A Private Four-Day Luxury Tour of Johannesburg's Incredible Culture and History
Embark on an unforgettable four-day luxury private tour through South Africa’s biggest city, the sprawling metropolis of Johannesburg. Rapidly changing and ever-evolving, Johannesburg is the country’s vibrant heart, a city steeped in history where traditions and modernity come together. Discover Maboneng, the city’s trendiest neighbourhood, explore the township of Soweto and dine in award-winning restaurants. Unwind each night at the exclusive AtholPlace Hotel & Villa, the only hotel in Johannesburg that is part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection of boutique hotels. Your tour also includes daily breakfast and unique dining experiences including an exclusive lunch at the acclaimed Marble Restaurant, private airport transfers and transportation throughout, expert local guides, insider experiences and so much more.
The largest city in South Africa, Johannesburg is one of the world’s fastest changing cities. Looking towards the future while still honouring its history, Jo’burg (as the locals call it) is undergoing an incredible rebirth – and this exclusive private tour will give you the chance to delve under the surface and immerse yourself in it. Soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this mesmerising city that effortlessly blends art exhibitions, Michelin-starred restaurants, hipster neighbourhoods and superb museums offering a deep insight into the country’s fascinating past.
What We love…
With itineraries personally designed, tried and tested by our in-house travel experts, you can expect the very best from every tour created by Luxury Escapes.
“Johannesburg is a city on the rise, an incredible melting pot of culture and history, a thriving metropolis that will inspire even the most discerning traveller,” says John Saporito, Product Manager for Tours at Luxury Escapes. “With a maximum of two people, this is the ultimate private tour in one of the most inspiring cities in the world, an unmissable opportunity to discover South Africa’s history and culture with unique experiences and the insights of an experienced local guide.”
What You’ll Love…
The Accommodation – A boutique gem of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection
Tucked away in leafy Athol, one of the city’s most attractive and chic neighbourhoods, AtholPlace Hotel & Villa is a small boutique hotel thoughtfully designed by interior design mastermind Sumari Krige. Once a private residence, the property has been transformed into a ten-bedroom urban retreat oozing charm and intimate seclusion.
At Johannesburg’s only Relais & Châteaux property guests are surrounded by refined beauty, from the comfortably furnished library with its romantic fireplace to the temperature-regulated swimming pool in the palm-shaded back garden. Food is an exquisite affair to be enjoyed at The Restaurant, the hotel’s highly awarded restaurant where the talented kitchen team create a fine dining experience through decandent dishes including cider glazed pork belly, pea mousse risotto and more.
With just nine individually designed suites, all complete with balconies, extra-large double beds, air conditioning and ultra-modern bathrooms, AtholPlace Hotel & Villa is an oasis of comfort and tranquility in the midst of the city.
The Experiences – A journey through history, culture and high cuisine
Your first stop on this exciting private tour is the eclectic Maboneng. The epicentre of Johannesburg’s rebirth, this chic urban precinct embodies the cultural renaissance of the city. Literally meaning ‘place of light’ in Sesotho, Maboneng is where arts and culture shine, where restaurants, art exhibitions, boutique shops and markets stand side by side in what is considered one of the world’s most successful redevelopment projects.
A foodie’s dream destination, Johannesburg is blessed with a thriving dining scene. On your tour you will get to taste authentic South African fare made on a traditional braai when you lunch at Marble restaurant, one of the city’s finest. Here, celebrated chef David Higgs orchestates a theatrical discovery of South Africa’s love of cooking over an open fire – dine on locally sourced produce prepared over flames or coals while watching skilled chefs in the open-plan kitchen navigate the flames to produce those sensational smoky flavours. You will also sample French-inspired delicacies, crafted with local produce, at The Restaurant at AtholPlace Hotel & Villa, where you will be treated to a decadent dinner under the direction of talented Chef Scott Dressels.
Learn more about the city’s complex past with a visit to its main historical sites including the Apartheid Museum, which paints an honest picture of South Africa’s segregation era through a variety of moving media and a permanent exhibition.
Discover the township of Soweto, often referred to as ‘South Africa’s Heart’ and the birthplace of anti-apartheid revolutionary and Former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela. Your knowledgable local guide will accompany you to all the township’s most iconic sites, including Nelson Mandela’s house, giving you unmatched insight into the culture and vibrant personality of this unique township.
Your Package Includes:
- Three nights of ultra-luxurious accommodation at the exclusive AtholPlace Hotel & Villa – the only hotel in Johannesburg to carry the prestigious Relais & Châteaux name
- Daily breakfast and exquisite dining experiences including lunch at the awarded Marble restaurant, and dinner under the direction of Relais & Châteaux Chef Scott Dressels at the restaurant at AtholPlace Hotel & Villa
- Exclusive private touring through Johannesburg’s emerging street art district and historical centre including the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill and Nelson Mandela Square
- Half-day private tour of Soweto including including Nelson Mandela’s house and the Hector Pieterson Memorial
- VIP airport meet and assist and immigration fast track service at Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport on arrival
- Private expert local guide
- Private return airport transfers and private airconditioned transportation throughout
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary
Your tour starts and ends in Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport (JNB). Flights to Johannesburg are available with carriers like Singapore Airlines, Qantas and South African Airways with one stop en route and an approximate flight time of 20 hours from Australia.
You MUST complete your booking form within 48 hours of booking. Following its completion, a Luxury Escapes concierge will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.
Private return airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last days only.
A visa may be required to the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visa’s Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Day 1: Arrive Johannesburg
Your Luxury Escapes private tour experience starts with a VIP welcome on arrival at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, where you will be met off the aerobridge by a local representative, whisked past all the queues and fast-tracked through immigration to a private car that will transfer you to your luxury Johannesburg address.
