South Africa Wine Tour & Safari
Hi Everyone!
As some of you may know, our annual wine tour this year will be to South Africa. The dates will be May 11-22, 2010. This trip was previously sold out, but family health matters caused a couple to cancel. So we have two openings, and could actually make it four more openings if necessary.
I have attached the most currant itinerary for you to look over. This includes a three day safari which was definitely a highlight of the last South Africa trip. This itinerary is our latest updated one. The only changes we would make is to further enhance our trip if the opportunity would arise.
Also included will be water in touring vehicles, and all fees, inner state flights, transfers, wine tastings and so forth.
For those of you who joined us on our most recent South Africa wine tour, we have changed the itinerary from that last trip. We will see new sights, be in different parts of Cape Town and the wine country, as well as a different safari camp.
This will be our third experience with in South Africa, and we are working extra hard with our South African agent in two ways. First to get us a premium experience, even more than they always do, and to work with their contacts and friends to keep the cost down and the fun up!!!!
Also note we like to include free time on all of our wine trips to explore on your own. We will discover the culture of the land, the people, and of course, enjoying the best of wine, food and all the wonderful things we can while guests in another's country.
Regarding destinations for our next and up coming wine tours, we are leaning towards Australia and Spain in the upcoming years. Please let us know which you might be interested in and if there is any other wine regions in the world that you would like for us to put on our list. We want to go where you want to go! Please feel free to pass this onto anyone whom you think might be interested in joining us as well!
Please contact Lori Parker at: LFarrelli@aol.com.
Thank you and hope to hear from you.
Lori Parker
LORI & GARY PARKER GROUP - Your Journey through South Africa
DAY 1 (TUESDAY, 11 MAY 2010)
You will be collected by your personal handpicked wine guide who will guide you for the duration of your stay in Cape Town. Transfer by luxury vehicle from Cape Town Airport to the "Mother City" : Cape Town.
Check in at Constantia Uitsig hotel in the Constantia Winelands and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Welcome dinner at La Colombe restaurant at Constantia Uitsig.
"By now, I am convinced that La Colombe is one of the Cape's best. Lunch yesterday again confirmed that this restaurant is a showcase for invigorating ideas on the plate, combined with a relaxed, countrified vibe. It's not perfect (a hostess that did not know the estate has a white blend, ordinary wine glasses, average coffee delivery) - but it is exciting and it is always a food event" JP Roussouw, Food Critic
Constantia Uitsig Hotel
Set amongst the vineyards of a private wine estate in the shadow of Cape Town's Table Mountain, the highly acclaimed Constantia Uitsig Hotel is just twenty minutes from the city centre and Waterfront. Constantia Uitsig's peaceful ambience, charming service and heartfelt hospitality are all enhanced by its splendid location on a working wine farm. The hotel has sixteen garden rooms furnished with elegant simplicity and sweeping views of the Constantia Valley.
There is easy access to beautiful vineyard walks and mountain hikes, horse-riding, mountain biking, splendid golf courses, spas and charming shopping venues. Combined with the array of Constantia Uitsig Wines and the gourmet experience on your doorstep, your stay will be that of sheer sensory indulgence.
Overnight : Constantia Uitsig Hotel in a Victorian (Double) [Bed and Breakfast]
DAY 2 (WEDNESDAY, 12 MAY 2010)
Take the morning ferry to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and other anti -apartheid activists were incarcerated. Following the recent handover of Robben Island to the department of Art and Culture, ex-prisoners guide visitors through the prison and recount their experiences. It is truly "a monument to the triumph of the human spirit against repression, bigotry and intolerance".
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the V&A Waterfront.
Spend the afternoon walking through the Company's Gardens past the National Gallery, numerous museums and national monuments, the original Slave Lodge, the South African Library, St. George's Cathedral and the Synagogue. Browse the Pan African Market and the antique dealer's avenue.
Adderley Street is known for its bustling activity, flower sellers, fruit sellers and other colourful informal street traders.
We then ascend to the summit of Table Mountain with views from 3500 feet above Cape Town City. It's flat table top provides breathtaking views of the city cradled between Lions Head and Devils Peak, sand crescents sandwiched between the sea and granite faces of the Twelve Apostles.
Return to Constantia Uitsig, relax and enjoy your surroundings.
Dinner at your leisure.
Overnight : Constantia Uitsig Hotel in a Victorian (Double) [Bed and Breakfast]
DAY 3 (THURSDAY, 13 MAY 2010)
This is a tour of the Cape Peninsula, which will offer picturesque landscapes, flora, fauna, architecture, harbour and street scenes.
