Christmas in the Sun

For those of you who want to spend Christmas in the sun we have put together a wonderful itinerary to include excellent golf, luxury accommodation and time to relax and enjoy the wonderful South African climate. Starting off with the Garden Route we make our way to wine region and the village of Franschhoek, we continue into Cape Town and round off your holiday in harmony with nature at Grootbos. As this is a very busy time of year we urge you to express your interest in joining the tour as early as possible to enable us to hold your flights seats.

ITINERARY: 11th December 2008 - 28th December 2008

Day 1: Thursday 11th December - Depart early evening from London Heathrow on South African Airways direct overnight flight to Johannesburg.

Day 2: Friday 12th December - On arrival at Johannesburg Airport take a connecting flight to George. Transfer to the Fancourt Hotel and Country Estate. Spend five nights at arguably the finest golf estate in Southern Africa and home to the President’s cup in 2003. The hotel and clubhouse are luxurious, with excellent facilities including 3 restaurants, health centre, heated pool, outdoor pool, bowling green, tennis and squash courts. PM. Welcome cocktail party. 5 nights at Fancourt Hotel and Country Club including breakfast.

Day 3: Saturday 13th December - Golf on the Outeniqua course; this is a majestic 18-hole parkland layout designed by legendary Grand Slam golfer Gary Player. It is similar in character The Montague and its challenging design and fine conditioning will ensure an excellent test for all levels of golfers.

Day 4: Sunday 14th December - Free day or optional tour of Knysna and sunset cruise.

Day 5: Monday 15th December - Golf on the Montague course; the Montague is a much celebrated parkland course and has been ranked as the number-one golf course in South Africa in the past. It has recently undergone major renovations with several holes being redesigned and has two completely new holes - the 1st and the 9th.

Day 6: Tuesday 16th December - Golf at Oubaai; Oubaai promises a golfing experience comparable to the best the world has to offer. Bordered by a river valley, the clear, warm water of the Indian Ocean and woodlands, Oubaai presents the perfect site for this championship golf course.

Day 7: Wednesday 17th December - After breakfast, you will be transferred from George to Le Quartier Francais in Franschhoek. The Auberge du Quartier Français is a small, privately owned inn situated in the heart of Franschhoek. Eloquently decorated en-suite bedrooms open onto the rose filled central courtyard and swimming pool. The atmosphere is peaceful and serene. Emphasis is on ultimate luxury and romantic charm, combined with the priceless gift of privacy. 4 nights Le Quartier Français including breakfast.

Day 8: Thursday 18th December - Golf at Pearl Valley; Jack Nicklaus designed, one of the ‘Bear’s Best’ courses.

Day 9: Friday 19th December - Golf at Boschenmeer Golf and Country Estate; a David Frost signature golf course offering superb golfing. It is the only 27-hole golf course in the Western Province, and the first David Frost signature golf course in South Africa. Pro golfer David Frost grew up in the Paarl/Franschhoek region and is an integral part of the Paarl Golf Club, where he first played as a school boy.

Day 10: Saturday 20th December - A full day tour of the nearby wine growing areas including the historic towns of Stellenbosch (founded in 1679) and Paarl. Visit a winery for wine tasting followed by a lazy afternoon lunch at Le Petite Ferme. Lunches at La Petite Ferme Restaurant are legendary. A feast of culinary delights, the food reflects the creative energy and raw talent of a dedicated staff combined with an abundance of fresh local ingredients.

Day 11: Sunday 21st December - After breakfast we make our way to Andros Boutique Hotel in Cape Town. A gracious Cape Dutch homestead, dating from the early 1900's and which is set in large, mature, park-like gardens. Positioned in the heart of Claremont, in the beautiful southern suburbs, The Andros has been lovingly restored and updated, carefully preserving its old-world charm. 3 nights at Andros Boutique Hotel including breakfast.

Day 12: Monday 22nd December - Golf at Millerton Golf Club; the course is surrounded by natural beauty, a pleasure to the senses and a challenge to even the most experienced golfer. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the RietVlei River, this lush links-type course is relatively flat with few trees. Afternoon free to explore the Waterfront.

Day 13: Tuesday 23rd December - Golf at Westlake; this course is nestled in the crescent of the Steenberg/Silvermine mountains and is characterised by the towering trees lining most of the fairways. Afternoon tour to include Table Mountain and city highlights.

Day 14: Wednesday 24th December - We travel into the Overberg region via spectacular Sir Lowry’s Pass which offers stunning views of False Bay, to Hermanus. The scenic drive continues after Hermanus to a view point high above the town were you will be able to capture wonderful photographs of Walker Bay. We will have time to take a stroll along the cliffs, and possibly visit the craft markets and art galleries in Hermanus before continuing our drive to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. One of South Africa’s premier marine and floral destinations with 17 kilometres of pristine fynbos, over 650 indigenous plant species and one of the largest Milkwood forests in the world. 3 nights at Grootbos Nature Reserve on a full board basis.

Day 15: Thursday 25th December - Christmas lunch will be held at the lodge. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the facilities and activities available at the lodge; morning and afternoon walks through the Protea Trail and the Milkwood Forest, or along the coast to the Klipgat Cave. 4x4 drives in the richest botanical area in South Africa, or horse riding through the private Fynbos Nature Reserve, relax on the 30km long snow white beach and enjoy a swim in the ocean.

Day 16: Friday 26th December - Relax and enjoy the facilities at Grootbos.

Day 17: Saturday 27th December - Depart in the early afternoon and transfer to Cape Town Airport for your evening flight back to the UK.

Day 18: Sunday 28th December - Arrive London Heathrow.

£3722 per person sharing subject to availability and excluding airport taxes
Single room supplement £ 1145.00
Quotations on request for upgrading accommodation and flights or for a safari breakaway.