For those who wish to arrive a day early to enjoy extra time in Johannesburg, an optional one-night Pre-Journey Extension is available with meet-and-greet private transfers from the airport to the Sandton Sun Hotel. The pre-journey stay includes your transfer from the airport to the hotel on February 25th, a one-night hotel stay with all taxes and fees, breakfast, a guided tour of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, and lunch. It is available on a limited basis.

Connoisseurs Tours offers an Airline Concierge Service to help with your reservations. Diane D’Amato, your Airline Concierge Specialist, will manage your airline reservations by securing the very best schedule and fare for you from the time you begin selecting and monitoring your flights throughout your journey until the day you return. Let our Airline Concierge Service alleviate any of the unexpected headaches that can arise in today’s travel environment with schedule changes and flight cancellations.

There is a fee associated with airline reservations, however, you will find that Diane is fantastic to work with.

Early Arrivals: Overnight Sandton Sun Hotel.

This morning, we will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before we begin our discovery of Johannesburg. As South Africa's vibrant cultural and economic hub, Johannesburg captivates with its dynamic blend of historical significance, sleek architecture, upscale shopping districts, and refined cultural experiences, serving as an enchanting gateway to South Africa's diverse landscapes and rich heritage.

Our time will include guided visits to the Apartheid Museum and the living museum that is Constitution Hill.

The Apartheid Museum is a powerful reminder of all that South Africa has struggled with since the arrival of the first Europeans. It pays special attention to the inhumanity of the apartheid system and the struggle against it. The museum houses several permanent exhibitions, including one dedicated to the life and work of the late President Rolihlala Nelson Mandela. First opened in 2001 it is acknowledged as the pre-eminent museum in the world dealing with 20th-century South Africa.

Situated in the heart of Johannesburg, Constitution Hill was the site of both the Women’s and the Johannesburg prison. It is the one prison in the world that held two Nobel Peace Laureates. Now it is the home of South Africa’s highest court, The Constitutional Court. The court is also renowned for its art collection and the ways the building reflects South Africa’s journey from apartheid to democracy, with all the pain, pathos, and catharsis that such a journey entails.

This evening, we will gather for a Welcome Dinner.

Overnight Sandton Sun Hotel.
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After breakfast at the hotel, we will spend the day in Soweto.

Soweto (the name comes from the abbreviation of South West Townships), as a community, has played a significant role in South Africa’s history. The first residents were Black people who had been forcibly removed from areas designated as white under South Africa’s Group Areas Act. The community grew to be one of the largest townships in apartheid South Africa and as the place where the 1976 Student uprising began.

With Naomi and our guide, we will explore this iconic area and have the opportunity to visit significant landmarks, including Vilakazi Street, home of two Nobel Laureates.

Overnight Sandton Sun Hotel.
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This morning, we will attend service together at Holy Cross Anglican Church. Holy Cross Anglican Church in Soweto holds a profound historical and social legacy as one of the spiritual homes of the late Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and iconic leader in South Africa's struggle against apartheid. Standing as it does close to the spot of the martyrdom of Hector Pieterson and across the street from his memorial, the church has served as a sanctuary for worship, community support, and social activism.

Today, Holy Cross continues to be a symbol of peace and reconciliation, as well as a vibrant parish serving the Orlando and Dube communities of Soweto. It is first and foremost a place of worship and serves as a living symbol of South Africa's journey toward democracy and healing.

Today, our focus will be on parish partnership-building efforts. Our time together is intended to foster a meaningful relationship between our congregations and strengthen our collective mission of faith, service, and spiritual growth. Together, we will begin fostering relationships that we hope will lay the groundwork for a lasting partnership with Holy Cross Anglican Church.

Our day will conclude with a shared dinner in fellowship with parishioners from Holy Cross.

Overnight Sandton Sun Hotel.
(B,L,Dinner with host families)

This morning, we will take an early flight to Cape Town. Today, we will begin visiting beautiful Cape Point and its environs. We will head to Boulders Beach, the well-known habitat for a charming colony of African penguins. Unlike many other penguin colonies in colder climates, the penguins at Boulders Beach thrive in the warm waters, making it one of the few places to observe these delightful creatures up close. The large granite boulders provide shelter as we stroll along the beach, creating idyllic coves for the penguins to nest and swim. The warmth of the water contrasts beautifully with the chilly Atlantic elsewhere in Cape Town, offering the ideal opportunity for wildlife observation.

Our transformational journey continues with time spent at the "Truth to Power" exhibition.

The "Truth to Power" exhibition in Cape Town offers an in-depth look at Archbishop Desmond Tutu's pivotal role in opposing apartheid, providing a profound experience for those seeking an understanding of South Africa's journey toward justice and reconciliation.

Dinner is free this evening to explore Cape Town’s beautiful cafes and restaurants, with time free for personal exploration of Table Mountain and the waterfront.

Overnight Radisson Collection Waterfront Hotel.
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This morning after breakfast, we depart via ferry for Robben Island, the UNESCO World Heritage Site situated off the coast of Cape Town. This is where Nelson Mandela and others were held prisoner during South Africa's struggle against apartheid.

We continue the day with a visit to the Constantia Winelands, nestled in a picturesque valley with breathtaking views and elegant estates. As South Africa's oldest wine-producing region, it is celebrated for its historic vineyards, unique terroir, and exceptional wines. Our visit will be complete with a wine tasting.

Dinner this evening will be at a beautiful waterfront restaurant.

Overnight Radisson Collection Waterfront Hotel.
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