Travel Impressions' 9-Night 'Open Your Eyes To Real South Africa' Luxury Tour From $9,319 Per Person

FARMINGDALE, NY (June 16, 2011) – This summer, Travel Impressions is presenting world travelers with the opportunity to delve into the history and culture of the southern hemisphere with the Open Your Eyes to the Real South Africa Tour suggested itinerary. The 10-day/nine-night vacation package features trips to Cape Town, Hermanus, Limpopo and the South African Winelands along with game lodge and safari expeditions as well as a ride on The Blue Train.

This South African experience includes the Open Your Eyes to the Real South Africa Tour, roundtrip airport/hotel transfers, hotel accommodations for nine nights (three nights at the 15 on Orange Hotel, Cape Town; one night at the Le Quartier Francais, Franschhoek; one night at the Birkenhead House & Villa, Hermanus; one night onboard the Blue Train; one night at The Westcliff, Johannesburg; and two nights at &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp, Tambavati Game Reserve), hotel tax and service charges.

This land only package is priced from $9,319 per person for departures through July 31, 2011 and $10,981 for travel Aug. 1 - Oct. 31, 2011. All rates quoted are per person, based on double occupancy. Airfare can be added from gateways nationwide. Blackout, weekend, holiday, and peak season surcharges apply. Valid for new bookings only.

Nine-Night Sample Itinerary

  • Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport travelers are transferred to the five-star 15 on Orange Hotel located in Company Gardens for a three-night stay. The first evening is spent at leisure.
  • On day two, guests will enjoy a panoramic view of Cape Town from Table Mountain and later visit Robben Island to witness the site where Nelson Mandela was jailed for 27 years of his life. Tours are given by former political prisoners, and provide an authentic look into what once was. Later, participants can learn about the rich history of the African state with visits to the South African Museum and Cape Castle. The remainder of the day is spent at leisure with shopping excursions or with a stroll along the Waterfront, followed by indulgence in local restaurants and bistros of exciting Cape Town.
  • During day three travelers can experience a fascinating glimpse into neighborhood life in Cape Town by visiting the art and craft markets or taking a hands-on cooking session with a local family. Visitors can choose to enjoy a traditional South African feast for dinner at Gold Restaurant, which takes guests and their palates on a taste safari from Cape Malay to African cuisine from Cape Town to Timbuktu with a set 15-course meal served by adorned staff members who will provide detailed descriptions and histories of each dish as it is served. Diners will be entertained by Djembe drumming before dinner is served with a traditional hand washing ceremony completing the musical appetizer. Throughout the meal, live entertainment continues with dancing Mali Puppets accompanied by drummers and singers, a performance unique to the region of South Africa.
  • On the morning of the fourth day, visitors will travel to the South African Winelands to tour three famous wineries, a lesson in the history of wine making, and taste samples of prize-winning blends. Following the tour, guests will be met and transferred to Le Quartier Francais, a member of Relais & Chateaux, for overnight accommodations. The hotel features 15 rooms, two suites and four opulent quarters, a sumptuous Tasting Room and is set in the beautiful village of Franschhoek.
  • On the fifth day of this itinerary, travelers will enjoy a scenic drive from Franschhoek to Hermanus. The evening will be spent at the Birkenhead House & Villa where guests have the opportunity to relax at the in-house spa or indulging in some of the finest international cuisine.
  • After Hermanus, travelers head to Cape Town Station to board The Blue Train for a lavish 24-hour journey from Cape Town to Pretoria. Offering a "window to the soul of South Africa," this moving five-star hotel has become synonymous with the ultimate in luxury and personal service. The routes of The Blue Train take passengers through spectacular scenery in the utmost of style and comfort while savory meals are freshly prepared on-board by top chefs, complemented by some of the best wines South Africa has to offer. Highlights include a visit to the historic village of Matjiesfontein.
  • Upon arrival to Pretoria, travelers will be met for a complimentary transfer to Moyos for lunch. The day is spent at leisure; optional activities include experiencing traditional African hand washing and face painting ceremonies. After lunch, set out for a visit to the Johannesburg National Art Gallery. The night is spent at The Westcliff, situated in Johannesburg's most exclusive residential suburb, this Orient-Express hotel features cascading, sculpted gardens and elegant accommodations reminiscent of a bygone era.
  • On the eighth day, guests embark on a flight from O.R. International Airport to Ngala in the Tambavati Game Reserve for a two-night stay at the Ngala Tented Lodge. Travelers can choose to spend the evening tracking African wildlife on an adventure filled game drive, or relaxing at the lodge.
  • Two exciting game drives, accompanied by expert rangers and trackers, are in order for the day. Later, guests continue their wildlife journey by embarking on a guided walking safari. The evening is spent at leisure in the &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp; travelers can relax in the South African sanctuary and take in the surrounding wildlife treasures among the serene African terrain.
  • The final day, guests can experience one last game drive with the opportunity to witness breeding herds of elephants or prides of lions. Later that day, travelers depart for home.