PRE – WINELANDS AND WILDLIFE – 2021-22

CODE: CPTLBK

Take a journey from the delightful city of Cape Town to the scenic landscapes of the famous Cape of Good Hope as well as the Cape Winelands. One day visit Boulder Beach to see the African Penguin Colony and the next explore the oak-lined streets and Cape Dutch architecture of charming towns such as Paarl and Stellenbosch. Enjoy a wine tasting and picnic at a local estate en route. Finally, take part in a hosted game drive through one of Africa’s pristine wildlife reserves, where you will have the chance to see many African animals in their natural habitat.

Please note that guests who fail to arrive by Day 1 of their land program will be considered a no-show and hotel space for the duration of the program will be released. Arrangements for accommodation and transfers will be at the expense of guests.

Day 1

Upon arrival at the Cape Town International Airport you will be met outside the Customs and Immigration area and transferred to your city-based hotel where you will spend the night. Check-in time is at 2:00pm. Although every effort will be made to have rooms available before this time this cannot be guaranteed. If you are arriving quite early, in order to guarantee a room to be available when you arrive, you will need to book an additional night’s stay.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Meals are on your own.

 

Day 2

After breakfast at the hotel, the group departs Cape Town towards the Cape Winelands, set below the dramatic mountain range known as the “Hoteentots Holland.” Visit a wine estate where you will partake in a formal wine tasting. You will also make a visit to Franschhoek, a small town in the Western Cape Province and one of the oldest towns in Republic of South Africa. Here you will make a brief visit to the Huguenot Memorial and Museum.

Enjoy a light picnic-style lunch at a wine estate before continuing to Stellenbosch, “Town of Oaks”, the second oldest town in South Africa, founded by Governor Simon van der Stel in 1679. Today, Stellenbosch is best known as a major university town, characterized by Cape Dutch-style architecture and leafy streets so beautiful that some of them have been declared national monuments.

After your brief orientation drive through this lovely town, spend some time at leisure exploring on your own –browse through a variety of curio shops or pay a visit (additional cost) to the Stellenbosch Museum which comprises four different houses depicting different eras.

Return to the hotel where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Dinner is included at your hotel.

Day 3

After breakfast at your hotel, depart Cape Town for a two-hour journey which will meander through the scenic Hex River Valley to one of Cape Town’s closest private game reserves, Aquila.

This game reserve is situated on 4500 hectares of Southern Karoo Highlands and combines the flora and fauna of three beautiful valleys. The reserve encompasses a natural wetland and a magnificent mountain range. Here you will have the opportunity to experience an outstanding variety of game.

Upon arrival you will board 4 x 4 safari vehicles for your game drive with experienced ranger guides. Animals typically found roaming in the reserve included Rhino, buffalo, giraffe and lions (note: lions are in an enclosure). Large herds of zebra, black and blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, warthog, eland, springbok, blesbok and gemsbok may also be seen in the semi-arid desert conditions. Hippo and crocodile lurk in the wetlands. Aquila’s wide array of bird species include several pairs of the rare and endangered black eagle, after which the reserve has been named.

Following your game drive and before your return to Cape Town, a delicious buffet lunch will be served in the African “Boma” restaurant.

Once back in Cape Town, the remainder of the day will be at your leisure and dinner is on your own.

Day 4

After breakfast at your hotel and check-out formalities, embark on a half day Cape Point tour en route to the harbor where your cruise ship awaits your arrival.

Begin with a scenic drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. It is here that the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, along with their diverse ecosystems, are thought to converge. This expansive nature reserve occupies 19,150 acres of indigenous flora and fauna. Cape Point and its dramatic sea cliffs, among South Africa’s highest are main attractions of the reserve. Upon arrival, you will ride the funicular railway to the top of Cape Point (provided it’s in operation) and take in breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

Thereafter visit the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach, followed by a drive through the naval base of Simon’s Town to Fish Hoek. From here, you will continue to the colorful fishing harbor of Kalk Bay before turning on to Boyes Drive, which offers magnificent views of Muizenberg and False Bay.

