The Blue Train: Cape Town to Pretoria
- 9 Days
- From £3,499
- South Africa
- Enjoy a 4-night stay in stunning Cape Town exploring all the city has to offer
- Board the iconic Blue Train for a stunning journey north to Pretoria
- Luxurious two night rail cruise experience including fine dining and drinks
- Spend two days exploring South Africa’s administrative capital Pretoria at the end of your trip
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade hotels
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Return flights from London to Cape Town and Johannesburg to London
- Double De Luxe cabin on the Blue Train including all meals, drinks and excursion to Kimberley Diamond Mine
- Private transfers Cape Town airport to hotel and Pretoria station to hotel & hotel to Johannesburg airport
- 5 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Fly from London overnight to Cape Town. On arrival, a private transfer will be waiting to transport you to the Victoria and Alfred Hotel (or similar) on the famous Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, where you have a 4-night stay. Settle in and relax before heading out in the evening for dinner in one of the many restaurants this area of Cape Town has to offer.
Enjoy three full days to explore Cape Town at your own pace. This is the oldest city in South Africa and one of the most multi-cultural urban centres in the world, dominated by the easily recognisable backdrop of Table Mountain.
You can ascend Table Mountain, either by rotating cable car, or on foot if you’re feeling energetic! At the summit, you will be rewarded with stunning views over the city and Table Bay. Alternatively, why not visit the stunning UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens or take a ferry over to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held as a political prisoner for 18 years.
This morning, check out of your hotel and meet your transfer driver, who will take you to the station. Enjoy pre-departure snacks and drinks before being escorted to your suite onboard the train by your butler.
Once the train has set off, canapés will be served with an aperitif before lunch in the restaurant car. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in one of the train’s comfortable lounges, watching the changing scenery of South Africa pass by. Then later, it’s time to dress for a sumptuous dinner onboard, before post-dinner drinks, Cognac and cigars are served in the Club Car.
After breakfast at your own leisure, relax as you watch the stunning landscapes pass by your window. You might like to socialise with your fellow guests over a coffee in one of the Lounge Cars or perhaps take in the scenery from the Observation Car at the rear of the train.
After lunch onboard, you will arrive at Kimberley station. Here (weather and time permitting) you will disembark for a tour of the fascinating Open Mine Museum, which transports you back to the days of the diamond rush. Back onboard, why not enjoy an aperitif drink in one of the train’s lounges before a sumptuous 4-course evening meal served in the dining car. After dinner, relax in the Club Car with a digestif or retire to your cosy cabin.
Breakfast is served onboard the train and then you have another morning to relax and enjoy the onboard facilities on the train. Lunch is served in the restaurant cars and then, in the early evening, you’ll pull into the station at Pretoria and disembark. A private transfer will be waiting to take you to the Sheraton Pretoria (or similar), where you have your final overnight stay.
Spend a last day in Pretoria before meeting your transfer driver at the hotel and driving to the airport for your return flight to the UK (not included).
Alternatively, why not extend your holiday with an exciting safari in Kruger National Park? You can fly into Nelspruit Airport and transfer to a safari lodge for a few nights before returning to Johannesburg Airport. Call us for details and prices.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Cape Town
In a converted waterfront warehouse dating to 1904, this chic hotel has views over Alfred Basin and the city centre to Table Mountain. The stylish rooms boast contemporary interiors and either mountain or city views. Facilities include a spa, gym and two excellent restaurants.
Pretoria
This upscale hotel is set near the Union Buildings, South Africa’s seat of government. The elegant guestrooms feature Italian marble bathrooms and scenic views. Dining options include an airy restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a chic bar offering light fare. There’s also an outdoor pool, a gym and a spa.
Upgrade your accommodation
Cape Town
Popular with Blue Train passengers, this luxury hotel occupies two historic buildings and a modern tower in the heart of Cape Town. Its elegant rooms combine old-world quality with modern amenities and offer city or Table Mountain views. The hotel features three restaurants, an Ayurvedic spa, a fitness centre and an indoor pool.
Cape Town
Enjoying a superb location at the foot of Table Mountain, and just a short stroll from downtown, this resort offers the perfect combination of tranquility and buzz. The rooms are a blend of understated charm and modern luxury with most offering balconies and Cape Town views. Facilities include two swimming pools, two restaurants, spa and fitness centre.
Cape Town
Poised above the Atlantic Ocean, this boutique hotel is flanked by the majestic Table Mountain National Park and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. The hotel offers 70 guest rooms, with unique features that include a holistic spa, private cinema, and breathtaking views from the legendary Azure Restaurant and The Leopard Bar.
