South Africa: The Six

Arrive at Cape Town International Airport, where an Abercrombie & Kent representative will meet and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to settle in to your hotel or perhaps explore Cape Town, a city set on a soaring, rocky peninsula punctuated by lush valleys.

This morning, meet an A&K representative for a tour of charming Cape Town. Drive though the suburb of Tamboerskloof ("Drummers' Ravine") to the lower cable car station on the slopes of Table Mountain. Weather permitting, ascend by cable car to the top of this famous mountain, which affords magnificent views of the sea and the city from its summit. Then head to historic Cape Town, starting with a tranquil walk through the lovely Company Gardens, the remnants of the Dutch East India Company's fruit and vegetable gardens. Stroll past the Houses of Parliament, the Tuynhuis ("Townhouse," or Cape Town's "White House"), the National Art Gallery and the National Library. Then continue to the 17th-century Castle of Good Hope. End your explorations at the bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, a working harbor surrounded by eclectic shops and restaurants. This is the perfect setting to arrange for a romantic waterfront dinner.

After breakfast, set off for a day of discoveries en route to Cape Point. Drive past the "bikini beaches" of Clifton and Camps Bay, located at the base of the towering Twelve Apostles Mountains. Continue to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve at the end of the Cape Peninsula. The reserve converges in the south at Cape Point, a great pinnacle of rock. Climb the steps or ride a funicular railway — the "Flying Dutchman" — to the top for unparalleled views poised for contemplating with your loved one: southern right whale in spring and dolphin and a variety of seabirds in early summer. The journey continues to Kalk Bay, a quaint fishing hamlet on the False Bay. Around lunchtime here, fishermen offload their catch and it is possible to buy your supper straight from the boat. Travel back toward Cape Town, passing through the elegant suburb of Constantia, the cradle of the South African wine industry. Stop at Kirstenbosch, the world-renowned National Botanical Garden, where a private guide shows you around this fascinating, romantic garden. Return to your hotel, passing the University of Cape Town, Rhodes Memorial and Mostert's Mill, a Dutch windmill dating back to 1797.

Today you explore the Cape Town’s famous culinary scene. The Western Cape region is blessed with ideal wine-growing climate, beautiful natural scenery and historic estates — not to mention a bevy of top-notch restaurants. Start your gastronomic journey at Morgenster Estate for a cellar tour and sampling of wine and olive oil (also produced here). Enjoy lunch at the critically acclaimed Cape Winelands restaurant Terroir, on the grounds of the Kleine Zalze winery. Dine on a Provençal-inspired chalkboard menu dominated by seasonal ingredients and local wines. After lunch, visit Waterford Wine Estate, where you sample award-winning wines complemented by a chocolate tasting. Continue to picturesque Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa. Explore this lovely town’s history and shops on your own as you meander its charming streets hand in hand. End the day at Anura Estate, to sample the perfect couple: award-winning wines and handcrafted Forest Hill cheeses.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning. Afterward, you are driven to Hermanus, a town on the southern coast of the Western Cape, known as the perfect spot for whale watching. Check in to your luxury retreat and spend the next day at leisure, soaking in the beauty of your surroundings. Choose to sample excellent Cape cuisine at its fine restaurant or walk hand in hand along its secluded, romantic beach, watching for the spray of whales.

After breakfast, drive a couple of hours overland, returning to Cape Town in time to catch your flight to Johannesburg. An A&K representative will meet and transfer you to your boutique hotel, situated on 10 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. The rest of your day is at leisure to enjoy the hotel’s amenities together or explore cosmopolitan Johannesburg on your own.

After a romantic breakfast at your hotel, perhaps overlooking the terrace and lush gardens beyond, take a short flight to Thornybush Private Game Reserve, located in the world-famous Kruger National Park. Upon arrival, you are picked up and whisked away to Royal Malewane, a beautiful safari lodge in the heart of a private game reserve. Your luxurious accommodations offer unparalleled views of the African bush, coupled with warm hospitality and award-winning cuisine.

Spend two full days on safari in search of the “Big Five” (elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard). This unspoiled area is also home to wild dog, wildebeest and plenty of giraffe. Set out on morning and evening game drives, as well as guided bush walks with expert guides and trackers. Rekindle your love over delicious, candlelit meals and South African wines, and sleep under a blanket of the brilliant stars.

Bid farewell to this paradise of flora and fauna with a final morning game drive. Fly back to Johannesburg, where you are met by an A&K representative and escorted to the international airport for your return flight home.

Arrive USA or Canada.