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Sister Cities International offers members and interested individuals the opportunity to see new countries and cultures through its Partnership & Peace Tour program. Previous programs have included trips to Morocco, Northern Ireland and Egypt. In addition to popular, cultural, and historic site visits, participants will engage in social and formal meetings with local mayors, business, and community leaders to discuss the work of Sister Cities International and the interests and needs of communities.
Consider our trip to South Africa this Fall!
REGISTER NOW!
Price: $4,990.00 (double occupancy)
Includes all air and land transportation for the 12-day tour starting from Washington, DC's Dulles International Airport, 4-star accommodations, events, expert speakers, tour guides, most meals, and attraction entry fees.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
NOVEMBER 4: DEPARTURE FROM WASHINGTON, DC to CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
NOVEMBER 5: CAPE TOWN
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Arrival in the evening at the Cape Town Airport you will be met by a Safari Ventures representative at the arrival lounge and transferred to your hotel on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
Overnight : Southern Sun Cullinan Hotel
NOVEMBER 6: CAPE TOWN
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After breakfast, the morning is at your leisure to rest and recuperate from the trip.
EVENING: We will end our tour at a nearby wine estate for a wine reception. Following the reception, we will return to Cape Town.
Overnight : Cullinan Hotel
NOVEMBER 7: CAPE TOWN
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Today meet the Safari Ventures guide in the foyer of the hotel for a full day scheduled Cape Peninsula Tour.
Bring your camera and plenty of film- we're headed for the Cape Point at the south western tip of the Cape Peninsula, and the most spectacular views in the world. The drive there is just as inspiring, passing steep mountains', secluded coves and sweeping beaches, as well as villages and fishing communities. En route, we'll enjoy a delicious lunch.
Our tour begins with a scenic drive along the Atlantic coast, passing through the cosmopolitan suburb of Sea Point and Camps Bay with its glorious views of the Twelve Apostles, part of the Table Mountain range. We'll continue to the fishing village of Hout Bay, one of Cape Town's best-kept secrets. Here there is an option to take a short boat trip to Duiker Island to view the Cape Fur Seals, which inhabit the island. From here we travel to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, comprising over 17,300 acres of indigenous fauna and flora. Here we can see a variety of wildlife that includes baboons, rhebok, Cape Mountain zebra, bontebok and the elusive eland. The reserve is also one of the world's largest breeding grounds for tortoises. Bird-watchers as well will find many fine species to observe.
The majestic coastline offers drama worthy of being called "Nature's Greatest Show." We'll be able to see the union of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and may even feel the brisk wind that is dubbed the "Cape Doctor" for its presumed curative powers. Following the coastline along False Bay, we'll return to Cape Town by way of the Simon's Town naval base, where we visit the Penguin colony at Boulders Beach, Fishoek fishing village and Muizenberg Mountain. Before our return, we'll stop at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens for a short walking tour of the beautiful gardens. We return to Cape Town, passing the University of Cape Town, Rhodes Memorial and the Groote Schuur Hospital.
Overnight : Cullinan Hotel
NOVEMBER 8: CAPE TOWN
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Today, you will visit the magnificent Table
Mountain. We'll ascend to the top [weather permitting] by the new revolving cable car. Here, we'll see wild flowers and the famous silver tree, and marvel at a birds-eye view of the city and its beaches. On a clear day it is even possible to see Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned on one side and Cape Point on the other. Descend from the Upper Cableway station to your awaiting coach and then proceed around Table Bay to the Milnerton Lighthouse. From here we can see Table Mountain from the same perspective as early visitors did when they sailed into Table Bay. AFTERNOON: Spent at your leisure.
EVENING: Join the Mayor of Cape Town for memorable evening discussing the city's history. (TBC)
Overnight : Cullinan Hotel
NOVEMBER 9-11: JOHANNESBURG
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On Day 5, meet a Safari Ventures representative in the hotel lobby where you will be transferred to the Cape Town Airport for your flight to Johannesburg.
While in Johannesburg, experience visting historic sites and memorable events that will include:
- The Apartheid Museum - Embark on a discovery of the racial segregation experienced by millions of South Africans a mere decade ago. On entering the building you are racially classified and you see this segregation in all forms of life. There are Excellent displays on the Soweto up-rising, ANC in exile, petty apartheid, solitary confinement, anti-apartheid movements abroad, sport boycotts, etc., culminating in the birth a new democratic country, the inauguration of Nelson Mandela as President and one of the most progressive constitutions in the world. Lunch is included during the tour.
- A trip to Soweto (South Western Township). This sprawling metropolis of more than 3.5 million people on the outskirts of Johannesburg is synonymous with South Africa's turbulent past and its hopes for the future. Soweto is a multi-cultural composite of South Africa today. Peek into the past - hostels, Freedom Square, the struggle for liberty. Tread the paths to greatness by Nelson Mandela and Walter Sisulu. Visit the Mandela Museum. Stand on the only road in the world, which carries the honor of two recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize. See Desmond Tutu's home. The tour includes a full view of Soweto from the vicinity of Baragwanath Hospital. See Winnie Mandela's house and the Hector Peterson Memorial. Participants will visit a Soweto school and bring school supplies for distribution.
- Presentations by community and business leaders, giving participants insight into Johannesburg's cultural and economic activity.
- An evening event with the Mayor of Johannesburg. (TBC)
Overnight : Protea Balalaika Hotel
NOVEMBER 12-13: SAFARI
Meet your Safari Ventures representative in the hotel lobby to depart the hotel. The group will be transferred by coach bus to the Mabula Lodge.
Spend two days in an African bush. Activities will include an authentic bush dinner, lectures on conservation and excellent gsame viewing.
NOVEMBER 14: JOHANNESBURG/USA
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Meet the Safari Ventures representative in the hotel lobby. Board a bus to take you back to Johannesburg.
Early Afternoon: Enjoy your final lunch in Johannesburg and shop for last minute gifts before your transfer to the airport for departure.
NOVEMBER 15: ARRIVE IN WASHINGTON, DC, USA
Don't miss this opportunity - REGISTER NOW!