September 27 - depart
Depart the United States to start your South African garden tour.
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September 28 - Cape Town
Upon arrival in Capetown, you will meet with your guide and transfer to the hotel. Overnight Radisson Waterfront Hotel / sea facing rooms
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September 29 - Cape Town
This morning you will enjoy a few hours of relaxation before boarding a cable car on table mountain for a bird’s-eye tour of the city. You will then embark on a walking adventure to become familiar with Cape Town. After lunch, take a small excursion to Robben Island. Your day will finish with a visit to the beach of St. Simons to see penguins. Overnight Radisson Waterfront Hotel / sea facing rooms (BL)
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September 30 - Cape Town
More tours are in store for you as you begin your day with a morning guided golf cart and walking tour of Kirstenboshch Botanical Gardens. Here you will meet with the succulent curators, Ernst and Andrew. After lunch at Black Marlin Restaurant you will pay a visit to Cape of Good Hope and ride to the lighthouse in the Flying Dutchman Funicular. Later you will delight in penguin waddling at Boulders. This evening a special dinner has been planned at the African Cafe. Overnight Radisson Waterfront Hotel / sea facing rooms (BLD)
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October 01 - Franschhoek
Today’s adventure takes you to Sandy Ovenstone Home, a 19th century manor replete with private garden. Lunch will be served en route. In the evening, carry on to your next South African destination, Franschhoek. Overnight Le Franschhoek Hotel (BL)
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October 02 - Franschhoek
Enjoy your morning visit to Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens under the leadership of a freelance specialist guide. Later you’ll experience Vergelegen Wine Estate with wine tasting, lunch, and an estate orientation. Later this afternoon you will travel to a private nectar garden, Old Nectar Homestead and Garden. Overnight Le Franschhoek Hotel (BL)
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October 03 - Franschhoek
This morning you will visit the Karoo National Botanical Gardens. After lunch at Mont Rochelle Vinyard, you will take a full tour that overviews the wine-making process, including the vineyard, pressroom, and a tasting. Overnight Le Franschhoek Hotel (BL)
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October 04 - Oudshoorn
Today you’ll travel along Warmwaterberg Road to see Karroid broken veld vegetation and flora of quartz pavements. As you continue through Huisrivier Pass to Oudshoorn, you’ll stop for a worthwhile detour at Soekershof Botanical Gardens. Lunch will be served en route and dinner
will be on your own upon arrival in Oudshoorn. Overnight Rosenhof Country House - standard (BL)
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October 05 - Oudshoorn
Today will be a special day for minor league spelunkers, as you will explore the spectacular Cango Caves. Lunch will be at the hotel, followed by an afternoon at leisure. Overnight Rosenhof Country House - standard (BL)
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October 06 - Knysna
Today you will depart from Oudtshoorn, traveling over the Outeniqua pass and arriving in George. Next, you will travel to the Featherbed Nature Reserve by boat across the Knysna Lagoon. After lunch at the Featherbed Tavern you will visit the Pledge Nature Reserve. Overnight Phantom Forest Eco Reserve - classic room (BL)
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October 07 - Knysna
This morning you’ll encounter whales and dolphins from the bow of a boat. In the late morning you’ll walk through the Garden of Eden and explore Knysa Forest followed by a picnic lunch in the garden. Overnight Phantom Forest Eco Reserve - classic room (BL)
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October 08 - Rosebank
A day of traveling is ahead. You will transfer to George around 10:00 a.m. Lunch will be served en route. Your 3:30 p.m. flight will arrive in Johannesburg from where you will transfer to Rosebank. Overnight Peech Hotel - Sandton - garden view (BL)
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October 09 - Rosebank
This morning you will visit the Pretoria Botanical Gardens and meet with their Herbarium curator. After lunch you will meet with the succulent curator at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens, followed by an
informative tour of the garden complete with a collections propagation. Overnight Peech Hotel - Sandton - garden view (BL)
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October 10 - Sabi Sabi
This morning you will transfer to Johannesburg for a flight to Sabi Sabi. Lunch will be at the Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge followed by an afternoon at leisure to explore your new surroundings. In the late afternoon you will experience your first game drive with a picturesque stop at sunset. Overnight Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge (BLD)
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October 11 - Sabi Sabi
Breakfast will be served late this morning, as a sunrise safari is priority. Walking safari or spa treatments are available during the mid-morning, with a leisurely lunch and afternoon. This evening you will enjoy another safari ride followed by dinner in the boma. Overnight Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge (BLD)
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October 12 - Johannesburg
This morning’s early safari will be supplemented with a leisurely walking
safari or a relaxing spa treatment before transferring to the airport for your flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival you will be transferred to the Airport Grand Hotel to rest and relax before your 8:30 p.m. flight home. Overnight Airport Grand Hotel (B)
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October 13 - Johannesburg
This morning you will arrive in Atlanta and take your connecting flight to Phoenix. Welcome home!
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