Travel along the coastal route via scenic Chapmans Peak Drive, (if open) and onwards down to the Cape of Good Hope - the most southwesterly tip of Africa, where the cold Benguela and warm Mozambique currents meet. The landscapes at Cape Point are dramatic and the wildlife prolific. En route stop to visit the resident Jackass Penguin colony, (one of the only land-based colonies) at Boulders beach. At historical Simon's Town, once a British naval base, we may stop to look around the harbour and quaint Town Square. While driving along the False Bay coastline, pass by Muizenberg, the Cecil John Rhodes's Cottage Museum, the brightly painted Victorian bathing booths at St James and the fishing hamlet of Kalk Bay where the many antique shops are known for their eclectic Africana collections.
Lunch (including wine) with Robin von Holdt at Rodwell House.
An elegant private luncheon hosted by Robin, owner of Rodwell House in St James on the sun soaked False Bay coastline. Robin is well known for his vast private wine collection and will present a gem or two as part of a pre-lunch tasting. Guests will love the the perfect combination of the setting, surprising wines, fresh cuisine and Robin's hospitality.
"Rodwell takes food seriously. Freshest in-season produce is sourced, and is prepared simply and tastily on request. The finest and most satisfying wines accompany local treats, with twists from Asia, the Med, or more classic fare. The romantic period dining room hosts these lingering and pleasurable dining events."
Return to your hotel.
Dinner at your leisure.
Overnight : Constantia Uitsig Hotel in a Victorian (Double) [Bed and Breakfast]
DAY 4 (FRIDAY, 14 MAY 2010)
Today we have a free day. We were thinking that some people may want to visit the wineries in the wine country we are in?! We will have the van take anyone to the Waterfront who would like to be dropped off there and then come back to pick up anyone who would like to visit the wineries for a half day. We're looking at two or three wineries and they would be chosen from Steenberg, Eagles Nest and Klein Constantia. Dinner at home with local foodie personality, Sophia Lindop
Dinner with Sophia is a partly gourmet, partly cultural affair. She is a wonderful hostess, superb cook and knows who's who on the Cape wine scene. She often cooks for intimate groups of international visitors. An evening with Sophia is will entail wine pairing, traditional Afrikaner cuisine influenced by her Lebanese roots rounded off with storytelling and making new friends.
"Professional chef and food extraordinaire, Sophia believes that food is more than just eating - it's a powerful connecting force. Combined with her passion for people and love for entertaining, Sophia takes us on an adventure of flavours, colours, textures and wild combinations."
Overnight : Constantia Uitsig Hotel in a Victorian (Double) [Bed and Breakfast]
DAY 5 (SATURDAY, 15 MAY 2010)
Check out of the Constantia Uitsig Hotel and depart for Robertston which is based on the famed Route 62 - Route 62 is one of the most beautiful travel routes in South Africa. The country road meanders through the fertile valleys of the Klein Karoo, past rugged rock formations. Time and again the road leads over steep passes, which open up to spectacular views of the wide land.
We will be stopping at the Old Biscuit Mill Factory in Woodstock for a taste of original and organic South African made products at the Neighbour Goods Market ! The Neighbourgoods Market is an extension of the What-if-the-world/ philosophy, which is centred around community. It is as much a source for farm fresh as well as organic foods and locally produced specialty goods, as it is a meeting point to enjoy community, swap ideas and stories, and become educated about what we buy and eat by going directly to the source. The Neighbourgoods market has been created along ethical, eco-friendly and organic lines, to offer a wide range of products from the community of Cape Town. It is a platform for micro-enterprises, fine-food purveyors, small farms, regional producers, seasonal goods, contemporary crafters, young designers, and more.
Stop for tasting and lunch at Deetlefs winery with the winemaker. The 3rd oldest wine estate in South Africa with an extensive range of world class wines will host the group and arrange a light lunch before we continue on towards Robertson.
Check in at The Robertson Small Hotel.
Enjoy dinner at Reuben's at the Robertson.
"Serving up culinary brilliance under the guidance of chef extraordinaire Reuben Riffel - famed for his world- acclaimed restaurant in Franschhoek - this gorgeously appointed gastronomic sphere spills out onto a tranquil courtyard, the heart of the hotel, where the family trio converge."
The Robertson Small Hotel.
Chic sophistication meets Old World charm at The Robertson Small Hotel, a luxurious 5-star country retreat luring with unsurpassed comfort, exceptional service and a lavish splurge of genuine hospitality.