Your drive will conclude passing by the University of Cape Town, Rhodes Memorial, Mostert’s Mill and famous Groote Schuur Hospital before reaching Cape Town harbor where you will embark the ship.

Program notes:
  • The contents and order of activities in this program are subject to change by the lodge management without prior notice, due to the prevailing weather conditions and movement of dangerous wildlife on the reserve.
  • Animals are wild and so sightings cannot be guaranteed.
  • Lions and cheetahs are in an enclosed area
  • Guests are not permitted to use cellular phones on or during the game drives. They are also not permitted to speak loudly or stand up on the game drive vehicles, as this will disturb the animals
  • Smoking is not permitted during the game drives
  • It may be difficult for some guests with walking difficulties to get in and out of the open vehicles
  • For safety reasons, no children under the age of 6 years allowed on the open vehicles
  • The terrain is very different to bushfield safari areas as this is considered to be a semi-desert area
  • During the day, it can get extremely hot. The game drive vehicles are not covered – and guests are therefore exposed to the elements. Guests are therefore advised not to forget their sunhats, sun block, sunglasses, as well as their cameras and binoculars.
  • The roads in the game reserve are gravel. There are also inclines and certain parts of the game-drive can be bumpy. Not recommended for guests with back & neck problems or for women who are pregnant.
  • This tour is suitable for guests with walking disabilities, providing that a travel companion accompanies them. Please also note that confirmation would be strictly subject to availability of handicapped rooms at the time of booking.
Land Program Details Step by Step
  • The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. Program times are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
  • Itineraries with the up-to-date details will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. You will then receive a final itinerary from our ground operator with a Welcome Letter upon arrival or at your hotel. Please review the letter and your final itinerary carefully for further amendments.
  • The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
  • Guests failing to arrive on Day 1 of a scheduled land program will be considered a no-show and their hotel space released.
  • Extra Nights
  • If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be met as per the flight details provided and transferred to your hotel. Check-in is 2:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast, as well as activities, are on your own until day 2 of the program.
  • If you have an early-arriving flight, you may wish to book an extra night as your room will not be ready for occupation until approximately 2:00pm.
  • If you book extra nights on your own, transfers are not included.
DAY 1

Arrive at the Cape Town International Airport and transfer (not necessarily private) to your city- based hotel

Check-in time at 2:00pm. Early check-in is not guaranteed. To guarantee early check-in you may wish to book an extra night.

Remainder of day at leisure. Lunch and dinner on own

Overnight at the Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel or similar hotel

Meet and Greet and transfers

•Final cruise documents will be emailed 21 days prior to sailing. The local ground agent’s telephone number will be on page 1, if you can’t locate the meet-and-greet representative upon arrival. Be aware that the representative may be assisting others and may not be in sight when you first exit Customs and the luggage claim area.

•Look for someone holding a sign with the cruise line logo and possibly your name. If in doubt, ask the airport staff to direct you to the meeting area for transfers or to page our representative.

•Meet and Greet and transfers are arranged for guests arriving on Day 1 of a land program or for extra nights booked through the cruise line and are arranged based on the flight details received by guests at least 14 days before sailing. Guests arriving independently before the program start date will not have a transfer included.

•If we have not received your flight details or your flights have changed, and the Destination Services Land Team has not been notified, then a transfer cannot be provided, and guests will be responsible for getting to the land program hotel at their own expense. Please immediately contact our Reservations Department for any flight changes before departure.

