SOUTH AFRICA GOLF TOUR


March 19-April 3, 2009 / 13 nights / 6 rounds golf / from $8995

South Africa is as wildly beautiful as anywhere in the world. It is also a golf lover’s paradise. Not only are the country’s world-class courses pristine and uncrowded, but they are set against the most spectacular landscapes: sun-dappled vineyards, lush forests, cobalt blue lakes, and majestic mountains. Next March, it is our pleasure to invite you on a cruise along the dramatic coast of this dynamic country, savoring its sights and playing some of the most gorgeously situated courses in the world. Almost daily you will have the opportunity to play golf or take excursions to see the country’s rich wildlife on safari and other attractions.
Your vessel will be the luxurious Corinthian II with just over 100 passengers for the optimum in comfort and service. We have also put together an expert team of lecturers who will explore the country’s various themes with you, as well as golf leader Ann Liguori who will accompany you on your journey. Ms. Liguori is a seasoned sports talk show host, radio and TV interviewer, and author whose insights into the world of golf are sure to enhance your voyage.
Ounce you settle into your spacious Corinthian II suite, you will travel in comfort. You won’t have to pack your suitcase again until the end of the journey. Don’t miss this chance to discover South Africa, and explore some of the world’s most spectacular coastlines and golf courses as well as impressive wildlife and diverse cultures.

"A golf cruise around South Africa with the cordial Ann Liguori will be a once in a lifetime experience.” – Bill Hogan (Wide World of Golf President)

 

Your Tour Includes...

 

2-night stay in Cape Town at the Mount Nelson Hotel, with breakfast

• 11-night cruise aboard the all-suite, 114-guest Corinthian II

• Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship, hosted by the captain

• All meals aboard ship, including house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner

• Open bar aboard ship throughout the cruise

• Complete program of tours and excursions throughout the voyage

• Golf arrangements, including green fees and golf carts

• Accompanying golf leader

• Educational program of lectures and discussions by accompanying guest lecturers and naturalist

• Professional tour staff

• Baggage handling and transfers abroad on the designated program departure and arrival dates

• Complete pre-departure materials

• Port and embarkation taxes

• Gratuities to porters, guides and drivers

 

NOTINCLUDED: Airfare; visa and passport fees; luggage and trip cancellation insurance; meals, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages other than those specified above; personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, faxes and e-mail service; and gratuities to shipboard personnel

Itinerary

 

Thursday, March 19, 2009 - FLY FROM THE USA

Friday, March 20 - CAPE TOWN, South Africa

Arrive in Cape Town and transfer to the Mount Nelson Hotel.

Saturday, March 21 - CAPE TOWN | CAPE OF GOOD HOPE NATURE RESERVE

The striking combination of coastal and mountain geography that forms the Cape Peninsula is truly superlative. Travel through rolling hills to explore the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, Cape Point, and Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Enjoy a welcome cocktail reception and dinner. (D)

Sunday, March 22 - CAPE TOWN | STELLENBOSCH | EMBARK

Golfers enjoy playing the links-style course at Pearl Valley Golf Club. Located in the heart of the Cape Winelands and encircled by the Simonsberg and Drakenstein Mountains, Pearl Valley is truly spectacular. It is a Jack Nicklaus signature-designed course which challenges the golfer to think his or her way through the game. Non-golfers can explore South Africa’s celebrated wine lands, nestled in three bucolic valleys flecked with whitewashed Cape Dutch farmhouses. Most famous among the wine towns is Stellenbosch, with its historic buildings and oak-lined streets. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard. In the afternoon, board Corinthian II and sail. (B, L, D)

Monday, March 23 - AT SEA (B, L, D)

Tuesday, March 24 -EAST LONDON

Bizarre cliffs, meandering beaches, sleepy lagoons, and stunning waterfalls that tumble into the sea characterize East London’s spectacular shoreline. Founded in the 19th century as a British settlement, it is today the second-largest city in the Eastern Cape. Golfers play East London Golf Club, one of the top courses in South Africa and the site of six South African Opens. Overlooking Nahoon Beach with breathtaking views  of the Indian Ocean, the course is known for its dramatic elevations and strategically placed bunkers. Non-golfers tour the city’s East London Museum, with its outstanding collection of South Nguni beadwork. (B, L, D)

