Experience a legendary South African journey on the renowned Blue Train, with time in Cape Town and three nights in Kruger National Park

Your holiday begins at London Heathrow, where you meet the Tour Manager and fellow travellers for a direct overnight flight to Cape Town, South Africa's oldest city and legislative capital.

Cosmopolitan Cape Town is a cultural melting pot with a fascinating history that dates back thousands of years to the Khoi-San people, the first inhabitants of the Cape. In 1652, the Dutch established a settlement here and were later joined by Asians, followed by French Huguenots and then the British. Today, in addition to boasting this impressive history drawn from global influences, Cape Town is beloved for its scenery, wine, cuisine and culture.

Touching down in Cape Town this morning, we are met by a coach driver and transferred to our hotel in the city's heart.

Enroute, our driver points out some of Cape Town's main sights, briefly introducing us to the city that will be our home for the next four nights. Our hotel is close to the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and overlooked by the magnificent Table Mountain.

After checking in, the rest of the day is free to begin exploring and dining independently. You may like to wander down to the Waterfront, which has a variety of eateries offering fresh seafood, traditional South African dishes and north Indian cuisine, with several restaurants overlooking the water. At night, the wharf is illuminated to create an atmospheric setting.

A full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula begins after breakfast as we are driven to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point at the continent's most southwestern tip. Here, we take the Flying Dutchman Funicular railway to just below the lighthouse at the top and marvel at panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, False Bay and the Cape Peninsula coastline.

We then travel along False Bay to Simon's Town, where we have lunch at a local restaurant, followed by free time to look around. Our tour continues at nearby Boulders Bay, a pristine beach home to a colony of African penguins. These characterful creatures nest in the dunes and swim in the sea, often gathering in family groups to soak up the sun on the rocks. Wander along the boardwalk between the dunes to see Africa's only native penguins in their natural habitat.

Back at the hotel, you could visit Bree Street, one of Cape Town's most popular dining destinations, where you could enjoy fusion food, Cape Malay dishes, Mediterranean cuisine or Asian flavours.

After breakfast, we visit one of South Africa's most familiar landmarks (weather permitting). Taking a cable car to the top of the remarkably flat-topped Table Mountain, we enjoy panoramic city views on the way up. With plenty of free time at the top to soak up this unique environment, you can follow trails among beautiful Cape 'fynbos', which includes varieties of coral-hued proteas, and spot animals such as the rock rabbit or the Table Mountain ghost frog. There is also a café and coffee shop for refreshments.

After descending the mountain, a coach takes us out of the city and into the stunning mountain landscapes of the Cape winelands. Our destination is one of the country's most famous wine-producing areas, the beautiful Stellenbosch Valley. We pause our route at a traditional Cape Dutch farmhouse and wine estate for a typical South African 'braai' (barbecue) lunch and then end our afternoon with a wine-tasting experience, savouring highly acclaimed varieties.

Upon returning to the hotel, the evening is yours to relax or continue exploring the Waterfront.

Today, you are free to explore Cape Town further. You may like to visit the brightly painted Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, the historic Cape Malay quarter. Alternatively, you could take the ferry to Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site where President Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. The island now houses a museum detailing the struggle for democracy in South Africa.

Nature lovers can enjoy Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, one of the world's seven most magnificent botanic gardens. Extending across the southeast slopes of Table Mountain, this spectacular nature reserve has several trails and a fabulous Tree Canopy Walk.

The nearby V&A Waterfront has many shops, an arts and craft market and the National Maritime Museum. It is also possible to take a short cruise around the harbour to see the city sights or sail further out into Table Bay towards Cape Town's Green Point. As for dining out, you are spoilt for choice in this cosmopolitan city.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Cape Town before we transfer to the station for our iconic journey on the Blue Train. As we board this legendary train, a butler escorts you to your private cabin and provides an orientation tour ahead of a two-day journey.

Your accommodation includes a private ensuite bathroom, plush furnishings and a picture window. After settling in, you may like to relax in one of the elegant lounges before we take our seats for a light lunch. The service and standard of dining on the train is impeccable, and all of our meals and drinks are included on board. Enjoy afternoon tea and aperitifs, before a formal dinner of local cuisine and a selection of wines from the Cape Winelands. In the evening, unwind in the Club Car with a selection of post-dinner drinks.

High tea is served in the Lounge Car at 4pm, and the Blue Train offers two dining sittings each evening: one at 6.30pm and another at 8pm.

Breakfast is served onboard this morning, and there are two sittings for lunch. Soon afterwards, the Blue Train arrives in Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape and a town with a prosperous past as a centre for diamond mining.

After disembarking, we take a short coach ride to the Kimberley Open Mine Museum. The hill where diamonds were first found quickly disappeared under the pressure of over-mining, and the resulting space became known as the Big Hole. This open basin is now so large that it can be seen from space and is 705 feet (215 metres) deep. An enclosed ramp allows us to view the chasm and, although the mine is no longer in use, there is a museum detailing the history of the site, which includes preserved and restored buildings from the early years of the diamond rush.

We reboard our train before the second dinner of our trip, and continue our journey through South Africa's vast and open landscapes.

Our route through South Africa continues to unfold this morning as we near our destination. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and choose your preferred lunch sitting for our final meal aboard the Blue Train. You can relax in one of the lounges, watching the passing views from the large picture window, before our rail journey comes to an end this afternoon.

The Blue Train pulls into Pretoria early this evening. This city has streets lined with Jacaranda trees and is a hub for art, culture and cuisine - and it's also where South Africa's government and presidential offices are based, operating in the historic Union Buildings.

A coach transfer takes us from the station to our hotel in the modern Johannesburg suburb of Sandton, where we sit down to dinner this evening.

