Embark on a legendary South African journey featuring time in Cape Town and the Cape winelands and a trip on the renowned Blue Train

Your holiday begins this evening at London Heathrow, where you meet the Tour Manager and your group of fellow travellers on arrival. Together, we board our international flight to Cape Town, South Africa's oldest city and legislative capital, travelling over the night.

The cosmopolitan city of Cape Town is a cultural melting pot with a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years to the Khoi-San people, the first inhabitants of the Cape. In 1652, the Dutch established a settlement here and were later joined by Asians, followed by French Huguenots and then the British. Today, in addition to boasting this impressive history drawn from global influences, Cape Town is beloved for its scenery, wine, cuisine and culture.

Following a night of travel, we touch down in Cape Town this morning. Here, we are met by a coach driver and transferred to our hotel in the city's heart. Enroute, our driver points out some of Cape Town's main sights, briefly introducing us to the city before we arrive and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Our hotel is close to the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and overlooked by the magnificent Table Mountain. After settling in, this evening is free to begin exploring and dining independently. You may like to wander down to the Waterfront, which has a variety of eateries offering fresh seafood, traditional South African dishes and North Indian cuisine, with several restaurants overlooking the water. At night, the wharf is illuminated to create an atmospheric setting.

We enjoy a full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula today, beginning after breakfast with a drive to the Cape of Good Hope, heading to Cape Point, at the continent's most southwestern tip. Here, we take the Flying Dutchman Funicular railway to just below the lighthouse at the top and marvel at panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, False Bay and the Cape Peninsula coastline.

We then travel along False Bay to Simon's Town, where we have lunch at a local restaurant, followed by free time to look around. Our tour continues to Boulders Bay, a pristine beach home to a colony of African penguins. The penguins nest in the dunes and swim in the sea, often gathering in family groups to soak up the sun on the rocks. Wander along the boardwalk between the dunes to see these lovely creatures in their natural habitat.

Back at the hotel this evening, you may like to take a taxi to Bree Street, a popular dining destination in Cape Town, where you could enjoy fusion food, Cape Malay dishes, Mediterranean cuisine or Asian flavours.

After breakfast, weather permitting, we visit one of South Africa's most familiar landmarks - Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain. We take a cable car to the top of this remarkably flat-topped mountain, enjoying panoramic city views on the way up. With plenty of free time at the top to soak up this unique environment, you can follow trails among beautiful Cape 'fynbos', which includes varieties of coral-hued proteas, and spot animals such as the rock rabbit ('dassie' in Afrikaans) or the Table Mountain ghost frog. There is also a café and coffee shop for refreshments.

After descending the mountain, a coach takes us out of the city and into the stunning mountain landscapes of the Cape winelands. Our destination is one of the country's most famous wine-producing areas, the beautiful Stellenbosch Valley. We pause our route at a traditional Cape Dutch farmhouse and wine estate for a typical South African 'braai' (barbecue) lunch and then end our afternoon with a wine-tasting experience.

Upon returning to the hotel, the evening is yours to relax or continue exploring the Waterfront.

Today, you are free to explore Cape Town further. You may like to visit the brightly-painted Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, the historic Cape Malay quarter. Alternatively, you could take the ferry to Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site where President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. The island now houses a museum detailing the struggle for democracy in South Africa.

Nature lovers can enjoy Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, one of the world's seven most magnificent botanic gardens. Extending across the southeast slopes of Table Mountain, this spectacular nature reserve has several trails and a fabulous Tree Canopy Walk.

The nearby V&A Waterfront has many shops, an arts and craft market and the National Maritime Museum. It is also possible to take a short cruise around the harbour to see the city sights or sail further out into Table Bay towards Cape Town's Green Point. As for dining out, you are spoilt for choice in Cape Town.

After a leisurely breakfast in Cape Town, we transfer to the station for our iconic journey to Pretoria on the Blue Train. As we board the train, a butler escorts you to your private cabin and provides an orientation tour as we begin our two-day journey. Once you have settled in to your five-star accommodation - which has a private ensuite bathroom, plush furnishings and a picture window - you may like to relax in one of the luxurious lounges before we take our seats for a light lunch.