Wednesday, March 25 - AT SEA | DURBAN

Spend the day at sea, arriving at Durban in the evening. With its heterogeneous population, many look to Durban to lead the new South Africa into the future. But more than a cosmopolitan city with a sophisticated and polyglot populace, Durban’s busy streets, with their heady combination of colonial and native flavors, offer visitors an authentic African experience they will not find anywhere else in South Africa. (B, L, D)

Thursday, March 26 - DURBAN

Today, delight in time spent at the Beachwood Golf Club, part of the world famous Durban Country Club. This tree-lined championship course has four water features, making it an especially good challenge to the handicap. For non-golfers, a full day in Durban begins with a city tour driving along the city’s Golden Mile with views of the Mosque and Hindu Temple. Continue to the Indian Market, the Mashu Museum of Ethnology/Jo Thorpe Collection, and the Botanical Gardens. Also experience a unique insight into urban Zulu life with a visit to the Kwa Muhle Museum and the township of Claremont. (B, L, D)

Friday, March 27 - RICHARDS BAY | HLUHLUWE-UMFOLOZI NATIONAL PARK  

Drive to the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park, the oldest national park in South Africa, and one of the country’s most outstanding game reserves. A pristine wilderness, it is known for its rich wildlife, including rhino, lion, cheetah, leopard, giraffe, hippo, and others. Choose from two excursions: the normally-scheduled game drive or an early-morning game drive, which allows you to see greater numbers of wildlife. (B, L, D)

Saturday, March 28 - AT SEA (B, L, D)

Sunday, March 29 - PORT ELIZABETH | KARIEGA GAME RESERVE  

Arrive in Port Elizabeth. Founded in 1820 by British settlers, it became a prosperous port and trading center. Golfers head to St. Francis Links Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course that utilizes the natural shape of the terrain to create a wide range of demanding shots. Dramatic and inspiring, this exhilarating links course will allow golfers to test their skills. Non-golfers drive to Kariega Game Reserve, a 6,000-hectare private game reserve set high above the stunning Kariega River Valley. It is a sanctuary to abundant game and wildlife such as lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, hippo, hyena, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, waterbuck, and antelope, and a myriad of bird species, including nesting Martial, Crowned, and Fish Eagles. (B, L, D)

Monday, March 30 - PORT ELIZABETH | ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK  

Enjoy playing Humewood GC, a true links course and one of the top links in Africa. A challenging layout provides a unique golfing experience in exquisite surroundings. Non-golfers drive to Addo Elephant National Park, established in 1931 to protect the last surviving Cape elephants. The park consists of thick and dry brush, and in addition to elephants, it is home to other animals including eland, kudu, Cape buffalo, and red hartebeest. Choose from two full-day excursions in the park: the normally-scheduled game drive or an early-morning game drive, which will give the opportunity to see greater numbers of wildlife. (B, L, D)

Tuesday, March 31 - MOSSEL BAY | THE GARDEN ROUTE

Arrive at Mossel Bay for an excursion to the western part of the Garden Route. Arguably South Africa’s most spectacular area, it comprises forested mountains, golden beaches, steep cliffs, and rugged shoreline. Golfers head to Oubaai Golf Resort, situated in the heart of the Mossel Bay Garden Route with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and the Gwaing River Valley. South Africa’s first and only Ernie Els signature course’s exquisite design creates a superb golfing experience for golfers of all levels. Non-golfers will take an excursion to the western part of the Garden Route. (B, L, D)

Wednesday, April 1 - CAPE TOWN

Arrive in Cape Town. Overnight aboard ship. (B, L, D)

Thursday, April 2 -CAPE TOWN | DISEMBARK

Disembark Corinthian II and tour the city, including the Upper City Centre and the South African Museum, before transferring to the airport for return flights to the U.S. (B)

Friday, April 3 - ARRIVE IN THE USA

 

Cruise Prices

                                                                                                                      

Cruise prices are per person double occupancy depending on type of category and size of Suite selected. All accommodations aboard Corinthian II are suites. They face outside, affording sea views, and several have balconies with sliding doors. All suites include a bedroom with beds that can be configured as two twin-size beds or one queen-size bed, sitting area, ample closet space, mini-refrigerator, satellite TV, DVD/CD player, marble-appointed bathroom with shower, and other amenities.

E - Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 250 - 252 (*limited availability) $8,995

D - Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 225 sq. ft. Suites 329 – 332 $9,995

C - Deluxe suites on Magellan Deck with portholes and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 254 – 262 $10,995

B - Deluxe suites on Columbus Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 333 - 348 $11,995

A - Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with window and sitting area. 235 sq. ft. Suites 416 – 428 $12,995

AA - Deluxe suites on Marco Polo Deck with forward and side windows and sitting area. 285 sq. ft. Suites 414 – 415 $13,995

VS - Deluxe Veranda Suites on Erickson Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 300 sq. ft. Suites 505 – 512 $14,995

PHS - Deluxe Penthouse Suites on Explorer Deck with private balcony and sitting area. 400 sq. ft. Suites 601 – 604 $15,995

Single Supplement: A limited number of cabins have been designated for single travelers in Categories D - A at a sup­plement of $2,995 to the per person, double occupancy rates. Singles in Categories AA - PHS are available at dou­ble the per person, double occupancy rates.  

 

Optional Extensions

 

Pre-Cruise Namibia Interlude -March 14 - 20, 2009

Namibia soothes the soul with its desert dreamscapes, scenic coast, vast thorn savannahs, Mopane bushland, rich wildlife, and friendly people. The orange-red dunes, reaching up to 300 meters high and rolling on seemingly without end, form the world’s oldest desert and a breathtaking sight that will stay with you forever.

March 14: Fly from the United States.

March 15: Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa. Overnight at the InterContinental Airport Sun Hotel.

March 16: In the morning, fly to Namibia’s Hosea Kutako Airport in Windhoek. Upon arrival, take a local flight to Mokuti Lodge. Enjoy an afternoon game drive into Etosha National Park.

March 17: Partake in early morning and late afternoon game drives.

March 18: From Mokuti, transfer via Eros Airport to Sossusvlei Lodge, located in the heart of the Namib Desert.

March 19: Take a morning tour of the Namib National Park, including the Sesriem Canyon.

March 20: Fly from Sossusvlei to Eros Airport and transfer to day rooms at the Kalahari Sands Hotel before flying from Wind­hoek’s Hosea Kutako Airport to Cape Town. Join the group at the Mount Nelson Hotel.

Rates & Inclusions: $4,995 per person, double occupancy; $725 single supplement. Rate includes airfare from Johannesburg to Namibia and back to Cape Town; flights and ground transport in Namibia; hotel accommodations in Johannesburg and Namibia, with breakfast daily; tours and entrance fees to national parks; and airport/hotel transfers

Post-Cruise Extensionto Victoria Falls - April 2 - 4, 2009

Magnificent Victoria Falls is the largest sheet of falling water on earth. No other waterfall allows visitors such a close approach to the actual falls, or supports more varied and easily-seen wildlife.

April 2: Fly from Cape Town to Livingstone Airport, Zambia. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Stay for two nights at the Royal Livingstone Hotel.

April 3: Tour Victoria Falls and the Livingstone Museum.

April 4: Fly to Johannesburg for flights to the United States.

Rates & Inclusions: $2,595 per person, double occupancy; $495 single supplement. Rate includes airfare from Cape Town to Livingstone and back to Johannesburg; two nights at the hotel with breakfast and one dinner; tours; and airport/hotel transfers. (Not Included: Zambian visas which may be purchased upon arrival at Livingstone airport.)

Post-Cruise Extensionto Kruger National Park - April 2 - 5, 2009

Kruger National Park, well-known for its phenomenal game drives and exceptional dining, will provide visitors with the opportunity to closely ob­serve hundreds of species of African animals and birds.

April 2: Fly from Cape Town to Sabi Sabi. Take a sundowner drive through the park. Overnight at the famous Sabi Sabi Lodge.

April 3 & 4: Enjoy multiple game drives or a walking safari.

April 5: Fly to Johannesburg for flights to the United States.

Rates & Inclusions: $3,395 per person, double occupancy; $995 single sup­plement. Rate includes airfare from Cape Town to Sabi Sabi and back to Johannes­burg; three nights at the hotel with all meals; tours; and airport/hotel transfers.

