Description
The Experience
On arrival, climb aboard this magnificent, mobile, 5-star hotel for the journey of a lifetime! For more than half a century, South Africa's Blue Train has enjoyed a reputation as one of the world's premier travelling experiences. Taking luxury in motion to the highest levels, it offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that starts as soon as you set foot on board. Enjoy a welcome cocktail and appetising delicacy served from the butler's silver tray ,while your luggage is labelled and discreetly whisked away. Afterwards, settle into your own private suite and let the journey begin!
Accommodation
Deluxe Suites with a choice of either a twin or double bed and en-suite shower or bath. All suites are beautifully furnished with the finest bed linen, plus marble tiles and gold fittings in the bathrooms. Amenities include individually controlled air-conditioning, underfloor heating, satellite TV, telephone, writing desk, safe and hairdryer. Luxury Suites are more spacious and include a CD and DVD player with a choice of discs and films. By day, your suite is a relaxing haven with generous lounge chairs; at night, however, it is transformed into a subtly lit, sumptuous bedroom.
Facilities
Each coach has a professionally trained butler who is available 24 hours a day. 2 on-board bars in the Club Car and Lounge Car. All meals are freshly prepared by an executive chef and his team, and served in the Dining Car (in keeping with tradition it is compulsory custom to dress formally for dinner and gentlemen are requested to wear a jacket and tie for dinner, and the ladies elegant evening wear). The Club Car also has a gentleman's club appeal, with card tables and a small library - the perfect place for a whisky nightcap. Some trains have an observation car at the rear of the train, offering magnificent panoramic views.
The Journeys
Pretoria - Cape Town (1 night)
After a morning departure from Pretoria (8.50am) and brunch served in the Dining Car, head for the historic town of Kimberley, the scene of a diamond rush in the 1870s. Enjoy an off-train excursion, including a visit to the Big Hole. Continue across the vast semi-desert of the Karoo as the sun slips below the horizon. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board, before waking to the lush and fertile valley of the Western Cape. Enjoy breakfast and light snacks before you arrive in Cape Town at 12 noon where you will be met and transferred to your chosen hotel.
Cape Town - Pretoria (1 night)
This journey can be done in reverse, departing Cape Town at 11.00am (with guests checking in at 10.00am) and arriving in Pretoria at 1.45pm the following day. The off-train excursion is taken at Kleinstraat Station with guests visiting Aquilla Private Game Reserve.
Tour Notes
- 2008 departures from Pretoria to Cape Town: 02, 07, 14, 21, 28 Jan; 04, 08, 13, 20, 25 Feb; 05, 10, 17, 24, 31 Mar; 07, 11, 14, 21, 28 Apr; 12, 19, 26 May; 04, 09, 16, 23 Jun; 09, 14, 21, 28 Jul; 04, 11, 18, 22, 27 Aug; 01, 05, 10, 15, 19, 24, 29 Sep; 01, 03, 08, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31 Oct; 03, 05, 07, 10, 14, 21, 26 Nov; 01, 05, 10, 15, 19 Dec.
- 2008 departures from Cape Town to Pretoria: 04, 09, 16, 23, 30 Jan; 06, 11, 15, 22, 27 Feb; 07, 12, 19, 26 Mar; 02, 09, 14, 16, 23, 30 Apr; 14, 21, 28 May; 06, 11, 18, 25 Jun; 11, 16, 23, 30 Jul; 06, 13, 20, 25, 29 Aug; 03, 08, 12, 17, 22, 26 Sep; 01, 03, 06, 10, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31 Oct; 03, 05, 07, 10, 12, 17, 24, 28 Nov; 03, 08, 12, 17, 22 Dec. All dates are on a request basis and subject to availability.