, where talented people come together to share, collaborate and show off their heartfelt passions. The Old Biscuit Mill is home to dynamic office spaces, a range of workshops and designer stores, decadent restaurants, food stalls as well as an inspiring line-up of day and night-markets, festivals and productions. Come and explore the Old Biscuit Mill and meet some of South Africa's most innovative and creative designers, artists, photographers and connoisseurs of fine taste and décor. Moreover, the Mill - as it's affectionately known - houses some of the city's most charming architecture and, since its revitalization over 10 years ago, has secured its spot as one of Cape Town's favorite destinations. The morning ends with lunch at a local restaurant and passengers have the afternoon to enjoy Cape Town as they like.Overnight: Cape Town, South AfricaMeals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 7 - Sunday, October 25, 2020 (Flight to Jo-burg and the Mongena Private Game Lodge)Make an early morning transfer to Cape Town International Airport for your flight to Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB). On arrival in Joburg, drive north to the Mongena Private Game Lodge in the Dinokeng Game Reserve. Here, you'll be able to see the Big 5 animals as they traverses the African landscape. Mongena Private Game Lodge offers both game drives as well as bush walks to get closer the likes of lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, zebra and giraffe, amongst many other fascinating species. The lodge also prides itself on a 28 hectare scenic dam that is flanked by two rivers and where African sunset cruises create cherished memories. The lodge has its own restaurant where hot and cold breakfast buffets have earned a stellar reputation and the boma is where traditional African cuisine is served under a blanket of stars and next to a roaring fire. While here, enjoy a morning and an evening game drive to see the magnificent fauna of the region.Overnight: Pretoria, South Africa

DAY 8 - Monday, October 26, 2020 (Diamond Tour) After a morning animal drive and breakfast, board your motor coach and head to the City Of Gold. On your way there, you will stop at one of the many natural sources of South Africa's riches. The Cullinan Diamond Mine offers exclusive surface and underground tours. This mine is responsible for producing some of the world's largest high-quality gemstones and is home to the world's largest diamond, the Cullinan that is 3106 carats. There have also been some remarkable discoveries of blue diamonds, having been sold for almost twenty-eight million dollars. After your tour of the mine, you will then visit the Cullinan Diamond Mine Market for a diamond and jewelry shopping experience. Then continue in to Johannesburg to your hotel, the Protea Hotel Fire & Ice Marriott, a hotel of vibrant energy and features the luxury of an urban lifestyle. The design and decoration of this hotel has a focus on Old Hollywood glitz and glamour and classic on-screen beauties can be seen everywhere. Overnight: Johannesburg, South Africa Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

DAY 9 - Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (Soweto Tour) Today, you will visit Soweto and the Apartheid Museum, exploring one of South Africa's darker eras and how the people overcame it. The first stop is the Hector Pierterson Memorial. On the 16th of June 1976, Hector Pieterson was shot by the police during a protest by schoolchildren about Afrikaans being imposed as the medium of instruction. The Soweto Uprising, as it has come to be known, saw 20 children shot by police during what started out as a peaceful protest and was one of the pivotal moments in the anti-Apartheid struggle. Twelve-year old Hector came to symbolize those that stood against the tyrannical regime. Today, the 16th of June is celebrated in South Africa as National Youth Day in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the protest. The next stop is the Mandela House in Orlando West, Soweto and is a national monument dedicated to offering insights into the life of Nelson Mandela and the families that he lived with from 1946 through to the 1990s. Managed by the Soweto Heritage Trust, the house has been fully renovated and hosts a visitor center as well as excellent multi-media and audio-visual displays outlining the history of the Mandela family. A meaningful experience, visitors are exposed to Mandela's personal life on this visit. After lunch on your own, visit the prestigious and must-visit Apartheid Museum, located in Johannesburg's Ormondo suburb. The museum, opened in 2001, covers the full history of the Apartheid era in South Africa. The exhibitions span the beginnings of segregation in the country, the implementation of the Apartheid system and all of the factors that have shaped its 20th century history including the discovery of gold that spurred on the migration of thousands of foreigners to the country, the rise of black consciousness and the first democratic elections. The political groups (both for and against the Apartheid system) are represented and the exhibitions combine news articles, photographs and artefacts to create a riveting story of this era. After your Township tour you will enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight: Johannesburg, South Africa Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

DAY 10 - Wednesday, October 28, 2020 (Maboneng and your flight home) After a leisurely start to your day, check out of the hotel and go to the Johannesburg neighborhood of Maboneng for a walking tour of the neighborhood's arts & crafts markets (similar to New York City's Chelsea neighborhood). The Maboneng Township Arts Experience is a destination development and management initiative that turns homes in townships into galleries and communities into creative districts. We work humbly with homeowners and families to create a warm intimate creative environment for locals and international visitors alike. After 10 years, The Maboneng Township Arts Experience has turned over 50 homes in South African townships into galleries and have led a multitude of visitors from all over the world to these centres of culture in South Africa. The name Maboneng is a Sesotho word for a place of lights. This followed Alexandra Township being called Dark City by the community. Alexandra Township had no electricity before and hence the name Dark City. After the government brought in the lights, the community renamed their township to Alexandra Maboneng meaning Alexandra, a place of lights. As the afternoon comes to an end, transfer to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) for your flight home. On checking in, you are welcome to take advantage of the services and comfort of the Bidvest Lounge, giving you time to change and freshen up for your flight back to the USA. Meals: Breakfast 

DAY 11 - Thursday, October 29, 2020 (Return to USA) Arrive back in the US