The Greatest Day

Itinerary

• South Africa

  South Africa is located at the southern tip of Africa, and features one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town. A sublime location, great beaches, nearby vineyards, great food, and cheap diamonds - there is a lot of love about the city. The Garden Route is a short drive away, passing through the quaint towns of Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay and Nature's Valley. It is best experienced with an overnight in Knysna.  Kruger National Park is another top draw, and boasts some of the finest lodges on the continent.

• Cape Town

  Cape Town is the second most populous city in South Africa, famous for its harbour as well as its natural setting in the Cape floral kingdom, including such well-known landmarks as Table Mountain and Cape Point. Popular day activities include; Robben Island (Nelson Mandela's prison), Cape Point, Stellenbosch winery tour, diamond buying shops, and great white shark diving.

• • Cape Town
  • Cape Grace Hotel

  Day 1: Tue, Dec 13 2011 - Cape Town

  Upon arrival into South Africa you will be met at the door of the plane and escorted through Customs and Immigration avoiding any queues. You will also receive all of your necessary documents for your trip which contains a detailed personalized itinerary, maps, restaurant suggestions, top tips for exploring each city or region and a 24 hour concierge service (for restaurant reservations, spa treatments, child minders, day tours etc.)

  This afternoon we will be collecting you from your hotel for the pre-departure briefing. This briefing will explain in detail what you can expect on this Antarctica expedition. It will cover the details of the flight, how to pack, what each item of kit actually does and many other aspects of your journey. It is the perfect forum for you to ask any questions you may have, from how to wash in Antarctica, to what you can expect to do each day once at the camp. After the briefing we will be inviting you to a cocktail party to get to know the other guests.

  Accommodation: Cape Grace

  Magical views sparkle from the windows of Cape Grace, situated on the waterfront of Cape Town. The hotel comprises 122 rooms, with a range of sizes and styles to suit the needs of each guest. Some rooms are built like lofts, with rooftop access for breakfast. Others offer balconies or french doors with views to the yacht marina. Cuisine at the hotel is enjoyable, while others prefer to explore restaurants around Cape Town itself. A melange of influences have formed a grand palette of flavors for the city. Friendly staff and small pleasantries add a smile to guests' stay at Cape Grace. Stay healthy with visits to the hotel gym, or spend time lounging near the pool. The convenient location of Cape Grace promises short distances to all the key attractions in town.

• • Private Jet to Antarctica
  • Shirmacher Oasis
  • Shirmacher Oasis

  Day 2: Wed, Dec 14 2011 - Cape Town - Antarctica Camp

  Enjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel.

  Five hour flight across the Southern Ocean to a maintained ice runway in Droning Maud Land.  The choice of plane varies according to the weather and logistics. We use an Illuyshin-IL76, Falcon 900, or a Gulfstream IV.

  No environment on earth can prepare you for Antarctica's stark beauty. The summer weather is normally mild with bright sunshine and temperatures around -5C. With our modern polar clothing and thick winter boots, you will be kept nice and warm. Specially modified 4x4s then take you to the Guesthouse chalets, where you will be able to go on a number of guided excursions. They can be easy or challenging – the choice is entirely up to you.

  No environment on earth can prepare you for Antarctica's stark beauty. The summer weather is normally mild with bright sunshine and temperatures around -5C. With our modern polar clothing and thick winter boots, you will be kept nice and warm. Specially modified 4x4s then take you to the Guesthouse chalets, where you will be able to go on a number of guided excursions. They can be easy or challenging – the choice is entirely up to you. We offer gentle treks over to the 200-foot cliffs which offer amazing views out to the coast. There are trips to the ice tunnels winding through the glacier – a place that is as surreal as it is beautiful. There is even the chance for a sauna!

  A few hours later, one of Cape Town’s premier chefs will serve a champagne lunch preparewith fresh ingredients flown in from Cape Town, while you relax with a cocktail from our ‘Ice bar’.

  You will have the whole day to enjoy Antarctica at your leisure, with a whole range of new activities to choose from. From 4x4 trips to rock climbing, tours of the nearby scientific base to treks down to the Adelie penguin rockery – there is a huge amount to do. The flight out of Antarctica is scheduled for the evening in the IL-76 jet, arriving in Cape Town in the early morning on the 22nd December. We will organize transfers to your hotels from the airport.

  Five hour flight across the Southern Ocean to Cape Town.  The choice of plane varies according to the weather and logistics. We use an Illuyshin-IL76, Falcon 900, or a Gulfstream IV.

  Enjoy a private transfer between the airport and your hotel.

  Accommodation: Cape Grace

Accommodation

• Wildlife Encounters

  The African Elephant is a notably intelligent animal due to their large brain, and has a distinct social conduct from other animals. Herds consist of related females and their young, directed by the eldest female, or matriarch. Elephants remain close to their families, the relationship between each elephant is very strong and they recognize each other even after long periods apart. During migration, the matriarch decides the route and leads the group to all the water sources she knows. The other members of the herd will memorize these places for the future. Males stay with the herd only long enough to remain self sufficient, and then go to form their own groups with other males. They will only approach a herd in response to a mating call, which can occur at any time of the year.

• Culinary Delights

  South Africa has emerged as a polyglot cuisine. European colonization, the adaptation of the native Bantu cooking, and mass immigration of migrant workers have all contributed. The Dutch brought their forms of agriculture, and British merchants imported "mixed grills" that now include African game meats. The French introduced the cultivation of vineyards. Malay workers and East Indians added curries and spice to the plain English-Dutch influence. Local game, and lamb, the famous South African lobster, and a vast repertoire of fish combine to create a truly cosmopolitan cuisine.

• Kid's Fun

  Butterfly is the largest free flying park for butterflies in Southern Africa. It is an enclosed garden boasting a spectacular array of colourful butterflies which fly freely around you, as well as loads of water features and exotic plants. The location of Butterfly World is perfect as it lies at the junction of the main wine routes of Stellenbosch and Paarl. There is no time limit on a visit to Butterfly so you can take as many photographs and videos as you like, or just sit down on a bench and admire these beautiful creatures fly around you. Refreshments and light meals are available from the Schmetterling restaurant, and the craft shop stocks butterfly related goods.

• • Cape Grace Hotel
  • Bedroom

  Cape Grace

  Magical views sparkle from the windows of Cape Grace, situated on the waterfront of Cape Town. The hotel comprises 122 rooms, with a range of sizes and styles to suit the needs of each guest. Some rooms are built like lofts, with rooftop access for breakfast. Others offer balconies or french doors with views to the yacht marina. Cuisine at the hotel is enjoyable, while others prefer to explore restaurants around Cape Town itself. A melange of influences have formed a grand palette of flavors for the city. Friendly staff and small pleasantries add a smile to guests' stay at Cape Grace. Stay healthy with visits to the hotel gym, or spend time lounging near the pool. The convenient location of Cape Grace promises short distances to all the key attractions in town.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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