BACK
Tours and Trails
Tours and Trails
Tours and Trails
 
A warm welcome from Cape Town
What a year 2009 has been! Cape Town is undergoing major infrastructure developments ahead of the FIFA Soccer World Cup next year and the excitement in the air is now tangible. The new 2010 Central Terminal at Cape Town International is absolutely world class and is now in full operation. Along with our very warmest festive season's greetings to you, we include some more valuable updates to ensure that you have the very latest information on our beautiful city.
With our very best wishes, the T&T Team.

Events
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa
A dominant feature on the Cape Town landscape is the Green Point Stadium, now in advanced stages of completion ahead of the FIFA Soccer World Cup in 2010. Here are some of the matches which will be played in Cape Town:
Friday, June 11, France vs Uruguay
Monday, June 14, Italy vs Paraguay
Friday, June 18, England vs Algeria
Monday, June 21, Portugal vs Korea DPR
Thursday, June 24, Netherlands vs Cameroon



New Attractions
New charter operator in Simonstown
Unathi Charters are now offering scenic cruises from Simonstown harbour in their boat which is licenced to carry 36 pax. Trips offered include: scenic Cape Point, Seal Island and sunset cruises. The boat is very comfortable with seats around a number of tables and would be perfect for a group or family booking while out on the Peninsula.



The Heart of Cape Town Museum
The Heart of Cape Town museum gives a first hand sense of the atmosphere, tension and drama that played itself out when, on 3 December 1967, the first human heart transplant was successfully carried out in Cape Town. Visitors are afforded a glimpse into the lives of donor, recipient and surgeon. The original theatres where the operation took place are on view with dramatic recreations of the day's events. The museum, situated at Groote Schuur Hospital, is well worth a visit.



Waterford Estate "Wine Drive Safari"
Kevin Arnold's passion for the bush inspired him to purchase a safari type game viewing Land Rover, which will take guests around the wine farm outside Stellenbosch. Waterford has chosen to plant only half of the estate's total land to vines in order to preserve and maintain the natural flora and fauna of the beautiful Blaauwklippen valley. As part of their biodiversity program they will show visitors on the "wine drive" how they intend achieving an organic approach to wine farming. Guests will experience the terroir and smell the earth and rocks while tasting these outstanding wines amongst the vines.



Velokhaya BMX Oval in Khayelitsha
The non-profit organisation - Life Cycling Academy – is using cycling to uplift and empower children living in poor communities and has raised funds to build the Velokhaya BMX Oval in Khayelitsha, a much-needed recreational facility for children; a place where they can have fun and learn new skills in a safe, secure environment. The Oval, which opened last year, is the realisation of the Academy's five-year dream to build cycling infrastructure that would make cycling more accessible to disadvantaged communities in the area. This is a great activity for families, providing an opportunity for interaction with the local community when doing our Cultural Tour in Cape Town.



Shopping & Galleries
"Great White and Eminent Grey" by Chris Fallows - a must for your bookshelf
Chris Fallows has dedicated his life to sharks and we have had the pleasure of working closely with him, and his wife Monique, in providing some the most awe inspiring shark encounters for our visitors. Great White chronicles Chris's journey from his beginnings as a penniless shark enthusiast to his discovery of the "flying" white shark phenomenon and his emergence as an authority on the subject. Through his images and words, Chris conveys with passion his respect for the often-maligned sharks and, in particular, for the captivating Carcharodon carcharias - the great white. To purchase this amazing book visit www.artpublishers.co.za.



Cape Quarter extension opens
The unusual, the individual and the unique - that's the new, bigger, better Cape Quarter in Green Point. So if your'e looking for for that perfect gift, or simply to spoil yourself, this is the place to be. Popular additions are Heartworks, Imiso Ceramics, Carol Nevin, Baraka and many more galleries and décor shops. New restaurants include Vanilla, Viola! and Cru Café.



Cape Originals
The Cape Originals gallery and shop has opened on the corners of Shortmarket and Bree Streets in central Cape Town. The gallery features the widest array of AVOOVA accessories and furniture to date as well as some exceptional work by other Cape or Karoo-based artists, designers and producers. Contemporary, Afro Chic and very different; the gallery also offers private clients the AVOOVA bespoke service for custom-designed and hand made table tops, mirrors or bars.