We have an early breakfast at the hotel this morning before departing Sandton by coach.

Our route today takes us into the wilderness once more as we make our way to our luxury lodge-style hotel at the entrance to the Kruger National Park. The largest park in South Africa and one of the world's most famous, Kruger National Park is home to all the Big Five animals: lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros.

The rest of the day is free to settle in among the attractive surroundings, maybe making the most of the swimming pool. There is also a viewing deck where you might like to relax while getting your first look at the wildlife that makes its home around us. This evening, we are greeted with a welcome drink before dinner.

Savour a full day in the incredible wilderness of Kruger National Park as we head out by jeep after an early breakfast. Accompanied by a local, skilled ranger, their expertise allows us to visit the best locations to see different animals and helps us to identify those whose camouflage makes them difficult to spot.

We start by tracking the big cats, still out from their night spent hunting, while keeping an eye out for other species, including the Big Five. Taking a break from our safari, we enjoy a picnic lunch then continue driving into this wild land where each day brings unpredictable but wondrous sights. The grassy plains of this open savannah are home to a dazzling array of animals, including cheetah, impala, hyena and African wild dog.

Returning to our hotel late this afternoon, enjoy some time to freshen up before dinner at our lodge this evening.

Another day of fantastic wildlife and wild African scenery lies ahead as we enjoy a second full-day safari in Kruger. Our drive brings another chance to spot the Big Five in their natural habitat, as well as many other species, large and small. A skilled ranger leads the way, once again aiding with his expertise as we seek iconic animals and lesser-known ones such as genets, civets, warthogs and monkeys.

As the safari unfolds, keep your eyes peeled for colourful birds perched in trees or flying across the sky. Kruger's plant life is also fascinating, with an array of trees, plants and flowers decorating the semi-arid terrain. We enjoy a picnic lunch again today before continuing our jeep journey through the national park.

Our safari concludes later this afternoon, at which time we return to Kruger Park Lodge for the final dinner of our African holiday.

There's time to relax after breakfast this morning and soak up the sights and sounds of Kruger National Park that surround us. Enjoy an excellent opportunity to look out for animals at the waterside from the hotel's viewing deck, getting your final glimpses at the diversity of Africa's wildlife. You might also like to head out into the property's lush gardens or enjoy the upscale facilities.

Later, we set off back to Johannesburg by coach. The landscapes change and gradually become more urban along our route - especially as we approach Johannesburg's OR Tambo airport, where we board our direct overnight flight home.

This unique journey has been a true South African adventure, showcasing the country's beautiful scenery and unbelievable wildlife. In Cape Town, we explored its mountains, beaches and wineries - and met its most adorable inhabitants, the penguins of Boulders Bay. Travelling in elegance aboard the iconic Blue Train, we journeyed across South Africa before spending two days on safari in Kruger National Park, seeking out the majestic animals for which Africa is most famous.

Your holiday concludes this morning as our plane lands at London Heathrow, and you can make your way home.

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

This legendary train offers passengers a memorable experience on journeys through South Africa. Onboard, there's a Lounge Car which is the ideal place to meet your fellow travellers and relax after dinner with a coffee, while the Club Car has a well-stocked bar, a library and a television. A Train Manager and two engineers are onboard at all times and they are all happy to share their knowledge of the country, route and train with passengers. Dining on the Blue Train is an experience in itself, and the dress code for dinner is formal (jacket and tie for men, evening wear for ladies). Onboard chefs prepare menus of local cuisine, complemented by award-winning South African wines. Crisp table linen, crystal glassware and the finest Sheffield cutlery complement the silver service presentation of the food. A continental or full English breakfast is served at leisure in the mornings. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the train, while flatscreen TVs in your cabin show spectacular live footage of the driver's view.

This 4-Star luxury lodge-style hotel is set on the banks of the Sabie River, just a short distance from the entrance to Kruger National Park. Guests can look over the bordering wilderness from the viewing deck, which is filled with comfortable seating options, or while relaxing beside the stylish pool bar or infinity pool. Beautiful gardens surround the hotel, while guests have access to a fitness center and spa. The Lapa Restaurant serves regional food with a warm African welcome and drinks can be enjoyed amid the rich wood interiors of the Shilovo Bar. Modern African Safari-inspired décor adorns the air-conditioned rooms, which come equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, fridge, tea & coffee-making facilities, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.

In a vibrant area of northern Johannesburg, this 4-Star hotel offers luxury accommodation in a modern complex. Guests can soak up views of the city while enjoying treatments in the on-site spa or stroll through the manicured gardens. The Lacuna Bistro serves a variety of cuisines including seafood and a wide range of South African wines, while the bar offers comfort food. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, minibar, ironing facilities, tea & coffee-making equipment, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.

A short distance from Cape Town's famous V&A waterfront, the 4-Star Southern Sun benefits from a great location in the heart of the city, with easy access to restaurants, bars and attractions. Stylish and modern interiors are complemented by contemporary amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool and coffee shop. The on-site restaurant serves dishes with a strong local influence while guests can also savour a drink in the bar. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, fridge, ironing facilities, tea & coffee-making equipment, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.

Upgrade to a Luxury cabin on The Blue Train:

There are three Luxury cabins per carriage, with twin or double beds which fold away during the day to provide a lounge with seating. The Luxury cabins include a wardrobe and a digital entertainment centre incorporating a CD player and a DVD player and an en suite bathroom which features a bath, washbasin and WC.

From £550 per person (twin occupancy only).

Please note: an increased deposit may be required for upgrades and variations

Flight upgrades are available. For information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the various airlines we use, call our expert team for details.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.