Compare Cruising in West Bengal by Audley Travel vs Luxury South Africa and Mozambique Honeymoon by Ker & Downey Africa

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Calcutta.

Day 2 : Calcutta

Arrive into Calcutta and spend the remainder of the day exploring or relaxing. Your hotel is right in the heart of the city so you might like to visit some of the nearby markets or local restaurants.

Day 3 : Calcutta

Choose either a traditional or more unusual route for your walking tour through Calcutta today - your guide will advise and recommend ideas. Calcutta has a fascinating Colonial history as well as a vibrant Chinatown and flower market.

Day 4 : Calcutta

Board your cruise boat this morning and start sailing north on the River Hugli, visiting Serampore and Barackpore en route.

Day 5 : Calcutta

Sail onwards to Chandernagore, a French possession until 1950, before continuing to a mooring near Kalna. You will begin to see the scenery becoming more rural and rugged.

Day 6 : Calcutta

Explore Kalna by cycle rickshaw this morning to see some of Bengalâs most attractive terracotta temples. On-board the boat you can enjoy time on the open-top deck, watching the scenery pass by.

Day 7 : Calcutta

Visit Matiari and the battlefield of Plassey today as you travel further north into West Bengal.After the day's explorations, you might like to try the boat's small spa.

Day 8 : Calcutta

Wander around the great Hazarduari Palace today in Murshidabad. The Katra mosque is also fascinating and usually very peaceful.

Day 9 : Calcutta

Moor at sleepy Baranagar to see temples as well as the Indian countryside littered with mustard fields and mango orchards.

Day 10 : Calcutta

Cruise to Farakka and spend the day visiting Gaur, once one of India's greatest cities before spending your last night on board.

Day 11 : Calcutta

Disembark your boat after breakfast and transfer to the railway station to travel by train back to Calcutta.On arrival you will be met and driven to a nearby hotel before flying onwards tomorrow.

Day 12 : International return flight

Transfer to the airport for your international flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.

Day 01 to 04 : Arrive at Cape Town, South Africa

Your Luxury South Africa and Mozambique Honeymoon starts on arrival at Cape Town International Airport. A Ker & Downey® Africa representative will welcome you and your partner to the ‘Mother City’. You will be transported to 21 Nettleton, a luxury boutique hotel set on the slopes of Lion’s Head, where you will check in to your King Room overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Honeymooners can enjoy a complimentary room upgrade and an additional night on the house, as well as romantic turndown services, sunset canapes and a romantic tapas dinner served with a bottle of champagne to toast your ‘I do’’s. During your stay, you will discover the city and its breath-taking surroundings on a full-day private guided tour which includes stops at Boulders Beach and the Cape of Good Hope.

Where you’ll stay: 21 Nettleton Boutique Hotel & Luxury Residence

Located in one of Cape Town’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, 21 Nettleton offers guests an exclusive stay with an uninterrupted view of Cape Town’s pristine beaches, Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain. The clifftop mansion boasts only 6 luxurious and spacious suites, each deck out with bespoke art and furnishings.

Experiences:

Your time at 21 Nettleton can be tailored to suit you. Enjoy time at leisure by the pool, unwind with a personalised on-site spa treatment and indulge in sunset canapes, fine-dining and picnics in the garden. Explore the city on a full-day guided tour to the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.

Day 05 to 06 : Transfer Cape Winelands

Check-in Babylonstoren Farm Hotel

After a hearty breakfast on the slopes of Table Mountain, your driver will meet you and transfer you to one of the oldest working farms in the heart of the Cape Winelands – Babylonstoren. With an emphasis on sustainability and organic produce, Babylonstoren offers guests the ultimate farm-to-table retreat with award-winning restaurants, vineyards, a wine cellar and a spa set amidst 8 acres of fragrant fruit orchards and vegetable gardens. Check in to your impeccably stylish Farmhouse Suite and explore the farm by bicycle, join a guided Garden Tour or partake in the morning harvest alongside the farm’s gardeners. For honeymooners with an interest in wellness, we recommend partaking in a Healing Garden and Tea Ceremony or indulging in a couples massage at the Wellness Spa.