DAY 2

From 6:30am Breakfast at your hotel

8:30am Depart your hotel for the Winelands and Paarl

9:30am Wine tasting and cellar tour

10:30am Transfer to Franschhoek

11:00am Visit the Huguenot Memorial and Museum

11:45am Transfer to a local wine estate for picnic lunch

12:00pm Light picnic lunch

1:30pm Drive to Stellenbosch

2:00pm Orientation tour of Stellenbosch followed by some free time to explore

3:00pm Return drive to Cape Town

4:00pm Arrive at your hotel

7:00pm Dinner at your hotel is included

Overnight at the Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel or similar hotel

DAY 3

From 6:30am Breakfast at your hotel

7:30am Drive to Aquila Game Reserve

10:00am Restroom stop

10:30am Game drive

1:00pm Lunch at “boma” restaurant

2:30pm Drive back to Cape Town

5:00pm Arrive back at your hotel

Remainder of the day and evening are at your leisure. Dinner on own

Overnight at the Overnight at the Cullinan Hotel or similar hotel

DAY 4

From 6:30am Breakfast & check-out from hotel

8:00am Depart Cape Town and drive to Cape Point Nature Reserve

9:30am Visit Cape Point Nature Reserve

11:00am Drive to Boulders Beach

11:30am Visit the African Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach

12:15pm Return to Cape Town

1:00pm Approximate arrival at Cape Town Harbor and embark the ship

Accommodation:

Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel

1 Cullinan St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

Phone: +27 21 415 4000

*We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards. If you are not notified of any changes before your sailing, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in the program.

Expected Weather:

South Africa’s seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. Midwinter is in June and midsummer in December and January. The climate varies from region to region but is generally mild throughout the year.

What to Bring:

Light cotton tops, cotton trousers and shorts. Trousers and warm fleece tops for evenings and cooler days. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, camera, film and chargers.

Currency:

The monetary unit of South Africa is the Rand, divided into cents and abbreviated as R and c. All major credit cards are accepted at most establishments, although Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards.

Electricity:

South Africa’s electrical system is 220/230 volts A/C 50 cycles. Most hotels have hair dryers and plug adaptors in the bedrooms however we suggest you bring your own travel adaptors if you are bringing electronic devices.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

Please note that South African Immigrations requires that you have at least 2 consecutive double-blank pages in your passport, or entry to the country could be denied. Passports should also be valid for more than 6 months at the time of travel. Please consult your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality pertaining to South Africa.

Land cost includes:
  • Three nights at the Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel or similar hotel including breakfast (Double Room)
  • Transfers
  • Touring with entrances and game drive as per description
  • Dinner on Day 2 inclusive of 2 drinks per person (mineral water, soft drink, house wine or local beer)
  • Light picnic lunch on day 2 inclusive of 2 drinks per person (mineral water, soft drink, house wine or local beer)
  • Lunch on day 3 inclusive of 2 drinks per person (mineral water, soft drink, house wine or local beer)
  • Bottled mineral water on board touring vehicle
  • Porterage allowing for a maximum of 2 suitcases per person

Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated arrival information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, an arrival transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.

Land cost excludes:
  • Hotel incidentals including mini-bar and room service
  • Additional beverages and meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Gratuities to drivers, luggage porters and tour guides
  • Visa fees

POST – WINELANDS AND WILDLIFE – 2021-22

CODE: CPTLBL

Take a journey from the delightful city of Cape Town to the scenic landscapes of the famous Cape of Good Hope as well as the Cape Winelands. One day visit Boulder Beach to see the African Penguin Colony and the next explore the oak-lined streets and Cape Dutch architecture of charming towns such as Paarl and Stellenbosch. Enjoy a wine tasting and picnic at a local estate en-route. Finally, take part in a hosted game drive through one of Africa’s pristine wildlife reserves, where you will have the chance to see many African animals in their natural habitat.

Day 1

After disembarking the ship, embark on a half day tour to Cape Point en route to your hotel.

Begin with a scenic drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. It is here that the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, along with their diverse ecosystems, are thought to converge. This expansive nature reserve occupies 19,150 acres of indigenous flora and fauna. Cape Point and its dramatic sea cliffs, among South Africa’s highest are main attractions of the reserve. Upon arrival, you will ride the funicular railway to the top of Cape Point (provided it’s in operation) and take in breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

Thereafter visit the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach, followed by a drive through the naval base of Simon’s Town to Fish Hoek. From here, you will continue to the colorful fishing harbor of Kalk Bay before turning on to Boyes Drive, which offers magnificent views of Muizenberg and False Bay.