The service and standard of dining on the train is impeccable, and all our meals and drinks are included on board. Enjoy afternoon tea and aperitifs, and after a lavish formal dinner of local cuisine and a selection of wines from the Cape Winelands, there is a selection of post-dinner drinks.

High tea is served in the Lounge Car at 4pm, and the Blue Train offers two dining sittings each evening: one at 6.30 and another at 8pm.

Breakfast is served onboard this morning, and there are two sittings for lunch. Soon after lunch, The Blue Train arrives in Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape and a town with a prosperous past due to the discovery of diamonds in the area.

After disembarking, we take a short coach ride to the Kimberley Open Mine Museum. The hill where diamonds were first found quickly disappeared under the pressure of over-mining, and the resulting space became known as the 'Big Hole'. This open basin is now so large that it can be seen from space and is 215 metres (705 feet) deep. An enclosed ramp allows us to view the Big Hole. Although the mine is no longer in use, there is a museum detailing the history of the site, which includes preserved and restored buildings from the early years of the diamond rush.

We re-board our luxurious train before the second dinner of our trip, and then we continue our journey through South Africa's vast and open landscapes.

Lounge in pure luxury aboard the train today as our route through South Africa continues to unfold as we near our destination. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and choose your preferred lunch sitting for our last meal aboard the train. You can relax in one of the lounges, watching the passing views from the large picture windows and relishing the First Class service before our rail journey comes to an end this afternoon.

The Blue Train pulls in to the administrative capital of South Africa, Pretoria, early this evening. This handsome city has streets lined with Jacaranda trees and is a hub for art, culture and cuisine. Pretoria is also where South Africa's government and presidential offices are based, operating in the historic Union Buildings.

A coach transfer takes us from the station to our city centre hotel, where we sit down to dinner this evening.

We have an early breakfast at the hotel this morning before departing Pretoria by coach. Our route today takes us into the wilderness once more as we make our way to our luxury lodge-style hotel on the banks of the Sabie river at the entrance to the Kruger National Park. The largest park in South Africa and one of the world's most famous, Kruger National Park is home to all the 'Big Five' game animals: the lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros.

The rest of the day is free to settle in among the attractive surroundings, maybe making the most of the swimming pool. There is also a viewing deck where you might like to relax while getting your first look at the wildlife that makes its home around us. This evening, we are greeted with a welcome drink before dinner.

Today, we enjoy a full day of game viewing, heading out by Jeep after an early breakfast, accompanied by a local, skilled ranger. Our guide's expertise allows us to visit the best locations to see different animals and helps us to identify those whose camouflage makes them difficult to spot.

We start by tracking the big cats, still out from their night spent hunting. We also keep an eye out for other species, including the 'Big Five'. We take a break from our safari with a picnic lunch and then continue driving into this wild, open bushland, where each day brings unpredictable but wondrous sights.

Returning to our hotel late this afternoon, enjoy some time to freshen up before dinner at our lodge this evening.

Another day of fantastic wildlife and wild African scenery lies ahead as we enjoy a second full-day safari in Kruger. Our game drive brings another chance to spot the 'Big Five' in their natural habitat, as well as many other species, large and small. A skilled ranger leads the way, once again aiding with his expertise.

As the safari unfolds, keep your eyes peeled for colourful birds perched in trees or flying across the sky. Kruger's plant life is also fascinating, with an array of trees, plants and flowers decorating the semi-arid terrain. We enjoy a picnic lunch again today before continuing our Jeep journey through the game reserve.

Our safari concludes this later afternoon, at which time we return to Kruger Park Lodge for the final dinner of our African holiday evening.

We have time to relax after breakfast, surrounded by the sights and sounds of Kruger National Park. This period provides an excellent chance to watch for animals at the waterside from the hotel's viewing deck, getting your final looks at the diversity of Africa's wildlife. You might also like to head out in to the property's lush gardens or enjoy the upscale facilities.

