Coast to the City: Cape Town, Blue Train & Johannesburg

Overview

Begin your South African adventure with four nights in vibrant Cape Town, exploring Table Mountain, the Cape Peninsula, Winelands, and the V&A Waterfront on private guided tours. Then, enjoy a luxury journey aboard the Blue Train from Cape Town to Pretoria. Conclude with two nights in Johannesburg, including a full-day tour of Soweto and the Apartheid Museum, visiting Kliptown, the Hector Pietersen Memorial, Vilakazi Street, and the former homes of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.

Inclusions

4 nights at the Commodore Hotel in an Executive Room

2 nights at the Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City

2 nights’ luxury accommodation onboard The Blue Train with all meals and beverages (excluding French champagne), 24-hour butler service, and off-train excursions

Full day tour of Soweto and Apartheid Museum

Private guided Cape Town tour including Table Mountain or Signal Hill, The Diamond Works, city highlights like Bo-Kaap, and wine tasting at Groot Constantia

Breakfast included as per itinerary

Transfers as per itinerary

Itinerary

Download Itinerary Expand All

Day 1 Arrive in Cape Town

Cape Town is one of South Africa’s most popular destinations. This vibrant, multicultural city offers a lively mix of urban and suburban life, bustling day and night spots, outdoor activities, and opportunities for relaxation. Fringed by two oceans with stunning white-sand beaches, Cape Town is a city immersed in nature.

Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will be greeted by your driver holding a name board and transferred to the Commodore Hotel, ideally located at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Check into your room for a 4-night stay, then enjoy a free afternoon and evening at leisure.

Overnight in Cape Town at the Commodore Hotel.

Cape Town

Day 3 Cape Town: Cape Peninsula & Boulders Beach Tour

After breakfast, meet your private driver/guide and set out along the stunning coastline to Hout Bay, continuing along the breathtaking Chapman’s Peak Drive. Visit Cape Point, the southwestern tip of the African continent, and take a walk to the summit for panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding landscapes.

Stop for lunch at a local restaurant overlooking False Bay (at your own expense), before visiting the African Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach, home to these charming birds in their natural habitat. On the return journey, pause in Simon’s Town, South Africa’s historic naval base, to see the statue of “Just Nuisance” and hear the fascinating story of this local legend.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. The evening is free to relax, with dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Cape Town at the Commodore Hotel.

Breakfast

Boulders Beach

Day 2 Cape Town

After breakfast, depart with your private driver and guide for a visit to Table Mountain via the Cable Car (weather permitting), one of the World’s New Seven Wonders of Nature. If conditions prevent access to the summit, enjoy the views from Signal Hill instead. Next, visit The Diamond Works for a diamond cutting demonstration, and browse their exquisite hand-crafted jewellery, as well as authentic African crafts, décor, and gifts.

Continue with a city tour of South Africa’s “Mother City,” including a visit to the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, before proceeding to Groot Constantia Wine Estate (or similar) for a tasting of locally grown wines. Lunch will be at a nearby restaurant, at your own expense.

Return to your hotel at approximately 4-5pm for a free evening. Dinner is also on your own account and can be enjoyed either at the hotel or at one of the many restaurants within easy walking distance at the V&A Waterfront.

Overnight in Cape Town at the Commodore Hotel.

Breakfast

Bo-Kaap

Day 4 Cape Town: Winelands Tour

After breakfast, depart for a full-day tour of the Cape Winelands, exploring the scenic beauty and charm of this renowned region. Begin with a visit to the Taal Monument in Paarl, offering stunning panoramic views, followed by a stop at a local wine estate for cheese and wine tasting. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (on your own account), then continue to Stellenbosch to explore its quaint streets and boutique shops. Conclude the day with a visit to a brandy distillery for a tour and tasting, or alternatively, visit a second wine estate. Return to your hotel in Cape Town for a free evening.

Overnight in Cape Town at the Commodore Hotel.