Where you’ll stay: Babylonstoren

Located in the heart of the Cape Winelands, award-winning Babylonstoren offers guests the ultimate farm-to-table retreat with award-winning restaurants, vineyards, a wine cellar and spa, set amidst 8 acres of fragrant fruit orchards and vegetable gardens. The 22 whitewashed cottages are impeccably stylish and blend the old with the new.

Experiences:

There are an array of activities to enjoy during your stay at Babylonstoren. Explore the farm by bicycle or join a guided garden tour and farm walk, a morning harvest excursion alongside the farm’s gardeners and bread baking experience in the bakery. Other activities include olive oil and wine tasting, world-class farm-to-fork dining and luxurious spa treatments.

Day 07 to 09 : Flight and Transfer to Kruger National Park

Check-in Lukimbi Safari Lodge

Wake up and enjoy the freshest produce in the comfort of your Farmhouse Suite or in Babel Restaurant. Your driver will meet you and accompany you to Cape Town International Airport for your scheduled flight to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. From here a Ker & Downey® Africa representative will welcome you and transfer you to a private concession in South Africa’s premier wildlife destination, Kruger National Park. Your base is Lukimbi Safari Lodge, an exclusive lodge flanking the Lwakahle River among a cluster of ancient marula, acacia, knobthorns and bushwillow trees. Your time at Lukimbi can be spent on daily 4×4 game drives in search of Africa’s legendary Big 5 – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – and guided River and Bush Walks alongside an armed guided and tracker. In the evening, honeymooners can enjoy sunset drinks out in South Africa’s bushveld followed by a tantalizing private dinner at the lodge’s boma or wine cellar.

Where you’ll stay: Lukimbi Safari Lodge

Located on the banks of the Lwakahle River in a private concession in Kruger National Park, Lukimbi Safari Lodge ensures the utmost privacy for guests with only 16 luxury suites overlooking the river and surrounding bushveld. The suites are connected by elevated walkways that lead to the Main Lodge which houses a spa and gym, safari boutique, library, bar and wine cellar and outdoor swimming pool.

Experiences:

Your time at Lukimbi can be spent exploring the private concession on twice-daily safari drives, as well as guided river and bush walks alongside Lukimbi’s expert rangers and trackers. The reserve is home to Africa’s Big 5 and has a healthy black and white rhino population. Honeymooners can look forward to an intimate table for two in the lodge’s wine cellar or boma and indulge in the couples massage at the onsite spa.

Day 10 to 13 : Transfer Mozambique

Check in Azura Benguerra Island

After a refreshing breakfast overlooking the African bushveld, your driver will transfer you to the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport for your direct flight to Vilanculos, Mozambique. From Vilanculos, you will be escorted to Azura Benguerra, a private island in the Bazaruto Archipelago by helicopter – the perfect introduction to your honeymoon beach escape. Here, you will check in to your luxurious Beach Villa which offers honeymooners absolute privacy with their very own plunge pool and deck overlooking the pristine shore. Your time at Azura Benguerra can be spent soaking up the very best of island life from marine safaris, scuba and snorkelling expeditions to horseback riding and a traditional dhow cruise at sunset. If you are traveling between July and October, you might be lucky enough to spot the surrounding waters come alive with Humpback Whales as they migrate to warmer waters.

Where you’ll stay: Azura Benguerra

Located within a protected marine national park on Azura Benguerra Island, this eco-friendly resort features only 20 villas ensuring utmost privacy for guests. Each villa is decked out with a private infinity pool. The lodge features a wine cellar, cosy bar and lounge area and a wellness spa.

Experiences:

Your island honeymoon can be as laid back or active as you see fit. Try your hand at sea kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving and big game fishing or enjoy horseback riding, private picnics and bird watching back on land. A highlight of your time on the island will be a traditional dhow cruise at sunset.

Day 14 :Departure

Transfer to the airport

Day fourteen marks the final day of your South Africa and Mozambique Honeymoon. After breakfast, you will return to Vilanculos by helicopter and connect with your onward flight home.