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Mauritius to the Cape of Good Hope
January 1st to January 20th, 2006
Nineteen days - Eighteen nights
A special tour highlighting South Africa, planned
and escorted by Gerhard Meng,
including thirteen nights aboard the luxurious and grand MS Deutschland
Join me on an enriching journey through a fascinating region
of the world. South Africa is an exciting kaleidoscope of diverse
cultures, rich heritage, cosmopolitan cities and colorful landscapes.
We’ll visit vibrant seaports and bustling bazaars filled with
exotic jewelry, artwork, fabrics, fruit and spices. Traditionally
dressed woman, complete with bare feet and bangles, long stemmed
pipe and dignified headdress walk the streets of East London and
Port Elizabeth. The seasons are the reverse of the Northern Hemisphere
offering an opportunity to get away from the cold climate of home
– summer is from December through March.
Thirteen nights of the tour will be aboard the MS Deutschland.
This exquisitely appointed vessel re-introduces the grand cruising
style of the Roaring Twenties and has been voted one of the “Five
Best Small Cruise Lines” by Conde Nast Magazine. You will
enjoy luxury and personalized service designed for discerning travelers.
When not cruising, accommodations will be in first class and deluxe
hotels that have been selected for their amenities, location and
comfort.
The tour has been planned for your convenience. Leisure time
is always balanced with scheduled activities. All gratuities, port
charges, shore excursions, transfers and porterage are included
in the cost of the tour. All meals are included, except four lunches
and two dinners. I will be available to meet all flight arrivals
in Frankfurt and will help with airport check-in on the day the
tour is completed in Frankfurt. Tour prices are guaranteed and will
not increase due to fluctuations in the foreign currency market.
It would be my pleasure to have you join me.
Gerhard Meng, Director, Gerhard's Odysseys
DAILY ITINERARY
Sunday, January 1st - to Europe
Depart North America for Frankfurt, Germany. Relax on your overnight
flight across the Atlantic Ocean.
Monday, January 2nd - Frankfurt
Arrival in Frankfurt. I'll meet you at the airport
and provide a transfer to our luxury hotel in the heart of the city.
Welcome party and dinner tonight.
Hotel Frankfurter Hof.
Tuesday - Frankfurt
On the morning walking tour with our guide, you will discover Germany’s
commercial capital. Leisure time in the afternoon to visit the Goethe
Haus and the many interesting museums of art, film making, architecture,
history and even a postal service museum.
Hotel Frankfurter Hof.
Wednesday – to Mauritius
Day at leisure for shopping and sightseeing. Transfer to Frankfurt’s
airport for our overnight flight to Mauritius.
 Thursday
& Friday - MS Deutschland
Mauritius lies just within the Tropic of Cancer
and 1,500 miles from Africa’s East Coast. We’ll explore
the lively market in the heart of the capital, Port Louis. The festive
atmosphere, unique sounds and aromatic smells will leave a lasting
impression. We’ll stroll along the shady pathways of the famous
botanical garden through one of the largest collections of exotic
plants in the world, including giant water lilies. Ginger, cinnamon,
nutmeg, lemon and sandalwood fill the air.
 Saturday
& Sunday - MS Deutschland
The dominant feature of Reunion Island is its volcanic
landscape and its unique mass of jagged mountains with deep gorges,
basins and rich coastal lowlands. Cirque de Salazie is an amphitheater
formed by a volcanic caldera. Local flora and fauna are an interesting
mix with fields of sugar cane, geraniums and perfume plants –
hence the nickname, The Perfume Island.
Monday - MS Deutschland
Madagascar, the world’s fourth largest island,
is home to rare animal species, including 40 species of monkeys.
This is a land of changing scenery, colorful rice fields and red
clay villages. Our tour allows time to explore the endless rows
of stalls at the local market where everything imaginable, including
local batik is sold.
Tuesday & Wednesday - MS Deutschland
Time to relax and enjoy the luxury and many amenities of our ship
while we cruise the Indian Ocean.
Thursday & Friday - MS Deutschland
Orientation tour of Durban, a bustling subtropical
city and one of the principal cargo ports on the continent of Africa.
The diverse population; including Asians, Africans and Europeans,
have each influenced the city and its character. We’ll visit
Victoria Street Market, commonly known as the Indian Market and
experience the fun and flavor of the Orient as you bargain over
anything from exotic jewelry to fruit and spices. On Friday we’ll
visit Tala Game Reserve. Hidden in the hills of a quiet farming
community not far from Durban, this is a sanctuary of thornveld
and open grassland that provides exceptional game watching and birding.
This is the opportunity for that perfect photograph.
 Saturday
- MS Deutschland
An afternoon sightseeing tour of East London, South
Africa’s only river port city. It offers a unique blend of
old-world charm and modern convenience with well-preserved examples
of 19th century architecture.
