Travel Club Operated by Swagman Tours, Escorted by Cruise Express A CRUISE ON THE WILD SIDE Icons of Africa 29 DAYS DEP: 20 JANUARY 2014 DAY 1: Mon 20 Jan MELBOURNE SYDNEY FLY TO JOHANNESBURG (-) Meet your fellow passengers at Melbourne Tullamarine airport and board your domestic flight to Sydney. Upon arrival proceed through customs and immigration procedures in preparation to board your South African Airways flight to Johannesburg. Be met upon arrival and transferred to the hotel. Overnight: Johannesburg DAY 2: Tue 21 Jan JOHANNESBURG VICTORIA FALLS (BD) After breakfast transfer to the airport for our flight to Livingstone, Zambia. Transfer to your accommodation on the banks of the Zambezi River before partaking in a guided walk of Victoria Falls. Afterwards enjoy welcome drinks and a sunset cruise on the African Queen. Overnight: Victoria Falls DAY 3: Wed 22 Jan VICTORIA FALLS (B) Today have the opportunity to visit Victoria Falls where you will come face to face with one of the world s great natural wonders. See the river plunge 108 metres into the narrow gorge below, forming the Victoria Falls, also known as mosi-oa-tunya the smoke that thunders named in 1855 by David Livingstone in honour of his Queen. Here in the adventure capital of Africa the choice is yours to either walk with lions on a guided walk or take the Flight of the Angels in a micro-light over the falls both incredible experiences that will impress your friends back home! Dine out this evening (own expense). DAY 4: Thu 23 Jan VICTORIA FALLS SABI SANDS GAME RESERVE (BD) A morning at leisure to perhaps view the falls for the final time before transferring to the airport for our flight to Nelspruit/Kruger National Park via Johannesburg. Arrive early evening and transfer to the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and your accommodation for the next two nights. Overnight: Sabi Sands Game Reserve DAY 5: Fri 24 Jan GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK (BLD) Sabi Sands Game Reserve forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park and has no fences, enabling wildlife to traverse freely between Lion Sands and the Kruger National Park. A full day in Africa s animal kingdom lies ahead. Enjoy two game drives in open 4WD vehicles to maximise viewing. A traditional Boma style dinner with local entertainment this evening will truly be another highlight of the trip.
DAY 6: Sat 25 Jan KRUGER FLY TO CAPE TOWN (B) After breakfast time to explore your surroundings before boarding your lunch time flight from Nelspruit to Cape Town. On arrival and transfer to the hotel. Cape Town s vibrant city centre lies in a natural amphitheatre sheltered by the wide arms of Table Mountain, Signal Hill and Lion s Head. The remainder of the day is free to explore this cosmopolitan city and the V&A Waterfront area. Overnight: Cape Town DAY 7: Sun 26 Jan CAPE TOWN (BL) Set outside of the city in the surrounding area is the historic wine region of Stellenbosch, less than an hours drive from Cape Town. Set against the backdrop of spectacular mountains, Stellenbosch is world-renowned for making some of South Africa s premier wines. Today we explore the best this area has to offer and sample the local produce and enjoy lunch at a local winery before returning to Cape Town. DAY 8: Mon 27 Jan CAPE TOWN SIGHTSEEING (BL) The famous Cape of Good Hope awaits us today, where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic. Enjoy lunch by the beach side then visit Boulders Beach with its delightful penguin colony and the world-famous Kirstenbosch Gardens a botanical marvel. DAY 9: Tue 28 Jan CAPE TOWN BOARD THE QUEEN MARY 2 (BLD) This morning have the final opportunity to explore the great sights Cape Town has to offer and enjoy a ride on the cable car to the top of Table Mountain. Afterwards transfer to the pier for embarkation on Queen Mary 2 on its voyage bound for Melbourne. Overnight: Queen Mary 2 Escorted Voyages DAY 10: Wed 29 Jan CRUISING THE INDIAN OCEAN (BLD) DAY 11: Thu 30 Jan DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA (BLD) Weather permitting a full day at port in Durban, arriving this morning. Known as the sandy Golden Mile the day is yours to explore the vibrant promenade which buzzes with brightly painted rickshaws and brimming with hand-woven baskets and intricate beadwork. Diverse cultural influences from Asia, Africa and Europe have contributed to Durban s development and unique character. Have the opportunity to do an optional tour, one being the Scenes of Durban to take in the palm tree lined Victoria Embankment, pass the Vasco Da Gama Clock and the Dick King Statue and stop to take in panoramic views of the city. Continue to the Durban Botanical Gardens to enjoy a leisurely stroll before driving past magnificent buildings finishing with the Juma Mosque, reputedly the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and famous for its massive golden dome and turrets. Afterwards transfer back to the dock to embark on the QM2. (Tour length approx 3½ hours). Alternative tours are available QM2 staff will assist with bookings. Overnight: Queen Mary 2 DAYS 12-14: Fri 31 Jan Sun 02 Feb CRUISING INDIAN OCEAN (BLD)