Did you know?
South Africa has a rich movie heritage spanning many decades
Invictus is brand new on the circuits- starring Matt Damon as Springbok rugby captain Francois Pienaar and Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela. Another exciting release is Skin, starring Sophie Okonedo, Sam Neil and Alice Krige. Other perennial favourites at your DVD store are: Cry the Beloved Country, Sarafina, A Place of Weeping, Yesterday, Disgrace, Tsotsi, and District 9.

Restaurants & Hotels
The River Café- Constantia Uitsig
This popular meeting spot has undergone a re-awakening by none other than Luke Dale-Roberts, Executive Chef of the recently crowned 2009 Eat Out Restaurant of the Year, La Colombe. Luke has appointed his protégé, Scot Kirton, as the Head Chef of the new River Café. Those who have enjoyed breakfasts and lazy lunches will be delighted to know that as of 15 December the restaurant will now also open for dinner. Known for its casual ambience, pristine location and friendly service - the River Café is the place to be this summer!
Delaire Graff Estate
The Hotel and Spa opening in April 2010 will comprise of 10 unique suites centered around a main building with sweeping views towards the Drakenstein Valley. The restaurant is already open and offers an exceptional dining experience. The lunch menu is light and vibrant in form with many of the dishes being baked or roasted in wood fired ovens. Guests are able to dine on the terrace under a canopy of pin oak trees or within the spectacular interiors whilst enjoying the breathtaking views. The artworks on display represent some of SA’s finest contemporary artists and have been selected by Laurence Graff, the owner, a major collector of contemporary art.

More new restaurants in Cape Town & surrounds
Grand Café and Beach
Grand Café and Beach is another red hot release on the Cape Town restaurant circuit which opened a week ago. It is adjacent to the V&A Waterfront, next to the Oceana Boat Club, and flows out onto its very own bespoke beach where sun-seekers can laze on Indian day beds, ordering from the outside beach bar, or cool off in two round sea water pools. Diners are treated to a chic, bistro-styled menu for both lunch and dinner, serving up old and new classics or gourmet thin-crust from the feature pizza oven. The wine list, meanwhile, includes local sparkling wine & French champagne at most attractive prices.
Vanilla
Vanilla is Cape Town's own piece of Manhattan. It's show business style dining at its finest and most glamorous, with evocative global cuisine to match. Born from an ancient vanilla orchid love story, Vanilla Restaurant and Cocktail Bar is the newest, chicest place to meet. It marries fine dining, exceptional wines and cocktails with cutting edge décor in solid glass. And while soft jazz plays, guests can enjoy star-studded nights both indoors and out. Delicate vanilla essence permeates the cuisine and many cocktails on offer, reminding guests that fine food and drink is pure love.
Moyo Blouberg
Situated only metres away from the Atlantic Ocean, overlooking the famous Robben Island. The rooftop bar will offer breathtaking views of Cape Town and Table Mountain. This venue will comfortably seat 400 guests over 4 levels and will also offer live African entertainment daily.
Carne
Another great addition by the owner of 95 Keerom St, situated directly across the street, the restaurant features beef, lamb, ostrich and chicken cooked to perfection.
Bistro 1682
A brand new eatery in the wine tasting room at Steenberg Estate in Constantia. It's "raw bar" features raw delicacies such as sashimi, gravadlax, ceviche, carpaccio, oysters, and tartare dishes, freshly prepared to order by designated chefs paired with Steenberg's wines.
Portofino
Portofino has opened in the venue previously occupied by The Showroom in the city. Many Italian inspired favourites are on offer here, priced much more reasonably than its lofty predecessor.
Headquarters
Situated on Heritage Square in the city centre and is loosely based on the famous Parisian restaurant, Le Relais de L'Entrecote, in its homage to meat. Headquarters offers a single straight forward menu: salad, sirloin and chips.

Tours & Trails Contact Details:
www.toursandtrails.com
enquiry@tandt.co.za

To Unsubscribe to this newletter click here.