Your home while in Johannesburg will be the stunning AtholPlace Hotel & Villa, the only hotel in the city to carry the prestigious Relais & Châteaux name. Offering just nine stylish and spacious suites, the property offers an intimate retreat in the heart of one of the most beautiful residential suburbs of Johannesburg. With luxury in every detail, this five-star property is surrounded by gorgeous gardens where you can relax by the outdoor heated pool, pamper yourself with an aromatherapy massage or enjoy canapés at the bar.
Tonight you will dine at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, promising gastronomic creativity and unsurpassed service.
Accommodation: AtholPlace Hotel & Villa
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Maboneng - Johannesburg Arts & Historical District
After breakfast, head out to experience first-hand the resurgence this dynamic city has experienced over the last few years, as well as learning more about its history through the eyes of your expert local guide. Spend the morning exploring the lively suburbs where local artists have taken to the streets to create an open-air gallery of murals and street art.
Stop for lunch at one of Johannesburg’s most famous eateries, Marble. Situated in Keyes Art Mile, the growing art and food hub of Rosebank, Marble is a celebration of quintessential South African fare and open-flame cooking under the direction of celebrated chef David Higgs.
After lunch take in the historical sites of Johannesburg such as the sobering Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, Nelson Mandela Square and Sandton City before returning to your hotel for an evening of leisure.
Accommodation: AtholPlace Hotel & Villa
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3: Soweto
No trip to Johnnesburg would be complete without visiting the township of Soweto, birthplace of both Former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, often referred to as ‘South Africa’s Heart’. You’ll visit important historical sites including Nelson Mandela’s house, the Hector Pieterson Memorial, Orlando High School and the Regina Mundi Catholic Church, and your private guide will share an insider view of the township’s culture and vibrant personality. The contrast of the effervescent modernity of the streets with its complex political history will stay with you long after you return home.
This afternoon return to your hotel where the rest of your day is at leisure. Spend your afternoon at the nearby Sandton Central, offering world class shopping or simply relax with one of South Africa’s celebrated wines in the hotel’s garden.
Accommodation: AtholPlace Hotel & Villa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Depart Johannesburg
Your journey comes to and end with a private transfer to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
The ‘7 day change of mind guarantee’ does not apply for Tour bookings. Due to the high demand and limited departures any cancellation / refund requests must be made within 48 hours of purchase. Otherwise, the standard Refund Policy applies.
After you have made your booking, please follow the instructions on your confirmation email and ensure you complete your traveller information details within 48 hours.
DEPARTURE DATES:
30 October 2019 - SOLD OUT
1 November 2019 - SOLD OUT
8 November 2019 - SOLD OUT
6 December 2019 - SOLD OUT
13 December 2019 - SOLD OUT
22 January 2020 - SOLD OUT
26 February 2020 - SOLD OUT
4 March 2020 - SOLD OUT
25 March 2020 - SOLD OUT
22 April 2020 - SOLD OUT
20 May 2020 - SOLD OUT
10 June 2020 - SOLD OUT
22 July 2020 - SOLD OUT
23 September 2020 - SOLD OUT
25 November 2020 - SOLD OUT
16 December 2020 - SOLD OUT
Important: Please allow for travelling time from Australia. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in Johannesburg on your chosen tour start date.
Instant Booking: To secure your dates at purchase, click ‘Instant Booking’ and select your preferred package. Once your preferred package is selected you’ll click through to ‘Choose Your Dates of Travel’ and will be able to enter in your preferred tour commencement date.
Twin-Share Package: The package is valid for ONE PERSON (based on twin share). If you are travelling with another person you must purchase TWO PACKAGES, otherwise, an additional solo traveller surcharge will apply. Solo travellers will get their own room throughout the tour.
This is a private tour so every departure date is guaranteed.
**Tour includes accommodation at the following hotel: **AtholPlace Hotel & Villa (Deluxe Suite)
Maximum Room Capacity: The maximum room capacity is two adults.
Travellers should have a good level of physical fitness and mobility and must be able to negotiate uneven surfaces, climb stairs and board boats. Please note that we do a lot of walking around historical sites and use public transport at times to travel between sites and to/from our hotel so please be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes.
Packages do not include international flights to and from Africa, visa fees, travel insurance, additional activities and upgrades and anything else not listed in the itinerary
Travel insurance is compulsory. We suggest purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this package.
Strictly no refunds for this package for amendments and change of date.
Not valid in conjunction with any other offer or on existing reservations.
Any unused portion of the package is non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for other services or cash.
Additional expenses such as (but not limited to) flights are not included with this package.
Package cannot be split.
Multiple packages cannot be purchased or combined.
Offer only available for consecutive nightly stays.
Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond your intended stay overseas.
A visa may be required to the countries you are visiting and transiting. It is your responsibility to ensure you are holding a current visa.
The value and comparative savings have been determined based on published rack rates and the value of inclusions. Please be advised that rack rates may not be reflective of actual rates being charged, dependent on the timing and manner of your booking and therefore are only indicative of the level of saving.
Occasionally our itineraries are updated prior to departure to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers’ feedback as well as updates from our ground operators. Please note that while we operate successful tours in this region throughout the year, some changes may be necessary due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route. The order and timing of included activities may also vary from time to time.
Tipping and gratuities are not included in the package and are at your own discretion (as a guide, approx. US$10-15 per person, per day is the industry standard and can be paid at each camp with either cash or card).
All activities and services are subject to availability.
Please note that full terms and conditions apply. Refer to website’s terms and conditions.