Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Lion World's Royal Treatment in South Africa

The Royal Treatment



The Birkenhead House
B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
INCLUDES:
  • International Airfare Washington or New York to Cape Town via Johannesburg
  • Domestic flights as indicated in itinerary
  • All services as specified
  • 10 Breakfasts
  • 5 Lunches
  • 5 Dinners
  • Game drives as specified in itinerary
  • Accommodation in standard rooms
  • Transportation in luxury air-conditioned vehicles including qualified drivers
  • Sight-seeing as per itinerary led by qualified English speaking guide
  • Half-day winery tour
  • Complimentary half hour back/neck massage at Royal Malewane
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing as indicated
  • Lion World Tours representative Platinum Meet and Greet upon arrival

EXCLUDES:
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, etc.
  • All other services not mentioned
  • Gratuities/Tips for game rangers, tour guides, and drivers
  • Costs of obtaining passports and/or visas
  • Trip cancellation insurance
Day 1
Depart from New York or Washington, DC for your flight to Cape Town, South Africa via Johannesburg on South African Airways. 
Day 2
Upon arrival at Johannesburg's Oliver Tambo International Airport a security approved representative will meet you at the aircraft, and escort and assist you through customs and immigration and then to the baggage carousel where you will be assisted with your luggage. You will be accompanied into the arrival hall where a Lion World Tours representative will welcome you and escort you to the Domestic Departure Hall for your flight to Cape Town.

On arrival in Cape Town a Lion World Tours representative will meet you and hand over your travel documentation. They will answer any questions you may have regarding your travel arrangements in South Africa and then assist you to your onward transfer to hotel.

The luxurious Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa lies where earth, sea and sky meet, poised above Atlantic rollers and flanked by majestic Table Mountain and her Twelve Apostles Mountain Range in glorious Cape Town. This intimate 5-star hotel fully lives up to its stunning location, with exceptional standards of service and relaxed Cape hospitality, providing the perfect counterpoint to its dramatic backdrop. Deluxe guest rooms and spacious suites, two breathtaking pool gardens magically perched above the ocean, the glorious Azure Restaurant accompanying exquisite cuisine, wonderful friendly service with endlessly seductive sea views. All barely ten minutes from the bustling heat of the city, with nearby attractions including prime diving spots, nature trails, and seals, dolphins, whales and penguins.
Accommodation: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa
Day 3
Today is a day to enjoy the wonderful city of Cape Town at your leisure. Cape Town is a city with a diverse range of attractions, sights and activities to offer and has something for everyone. From the landmark beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay to the vibrant V&A Waterfront and Cape Town city center - time spent in Cape Town will not be forgotten. Cape Town is a sophisticated city at the gateway to a majestic continent. The Mother City is a place where old and new harmoniously converge in history, architecture, cultural pursuits and the essence of its people. Warmed by the African sun, the city is dominated by a towering, table-shaped mountain, set on a peninsula of soaring, rocky heights and lush valleys, where two oceans converge - Indian and Atlantic. Immense natural beauty and the fast pace and bright lights of a great urban center meld effortlessly here. Firmly positioned on the international map, Cape Town offers a myriad of things to do and places to see, whatever your tastes, inclinations or budget. 
Accommodation: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa (B)
Day 4
You will depart on your full-day Cape Peninsula tour after breakfast. 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 (optional Seal Island cruise, time permitting). After a stop for lunch (your 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 66km/41mile 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. Our last stop is the naval port of Simon's Town, the country's third oldest European settlement. Return to the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in the late afternoon. 
Accommodation: Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa (B)
Day 5
After breakfast, you will be transferred from the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa to La Residence in Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands.

This most sought-after boutique hotel stands on a private 30-acre wine and olive estate in the picture-perfect Franschhoek Valley. This private hotel is considered a work of art by its discerning guests. The brand new villa houses eleven ultra-luxurious suites, each boasting restful views over the vineyards, olive orchards and lavender fields.

