Compare Around the World: The Ultimate Journey by Vantage travel vs South Africa in 9 days - Cape & Kruger Explorer - Private Charm by Exoticca

Day 1:

Meals: Dinner

Fly to Los Angeles and attend a celebratory Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner. Your worldwide escapade awaits you!

Our epic adventure around the world begins with chauffeured limousine service from your front door to your home airport for a flight to Los Angeles, California. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your VIP concierge, who will handle your luggage and assist with your transfer to our 5-Star hotel in nearby Santa Monica. Relax and unwind with your fellow travelers this evening. During our Welcome Cocktail Reception and private Welcome Dinner at your elegant hotel, we toast the adventures to come on our trip around the world!

(Please be advised that you may be picked up in a limo, a sedan, or something similar, depending upon vehicle availability at the time and place of your pickup.)

Fairmont Miramar Hotel Bungalows or similar

Day 2: Explore the expansive Getty Villa’s museum and gardens, then fuel up for tomorrow’s flight with dinner at a chic eatery

Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch and 1 Dinner

After a morning at leisure on Day 2, we set off for scenic Malibu to visit the J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Villa. Upon arrival, we enjoy a light lunch at the Museum. You can join knowledgeable docents for a tour of the Villa’s authentically recreated, first-century Roman Gardens. Enjoy the afternoon to browse the exhibitions and permanent collection dedicated to the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria before returning to Santa Monica for dinner at a chic local restaurant.

Day 3: Fly overnight from L.A. and wake up in blissful Bali

Transfer to the airport for an overnight flight to Bali, crossing the International Date Line and losing a day during our flight. We arrive in exotic Indonesia.

Day 4: The spoils of paradise — check into your fabulous villa and enjoy an elegant dinner on the beach

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation:  Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay or similar

Today, we arrive in Bali — known as the “Island of the Gods.” But we’ll come to know it as “Paradise on Earth” as we enjoy white-glove service in its stunning setting. Upon arrival, we are greeted with a traditional Balinese flower garland before transferring to the luxurious all-villa Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, a legendary hideaway listed among Travel + Leisure's 500 Best Hotels in the World in 2014. Our tropical resort is set on a sweeping ocean bay amongst lush greenery and brilliant flowers. During your stay, you'll enjoy your own Balinese thatched villa with ocean views and a private plunge pool. Our first night in this wonderland begins with a Welcome Cocktail Reception at the resort, followed by a Welcome Barbecue Dinner at Sundara on picturesque Jimbaran Beach.

Day 5: Exploring Ubud: monkeys, markets, and a Brahman family home visit

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay or similar

Today we explore Ubud, the cultural and artistic heart of the island. We begin with a visit to the famous Monkey Forest to see the resident macaques, followed by visits to several  remarkable temples and the Neka Museum. Then, we follow the forest road — lined with colorful shops, boutiques, cafés, and galleries — stopping to try our bargaining skills at a local market.

Cultural Discovery: For lunch, we’ll enjoy Balinese hospitality at its best as guests of a highly respected Brahman family whose ancestors brought Hinduism from Java to Bali in the 14th century. Their beautiful, traditional Brahman home will give us an authentic glimpse into their daily lives. After returning to our hotel this afternoon, we can seek out dinner on our own at a local establishment.

Day 6: Discovering the heart of Indonesia with a Balinese school visit and trip to a royal temple

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay or similar

Cultural Discovery: After breakfast, we visit a visit Mengwi village, where you will interact with students at a local school. Afterward, enjoy a bus ride through scenic villages to the temple of Taman Ayun — a scenic Royal Temple of the Mengwi Empire, surrounded by a large fishpond. The beautiful, open landscape garden in the front courtyard welcomes all temple visitors — and is an ideal spot for a stroll. Lunch is provided at a restaurant in Puri Taman Sari. Cultural Discovery: This evening, enjoy a Balinese dinner and dance show at a local restaurant.

Day 7: Free final morning in Bali before flying — and settling — into Singapore

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation:  Conrad Centennial Singapore or similar

We have a final morning in Bali at leisure before transferring to the airport for our flight to Singapore, the cosmopolitan island-country at the southernmost tip of continental Asia. Cultural Discovery: Upon arrival late this afternoon, we are greeted in the traditional fashion with a special orchid lei presentation.