Please note: We reserve the right to substitute lodges/hotels in the same category.

golf leader

Ann Liguori has interviewed hundreds of personalities in sports, entertainment, and business, on her radio shows, television series, and in her book, A Passion for Golf—Celebrity Musings About the Game. Ann’s celebrity golf series appeared on The Golf Channel and her “Sports Innerview with Ann Liguori” syndicated cable series is the longest-running sports series hosted and owned by a woman. Ann is also a sports talk show host and the golf and tennis correspondent for WFAN Radio in New York and the host of “Golf Innerview with Ann Liguori” every Saturday on WLIU 88.3 FM, broadcast throughout the Hamptons; Long Island; Westchester County, New York; and southern Connecticut.

GUEST LECTURER:

Walt Pomeroy has led trips to southern Africa, Antarctica, South Georgia Island, the Falkland Islands, Alaska, and the Canadian Maritime Provinces. Walt was Audubon’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Vice President for 17 years. He has traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and over a dozen other countries. With a background in natural history, geology, bird conservation, photography, and environmental advocacy, Walt is well-equipped to share these themes throughout the trip. Walt was also the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers, where he worked on river, habitat, and land use issues. He is on the Board of Audubon Pennsylvania and a land conservancy organization.

NATURALIST:

Lyn Mair, born and raised in Zimbabwe, is an ornithologist and natural history lecturer who currently resides in Cape Town. She regularly leads bird-watching and natural history tours in several African countries, Madagascar, and other Indian Ocean islands and is very familiar with the natural history of South Africa. She was the naturalist aboard South Africa by Sea aboard Corinthian II last year and has also spent several seasons lecturing on the bird life of the Southern Ocean and West Africa. She is senior author and photographer of Seychelles, the Bradt Travel Guide, and contributes to various wildlife and travel magazines.

CORINTHIAN ii:

The deluxe Corinthian II is an all-suite yacht accommodating no more than 114 guests. Originally built in Italy in 1992, Corinthian II was refurbished and redecorated in 2005 specifically to cre­ate an atmosphere of effortless elegance and easy conviviality. All 57 outside-fac­ing suites are a minimum of 225 square feet, appointed in rich wood tones, and feature beds that can be configured as two twin-size beds or one queen-size bed, a sitting area, satellite TV, DVD/CD player, mini-refrigerator, safe, and a marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries. Guests staying in the spacious Penthouse Suites and Veranda Suites (400 and 300 square feet, respectively) will also enjoy a private balcony, pri­vate butler service, and other exclusive in-suite amenities.  Superb Continental cuisine is created by Corinthian II’s European chefs and served either in the stately restaurant or al fresco on the wide sun deck, which is specially equipped for outdoor din­ing service. Select regional wines are complimentary with lunch and dinner. Fresh ingredients are chosen locally at many ports of call. All meals are served at one unassigned seating; varied seat­ing arrangements assure comfort for all. Corinthian II’s widely praised service equals that of the finest restaurants. Returning from excursions, enjoy complimentary refreshments, afternoon tea and all-day coffee in The Club, a comfortable space for relaxation with panoramic windows. Before or after dinner, savor a cocktail while the ship’s pianist plays arrangements ranging from jazz to classical to contemporary. Corinthian II also features a library with Internet access, beauty salon, exercise area, elevator serving all decks, and a wraparound sun deck with Jacuzzi. The 75 European officers and crew ensure an atmosphere akin to a private club for the length of your voyage.

 

Notes

 

Tour can be combined with other packages for a longer stay.  A $1000 per person deposit is required for reservations and before any reservations are placed on your behalf.  Past WWG clients are eligible for “DivotEnds Award” of $150 off this cruise.  Tour terms and conditions apply – we will send a brochure with complete details.

 

Contact Us

 

Toll Free 1-800-214-GOLF (4653) for a free detailed South Africa Golf Cruise brochure

E-mail:request@wideworldofgolf.com  or contact one of our offices for more details:

Texas:  1124 Elder Circle, Austin, TX  78733 • (512)328-7272 YOUR CRUISE SPECIALIST

California: 100 Dolores St #175, Carmel, CA 93923 • (831) 521-1336

Pennsylvania:   848 Huntington Pl, Lancaster, PA 17601 • (717) 285-2199

Ireland:  Quin, Ennis, County Clare, Ireland

Scotland:  Dron Court, St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland KY169YA
 

TOLL FREE 1-800-214-4653font>