South Africa | Culinary Discovery

Days 1 - 2 |  USA / Cape Town, South Africa

Upon arrival in South Africa, receive a warm VIP welcome at the sky bridge with a complimentary mineral water away from the crowds. Your Guest Services Officer will escort you to Customs and Immigration, the baggage carousel, and assist with documentation, porter arrangements and locating your private hotel transfer. Then, head to the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town for a splendid five-night stay in a one-bedroom sea-facing suite. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with a dramatic national park backdrop, immerse in serene living with bespoke amenities, complimentary daily breakfast, two pools, gardens and walking trails, wellness spa, private cinema and host of curated culinary experiences inspired by nature and sea, rich traditions, and seasonal bounty.

Celebrate your arrival with High Tea by the Sea with dainty treats and sandwiches, a craft gin and canapes experience in The Conservatory, or toast to the magnificent sunset with a signature African sundowner cocktail, tranquil live music, and perhaps catch a glimpse of whale sightings from the open-air terrace of The Leopard's Bar.

Day 3 |  Cape Town

Dine al fresco this morning at the Azure Restaurant as you delight in an extensive selection of breakfast dishes including fresh produce, sweet viennoiseries (pastries), cheeseboards and smoked salmon and trout for a hearty start to your day. Then, get to know the locals, their farming heritage and artisan producers on the Food Market Experience, beginning at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market. Sample favorite staples and cooked items before heading to Good Company Farmers' Market at the Company's Garden, touted as South Africa's oldest garden, for savory treats, plus arts and crafts.

Day 4 |  Cape Town

Embark on a full day of coastal exploration and boutique wine tasting on the Whales & Wine Excursion. Take a scenic drive along the beautiful coastal fishing village of Hermanus where whales frequently frolick in the bay, with an optional whale-watching boat cruise opportunity on your own. In the afternoon, visit a boutique winery in Hemel-en-Aarde, aka Heaven & Earth, for wine tasting, and enjoy a picturesque return through the apple-growing regions of Elgin and awe-inspiring views through Sir Lowry's Pass.

Day 5 |  Cape Town

Following breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a leisurely day exploring Cape Town or relaxing at the hotel. Take the aerial tramway up Table Mountain, visit the scenic beaches of Camps Bay or discover the bustling Victoria & Albert Waterfront, its upscale stores, fine restaurants and bars, attractions, live music and more along the harbor. Or, spend the day at the hotel poolside, be pampered at the spa with specialized therapies, hydrotherapy pools and health bar buffet or savor a private panoramic picnic on the fynbos trail, complete with gourmet delights of cheeses, meats, hummus, homemade petit fours, champagne and more.

Nestled in the lush hotel gardens, celebrate your last night in Cape Town with a traditional South African braai. Set under Murano glass chandeliers, dine on executive-chef created four-course menus, featuring family-style sharing dishes such as rooster brood (grid bread), grilled broccoli panzanella salad, barbeque mielies (corn), boerewors (sausage), and marinated meats roasted over hot coals, together with iconic South African wines for an unforgettable dining experience.

Days 6 - 7 |  Cape Town / Kruger Safari Park

Depart Cape Town and arrive at Kruger National Park and the Kapama Private Game Reserve - Southern Camp where you will stay for two nights in a luxury suite. Spread over 15,000 acres of peaceful African bushlands, revel in elegant lodge living with relaxing private decks and modern amenities. Experience open-sided dining, wine cellar, Kapama Spa & Wellness Center, lounge and pool area, plus wildlife expeditions and illuminating bush walk experiences.

Twice daily, delight in guided open-air drive opportunities into the African bush on the Kruger National Park Safari. Home to what is known as "The Big Five" - Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino and Elephant, plus other smaller indigenous creatures and birds, explore the vastness of the park and its lush vegetation, keeping watch for iconic wildlife in their natural terrain. Delight in the untamed tranquility of the reserve, and its stunning flora for an incredible experience in this wilderness sanctuary. Then, as the stars come out and as the glow the cooking fire reigns, savor a traditional outdoor boma barbeque-feasted dinner prepared before your eyes, paired with South Africa's best wines and cultural folklore.

Day 8 |  Kruger Safari Park / Johannesburg

Board your non-stop flight to Johannesburg, then a private transfer will take you to the cliffside Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg for three glorious nights in peaceful luxury, with daily breakfast, panoramic balcony vistas, marble baths, deep soaking tub, and inspirational artisan appointments. Set overlooking the canopy embellished with cobbled lanes, fountain courtyards and gardens, indulge in inspired dining at Flames restaurant, rejuvenating therapies at Apres Spa and its al fresco spa lounge, plus two pools, vegetable garden and on-site jogging trail.

Day 9 |  Johannesburg

Depart the hotel early this morning and go back millions of years to early man on the full day Private History of Humankind & Lesedi Culture Excursion. The tour begins in Maropeng Visitors Center at the Cradle of Mankind, a World Heritage Site, where the oldest human fossils on earth were discovered. Marvel at the interactive exhibits and the human evolutionary life journey on display. Then, delve into five different historical South African cultures to present day including the Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, Sotho and Pedi, and participate in their harmonious hospitality, along with a traditional African meal, music, dances, activities and replicas of traditional homesteads at the Lesedi Cultural Village for an immersive multicultural experience.

Day 10 |  Johannesburg / USA

Following a morning workout, inspiring stroll or hearty breakfast buffet, spend your final day in South Africa at leisure. Just minutes away, head to the leafy suburbs known as The Parks, brimming with a variety of shops, dining outlets and nightlife. Spend the day poolside or reserve a daybead at Apres Spa and its city view lounge with a menu of delectable salads, sandwiches and light main course dining, as well as rejuvenating therapy experiences. For a more bohemian experience, check out the trendy strip of art galleries, buzzing eateries and edgy nightclub scenes in Braamfontein, Maboneng and 44 Stanley districts.

Celebrate your last evening with a private curated four-course candlelight dinner with sparkling wine and dramatic treetop views. Or, take the glass elevator to Flames for your favorite sundowner cocktail with delectable offerings such as dry spice-rubbed sea bass, signature tomahawk rib-eye, fresh-caught seafood or a flavorful vegetarian selection. Whether you choose to dine on the restaurant terrace as the sunsets or on your own private balcony, every bite is sure to please.

The next day, transfer to the airport for your comfortable flight home to the United States and begin planning your next inviting South African vacation.