Sunday - MS Deutschland
Elephants, lions, zebra, giraffes and wildebeest—these will
likely be your traveling companions when you're ashore in Port
Elizabeth. This charming town is the coastal gateway to
a vast region of vibrant game parks. With numerous beaches, the
town is also becoming known as the water-sport capital of South
Africa.
Monday - MS Deutschland
We sail the Cape of Good Hope, the most southern
point of Africa. This is where the Indian and Atlantic oceans meet.
Francis Drake was not exaggerating when he proclaimed this was “the
fairest Cape we saw in the whole circumference of the earth.”
 Tuesday
- MS Deutschland
Enjoy an orientation tour of Cape Town, South Africa’s
most beautiful and most romantic city. Its Edwardian and Victorian
buildings are meticulously preserved. Take a leisurely walk passing
St George's Cathedral, the House of Parliament and the National
Art Gallery. No visit to Cape Town is complete without a trip to
the top of Table Mountain, the city's most celebrated landmark.
It dominates the city in a way that is difficult to comprehend until
you have personally experienced it. The summit offers fantastic
views of Cape Town and sparkling Table Bay.
Wednesday – to Frankfurt
Transfer to Cape Town’s airport for our overnight flight back
to Frankfurt.
Thursday - Frankfurt
Free time for last minute shopping and museums. Our final evening
together will offer a chance to share the fun and remarkable highlights
of our grand adventure.
Sheraton Airport Hotel.
Friday, January 20th - return to USA.
Our adventure comes to a close this morning as we regretfully bid
farewell and jet back home.
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PRICE PER PERSON: $6,695 land cost ($745
single room surcharge)
TOUR COST INCLUDES:
• Thirteen nights aboard the deluxe MS Deutschland,
large outside cabin, category E or G.
• Three nights accommodation in outstanding first class
hotels (two nights aboard aircraft).
• Round trip airfare from Frankfurt to Mauritius and
Cape Town to Frankfurt.
• 48 meals -- buffet breakfast daily, 14 lunches &
16 specialty dinners unique to the region, including the Welcome
& Farewell dinners. *While cruising an additional daily
mid-morning bouillon will be served and traditional afternoon
tea or coffee with pastries.
• Complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks with all dinners.
• Get Acquainted reception in Frankfurt.
• Captain’s Welcome and Farewell party on board
the MS Deutschland.
• Land transport and transfers by private luxury motor
coach.
• Personalized tours of most towns visited with local
guides and entrance fees.
• All gratuities, port charges, visas, taxes, service
charges for the restaurants, hotel staff, coach drivers, local
guides and the MS Deutschland crew. No additional tipping.
• Porterage and handling of luggage at all hotels and
on the ship.
• Frankfurt Airport meeting of all flights arriving
January 2nd with transfer to hotel.
• Frankfurt Airport transfer and check-in assistance
on January 20th.
• Laminated luggage tags and tour information packet.
• A careful balance of free time to pursue your own
interests.
• Escorted by Gerhard Meng.
• Special feature: a brisk pre-breakfast or after dinner
walk for
those who would like to start or finish the day with a bit
of exercise.
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GROUP SIZE IS LIMITED TO 27 GUESTS MAXIMUM
RESERVATIONS: Early reservations are essential.
A deposit of $1,000 per person by personal check is required at
the time of booking. An information packet will be forwarded with
confirmation of your reservation and deposit. Full and final payment
is due 85 days prior to departure.
AIR TRANSPORTATION: Round trip air fare from Frankfurt
to the start of the cruise and return air fare to Frankfurt is included.
Air fare from North America to Frankfurt is not included in the
tour price.
CABIN UPGRADES: The tour price is based on accommodation
in “E” and “G” category outside cabins (category
“D” for single cabins). Most staterooms have twin or
double bed options. Upgrades are available to higher category cabins
at an additional cost. Ask us for details.
NEW YEAR’S EVE – PRE TOUR OPTION:
Arrive early for your cruise, relax and bring in the New Year. Depart
home on December 30th and arrive in time for a festive New Year’s
Eve celebration. Includes two extra hotel nights with one dinner,
New Year’s Eve party with beverages, special tours, buffet
breakfasts, airport meeting, all transfers, gratuities, tax and
service charges. Contact us for details.
SPECIAL NOTE: Shore excursions are not finalized
until 30 days prior to departure.
The five star MS Deutschland:
Newly constructed in 1998, the ship accommodates a maximum of 513
guests, with one crew member for every two passengers. She is exquisitely
appointed with elaborate crystal chandeliers, tiffany ceilings,
fine antiques and original works of art. The imperial ballroom,
palm filled winter garden, Roman Spa and generous array of salons
are all designed for your comfort and pleasure. Leisure days at
sea are the essence of a grand ocean voyage and will be an opportunity
to enjoy the kaleidoscope of activities available on board. Dining
will be an outstanding affair prepared and beautifully presented
by our distinguished chefs.
For more information about the ship please go to:
http://www.deilmann-cruises.com/fleet/deutsch/description.htm
Questions? Call us at 1.800.966.2402 |