After, we transfer to our 5-Star hotel in the heart of prestigious Marina Bay — just a short distance from six of Singapore's most exciting malls. More than 1,000 shops, 300 restaurants, and an array of world-class attractions are right outside our door. Your bags will be brought to your room by our butler service. This evening, we gather for dinner at the hotel's renowned Golden Peony restaurant — famous for its perfect blend of sophistication, creativity, and authentic Cantonese cuisine.

Day 8: Enjoy a panoramic tour of Singapore hotspots, then take a trishaw ride before an indulgent dim sum lunch

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Conrad Centennial Singapore or similar

Singapore is known by many names, the Garden City and the Lion City among them. As we witness both its beauty and its might during our stay here, we get insight into these monikers. During our panoramic city tour, we’ll see the cricket club, historic Parliament House, Supreme Court, City Hall, and Merlion Park — featuring impressive views of Marina Bay. We delve a little deeper into Singapore’s diverse culture during visits to the Thian Hock Keng Temple, Little India, and the Yong Gallery.

Cultural Discoveries: This afternoon, explore the alleys around popular Bugis Street in “local” style during a trishaw ride. Then sample Singapore’s flavorful Chinese influence during a dim sum lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, you’ll have a chance to relax at your Deluxe hotel as you look forward to a lovely evening at the world-renowned Raffles Singapore — an Asian legend since 1887. With cocktails and an elegant meal, you’ll be sure to remember this special evening for many years to come.

Day 9: Relive the heyday of train travel aboard the Eastern & Oriental Express, where you’ll wine and dine in style toward Bangkok

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

We explore Singapore’s Botanic Gardens this morning. Founded in 1859, it is the pride of the city. After lunch on your own, we head to the train station to board the opulent Eastern & Oriental Express. Our onboard experience recalls the golden era of rail travel, when the journey itself was as enticing as the destination. We’re wined and dined while enjoying royal treatment on this train that was remodeled by Gérard Gallet, the man behind the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.

Our journey takes us past Southeast Asia’s lush and exotic vistas — past statuesque mountains, mist-covered lakes, and serene temples. View it all from the colonial-style teakwood observation car or from the luxury of your premium state cabin. As we make our way from Singapore to Bangkok aboard this magnificent train, we enjoy meals prepared by onboard chefs who incorporate the finest locally sourced ingredients into spectacular eastern and western specialties that rival the world's best restaurants.

Eastern - Oriental Express

Day 10: Soaking in Malaysian architecture in Kuala Kangsar; back aboard the train, you’ll cross the Thailand border

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

This morning. our luxury train stops in Kuala Kangsar, Malaysia, the picturesque royal town of Perak and the official residence of the Sultan of Perak — one of the oldest hereditary seats in the Malay states. Our excursion begins at the Ubudiah Mosque, considered one of the country's most resplendent. Completed in 1917, it was designed and built by British architect Arthur Hubback, who applied the same Indian Mughal design elements to Malaysia’s Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur railway stations. Next, we visit the striking Royal Museum of Perak, an architectural masterpiece completed in 1931 as a temporary palace. Built without a blueprint and entirely without nails, its walls are woven from spliced bamboo strips with diamond patterns in the weave.

En route to the museum, we pass by one of the region’s oldest rubber trees, one of several brought from South America in 1882. When the auto industry boomed in the West, rubber trees became a highly lucrative crop. Our excursion concludes at the Sultan Shah Gallery, a former palace that now showcases the personal belongings of Sultan Azlan Shah, including court notes from his first case as a magistrate in 1958.

We return to the train before lunch, after which we stop to cross the Malaysia-Thailand border. Spend the rest of the day taking in the scenic landscapes on the way toward Bangkok. Dinner is aboard the train tonight.

