Vietnam and Cambodia

Mary and Jan’s itinerary for the tour to Vietnam and Cambodia:

Day 1: Wed 20 Oct 10

Depart Cape Town / Johannesburg

Day 2: Thu 21 Oct 10 (D)

Arrival around noon in Hanoi – the traditional capital of French Indochina - transfer to hotel to rest and freshen up. In the afternoon we take an exhilarating one hour cyclo ride (three wheel cycle - don’t worry someone else is doing the pedaling in the hectic scooter traffic) through Hanoi’s old quarter, enjoying the late-afternoon colors and visit a traditional Vietnamese “long house”. Afterwards we attend a performance of the renowned Water Puppet theatre whose origins date back over a thousand years.

 A welcome dinner with a traditional music show concludes our first day in Vietnam.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: Fri 22 Oct 10 (B/L)

This morning we do a city tour, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda and Temple of Literature.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Rest of afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 4: Sat 23 Oct 10 (B/L/D)

Leave Hanoi for the drive to Halong Bay – a natural wonder of extraordinary beauty – where we board a junk and set sail on an overnight cruise amongst the thousands of unusually shaped (and named) limestone islands that dot the bay.

After a delicious fresh seafood lunch we drop anchor for a visit to Surprise Cave and swimming and / or exploring at Titov beach (weather permitting). Enjoy dinner on board and also night fishing if you so wish.

Overnight on board.

Day 5: Sun 24 Oct 10 (Brunch)

In the morning cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay, Fire-, Bo Nau Island and a fishing village. After brunch we moor again at Halong wharf around noon where we disembark. En route to Hanoi we visit Bac Ninh, the cradle of traditional Vietnamese music and theatre. A horse-drawn cart through country lanes bring us to Dinh Bang communal house and Do temple. Enjoy local folk songs.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 6: Mon 25 Oct 10 (B/L/D)

After breakfast we fly to Hue, the former Imperial Capital of Vietnam. After lunch at a local restaurant we visit the Imperial Citadel and Dong Ba market. The spectacular Citadel is built on the same principles and design as Beijing's Forbidden City and contains a series of palaces, ornate halls,

libraries, residences and colleges. This evening we are treated to an Imperial Dinner, serving the specialities of the region.

Overnight in Hue.

Day 7: Tue 26 Oct 10 (B/L)

This morning we drive to Hoi An, via the Hai Van pass and Lang Co beach – the famous China Beach where American soldiers use to hang out during the Vietnam war. En route we visit the Cham museum - an open air collection of Cham sculptures for an insight into the Cham culture.

Lunch at the restaurant in Danang – the largest city in central Vietnam.

Then to My Son Holy Land – the ancient capital and religious centre of the Cham people - a

World Heritage site. Then on to Hoi An, our base for the next few days.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 8: Wed 27 Oct 10 (B/L)

Today we enjoy a walking tour of the ancient centre of Hoi An – a photographer’s paradise - old merchant houses, the Japanese Covered Bridge, Hoi An market, Chinese Assembly Halls, and some typical 18th century Vietnamese houses. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon leisure time for shopping or relaxing.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 9: Thu 28 Oct 10 (B)

A full day of rest – much needed as the going so far has been quite hectic. For those interested we are offering an optional excursion:

Optional Vietnamese Cooking Tour – start with a visit to the market for typical Vietnamese ingredients. A leisurely 25 minute cruise on the Hoi An River to the Cooking School where we will learn how to cook some of Hoi An and Vietnam’s well-known dishes. Each dish is first demonstrated by the chef before you prepare it yourself. Then sit down and enjoy what we have prepared for lunch. Back to Hoi An town by boat.

Overnight Hoi An

Day 10: Fri 29 Oct 10 (B/L/D)

In the morning we fly to Ho Chi Minh City – still called Saigon by the locals. After lunch we go on a city tour to the Reunification Palace, War Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral.

This evening enjoy a dinner cruise on the Saigo River.

Overnight in Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 11: Sat 30 Oct 10 (B/L)

Full day tour to the fascinating Mekong Delta. After our bus trip to My Tho, a private boat will take us cruising to a floating fish market and along small creeks to the Mekong River estuary, then to Phoenix Island where we drop anchor for lunch at a garden restaurant. The boat cruises along natural creeks to the quiet villages in Ben Tre Province. Visit orchards, bee-keeping farm, taste natural honey and honey wine, enjoy tropical fruit, traditional music, wander around a distillery, explore the local coconut candy production process and see how the waterways form an integral part of the locals’ day to day existence. Tour ends late evening.