Explore the beautiful village of Franschhoek finding amazing arts, crafts, antique shops and galleries. The main streets are lined with coffee shops. Eight of the "Top Ten" restaurants are situated in Franschhoek which is probably why it is often referred to as the gourmet capital of South Africa. Most of the wine farms still bear their original French names, and have Cape Dutch homes, oak trees and sweeping vineyards. The area also boasts a wide selection of wine cellars, from small wineries to large cellars. 
Accommodation: La Residence (B)
Day 6
Today you will be taken on a half-day tour in Stellenbosch, the second oldest European settlement in South Africa, which has some of the best preserved historical buildings. The tour includes a visit to the Taal Monument, a walking tour of Stellenbosch, as well as a wine tasting and cellar tour. Historical Stellenbosch, with its Cape Dutch architecture is the heart of the beautiful Winelands, surrounded by stunning wine estates. Enjoy a scenic drive through the Winelands as you explore Stellenbosch, tour a wine cellar and enjoy wine-tasting with an opportunity to buy wine. You will also see fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture. 
Accommodation: La Residence (B)
Day 7
You will be transferred from Franschhoek to Birkenhead House in Hermanus.

Birkenhead House is perched high on the cliffs of Hermanus, overlooking the whale watchers paradise of Walker Bay, and accommodates guests in the utmost luxury. This is the perfect destination for those seeking the pinnacle of seaside living.

Accommodation is arranged to deliver the utmost comfort, with a collection of inspired artwork, spectacular mountain and sea views and breathtaking beaches and pools. World-class seafood delicacies, international spa treatments and hospitality are of the highest standard. 
Accommodation: Birkenhead House (B, L, D)
Day 8
This will be a leisure day. Some optional activities to choose from are:

Dyer Island Cruises - A unique whale watching experience in season. Dyer Island cruises invite you on an unforgettable journey to the domain of the Southern Right Whale with their accomplished skipper and trained guides.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve - This internationally recognized Nature Reserve is the largest private fynbos conservation area in the world. Day trips are offered to enjoy this very special environment.

Local Wine Tour - The Hemel-and-Aarde Valley is one of South Africa's best kept secrets. The valley boasts four amazing wine vineyards, award winning wines and breathtaking scenery. Meet the wine makers, taste the wines, tour the cellars and learn a few things about the South African wine industry. 
Accommodation: Birkenhead House (B, L, D)
Day 9
Today you will be transferred from Hermanus to Cape Town Airport for your flight to Hoedspruit. On arrival in Hoedspruit you will be transferred to Royal Malewane Safari Lodge and Spa. Arrive in time for a late lunch and afternoon open vehicle game drive.

Resplendent in a Private Nature Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park, Royal Malewane Safari Lodge and Spa redefines the concept of comfort. With interiors inspired by the elegance of colonial simplicity, rich wood terraces and private pools, luxury finds easy residence in the uncompromising African bush.

Each of the eight freestanding and private suites features a palatial air-conditioned bedroom/sitting room with a fireplace, antique furniture and canopied king-size bed, as well as an extravagant bathroom with a window-side Victorian bath and indoor and outdoor showers. Elevated walkways link the suites to the main camp with the African sky your ceiling. The main camp complex consists of the library, shop, dining and reception areas. Furnished with rich antiques and Persian carpets, every fitting creates the feel of original colonial elegance resting in harmony with its magnificent surroundings. There is a wonderful new gym and spa facility. Guests may enjoy spa treatments at the luxurious spa or in the complete privacy of their own suite.
Accommodation: Royal Malewane (B, L, D)
Day 10
Enjoy a morning game viewing activity in this spectacular wildlife kingdom in an open vehicle. Spend the hottest part of the day relaxing around the pool or perhaps take a siesta to make up for the early morning wake-up call. In the late afternoon, you will be taken on another unforgettable safari through the unspoiled African bush.
Accommodation: Royal Malewane (B, L, D)
Day 11
Spend another day in the bush with a similar schedule to the previous day, however every game drive is a different and exciting experience. Relaxation by the pool or at the spa is rejuvenating between game drives.
Accommodation: Royal Malewane (B, L, D)
Day 12
After an early morning game drive to track the animals that may have eluded you so far, transfer to Hoedspruit Airport for your flight back to Johannesburg. Upon arrival in Johannesburg you will connect for your ongoing flight back to the USA on South African Airways.
(B)
Day 13
Arrive home with a lifetime of memories!



THE ROYAL TREATMENT -
* Prices are in US Dollars and are per person based on double occupancy accommodations and include fuel surcharges. Government taxes, departure fees and September 11th Security Fee of $190 are additional and payable prior to departure. 


Contact Mary at 732-747-8187 or email Mary@thetravelbugonline.com for more information