Tuesday, September 14th
Depart from New York or Washington, DC for your flight to Johannesburg, South Africa on South African Airways.

Wednesday, September 15th
Upon arrival at Johannesburg’s Oliver Tambo International Airport, you will collect your luggage and then clear Customs & Immigration. You will be met by a SAA Vacations representative who will transfer you to your hotel.

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, columns, and decorative balustrades. Marble and sandstone finishes add to the elegance. Rooms and suites have all been tastefully decorated to reflect the elegant Renaissance-style that has been carried throughout the rest of the Hotel.

Accommodation: The Michelangelo Hotel

Thursday, September 16th
Today you will be transferred to Pretoria Station where you check in at The Blue Train Lounge for your overnight journey to Sun City in a Deluxe Suite.

05:00pm            Check-in at the Blue Train Lounge, Pretoria Station
06:00pm            The Blue Train departs

The Blue Train is one of the most luxurious train journeys in the world. It boasts butler service, two lounge cars (smoking and non-smoking), an observation car, and carriages with gold-tinted picture windows, in soundproofed, fully carpeted compartments, each featuring its own en-suite bathroom. Service on the Blue Train is promoted as a "magnificent moving five-star hotel" by its operators, who note that kings and presidents have traveled on The Blue Train. By day, your private suite is an elegant and comfortable haven. As night falls, your suite is transformed into a romantic boudoir of soft glowing light and fine cotton linen.

Accommodation: The Blue Train (B, D)

Friday, September 17th
Enjoy breakfast on The Blue Train. On arrival at Sun City at approximately 10:00 AM, you will be met and transferred to Bakubung Bush Lodge, in the malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park, for a two-day stay. Enjoy an evening game drive and then dinner at the Lodge.

Tucked in the expanses of the Pilanesberg National Park, Bakubung Bush Lodge offers the best of both worlds when combining the peaceful bush environment with luxury and comfort. The Lodge offers plush rooms, each with air-conditioning, DStv, and en-suite bathrooms. The rooms are decorated to reflect the mood and ambience of the bush and are equipped with the necessary amenities to ensure supreme comfort. Enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurant or relax over a light meal on the terrace overlooking the vastness of the game reserve.

Saturday, September 18th
Spend a full day at Bakubung. There are optional activities offered at Bakubung or you may like to visit near-by Sun City, which is just 10 minutes away on the shuttle. Sun City offers shows, a casino, a wave pool, restaurants and plenty more. In the evening you will be taken on a game drive, and then return for dinner after your game viewing.

The concentric boundaries of Pilanesberg National Park are home to more than 8,000 animals, including 35 species of large mammal. The Park is one of the privileged Reserves hosting the “Big Five”, as well as many elephants, impala and warthogs, buffalo and Burchell's zebras. In addition, there are black and white rhinos (the third largest population of white rhinos in the world), 16 species of antelope, hippos, giraffes, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas. A major reason for Pilanesberg's diversity of animals is that it lies in the transition zone between the arid Kalahari in the west and the humid Lowveld of the Northwest Province. The seven different habitats at Pilanesberg also attract a rich and diverse population of birds; more than 300 species.

Accommodation: Bakubung Bush Lodge (B, D)

Sunday, September 19th
After breakfast at the Lodge, you will check out and be transferred to board The Blue Train. Enjoy a gourmet lunch on the train, while taking in the breathtaking views on the way back to Pretoria.

On arrival at Pretoria Station at approximately 5:00 PM, you will be met and transferred to Johannesburg Airport for your flight to Cape Town.

Upon arrival at Cape Town Airport you will be met and transferred to The Commodore Hotel, situated in the heart of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town’s center of activity, with a variety of stores, restaurants and bars. The Hotel offers superb service and excellent cuisine in a secure, friendly environment and most rooms have wonderful views of Table Mountain, Table Bay, Signal Hill and Robben Island. The Clipper Restaurant offers superb dining in a tranquil setting, from a mouthwatering buffet breakfast to a diverse à la carte menu and exquisite desserts. Alternatively, relax to the nostalgic melodies played by the piano man over a light meal or high tea at The Admiralty Lounge. For comfort, convenience and luxury, there is no better base in this beautiful city.

Monday, September 20th
Today, enjoy the 360-degree views of Cape Town from the top of Table Mountain (tickets provided).

After breakfast make your way to the cable station at the base of Table Mountain and board a cable car for your journey to the top of the mountain (weather permitting) - a stay of +- 2 hours. The new revolving cable cars give stunning views over Cape Town. The summit of Cape Town’s world-famous landmark is 3,563 feet above sea level, and the mountain itself is a national monument. It is covered with a wide variety of wildflowers and is the natural home of the famous silver tree. From the summit you can marvel at the awe-inspiring 360-degree view of Cape Town. There are great views of the City, Signal Hill, Sea Point and across to Robben Island. Take a look at the curio shop, stop for refreshments, or just take a walk around to the different viewpoints.

Accommodation: Commodore Hotel (B)

Tuesday, September 21st
Today you will be taken on a scheduled full day Cape Peninsula Tour.

After breakfast depart on your full-day Cape Peninsula Tour. See for yourself how this spectacular southern tip of Africa became known as the 'Fairest Cape'. Drive past the pristine beaches of Camps Bay, Clifton and Llandudno - currently the hottest real estate in the world - to Hout Bay, a functioning harbor and heart of the local crayfish industry. After a stop for lunch (own account), it's on to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, where you are able to ride the funicular to the scenic viewing point where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. The spectacular sea and mountain views are reason enough to make the 41 mile trip from Cape Town. Amid the rocky landscape - home to mountain zebra, eland and ostriches - blooms magnificent Cape flora. Continue along the coastline to the beautiful Boulders Beach where you can sit among a colony of penguins. The last stop is the naval port of Simon's Town, the country's third oldest European settlement. Return to The Commodore Hotel in the late afternoon.

Wednesday, September 22nd
Today you will enjoy a day of leisure to explore the parts of Cape Town that you may have missed thus far!

Thursday, September 23rd
Today you will be transferred from The Commodore Hotel to Cape Town Airport in time for your flight to Johannesburg. (B)

Friday, September 24th
Arrive in New York or Washington, DC with a lifetime of memories!

PLEASE NOTE:
*Prices are per person based on double occupancy accommodations and include fuel surcharges. Government taxes, departure fees and September 11th Security Fee of USD $145 are additional and payable prior to departure.

The USD $3,324* rate is valid for departure Sept 14, 2010.
The single supplement fee for this itinerary is USD $928.