Overnight Ho Chi Minh City.

Day 12: Sun 31 Oct 10 (B/L)

Morning visit to Cu Chi, an intricate underground tunnel network constructed by Vietcong fighters during the Vietnam War (or American War from the Vietnamese viewpoint). Unbelievable to think that people lived in these dark and narrow tunnels for long periods of time.

Afternoon back to Ho Chi Minh City for lunch and free time for shopping.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 13: Mon 1 Nov 10 (B/L)

After breakfast we fly to Siem Reap – gateway to Angkor. After check in at our hotel we will have lunch – our first taste of Khmer cuisine. Afternoon transfer for our first experience of the world famous  antiquities of Cambodia – monumental Angkor Wat - an expansive fortified temple city dating as far back as the 9th century.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 14: Tue 2 Nov 10 (B/L/D)

Breakfast at hotel, transfer to continue our exploration of Angkor - visit the famous South Gate of Angkor Thom, Bayon, Baphoun, Terrace of Elephants, Terrace of Leper King and Phimean Akas temple. After lunch other Angkor Ruins such as Chao Say Tevoda, Takeo and Taprom (the famous jungle entangled ruins used in Tomb Raider). Relaxing evening spent at a Dinner and Khmer Traditional Dance (Apsara) Show.

Overnight in Siem Reap.

Day 15: Wed 3 Nov 10 (B/L)

A cruise on the Tonlé Sap Lake, visit a floating village and experience the lifestyle of the fisher folk. Then we visit Chantier Ecole-Artisant d’Angkor – a tour of the classes and workshops offers a glimpse of Cambodian artistry.

After lunch we fly to Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia.

Overnight Phnom Penh.

Day 16: Thu 4 Nov 10 (B/L)

After breakfast we go on a city tour which includes visits to the impressive golden Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda - Preahkeo Morokot and the National Museum situated in the stunning old art school in the old Cambodian style. Our tour ends at the famous Russian Market for a last chance to buy Khmer products and souvenirs.

Transfer to airport for our flight home.

Day 17: Fri 5 Nov 10

Arrival Johannesburg / Cape Town

Gastehuise Europa

Gastehuise Europa

Gastehuise Frankryk

http://www.ma-cachette.com/MainframeAfr.htm

Ma Cachette is geleë in die hartjie van Frankryk se Auvergne streek. U kan ons direk skakel by :  + 33 (0)4.73.95.04.88 - As u van buite Frankryk skakel laat die 0 in hakies, voor die 4 weg - gebruik u 'n telefoon hier in Frankryk, sit die 0 voor die 4 terug.

South African Guesthouses abroad, Greece

South African Guest Houses abroad, Greece

Gastehuise Europa

Gastehuise Griekeland

Webpage of SA guest house abroad in Skiathos, Greece: http://www.villa-athena.com

When you visit Europe and Greece pay a visit to Villa Athena in Skiathos, Greece

Each air conditioned, self-catering studio has its own private balcony or private patio with a superb sea view, twin-bedded bedroom with shower en-suite and open-plan living room with kitchenette.

Variuos friends informed me that they enjoyed their stay at Villa Athena

South Africa guest house, Europe, Greece, Villa Athena, Skiathos

Golf in Buenos Aires

Golf in Buenos Aires

We played at the Jockey Club and Olivos. About 45 minutes and 1 hour from the city. Greens fees, including a caddy, was $50 (you also tip the caddy and buy him lunch). Great courses and well worth the money. The caddies were top notch as well.

Taxi ride is probably $15 - $20 each way and you should bring your own clubs. We brought way too many balls (your caddy will not let you misplace

The best golf courses to play in the BA area would be the Jockey Club in San Isidro (combine a visit to the San Isidro town), the Buenos Aires Golf, the Olivos Golf Club further north and either Pilar Golf Club or Martindale C.C. in the Pilar area (35 miles north). These are the 5 top golf courses in the country. Even though they are private, they are open to public one day in the week. Usually Wednesdays or Thursdays. Don't expect to play there on weekends if you're not invited by a member. Fees are very affordable and may vary from USD 12-40

It may be difficult to find rental equipment at golf courses. Bring your own.

http://www.argentinacontact.com/turismo/en_tour/Golf-Week-39.html

Golf Week

Day 1

Transfer from Ezeiza Airport to Hotel.  City Tour.

Day 2

Half day Golf in one of the famous golf clubs around Buenos Aires, with guide.
Transfers and green fee included.