Eastern - Oriental Express

Day 11: Cruise the picturesque River Kwai before arriving in Bangkok in time for dinner, then it’s on to Dubai!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We disembark our train in Thailand’s Kanchanaburi this morning for a cruise along the picturesque River Kwai. As we admire the riverside scenery, a local historian sheds light on the Thailand-Burma railway and the famous bridge immortalized in film and literature. We then travel to the fascinating Thailand-Burma Railway Center, an interactive museum, and have time to explore the Don Rak War Cemetery. Afterwards, we return to the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express for the remainder of our rail journey. Upon arrival in Bangkok, we savor a Thai dinner at the stylish Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel before our overnight flight to Dubai.

Day 12: Dynamic Dubai surprises and thrills as you explore this city on your own

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Fairmont the Palm Hotel or similar

Today, you'll arrive in Dubai, one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Having just arrived in another brand new place — with new sights, smells, and traditions — you'll have the day to unwind and take in the local culture at your own pace. Following lunch at a local restaurant and a short orientation tour in the afternoon, the day is yours to do as you wish. Gather for an included dinner at the hotel tonight.

Day 13: From architecture to malls to traditional markets, learn the ins and outs of enchanting Dubai with a local guide

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Fairmont the Palm Hotel or similar

Explore Dubai with your local guide, getting a glimpse at one of the world’s most glamorous and enigmatic destinations. A futuristic city with a deep connection to tradition, Dubai has its share of fascinating contradictions. During your full-day tour, see the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, considered the world’s most luxurious hotel; Dubai’s famous Palm Island, among the modern era’s most remarkable feats of engineering; and the picturesque city marina. You’ll also visit a large shopping mall featuring local crafts and authentic Arabic goods, and stop by some local souks (markets) — including the Spice Souk, Gold Souk, and Textile Souk. Following lunch, you’ll visit Burj Khalifa — the world’s tallest building — and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Join your travel companions tonight for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 14: Time to get rowdy with an off-road dunes excursion, followed by an outdoor dinner against the glow of an Arabian sunset

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Fairmont the Palm Hotel or similar

After breakfast, enjoy a morning at leisure to relax or explore this lively city. This afternoon, you’ll take to the desert for an exhilarating 4x4 desert excursion. You’ll venture through the undulating dunes of this sandy expanse, arriving at a scenic campsite. There, sip champagne as the sun sets over the dunes, and savor a delightful dinner in the warm glow of an Arabian evening. It’ll be an unforgettable conclusion to your Dubai experience!

Day 15: On the road again! Today Cape Town calls, and you’ll enjoy a private hotel cocktail party and dinner this evening

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: African Pride 15 On Orange Hotel or similar

Our incredible journey continues today in Cape Town, nestled in a spectacular setting at the base of the flat-topped Table Mountain — one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Landing this afternoon, you’ll be greeted by our VIP concierge, who will assist with your private transfer to your Deluxe hotel. There’ll be time to relax and unwind before we enjoy a private cocktail party and dinner at the hotel, this evening.

Day 16: Climb Table Mountain via cable car, then learn about Nelson Mandela’s 18 years in prison on Robben Island

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: African Pride 15 On Orange Hotel or similar

Our South African discovery begins with a cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain. From its flat-topped summit, we have magnificent views of Cape Town, Robben Island and the ocean beyond. Upon returning to town, we’ll enjoy a guided city tour, featuring the South African Houses of Parliament, Cape Town City Hall and the star-shaped Castle of Good Hope. Built in the late 1600’s by the Dutch, this historic fortress is the last surviving colonial building in South Africa. After lunch on your own, we board a boat bound for Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the location of the notorious prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years. Our guide around the island is a former inmate, who will give us a firsthand account of life behind bars and show us how Mandela and his fellow inmates lived out their days here. Back in Cape Town this evening, we have the opportunity to try one of the city’s world-class restaurants with our exclusive Deluxe Meal Choices.

Day 17: From the oceans to ostriches, today you’ll explore Cape Town’s natural riches

Meals: Breakfast  and Lunch

Today, we head south to the Cape Peninsula, Africa’s southernmost point where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic. En route, we stop at the Cape Point Ostrich Farm, a thriving breeding farm, where we learn about the life cycle of an ostrich from egg to adult. At Cape Point, we board a funicular to its great heights for panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the stunning Cape Floral Region — a UNESCO World Heritage Site – where the famed fynbos biome supports enormous botanic diversity.

