MGI AGM 2010, Post Conference Tour

Saturday 16 October 2010

07.30 Meet in foyer where guides will assist guests with luggage to the vehicles

08.00 Leave for Waterfront to board the ferry

09.00 Visit to Robben Island Saturday Morning

The standard tour to Robben Island is 3.5 hours long, including the two half-hour ferry rides. The ferry departs, weather permitting, from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. The Robben Island Tour includes:

A return boat trip across Table bay
A visit to the infamous Maximum Security Prison
Interaction with an ex-political prisoner
A 45-minute bus ride with a guide providing commentary and the opportunity to explore the Murray’s Bay Harbour precinct attractions, such as the Muslim Shrine, or kramat, and the Museum Shop.

13.00 Lunch at the V&A Waterfront, Paulaner Brauhaus Restaurant

The perfect place to meet for a couple of beers, hearty German food and excellent service at the V&A Waterfront. Festive umbrellas outside add to this friendly venue or tuck into hearty Bavarian food in this one-of-a-kind microbrewery. A relaxed, family friendly brewery and restaurant kitted out with traditional brass brewing kettles offers a rustic German experience.

15.30 After lunch leave for Hermanus

The town of Hermanus got its name from Hermanus  Pieters, an itinerant teacher and sheep farmer. He first came to the Cape in the early 1800’s and settled in the Caledon district. He brought his sheep to the coast for grazing. After that came fishermen and holiday makers from the Cape. In 1902 the name of the little village was Hermanus Pietersfontein, and latter abbreviated to Hermanus.

(Estimated transfer time = 2 hours)

Arrive at Arabella Western Cape Hotel Kleinmond for dinner and accomodation

Overlooking the largest natural lagoon in Africa, The Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa is placed in the lap of a coastal amphitheatre of seductive beauty on the 112-hectare Arabella Country Estate. One of the most acclaimed luxury resorts that South Africa offers, every aspect of our five-star hospitality is thoughtfully conceived to make your time away feel relaxed and unhurried. Located just a 20-minute drive from the whale watchers haven of Hermanus, our hotel boasts the Kogelberg Nature Reserve and the 18-hole championship golf course on the Arabella Golf Estate.

The region is rich in fynbos, bird life, exquisite mountain landscapes, and endless recreational activities. Here, just 100 kilometres from Cape Town, you will enjoy access to comforts and amenities that replenish your energy and refresh your spirit. A world of rare beauty, where elegance is timeless, service is seamless, and every day abounds with simple pleasures. A place where exquisite luxury is reflected in sublime details.

The rooms at our five-star deluxe hotel in South Africa are designed with the colours and textures of the landscape subtly reflected in every detail, creating a seamless sense of harmony. Careful attention is paid to every exquisite detail, creating a luxurious, spacious retreat, with beautiful bathrooms to add to your comfort. Contemporary African ocean décor and the finest amenities impart an ambience of superior comfort. Each room is abundantly endowed with views. Even the bath itself offers an opportunity to soak up the vista. Sumptuous white bed linen, goose down duvets and pillows, and rosewood furniture enhance a sense of indulgence.

Sunday 17 October 2010

Whale Watching Boat Tour
Hermanus has the status of being the best land-based whale watching destination in the world. Southern right whales visit Walker Bay from June through to December and can be viewed from aboard a boat, an airplane or the shore. Hermanus is home to the world’s only Whale Crier who blows his kelp horn when whales are spotted along the central sea route. As a permit holder for Sub-area 2, Hermanus Whale cruises is permitted to approach whales up to 50 meters. The whales normally turn and approach our boat – often coming as close as 1 metre! We are then allowed to remain in position alongside the whales for up to 20 minutes. The whale tour is a 2 hour excursion.

Wine tasting & Cellar Tours at La Vierge
La Vierge, French for ‘The Virgin’ reflects the symbolism associated with the beautifull Hemel en Aarde valley, ‘Valley of Heaven and Earth’. Visit our spectacular new tasting room and where you’ll be able to taste and purchase our award winning maiden vintage Sauvignon Blanc, the first wine to carry the La Vierge name. Come and enjoy our wines and newly opened restaurant with views to eternity.

Monday 18 October 2010

07.00-09.30

Breakfast at the Jamani Restaurant