This morning you will enjoy golf at the Los Pingüinos Country Club located in Hurlingham, 40 minutes west of downtown Buenos Aires.

The course has variety of wide and narrow fairways, flat and undulated and impeccable greens, fast, undulated and well protected by bunkers and some lagoons. There is a Club House with first rate facilities. Your golf arrangements include roundtrip transfers, guide, green fees and tee time booking.

Day 3

Half day Golf in one of the famous golf clubs around Buenos Aires, with guide. Transfers and green fee included.

This morning you will enjoy golf at the Olivos Golf Club, home of the Master of Argentina tournament and frequented by American and European PGA players. Greens are fast and the course boasts many trees.
Arrangements included roundtrip transfers, guide, green fees and tee time booking

Day 4

Half day Golf in one of the famous golf clubs around Buenos Aires, with guide. Transfers and green fee included.

Half day Golf in one of the famous golf clubs around Buenos Aires, with guide. Transfers and green fee included.
You can choose course by your own: San Andres, Jockey Club San Isidro, Lagartos, La Orquidea Golf, Abril, etc.

Day 5
Half day Golf in one of the famous golf clubs around Buenos Aires, with guide. Transfers and green fee included.
This morning you’ll enjoy one last game of golf at the Pilar Country Club.
The course is a parkland type of course with lots of water and first level greens. There is a spectacular club house and electric carts are available. Your golf arrangements included roundtrip transfers, guide, green fees and tee time booking. Caddies are not available.

Day 6

Free at leisure to explore Buenos Aires.

Day 7

Transfer to airport for flight back home or elsewhere.

End of the services.

Destinations Abroad

Destinations Abroad

The secret to host a successful group tour is to arrange a small group of like minded travellers to travel to interesting destinations.

The individuals that make up this group of travellers will most likely have previous travel experience and is in a way independent orientated travellers, but prefer the luxury of organised tours to take the hassle out of tour arrangements and they also like to share their free time and experiences with other like minded travellers.

The destination is also important and the reason for visiting that specific destination as well as the activities that t6he group will share in is also motivational factors for people that travel in smaller personalised interesting group tours.

I normally engaged in pre-tour meetings with selections of these groups to discuss suggestions and adjustments to proposed itineraries in order to incorporate practical and interesting suggestions into upcoming tours.

As a company we also use post-tour informal get-togethers to discuss and plan our future destinations. In this way we ensure that we add value to our tour packages and we gain knowledge and information from well travelled sources.

We also request feedback from existing clients regarding group compositions, itinerary and infrastructure suggestions as well as the benefit that members gained from experiences.

Interactive, well plan tours and activities are the main reasons why small, personalised tours are working.

Secret, group tour, small group, like minded travellers, interesting destinations

Travel to find your self

Travel to find your self

The most devastating day in the whole of my life was when I had to tell my wife that she lost her courageous fight against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma ( Cancer ). The last three months of her live, were some of the most wonderful and most terrible times that we spent together. We had to make the children used to the idea of the death of their mother and we spent hours discussing the value of life and death.

What I did not foresee was what enormous effect her passing will have on my own life. After one year of living in total despair after her passing, I realised that I needed to start to focus on something specific in the hope of discovering new meaning to life.

The personal group tours to South America and the Iberian Peninsula gave me back some purpose and I hope that this may serve as an encouragement for others to also use travel as a remedy that can help to fill the emptiness inside one-self.

Travel, cancer, new life, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Wine Route & Hotels Route 62

Wine Routes & Hotels – Vineyard hotels – Winery hotels

Wine Route & Hotels Route 62

The following are informative pages with valuable information for travellers to the wine regions of South Africa :

Wine, Routes, Hotels, Vineyard, Winery, Route 62

Route 62 gives you a travel experience not to be missed. Visit Africa and explore South Africa's natural beauty

www.route62.co.za

Montagu Accommodation @ Mirihof Guest House and Olive Farm situated in the heart of Montagu on Route 62. Great 4 star Bed and Breakfast accommodation.
www.mirihof.co.za/

Boesmanskop Farm Accommodation Kruisrivier Swartberg Mountain Guest House.
www.boesmanskop.co.za

Springvale Cottage is a self-catering accommodation establishment situated on a vineyard farm outside Ladismith, Western Cape, South Africa.
www.springvalecottage.co.za/

Hotel, Guesthouse, Accommodation, Schoemanshoek, Oudtshoorn, Route 62
www.deopstal.co.za

Wine, Routes, Hotels, Vineyard, Winery, Route 62