After a gourmet lunch at the stylish Two Oceans Restaurant, which offers some of the most stunning ocean views in South Africa, we stop to visit the world-famous penguin colony at Boulder’s Beach. Arriving at the hotel late this afternoon, we’ll enjoy a night at leisure.

Day 18: Cape Town as you please — discover this intriguing city independently

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: African Pride 15 On Orange Hotel or similar

Today, enjoy the full day to explore the city of Cape Town on your own. Following a day of independent discovery, we’ll bid farewell to Cape Town with a special African Extravaganza — featuring delicious local cuisine — at an area restaurant.

Day 19: Fly to Nelspruit, and check into your luxurious lodge inside Kruger National Park

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Shishangeni Private Lodge or similar

A completely different and thrilling African experience is in store as we continue our Deluxe adventure around the world: an authentic African safari in one of the continent’s most wildlife-rich national parks. After breakfast, we fly to Nelspruit, where our VIP concierge assists with our transfer to our safari lodge, situated on a private concession within the world-renowned Kruger National Park. All meals are included during our stay at this luxurious lodge, which features traditional cuisine to enhance our safari experience. We enjoy several private game drives during our stay in open safari vehicles with expert guides.

Day 20: Set off on morning and afternoon game drives seeking the “Big Five”

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation:  Shishangeni Private Lodge or similar

Unforgettable Moment: We’ll fall into the rhythm of Africa today with morning and afternoon game drives. Getting an early start to see animals when they are at their most active, we’re likely to spot giraffe and zebra today, and your driver-guide is highly trained to help us find the “Big Five” – lions, elephants, leopards, water buffalos and rhinos. We return to our lodge for lunch and a rest before heading back out in the afternoon. Throughout the day, we ride in open safari vehicles, affording us spectacular views of the pristine bush land that’s home to both predator and prey. Our eagle-eyed driver guide knows the cycle of the wilds here, and can lead us to spots where we’re likely to see magnificent animals.

Day 21: Last day of safari — keep your camera ready!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Shishangeni Private Lodge or similar

Enjoy a final safari day with two more private game drives through the park’s rich countryside. Kruger is a world leader in environmental management, and is the largest and oldest national park in the world, offering some of the most spectacular game viewing on the continent. More than 500 species of birds either live here or pass through, including vultures, eagles and storks. And its 147 large mammal species outnumber any other park in Africa. Keep your camera ready to capture them all, including cheetah, giraffe, hippopotamus, several species of antelope, and a wide variety of smaller animals.

Day 22: Transferring to the “City of Gold” with an afternoon at leisure

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Sandton Sun Hotel or similar

We enjoy one final breakfast at our safari lodge before a private transfer to Nelspruit airport for our flight to Johannesburg. Known as the City of Gold, Johannesburg and its two neighboring cities, Sandton and Pretoria, make up the country’s largest metropolitan area. We stay close to the city’s international airport, giving us convenient access for tomorrow’s flight to Argentina. We spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps taking advantage of the amenities on site, before savoring an included dinner at our 5-Star hotel.

Day 1: US - Night on board

Arrival at your US departure airport ready to check in for a flight * to Johannesburg. Night on board. * If your outbound flight leaves at dawn (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the selected departure day.

Day 2: Johannesburg

Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the city and its diverse and vibrant neighbourhoods. Tuck into the vibrant food scene and pop-up eateries. The city is a real cultural hub and it is a great place to catch live music performances and indulge in trendy bars and restaurants. Overnight stay in Johannesburg. Why not make the most of your time in South Africa by adding one of our optional excursion packages. Choose between our Gastronomic or Adventure packages in the next step of the booking process! Our Gastronomic Package includes two meals at excellent restaurants in Cape Town plus a Bo-Kapp Cooking Tour and Cape Winelands Excursion. Our Adventure Package includes a Full-Day Kruger Game Drive, an exciting Shark Cage Diving Experience and an Atlantis Dunes Quad Biking Excursion. Please note: you can only choose one of the optional excursion packages (Adventure or Gastronomic).