Your drive will conclude passing by the University of Cape Town, Rhodes Memorial, Mostert’s Mill and famous Groote Schuur Hospital before reaching Cape Town and your hotel.

Check-in is at 2:00pm and the afternoon is at your leisure. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Day 2

After breakfast at the hotel, the group departs Cape Town towards the Cape Winelands, set below the dramatic mountain range known as the “Hoteentots Holland.” Visit a wine estate where you will partake in a formal wine tasting. You will also make a visit to Franschhoek, a small town in the Western Cape Province and one of the oldest towns in Republic of South Africa. Here you will make a brief visit to the Huguenot Memorial and Museum.

Enjoy a light picnic-style lunch at a wine estate before continuing to Stellenbosch, “Town of Oaks”, the second oldest town in South Africa, founded by Governor Simon van der Stel in 1679. Today, Stellenbosch is best known as a major university town, characterized by Cape Dutch-style architecture and leafy streets so beautiful that some of them have been declared national monuments.

After your brief orientation drive through this lovely town, spend some time at leisure exploring on your own –browse through a variety of curio shops or pay a visit (additional cost) to the Stellenbosch Museum which comprises four different houses depicting different eras.

Finally, you will return to the hotel where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. Dinner is on your own.

Day 3

After breakfast at your hotel, depart Cape Town for a two-hour journey which will meander through the scenic Hex River Valley to one of Cape Town’s closest private game reserves, Aquila.

This game reserve is situated on 4500 hectares of Southern Karoo Highlands and combines the flora and fauna of three beautiful valleys. The reserve encompasses a natural wetland and a magnificent mountain range. Here you will have the opportunity to experience an outstanding variety of game.

Upon arrival set off on a game drive which will take place in 4 x 4 safari vehicles, with experienced ranger guides. Animals typically found roaming in the reserve included Rhino, buffalo, giraffe and lions (note: lions are in an enclosure). Large herds of zebra, black and blue wildebeest, red hartebeest, warthog, eland, springbok, blesbok and gemsbok may also be seen in the semi-arid desert conditions. Hippo and crocodile lurk in the wetlands. Aquila’s wide array of bird species include several pairs of the rare and endangered black eagle, after which the reserve has been named.

Following your game drive and before your return to Cape Town, a delicious buffet lunch will be served in the African “Boma” restaurant.

Once back in Cape Town, the remainder of the day will be at your leisure and dinner is on your own.

Day 4

After breakfast at your hotel and check-out formalities, you will be transferred to the airport based on your flight departure time. For guests with late flights, luggage storage is available at the hotel. Check out time is at 12:00pm. As an alternative, should you have a late flight, you can extend your check out time by requesting an additional night.

Program notes:

-The contents and order of activities in this program are subject to change by the lodge management without prior notice, due to the prevailing weather conditions and movement of dangerous wildlife on the reserve.

-Animals are wild and so sightings cannot be guaranteed.

-Lions are in an enclosed area

-Guests are not permitted to use cellular phones on or during the game drives. They are also not permitted to speak loudly or stand up on the game drive vehicles, as this will disturb the animals

-Smoking is not permitted during the game drives

-It may be difficult for some guests with walking difficulties to get in and out of the open vehicles

-For safety reasons, no children under the age of 6 years allowed on the open vehicles

-The terrain is very different to bushfield safari areas as this is considered to be a semi-desert area

-During the day, it can get extremely hot. The game drive vehicles are not covered – and guests are therefore exposed to the elements. Guests are therefore advised not to forget their sunhats, sun block, sunglasses, as well as their cameras and binoculars.

-The roads in the game reserve are gravel. There are also inclines and certain parts of the game-drive can be bumpy. Not recommended for guests with back & neck problems or for women who are pregnant.

-This tour is suitable for guests with walking disabilities, providing that a travel companion accompanies them. Please also note that confirmation would be strictly subject to availability of handicapped rooms at the time of booking.