Breakfast

Taal Monument in Paarl

Day 5 Blue Train: Cape Town Station

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a leisurely morning until your departure. Your driver will meet you in the hotel foyer and transfer you to Cape Town Station. Check in at The Blue Train VIP Lounge at 10:00 am, where guests are welcomed with pre-departure beverages and canapés. Boarding begins shortly after, with Butlers escorting guests to their suites. Once on board, enjoy a warm welcome and suite orientation. A light lunch is served in the Lounge and Observation Cars, followed by a formal dinner in the evening, with drinks, Cognacs in the Club Car.

Overnight onboard the Blue Train.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Blue Train Lounging Area

Day 5 Blue Train: Kimberley Station

Breakfast is served on a first-come-first-served basis, offering guests a relaxed start to the day. Lunch is served in two sittings, with guests able to enjoy a leisurely meal either in the first or second seating. Following lunch, an exciting off-the-train excursion (weather permitting) takes guests to the Open Mine Museum, where they explore historical sites and walk along an enclosed ramp overlooking the Big Hole. Afterward, guests return to Kimberley Station for a glass of sherry, a special keepsake engraved with The Blue Train logo. High Tea is then served in the Non-Smoking Lounge Car before the train departs for Pretoria. As the journey continues, guests can enjoy aperitifs in the lounges, followed by a formal dinner in two sittings, with post-dinner drinks and Cuban cigars available in the Club Car.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fine Dining Experience

Day 6 Blue Train: Pretoria station Johannesburg

Breakfast is served onboard the Blue Train on a first-come, first-served basis from 07:00 to 10:00. A light lunch is also available in the Lounge and Observation Cars. In the afternoon, the Blue Train arrives at Pretoria Station between 15:00 and 18:00, where butlers will escort guests to the Arrival Lounge. Please note that departure and arrival times may vary.

Upon arrival at Pretoria Station, you will be met with a name board for a meet-and-greet and transferred to Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City. The hotel is located approximately 60 kilometres from Pretoria Station in Gauteng Province, a journey of around 50 minutes by car. Check in to your room at this charming hotel for a two-night stay.

Overnight in Johannesburg at Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City.

Breakfast, Lunch

Johannesburg

Day 7 Full-Day Soweto & Johannesburg Tour

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before meeting your private guide at 8:30 am. Depart for a full-day exploration of Johannesburg and Soweto.

Begin with a visit to Constitution Hill, a living museum that chronicles South Africa’s journey to democracy. Once a prison and military fort, this historic site now houses the Constitutional Court, a powerful symbol of justice and human rights.

Continue to the Apartheid Museum, an immersive experience featuring film footage, photographs, and personal accounts that trace South Africa’s struggle and triumph over apartheid.

Next, proceed to Soweto—short for South Western Townships—a vibrant urban area that played a pivotal role in the nation’s history. Drive through its bustling streets, including the famous Vilakazi Street, where both Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu once lived. Visit the Hector Pieterson Museum, which offers insight into the events of the 1976 Soweto Uprising.

Enjoy lunch at Chez Alina Restaurant (for your own account), followed by a panoramic drive through Johannesburg to see some of the city’s notable landmarks.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner this evening is at leisure and on your own account

Breakfast

Soweto

Day 8 Farewell

After breakfast, check-out from your hotel, and be transferred to OR Tambo International Airport for your homebound flight.

Considering an extension? Why not continue your journey to Kruger National Park. Upon arrival at Hoedspruit Airport, you will be met and transferred to Leopard's Bend Bush Lodge, located in the Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve, for a three-night stay. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the lodge, along with morning & afternoon game drives, where you’ll have the opportunity to spot the Big Five: elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard. Please see Optional Extras for more information.