Day 3: Johannesburg - Mpumalanga - Kruger

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time transfer by road to Mpumalanga. You're headed for Kruger, home to some of the most iconic wildlife in South Africa. Along the way, see some of the most iconic sights of the Panorama Route such as Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondavels (entrance fees not included). You'll fall in love with the natural beauty of South Africa's landscapes! * Arrive and transfer to the hotel to check-in. Dinner and overnight stay in Kruger. * Please note: The journey today takes approximately 7-8 hours by road and includes stops along the way for lunch (at own expense) and sightseeing. There will be no accompanying guide for this journey so take the opportunity to enjoy the passing landscapes as you travel through some of the most spectacular regions in South Africa.

Day 4: Kruger National Park

Enjoy a Full-Day 4x4 Game Drive at Kruger National Park. Begin the day early on safari in the southern area of South Africa's most famous game reserves with breakfast on the go. The game viewing area is known as the 'Southern Circle' and is renowned for its rhinos and lions. Enjoy an afternoon game drive in Kruger National Park and discover the amazing diversity of animals in one of the world's largest game reserves. Remember to bring comfortable shoes, warm and rainproof jackets, sunhat and protection and cameras to capture the beautiful wildlife. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Kruger National Park

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure to explore the beautiful natural landscapes of Kruger and the White River. We recommend an optional day trip to Kruger National Park to experience more of its wildlife-rich eco-systems.* Dinner and overnight stay in the Kruger Region. * Optional Kruger National Park Day Trip: Set off to the wilds of Kruger for your chance to spot the famous Big Five. Enjoy a slow drive through the national park, home to elephants, buffalos, giraffes, impalas, zebras and, of course, lions. An unforgettable day in the wilds of Southern Africa. Packed lunch included. (This excursion is included in our Adventure Package of 3 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!)

Day 6: Kruger - Johannesburg - Cape Town

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer by road back to Johannesburg, stopping to see the exterior of the Union Buildings in Pretoria, the official headquarters of the South African government. * Arrive in Johannesburg and transfer to the airport to catch a flight to Cape Town. Arrive in Cape Town, known as the 'Mother City', and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Cape Town. * Please note: The journey today takes approximately 7-8 hours by road and includes stops along the way for lunch (at own expense) and sightseeing. There will be no accompanying guide for this journey so take the opportunity to enjoy the passing landscapes as you travel through some of the most spectacular regions in South Africa.

Day 7: Cape Town

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the ticket hop-on hop-off tour in Cape Town. South Africa's capital combines cosmopolitanism, culture, architecture, and the best of nature. With the hop-on and hop-off ticket, you will be able to do over 30 stops to enjoy some of the most remarkable attractions of the 'Mother City'. Take the Cableway and go up to Table Mountain where you can enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of Africa's landscapes.* Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay in Cape Town. * Please note: the Table Mountain Cableway in Cape Town will be closed for maintenance from the 25th of July until the 28th of August 2022. If your trip coincides with these dates, you will enjoy an included Sunset Cruise instead and your included Hop-On Hop-Off bus tickets will still enable you to visit the lower station of the cableway if you wish.

Day 8: Cape Town

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day by discovering the city further. We recommend taking the optional Cape Winelands excursion, especially if you're a wine lover as this region is known for its award-winning whites and reds.* Overnight stay in Cape Town. * Optional Full-Day Wine Route Excursion with Wine Tasting: Set off into the lush Winelands outside of Cape Town and visit the wine producers in Stellenbosch for delicious wine tasting and a cellar tour. (This excursion is included in our Gastronomic Package of 4 excursions, available in the next step of the booking process!)

Day 9: Cape Town

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a free day by discovering the city further. We recommend taking the optional Full-Day tour of the Cape Peninsula, a paradise of natural beauty, vineyards and coastal seal and penguin colonies!* Overnight stay in Cape Town. * Optional Full-Day Cape Peninsula Excursion: Enjoy the delights of the Cape Peninsula including Clifton, Camps Bay, Llandudno and the amazing Twelve Apostles. Pass through Noordhoek and see the local ostriches before visiting the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point. Fall in love with the Penguin Colony and Boulder's Beach and see Simons Town and Muizenberg Beach.

Day 10: Cape Town - Night on board

Breakfast * at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board. * Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Day 11: US

Arrive in the US and end your trip.