Later this morning, we set off back to Johannesburg by coach. The landscapes change and gradually become more urban along our route - especially as we approach Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo airport, where we board our overnight flight home.

Please note: on the 10th October and 7th November departures, we will fly from Skukuza to Johannesburg.

A South African adventure indeed, this unique journey has been a showcase of beautiful scenery and unbelievable wildlife. We began in Cape Town, exploring its mountains, beaches and wineries and meeting its most adorable inhabitants, penguins. Our holiday then took us across South Africa in ultimate luxury on The Blue Train and to Kruger National Park, where two days on safari gave us the opportunity to see the animals for which Africa is most famous.

Having spent nearly two weeks on this expedition of discovery, we conclude our holiday this morning as our plane lands at London Heathrow.

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

This legendary train lives up to its reputation for magnificence and splendour, offering its passengers a luxurious on-board experience that they will never forget. The Lounge Car is the ideal place to meet your fellow travellers and relax after dinner with a coffee, while the Club Car has a well-stocked bar, a library and a television. A Train Manager and two engineers are onboard at all times and they are all happy to share their knowledge of the country, route and train with passengers. Dining on the Blue Train is an experience in itself, and the dress code for dinner is formal (jacket and tie for men, evening wear for ladies). Onboard chefs use the freshest ingredients to prepare a sumptuous menu of local cuisine, complemented by award-winning South African wines. Crisp table linen, crystal glassware and the finest Sheffield cutlery complement the silver service presentation of the food. A continental or full English breakfast is served at leisure in the mornings. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the train, while flatscreen TVs in your cabin show spectacular live footage of the driver's view.

Nestled in the heart of the vibrant city of Cape Town, just moments from the city's famous V&A waterfront, the 4-Star Southern Sun The Cullinan is grand and welcoming with classical architecture. Facilities include an outdoor heated pool, a buffet restaurant and a café bar. Guest rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and tea & coffee-making facilities.

The 4-Star Commodore Hotel is adjacent to Cape Town's vibrant V&A Waterfront. With panoramic views of Table Bay and Table Mountain, the hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, and fitness centre. The restaurant serves seafood dishes and regional wines, and there is a bar and a lounge. Guest rooms feature air conditioning, a flat-screen television with satellite channels, a tea & coffee maker, a safe, and an ensuite bathroom with complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer.

This 4-Star luxury lodge-style hotel is set on the banks of the Sabie River, just a short distance from the entrance to Kruger National Park. Guests can look over the bordering wilderness from the viewing deck, which is filled with comfortable seating options, or while relaxing beside the stylish pool bar or infinity pool. Beautiful gardens surround the hotel, while guests have access to a fitness center and spa. The Lapa Restaurant serves regional food with a warm African welcome and drinks can be enjoyed amid the rich wood interiors of the Shilovo Bar. Modern African Safari-inspired décor adorns the air-conditioned rooms, which come equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, fridge, tea & coffee-making facilities, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.

In a vibrant area of northern Johannesburg, this 4-Star hotel offers luxury accommodation in a modern complex. Guests can soak up views of the city while enjoying treatments in the on-site spa or stroll through the manicured gardens. The Lacuna Bistro serves a variety of cuisines including seafood and a wide range of South African wines, while the bar offers comfort food. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, minibar, ironing facilities, tea & coffee-making equipment, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.

Upgrade to a Luxury cabin on The Blue Train:

There are three Luxury cabins per carriage, with twin or double beds which fold away during the day to provide a lounge with seating. The Luxury cabins include a wardrobe and a digital entertainment centre incorporating a CD player and a DVD player and an en suite bathroom which features a bath, washbasin and WC.

From £550 per person (twin occupancy only).

Please note: an increased deposit may be required for upgrades and variations

Flight upgrades are available. For information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the various airlines we use, call our expert team for details.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.