South America and South Africa Tour 20 OR 23 nights September and October 2014

South America and South Africa Tour 20 OR 23 nights September and October 2014 Thanks for booking an Official Tour with All Blacks Tours. Below is a ...
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South America and South Africa Tour 20 OR 23 nights September and October 2014

Thanks for booking an Official Tour with All Blacks Tours. Below is a draft itinerary for our tour of South America and South Africa. Please note that at this stage the timings are indicative and subject to change. A more comprehensive itinerary will be provided closer to departure. If you have any questions about the tour, please contact our team on 0800 87 2011 or email [email protected]

Tuesday 16 September The group departs Auckland at 4.15pm on a direct flight to Chile, arriving in Santiago at 11.35am. We will be transferred by coach to our hotel, the Sheraton Santiago. Once you have checked in at the hotel you will have time to freshen up before our welcome drinks for the tour group at the hotel this evening. Accommodation: Sheraton Santiago

Wednesday 17 September This morning you will have a chance to relax after yesterday’s flight. In the afternoon we will enjoy a half-day city tour of Santiago. Chile's capital enjoys one of the most spectacular settings of any city in the world. Santiago is a fun city which is full of history. Our tour starts in the east – the most modern area of the city - where we find El Golf, the new business district of the city; Alonso de Cordova, the boutique avenue of Santiago; and Providencia, which clearly shows the evolution of the capital since the mid-20th century. Later, discover the historic center where you will see the Santa Lucia hill, the National Library, the Government Palace, the Central train station, the Club Hípico racetrack, the university district, the Plaza de Armas, the Central market, and the museum of fine arts. Other

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attractions in the city include the colourful Mercado Central and Bellavista, the bohemian quarter of Santiago. Accommodation: Sheraton Santiago

Thursday 18 September Today we have a full-day vineyard experience, including tasting, at the Viña Indómita winery in the Casablanca Valley. Chile has a diverse range of climates and soils in which to produce high quality wine, and is the fifth largest exporter of wine in the world. Viña Indómita is a young, dynamic winery, growing grapes in both the Maipo and Casablanca Valleys, to ensure the best flavours. You will be able to sip wine and learn about Chile’s winemaking practices from an expert guide on this fullday tasting tour. The winery has incredible views across the Casablanca Valley – a lovely setting to enjoy a delicious lunch and amazing Chilean wine. Accommodation: Sheraton Santiago

Friday 19 September This morning we depart Santiago and fly to Buenos Aires, arriving early in the afternoon. We will transfer by coach to our hotel, the Emperador Hotel. This afternoon you will have free time to relax or begin exploring Buenos Aires. Accommodation: Emperador Hotel, Buenos Aires

Saturday 20 September Today the group will have a tour of the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires. Tango, its urban music, is a distinguishing characteristic of the city. There are numerous neighbourhoods — La Boca, San Telmo, Recoleta, Palermo, and Puerto Madero — where European influence is evident in exquisite architectural testimonies offering attractions of interest to visitors. Known as the "Paris of the Americas", places of interest which we will visit include Plaza de Mayo Square and the buildings that surround it - Casa Rosada (Government House), the Cabildo (Old City Hall) and the City Hall. There’s also 9 de Julio Avenue - the widest in the world, the Colon Theatre and the famous Recoleta Cemetery. Accommodation: Emperador Hotel, Buenos Aires

Sunday 21 September This morning we depart Buenos Aires and fly to Iguazú Falls. The Iguazú Falls is the widest waterfall in the world, and was named one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2011. The waters converge at the point where Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay meet. We will be staying at the Sheraton Iguazú Resort & Spa, ideally situated in the heart of the Iguazú National Park. The Sheraton combines a beautiful landscape with friendly service, comfortable style, and great quality. The hotel is within

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walking distance of some of nature's finest creations, from the spectacular Iguazú Falls to the Garganta del Diablo (Devil's Throat). You'll find a wide array of activity opportunities as well as incomparable views. Spend the afternoon at your leisure. Accommodation: Sheraton Iguazú Resort & Spa