The contrast of clean, natural hues and rich organic textures, silhouetted against a monochrome palette of French white, is integrated in ten luxury suites. Each of the air-conditioned rooms is cocooned with its own unique celebration of modern design and fusion of eclectic yet comfortable furnishings whilst reflecting an appreciation for space. These deluxe suites not only provide solace for the soul, but are also fitted with the latest technology to cater for the needs of the trendy traveller.
Enhancing The Robertson Small Hotel experience, the Manor House is home to a cosy bar lounge, flaunting slick mirror, lead and pewter detail and a state-of-the-art wine cellar which lends a backdrop to the hotel's signature restaurant, Reuben's at the Robertson.
Fringed by manicured gardens and shimmering pools, The Robertson Small Hotel allows guests to relax and interact in a lavish milieu where unparalleled accommodation, a homely ambience and world-class cuisine come standard.
Overnight : The Robertson Small Hotel in a Pool Suite [Bed and Breakfast]
King Double en-suite room, En-suite bathroom with heated towel rails & under tile heating and Air conditioning. Mini Bar, Tea & Coffee making facilities, TV, DVD Player, i Pod docking station, Wireless internet connection and Private veranda overlooking pool.
DAY 6 (SUNDAY, 16 MAY 2010)
Enjoy The Robertson Small Hotel this morning with a late departure from Robertson we take a scenic drive via Villersdorp, to Franschhoek.
We will first stop downtown for a tasting at Grand Provence, where you have time to walk around the gallery and shop. Then we will move up to Haute Cabriere for a tasting and lunch. Haute Cabriere is not only known for its world class wines but also for their great food and it's a wonderful location!
Enjoy the rest of the afternoon strolling along the streets of Franschhoek, popping into the towns many galleries, boutiques and tea houses.
We then continue to Stellenbosch and check in at River Manor Boutique hotel and spa.
Dinner at your leisure (you are within easy walking distance to the local restaurants in Stellenbosch town)
River Manor Boutique Hotel and Spa
The River Manor guesthouse is located in the oak-lined streets of Stellenbosch: a university and wine town which is steeped in history. The two gorgeous old buildings of River Manor are national monuments and lend plenty of colonial charm to the guesthouse. Rooms at River Manor are grand and furnished with some impressive antiques. The rooms have en suite bathrooms (with baths and/or showers), TV's and bar fridges and complimentary sherry trays are a thoughtful touch. Leisure areas at River Manor invite visitors to linger: lounges have a fire burning in the hearth in winter; the conservatory is a quiet place to retreat to with a book; two swimming pools are surrounded by tranquil gardens; and a shady poolside veranda is the venue for wholesome breakfasts.
One of the newer features at River Manor is a wellness spa where guests can indulge in various health and beauty treatments.
Architecture in Stellenbosch is predominantly Cape Dutch style and much can be learnt about South Africa's fascinating past during historical tours of the town. Restaurants, pubs and sidewalk cafes abound and art galleries are filled with local crafts.
Overnight : River Manor Boutique Hotel and Spa in a Superior Room [Bed and Breakfast]
DAY 7 (MONDAY, 17 MAY 2010)
Full day Stellenbosch winelands tour with lunch in Stellenbosch area.
Today we will visit Meerlust with winemaker Chris Williams. Then off to Stellenzicht for a tasting with their winemaker Guy Webber, and then onto the well known Warwick winery with winemaker Jozua Joubert. We will lunch and have a wine tasting in their private VIP tasting room in the middle of the vineyards with spectacular mountain views.
Return back to River Manor to freshen up and relax.
Dinner with Bruwer Raats, winemaker of Raats wines, fascinating local personality and an awesome spokesperson for South African wines!
Overnight : River Manor Boutique Hotel and Spa in a Superior Room [Bed and Breakfast]
DAY 8 (TUESDAY, 18 MAY 2010)
Today you will have a unique opportunity to get in touch with locals of the friendly Kayamandi Township. Explore African food and beverages on our hands-on cooking experience and discover the hues of South Africa's cultural diversity.
Our tour starts with a 1.5-2 hour guided walk through Kayamandi focussing on food and food-related traditions as well as general cultural aspects. Whenever there is an opportunity our local guides will introduce you to private homes and kitchens discovering the intimate secrets of Black African Cuisine. On the way we will buy ingredients from local greengrocers and "Spaza shops" . In the spacious kitchen of the community centre professional cook Loyiso will demonstrate the art of delicious African cuisine and invite visitors to participate in preparing the meal. The afternoon is rounded off by a shared lunch with the opportunity for interesting talk and interaction.