DAY 15: Mon 03 Feb ARRIVE PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS (BLD) Weather permitting a full day at port in Mauritius at leisure. Mauritius was uninhabited until the Dutch arrived in 1635. Their colony lasted about two generations long enough for the settlers to hunt the native dodo birds to extinction. The capital of Port Louis offers shopping bargains at the old-fashioned central market. Perhaps go bird watching in Casela Bird Park or set out on a catamaran to admire the sun drenched beauty of the island, landing on dazzling white beaches and snorkelling amongst shoals of kaleidoscopic fish (activities own expense QM2 staff can assist with bookings). Overnight: Queen Mary 2 DAYS 16-23: Tue 04 Feb Tue 11 Feb CRUISING INDIAN OCEAN (BLD) DAY 24: Wed 12 Feb ARRIVE FREMANTLE, WESTERN AUSTRALIA (BLD) Weather permitting a full day at port in Fremantle at leisure. Dock at this bustling, historic port sitting on the Indian Ocean and soak up the romantic, artsy ambiance. Perhaps take a leisurely cruise along the pristine Swan River (own expense) to sit back, relax and enjoy refreshments as you listed to live commentary. Afterwards board a coach for a panoramic tour of historic Fremantle and modern Perth with a photo stop at Kings Park with its amazing views of the city and river before returning to the ship. DAYS 25-28: Thu 13 Feb Sun 16 Feb GREAT AUSTRALIAN BIGHT (BLD) DAY 29: Mon 17 Feb ARRIVE MELBOURNE (B) Arrive into Melbourne early this morning, so ending a fascinating safari and sailing trip of a lifetime. COST: $10,920.00 per person twin share* * Subject to air/tax increases and currency fluctuations. Pricing based on an Inside Cabin on QM2 and upgraded accommodation in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve to Lion Sands Private Game Lodge. WEEKLY TIMES TRAVEL CLUB SPECIAL: Those passengers who book and pay a deposit for this tour by Friday 15 November 2013 will receive either a complimentary Walk with the Lions experience OR a Flight of the Angels helicopter ride over Victoria Falls. Please advise your preference on booking. Non-refundable deposit required: $1000.00 per person Balance required no later than: 22 November 2013 Single Supplement: $3,700.00 CANCELLATION: In the event of cancellation, levies will apply. NOTE: The package price of $10,920.00 above is based on the Discoverer Package (3-4 Star lodges/hotels with the exception of Sabi Sands Game Reserve which is a 4-5 Star lodge). To upgrade the entire trip to a 4-5 Star experience, the Connoisseur Package is available from $12,290 per person, twin share for an inside cabin on Queen Mary 2 (and package will include beverages). Single supplement for the Connoisseur Package would be $5300.00 for an inside cabin. *Days 1 through to 6 may operate in reverse, that is begin in Greater Kruger Game Reserve. MULTIPLE NIGHT STAYS: *Victoria Falls 2 nights *Sabi Sands Game Reserve 2 nights *Cape Town 3 nights *Queen Mary 2 20 nights
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS: Victoria Falls sunset cruise Sabi Sands Game Reserve Greater Kruger NP Boma dinner at Sabi Sands Game Reserve Cape Town Cape of Good Hope sightseeing Cruising aboard the regal and extravagant Queen Mary 2 Walk with the Lions OR Flight of the Angels Vic Falls All day open 4WD safari game viewing experience Historic Stellenbosch wine region with lunch & tasting Trip to the top of Table Mountain Tour Cost Includes: Economy Airfares and pre payable taxes from Australia to Johannesburg on South African Airways. Internal airfares as per itinerary. Airport transfers & transportation as per itinerary. Accommodation in 3-4 star hotels with ensuite facilities throughout. Meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Entries and sightseeing as listed in the itinerary. An experienced and knowledgeable tour escort for the duration of the trip provided by Cruise Express Game drive in open 4WD vehicle. Hotel porterage of one piece (bag) per person. Port charges and government taxes on the Queen Mary 2. 