Monday 22 September Wake up to the sound of the falls and enjoy breakfast looking at the spectacular view from the Sheraton Iguazú Resort & Spa. Today we will cross the border into Brazil and enjoy the remarkable panoramic views given on the Brazilian side of the falls. These are located inside the Iguassu National Park, 25 km from the city center of Foz do Iguaçu. Once inside the park, which occupies an area of 175,000ha, you will notice its beauty and sheer size. The park is home to countless species of animals and plants. With 80% of the falls on the Argentine side, the Brazilian park has a single runway, about 1,000m long, where you will be able to take advantage of different panoramic views. You will then access a viewpoint via an elevator, which gives a most impressive view of the falls. After the tour we will return to our hotel for a relaxing evening. Accommodation: Sheraton Iguazú Resort & Spa

Tuesday 23 September Today we will explore the Argentinean side of the falls. This tour includes a professional guide in the park, and walks of the traditional circuits. The many beautiful walkways allow you to view the falls at all angles, including the impressive ‘Devils Throat’ on the Argentinean side. The ‘Devil’s Throat’ is a display of an indescribable mix of beauty, energy, sounds and views. Unmissable! There are more than 270 falls in an area where cliffs and islets are scattered in a half moon. From the visitors center you can walk around trails or travel in a picturesque train. There are two basic circuits: an upper path and a lower path. Lower Circuit: A series of walkways are strategically designed to allow different views of the falls from the bottom, and are close to enchanting corners of the jungle. It has stairs. The lower path leads to the base of the falls, where you are likely to get wet from the powerful spray of the falls. It is a unique experience, worth daring the adventure. On this circuit you may also take a boat to Isla San Martín. Upper Circuit: Magnificent panoramic view of the smaller falls and the Iguazú upper delta. No stairs. From the upper path you have panoramic views from the footbridge in an unforgettable experience. Note: bring insect repellent, a jacket, and comfortable shoes and clothing. Accommodation: Sheraton Iguazú Resort & Spa

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Wednesday 24 September This morning we depart Iguazú after breakfast and fly back to Buenos Aires. We will be returning to the Emperador Hotel. This evening you will experience one of the highlights of the tour, a stunning tango song and dance show over dinner in the heart of San Telmo, Buenos Aires. This historic restored tenement (known as conventillo) is a classic example of the culture of the old Buenos Aires city. The premises of La Ventana will take you on a trip to these old times. The interior, which preserves the building in its original style, creates the ideal setting for a unique experience which includes 32 performers, 2 tango orchestras, an Argentine folk music group, dancers and singers. The dinner includes starter, main course and dessert. Accommodation: Emperador Hotel

Thursday 25 September Today we are planning to hold the All Blacks on tour experience in Argentina. The details are still to be confirmed with the New Zealand Rugby Union, so watch this space! Accommodation: Emperador Hotel

Friday 26 September Today is at your leisure to explore those final spots you’d like to visit in Buenos Aires. Alternatively we will be offering the option of an additional day trip to Uruguay. Booking details will be provided prior to departure. Accommodation: Emperador Hotel

Saturday 27 September GAME DAY!! The All Blacks take on Argentina this evening in La Plata. We have a fantastic pre-match function planned for All Blacks fans at a local rugby club close to the stadium. The rugby club promise to be great hosts and this event is sure to be a highlight where you’ll have the opportunity to mix and mingle with the rugby-crazy locals. We will transfer by coach to the club late afternoon for food and drinks prior to the game. It is approximately an hour and a half drive to La Plata, and the stadium is within walking distance of the rugby club. After the match we will enjoy more hospitality from the rugby club with a post-match function before transferring back to our hotel by coach. Accommodation: Emperador Hotel

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Sunday 28 September Today we say goodbye to South America and begin the journey to our next destination, South Africa. Accommodation: No hotel tonight – we will be in the air!