Return to River Manor and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Overnight : River Manor Boutique Hotel and Spa in a Superior Room [Bed and Breakfast]
DAY 9 (WEDNESDAY, 19 MAY 2010)
Transfer from River Manor to Cape Town Airport for your domestic flight to Kruger Park Airport. From the Kruger Airport, fly on a schedule charter flight to Kirkmans Kamp.
*Your schedule charter flight has a luggage restriction of 20kgs in soft bags per person.
You will be collected from the landing strip and transferred to Kirkmans Kamp.
Check in and relax, take in your breathtaking surroundings. Enjoy late afternoon refreshments before heading out for your evening safari.
Kirkmans Kamp
At Kirkman's Kamp, the colonial atmosphere of gracious style and luxury has been retained, and guests step back in time upon entering the original homestead, which now houses the Lodge's sitting, bar and dining areas. Each of the 18 guest cottages has a private veranda and is furnished in the same charming style. The large sitting room, with a 1920's ambience, leads through double French doors onto rolling lawns that provide a velvety contrast to the wild and tumbling bush surrounding the Lodge. Breakfast and lunch are served on shady verandas, and dinners are shared in the dramatic boma or in romantic lanternlit bush settings. Renowned for its exceptional African wildlife and leopard sightings, Kirkmans Kamp offers exhilarating twice-daily game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles and guided bush walks in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Overnight : Kirkmans Kamp in a Cottage [Fully Inclusive]
Rates include accommodation, all meals and teas, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, two game drives daily, nature walks and laundry.
DAY 10 (THURSDAY, 20 MAY 2010)
Overnight : Kirkmans Kamp in a Cottage [Fully Inclusive]
DAY 11 (FRIDAY, 21 MAY 2010)
Optional Activity :
Explore the Game Reserve on interpretive wilderness walks led by experienced rangers or expert Shangaan trackers, and learn more about the area's intriguing fauna and flora. Guided bush walks bring you face-to-face with wild Africa at its best..
Overnight : Kirkmans Kamp in a Cottage [Fully Inclusive]
DAY 12 (SATURDAY, 22 MAY 2010)
After your morning game activities and breakfast you will have enough time for last minute photo opportunity of the camp, curio shopping or a quick dip in the swimming pool. Early afternoon, you will be transferred from Kirkmans Kamp to the Airstrip for your schedule charter flight to Johannesburg.
You will be transferred to Johannesburg International Departures in time for your international flight home or add on explorations.
*Your schedule charter flight has a luggage restriction of 20kgs in soft bags per person.
The cost is $7000.00 per person. This includes all that you see in the itinerary such as meals, tickets, fees and so forth. It does not include air to and from the U.S. to Cape Town and Johannesburg to the U.S..
NOTE: 1. Flights are subject to availability. 2. Accommodation is subject to availability.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We highly recommend that you take out medical and travel insurance before you leave home. Please contact your personal travel insurance agent/company or use Southern Destinations insurance consultant, Pari Morse for assistance.
Pari Morse
Columbine Consulting Services LLC. (CO license 274232 09/2008) Email: info@1earthtravelprotection.com
CANCELATION POLICY:
Due to the manner of our small group trips our cancellation policy is that no refund is made unless we can fill your spots. If so, we gladly refund your deposts.
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS
If you will be visiting malaria areas we advise that you take prophylactics. Please consult your doctor before leaving home. Visit the travel clinic website to read more on which areas are malaria areas, and what precautions and immunizations are necessary for travel in Africa: http://www.travelclinic.co.za/
PASSPORTS
All visitors must be in possession of a passport valid until 6 months after their return date in order to enter the country. The passport must also contain at least TWO unused pages when presenting the passport for endorsements in South Africa. Additional pages will be necessary if you are also travelling to other countries during your trip.
LUGGAGE
Luggage weight limit on national flights within South African (major routes) is 20kgs or 44 lbs.
CURRENCY
South African currency is the Rand. Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards. Please confirm with your consultant whether all the properties you will be staying at accept credit cards (for settling any extras). You can travel with Travelers Cheques but it is more convenient to use your credit and debit cards in Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs). ATMs are plentiful in South Africa, but it is advisable to be cautious when drawing money from machines. Most major commercial banks offer foreign exchange services. Some banks are able to provide foreign exchange using US or UK bank and credit cards.
It is NOT possible to purchase petrol or diesel with a credit card. Service stations/garages only accept cash and debit cards.