5 star personalised Cunard White Star Service. All meals on the Queen Mary 2 with complimentary room service. Tour cost does NOT include: Travel Insurance this is COMPULSORY to have in place and a copy of your policy is required to be provided prior to travel. For a quote or to purchase a policy please contact Swagman Tours on toll free 1800 808 491 or email enquiries@swagmantours.com.au. Items of a personal nature (eg laundry, telephone calls) and any activities listed in the itinerary as optional. Drinks and alcoholic beverages. Cost of passport or cost of any medication. Visas required for Zambia & Zimbabwe obtained upon arrival Zambia approx. USD$50pp and Zimbabwe approx. USD$30pp. Yellow fever vaccination (compulsory) & malaria recommended. Please phone Travelvax toll free on 1300 360 164 prior to travel to receive correct medical advice. Gratuities and tips. IMPORTANT NOTES: This tour is fully escorted from Australia and is being operated by Cruise Express experts in land and cruise travel. Different cabin categories are available on board the Queen Mary 2, please see below prices (Africa accommodation and itinerary remain the same as listed above): Balcony cabin with obstructed view - $12,320 per person, twin share. Sheltered Balcony - $12,720.00 per person, twin share. Balcony - $13,620.00 per person, twin share. Princess Suite - $16,620.00 per person, twin share. PASSPORTS AND VISAS All travellers will require a full valid passport, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have valid visas for all countries visited on your holiday if applicable, and/or sufficient blank pages for any visas and for entry/departure stamps. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your holiday. If you have more than one passport, we recommend that you use one passport only for the entire journey. This will save problems and potential delays. Requirements differ depending on your nationality - check with the appropriate embassies for details. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of any applicable visas for your holiday and onward travel. Swagman Tours cannot accept responsibility for anyone who is refused entry to a country because they lack the correct documentation. Please check the actual requirements with the necessary embassy or your Travel Agent. Please also do not assume that any inaccuracies within your documentation will be detected or can be rectified - you must ensure, that your "paper-work" is in order. There will be times during the trip, when your passport will be collected e.g. by your tour leader, hotel reception staff, or police.
HOLDERS OF FOREIGN PASSPORTS: Travellers holding non Australian passports must have the relevant re-entry permit to return to Australia and must check with their National Consulate of any visa requirements to your holiday destination country(s). NOTE: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate. A voyage aboard the regal Queen Mary 2 is an experience without equal. This iconic ocean liner draws attention wherever she goes and now it s your turn to experience her grandeur and extravagance, including her glorious, chandeliered ballroom, vast open decks, black-tie soirees and high tea served by white gloved waiters. If time is short, you d like to visit friends or relatives or you d like to tailor your own pre-cruise itinerary, our fly/cruise only package includes your flight to Cape Town and cruise home fr $4790 per person, twin share, flying ex Melbourne. Inside Stateroom 159 square feet The standard staterooms are anything but ordinary. The smallest is more like a deluxe on any other cruise ship. Guests dine in the Britannia restaurant with a choice of early or late sitting. Glass Balcony Cabin 248-269 square feet At any time of the day your luxury stateroom provides a welcome enclave of comfort and good taste. Sit and watch the world go by from your own private balcony. Balcony Cabin with Obstructed View Sheltered Balcony (Built into ship s hull) Princess Suite 381 square feet The luxury Princess Grill suites offer elegant comfort and personal service. Guests enjoy access to private lounges and our Grills Concierge will make arrangements you wish both on board and ashore. Dine at a reserved table in the single-seating Princess Grill restaurant. FOR BOOKINGS CONTACT: Swagman Tours LTA 31308 Level 1, 182 Latrobe Terrace (PO Box 7473) GEELONG WEST VIC. 3218 Phone: 1800 808 491 Email: info@swagmantours.com.au www.swagmantours.com.au