Monday 29 September We arrive in Johannesburg bright and early at 7.50am and will transfer by coach to Pilanesberg National Park, approximately a 2 hour drive from the airport. North of Johannesburg and blessed with magnificent mountain scenery, Pilanesberg National Park is an exhilarating experience for nature and wildlife lovers, covering more than 55,000ha of bushveld, ravines, savanna, sandy wetlands and wooded hills. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon followed by a group dinner. Accommodation: Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge

Tuesday 30 September Today enjoy your first game drive of Pilanesberg National Park. Qualified and knowledgeable game rangers will take our group on an educational journey of breath-taking scenery, diverse vegetation and prolific bird and wildlife. Open 4x4 vehicles ensure close encounters with the Big Five and numerous wildlife species. Diversity on the reserve is astounding, with more than 55 large mammal species, 7,000 animals, 300 birds and innumerable insects, reptiles and amphibians. You will then have time at leisure. Pilanesberg offers a range of optional extras such helicopter flights, golf, spa treatments and more. We will provide more details about all of the options available closer to the time. Accommodation: Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge

Wednesday 1 October Enjoy any activities you missed out on yesterday or just take some time to relax. Our daily game drive will allow you to explore more of Pilanesberg National Park. Accommodation: Kwa Maritane Bush Lodge

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Thursday 2 October This morning we leave Pilanesberg and head to Johannesburg by coach. Johannesburg, in South Africa, is the second largest city in Africa, with more than 3.8 million people calling this bustling metropolis home. Joburg offers visitors an experience as diverse as the city itself. You will find many different suburbs, each with its own unique subculture and vibe. We are planning to hold the All Blacks on tour experience in South Africa this afternoon. The details are still to be confirmed with the New Zealand Rugby Union, so watch this space! Accommodation: Sandton Sun

Friday 3 October Today we will take you on a tour of the Soweto Township, a unique experience that takes you on a history lesson through Soweto, as well as to the Apartheid Museum where the history of apartheid is illustrated in exhibitions. We will also visit Nelson Mandela House and the Hector Pieterson memorial with a professional guide, and enjoy a group lunch. Once back at the hotel you may want to enjoy a spot of shopping. Sandton Sun is part of Sandton City, one of Africa’s leading and most prestigious shopping centres. With close to 300 leading local and international retailers, Sandton City offers an unparalleled shopping experience that combines the world’s most desirable brands with everyday leisure and entertainment. There’s also the restaurant and bar precinct of Nelson Mandela Square. Accommodation: Sandton Sun

Saturday 4 October GAME DAY!! The All Blacks take on South Africa this afternoon at Ellis Park. Enjoy our All Blacks pre-match function including food and drinks before we transfer to the stadium by coach. Kick off for the game is still to be confirmed. After the game enjoy a post-match function with our group of supporters and discuss all the highlights of both the game and the tour! Judging by last year’s game, it’s sure to be a nail-biter! Accommodation: Sandton Sun

Sunday 5 October You have today at your leisure to relax or see anything you might have missed in Johannesburg. Perhaps shopping for diamonds is on your list? Accommodation: Sandton Sun

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Monday 6 October *****For those who have booked our 20 NIGHT TOUR, today your tour comes to an end. Our group flight departs this evening, arriving back in Auckland on Tuesday 7 October.****** For those on our 23 night tour, today we fly to Cape Town from Johannesburg, which is approximately a 2 hour flight. You will have this afternoon at your leisure to begin exploring Cape Town, South Africa’s second largest and most southern city, and the final destination of our tour. This is a place of stunning natural beauty with Table Mountain, a 3,051-foot icon, dominating the city. As well as being an amazing hiking and surfing region, this is also one of the best places in the world to cage dive and see Great White Sharks. If you’re game! Nearby are the fantastic wine regions of South Africa. Cape Town’s beauty, creativity and colour will be the perfect end to our tour. Accommodation: Southern Sun Cape Sun

Tuesday 7 October Today we will enjoy a half day tour of Cape Town, including Table Mountain. Our tour up the mountain will provide you with incredible views of the surrounding landscape and will provide a good orientation point to the rest of the city. You will have this evening free to explore at your leisure. Accommodation: Southern Sun Cape Sun

Wednesday 8 October Today you will have the option to catch a ferry to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 27 years. You can partake in a tour of the island, which is guided by ex-prisoners, so a first-hand account is guaranteed. You can also visit the museum on the island. This evening, we will have our final group dinner. Accommodation: Southern Sun Cape Sun

Thursday 9 October It is time for those on our 23 night tour to return home! Our flight will depart Cape Town today, with stops in Johannesburg and Sydney before arriving back in Auckland late evening on 10 October.

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