Breakfast

Accommodation

Commodore Hotel

Experience the very best of Cape Town while staying in the stylish and elegant Commodore Hotel. Situated in the heart of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the hotel offers stunning views of Table Mountain, Cape Town Harbour, and Robben Island. With its prime location, exceptional services, and sophisticated ambiance, The Commodore provides the perfect base to explore the city’s renowned sights, vibrant dining, and unforgettable experiences.

The Blue Train

Upgrade available

Your De Luxe Suite will forever alter your definition of what style and class entail.

De Luxe Suites measure 8m2 of space and offer twin beds or double beds with either a three-quarter sized bath or a shower in each suite.

From your elegant and relaxing lounge during the day, it transforms into a subtly-lit bedroom of indulgence during the night, bedecked with goose-down and 100 per cent percale-cotton bedding, from your individually-controlled air-conditioning system, under-floor heating, opulent marble and gold-fitted bathroom, its scented bath salts and plush monogrammed towels, to the electronic entertainment options on offer.

Please note: The De Luxe coaches each have four suites. One of these suites contains a double bed and a ¾ size bath tub with handheld shower, while the others have twin beds with showers.

Suite configurations are subject to availability. Suite layouts may differ from images.

Room Upgrades

Luxury Suite

Luxury suites are the premier suites and measure 10.26m2 of and offer twin beds or double beds with either a full-sized bath or a shower in each suite. The same suite is also a lounge area by day and is converted into a comfortable bedroom during the night.

Your De Luxe or Luxury suites are your home-away-from-home lounges. Need to send an important email halfway across the world or make that urgent phone call? Relax in knowing that all suites are fitted with WI-FI service that is complimentary to all our guests. Use the telephone system in each suite to dial your butler, at no extra charge, for an apéritif or even call family and friends across the Atlantic and relay your Blue Train experience at a minimal fee.

Suite configurations are subject to availability. Suite layouts may differ from images.

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City

Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City offers modern, comfortable accommodation in the heart of Midrand, Johannesburg. Ideally situated just minutes from the iconic Mall of Africa, the hotel is perfectly positioned for easy access to Sandton and Midrand CBDs, as well as major transport hubs like Gautrain Midrand Station. With close proximity to key roadways and conference venues such as Gallagher Convention Centre, Kyalami International Convention Centre, and Netcare Waterfall City Hospital, the hotel is an excellent choice for both business and leisure travellers.

Guest rooms are spacious, air-conditioned, and thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort and convenience. Each room features well-appointed bathrooms, mini-fridges, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryers, and electronic safes large enough to accommodate laptops. Rooms also offer desks with lighting and plugs to facilitate easy work connectivity.

The hotel’s 10 floors house a variety of amenities, including restaurants, versatile meeting rooms, a swimming pool, and a well-equipped fitness room. Whether you're here for a business trip or a relaxing stay, Courtyard Hotel Waterfall City is the ideal base for exploring the vibrant area while offering everything you need to unwind.

Optional Extras

Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve Experience | 3 Nights | Greater Kruger Park Region

Enhance your journey with an unforgettable safari adventure in the pristine wilderness of the Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve.

After breakfast and check-out from your hotel in Johannesburg, transfer to OR Tambo International Airport for your flight to Hoedspruit, gateway to the Greater Kruger area. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to Leopard’s Bend Bush Lodge, your luxurious retreat for the next three nights. Settle into your Superior Room, enjoy a delicious lunch, and then embark on your first afternoon game drive, where sightings of elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard await.

A Typical Day in the Game Reserve:

Wake before dawn for a light refreshment before setting out on your early morning game drive, when the bush is most alive and predators are on the move. Return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast and some time to relax—perhaps indulge in a spa treatment or simply unwind by the pool.

In the late afternoon, gather for high tea before departing on your second game drive, complete with scenic sundowners in the African wilderness. As night falls, return to the lodge to enjoy a sumptuous dinner under the stars.

On your final morning, enjoy one last game drive followed by breakfast before your transfer back to Hoedspruit Airport for your return flight to Johannesburg.

