DAY 1: Depart UK.
Overnight flight to Johannesburg.

DAY 2: Arrive Johannesburg - Pretoria.
Upon arrival in Johannesburg you will be met by our representative and taken to the Holiday Inn hotel in Pretoria. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa.

DAY 3: The Blue Train.
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Pretoria Station in time to board The Blue Train. You will be given a personal orientation by your butler, after which you will have free time to enjoy the various facilities on board, although most will want to simply relax and admire the differing views. Later, lunch will be served, before the train arrives at Kimberley station. Here you will enjoy an included excursion to the Open Mine Museum, travelling there on an old tram. After this exciting tour you will be welcomed back on board with a glass of Sherry. This evening dinner will be served in the dining car. Dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Arrive Cape Town.
This morning you then have a few hours to enjoy the dramatic scenery of south west South Africa, before the train arrives at Cape Town station around midday. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to The Premier Cape Manor Hotel, where you will join the main tour. (B)

DAY 5-7: Cape Town
A full three days at your leisure to immerse yourself in the wonders of South Africa's capital. Explore at your own pace or choose from our many optional excursions. Why not take a cable car up the legendary Table Mountain? Head for the bustling V&A waterfront to enjoy its shops and excellent restaurants? Or maybe you'll want to travel to Cape Point to experience thrilling views of where the stormy Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean. Alternatively, take a trip to the beautiful Cape Winelands to visit a local winery. You'll have the opportunity to do everything from dolphin and whale spotting cruises to hiking and sailing. (B)

DAY 8: Cape Town - Hermanus.
This morning, we leave for Hermanus, a picturesque harbourside resort magnificently set beneath soaring mountains, for an overnight stay. At the heart of the Whale Route, the town is famous for the Southern Right whales that visit its waters between June and November and offers the word's best land-based whale watching. A twelve-kilometre cliff path around the town, as well as Hermanus' strategically placed telescopes, provide perfect lookout points for observing these gentle giants. (B)

DAY 9: Hermanus - Oudtshoorn.
Look forward to more spectacular sights today as we head for Oudtshoorn, crossing the dramatic Tradows Pass and joining the scenic Route 62 to the 'feather capital of the world'. Set in traditional ostrich country, you'll enjoy a memorable visit to one of the region's many ostrich farms, complete with a guided tour and lunch, which will include some ostrich meat delicacies. The evening is at your leisure. (B, L)

DAY 10: Oudtshoorn - Knysna.
Today starts at the magical Cango Caves, set in the foothills of the majestic Swartberg mountains. Originally discovered 10,000 years ago, these cavernous limestone chambers are filled with incredible stalagmites and stalactites. Our guided tour gives you plenty of opportunity to marvel at these geological wonders, before we leave for Knysna, travelling through the awesome Outeniqua Pass en-route. After crossing Knysna lagoon by ferry, you'll arrive at the Featherbed Nature Reserve. This wild, pristine reserve of woods and wetlands is protected by South African Heritage. After lunch we return to Knysna town for a three-night stay. (B, L)

DAY 11-12: Knysna.
Nestling between the Outeniqua mountains and the Indian Ocean, and encircled by imposing forests and a vast blue lagoon, Knysna is a natural jewel. Today, you have the entire day to enjoy at your own pace. Don't miss the many optional activities on offer, from visiting Knysna Elephant Park or enjoying pampering spa treatments at Pezula to taking an ocean safari. (B)

DAY 13: Knysna - Tsitsikamma.
Your adventure continues today as we rejoin the Garden Route to Tsitsikamma Forest for an overnight stay. Meaning 'Place of Much Water', this magnificent region is awash with towering yellowwood forests and is a mecca for exotic wildlife and bird species. This morning, marvel at the legendary 'Big Tree', a giant, 36-metre high yellowwood believed to be over 800 years old, before soaking up the spectacular sea views at Storms River Mouth. After lunch you'll have the rest of the afternoon to relax or perhaps join one of our optional outings, including a monkey-watching safari, tree-top canopy tour or a hike. (B)

DAY 14: Tsitsikamma - Port Elizabeth - UK.
After breakfast, bid farewell to this majestic region to drive to friendly Port Elizabeth, commonly regarded as marking the end of the fabled Garden Route. Enjoy an introductory tour of this relaxed, picturesque city, with its glorious sandy beaches and colourful waterfront, before heading for Port Elizabeth airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)

DAY 15: Home landing in the UK.