Land Program Details Step by Step:

•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.

•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.

•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.

DAY 1

8:00am Disembark the ship and drive to Cape Point Nature Reserve

9:30am Visit Cape Point Nature Reserve

11:00am Drive to Boulders Beach

11:30am Visit the African Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach

12:15pm Return to Cape Town

1:00pm Approximate arrival in Cape Town and at your hotel

2:00pm Check-in at hotel. Lunch on your own

From 7:30pm Welcome Dinner at your hotel

Overnight at the Southern Sun Cullinan or similar hotel

DAY 2

From 6:30am Breakfast at your hotel

8:30am Depart your hotel for the Winelands and Paarl

9:30am Wine tasting and cellar tour

10:30am Transfer to Franschhoek

11:00am Visit the Huguenot Memorial and Museum

11:45am Transfer to a local wine estate for picnic lunch

12:00pm Light picnic lunch

1:30pm Drive to Stellenbosch

2:00pm Orientation tour of Stellenbosch followed by some free time to explore

3:00pm Return drive to Cape Town

4:00pm Arrive at your hotel

Evening at leisure and dinner on own

Overnight at the Southern Sun Cullinan or similar hotel

DAY 3

From 6:30am Breakfast at your hotel

7:30am Drive to Aquila Game Reserve

10:00am Restroom stop

10:30am Game drive

1:00pm Lunch at “boma” restaurant

2:30pm Drive back to Cape Town

5:00pm Arrive back at your hotel

Remainder of the day and evening are at your leisure. Dinner on own

Overnight at the Southern Sun Cullinan or similar hotel

DAY 4

6:30am to 10:30am Breakfast at hotel

11:00am Check-out

Transfer to the airport based on your flight time.

Luggage storage is available at the hotel for guests with late flights.

Extra Nights: If you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 11:00am (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.

Transfers: All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.

Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.

Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 11:00am. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.

Accommodation:

Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel

1 Cullinan St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

Phone: +27 21 415 4000

*We will only substitute hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are substituted, they will be of equal ratings and standards. If you are not notified of any changes before your sailing, then you will be staying at the hotel listed in the program.

Expected Weather:

South Africa’s seasons are the reverse of those in the northern hemisphere. Midwinter is in June and midsummer in December and January. The climate varies from region to region but is generally mild throughout the year.

What to Bring:

Light cotton tops, cotton trousers and shorts. Trousers and warm fleece tops for evenings and cooler days. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, camera, film and batteries

Currency:

The monetary unit of South Africa is the Rand, divided into cents and abbreviated as R and c. All major credit cards are accepted at most establishments, although Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards.

Electricity:

South Africa’s electrical system is 220/230 volts A/C 50 cycles. Most hotels have hair dryers and plug adaptors in the bedrooms however we suggest you bring your own travel adaptor if you are bringing electric devices.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

Please note that South African Immigrations requires that you have at least 2 consecutive double-blank pages in your passport, or entry to the country could be denied. Passports should also be valid for more than 6 months at the time of travel. Please consult your local embassy for all visa requirements pertaining to South Africa.

Land cost includes:

•Three nights at the Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel or similar hotel including breakfast (Double Room)

•Transfers

•Touring with entrances and game drive as per description

•Dinner on Day 1 inclusive of 2 drinks per person (mineral water, soft drink, house wine or local beer)

•Light picnic lunch on day 2 inclusive of 2 drinks per person (mineral water, soft drink, house wine or local beer)

•Lunch on day 3 inclusive of 2 drinks per person (mineral water, soft drink, house wine or local beer)

•Bottled mineral water on board touring vehicle

•Porterage allowing for a maximum of 2 suitcases per person

Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.

Land cost excludes:

•Hotel incidentals including mini-bar and room service

•Additional beverages and meals not mentioned in the itinerary

•Gratuities to drivers, luggage porters and tour guides

•Visa fees

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Regent Seven Seas also reserves the right to change the itineraries as necessary.