Inclusions:

Transfer to OR Tambo International Airport from your accommodation in Johannesburg
Return transfer from/to Hoedspruit Airport on your first & final day
3 nights’ accommodation at Leopard’s Bend Bush Lodge (Superior Room)
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Morning and afternoon game drives with professional rangers and trackers
One sundowner drink per afternoon safari
Select beverages: water, soft drinks, local beer, and house wine
Conservation and gate entry fees
Wi-Fi

Exclusions:

All Flights
Mini bar, premium alcoholic beverages, and drinks not listed above
Spa treatments, curios, laundry, and telephone expenses
Lunch and dinner on final day
Items of a personal nature

Prices are dynamic based on travel dates. Please proceed to Book Now or Contact Us for details.

Additional information

2025 Departure dates:

November 6, 13, 20
December 4, 11, 18

2026 Departure dates:

January 15, 22, 29
February 12, 19, 26
March 12, 19, 26
April 09, 16, 23
May 07, 14
June (no departures)
July 16, 23, 30
August 06, 13, 20
September 10, 17, 24
October 08, 15, 22, 29
November 12, 19, 26
December 03, 10, 17

Please note: Pricing is based on a "from price" which varies on each departure and is subject to change without notice. We work with a selection of hotels in each location. All bookings are subject to availability, which means we may need to offer an alternative hotel of equivalent or better quality. Our team will confirm your specific hotels upon confirmation and payment of deposit.

Excluded

International airfares and taxes
Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
Visa expenses, processing, and issuance fees
Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package
All ‘Optional Extras’ and ‘Optional Tours’ are available for an additional charge and are subject to availability.

FAQs

What is included in the price?

With the exception of Caviar, French champagne and external telephone calls, everything onboard is included in the rate.

Can someone with mobility limitations travel on the Blue Train?

Should you or your guests have any special requirements or mobility issues, please do let us know ahead of your luxury train journey. The Blue Train is not completely wheelchair friendly, but it has a customised wheelchair onboard which has been specifically designed to negotiate the train’s corridors. A butler will be on hand to assist guests should they require. Wheelchair users or those with restricted mobility are asked to contact us directly - we would be delighted to discuss personal arrangements and respond to any further questions you may have.

Are children permitted onboard?

Children 5 years and younger sharing a suite with their parents travel free of charge (maximum of two children per suite). Please contact us for the full child policy terms & conditions.

Does the train have Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is available in all suites and is complimentary to all guests.

Can the Blue Train accommodate special dietary preferences?

Special diets can be accommodated by our Chef. Please be sure to tell us in advance of any allergies, food-related or not. We will do our best to cater for special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, Kosher, Halal etc. Kindly specify any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Is there a dress code when onboard the Blue Train?

In keeping with tradition, dinner on-board The Blue Train is an elegant affair. Elegant evening wear for ladies, and gentleman are required to wear at least a jacket or waistcoat or traditional attire. During the day dress code is smart casual.

Can I smoke onboard?

The Lounge Car is designed as a meeting place for pre-lunch, dinner drinks and afternoon tea, and is a no-smoking area. The Club car is ideal for post-dinner Cognac or Cuban cigars. The bar opens as soon as the train commences its journey and closes when the last guest departs.

Do I need to check-in prior to arrival?

Check-in takes place at our VIP lounges two hours prior to departure – where guests can relax to a live performance and enjoy gourmet canapes, pre-departure snacks and drinks

Are there luggage restrictions?

It is advisable to pack an overnight case for the journey, as only a limited amount of luggage can be stored in your suite. Butlers will store additional luggage in the Luggage Car. Although great care will be taken, it is recommended that luggage be insured. Please ensure any medication is kept with you when travelling.

Will I need travel insurance?

As with all holidays and trips abroad, we strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. Please consult with our agents at time of booking and we can assist you with this.

Coast to the City: Cape Town, Blue Train & Johannesburg (Tour code: 15587)

Highlights

Overview

Inclusions