Leinster URC Tour.
South Africa, April 2024

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Leinster URC Tour. South Africa, April 2024.

Leinster tour to South Africa package. Enjoy a superb trip to South Africa to support Leinster when they travel to South Africa in April to take on the Lions and the Stormers in the URC. 

RTI is highly experienced in organising multiple safe and enjoyable tours to South Africa. We have inspected every hotel, activity and stadium on this itinerary and it is this knowledge that is your guarantee of a brilliant trip and great craic! 

As well as some great rugby with official match tickets, we have also included a huge number of social events, activities, excursions, meals and drinks, thus leaving you to relax and enjoy this amazing country! Locations include Johannesburg, Stellenbosch and Cape Town. Activities include two Safari drives, Robben Island, Table Mountain and a tour of Soweto including Nelson Mandela’s former home and the Apartheid Museum. You also have the option of a wine tour in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek including lunch.

See below for a summary of what is included plus our day to day tour itinerary. 


€3,295
per person sharing
Single Supplement €695
Content
17-29 April. 11 Days / 10 Nights in South Africa
Departing
Dublin - Johannesburg and Cape Town - Dublin
Local Flights
One domestic flight: Johannesburg to Cape Town
Transfers
Executive coach transfers throughout.
Matches Included
Emirates Lions v Leinster, Saturday 20 April, Emirates Airline Park. Kick Off 15.00.

DHL Stormers v Leinster, Saturday 27 April, DHL Stadium. Kick Off 19.05.

Guaranteed official match tickets to both matches.
Hotels
• 3 nights B&B at the 5* African Pride Hotel, Melrose Arch, Johannesburg.
• 2 nights B&B at the 4* Oude Werf Hotel, Stellenbosch.
• 2 nights (Breakfast & Dinner included) at the 4* Aquilla Game Reserve.
• 3 nights B&B at the 5* Cullinan Hotel, Cape Town.
Itinerary Includes
• Breakfast each day.
• Two dinners.
• Two lunches.
• One African themed dinner.
• 2 x match day events including food and drinks.
• Welcome drinks reception on day of arrival.
• Two Safari Drives in Aquilla Private Game Reserve.
• Soweto Half Day Tour including Nelson Mandelas house and the Apartheid Museum.
• Option to book a full day Winelands Tour including lunch.
Price Excludes
• Single Supplement @ €695.
• It is strongly recommended that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
• Upgrade to Business Class or First Class flights. Supplements apply and subject to availability.
• Admission fees into sights of interest not included in the tour cost / itinerary.
• Personal expenses such as tips, telephone calls, beverages, all meals not mentioned under the inclusions and anything else of a personal nature.
Payment Plan
€3,295 per person sharing.
A 25% deposit or full payment is required to secure your booking.
The tour balance is due by the 29th of February 2024.

Depart Dublin at 2205 with the superb Emirates. 

Land in Dubai at 0830.

Transfer and depart Dubai at 0955. Land in Johannesburg at 1615. 

Executive coach transfer (40 minutes) to the 5* African Pride Hotel, Melrose Arch and check in for three nights.

Melrose Arch is Johannesburg’s premier precinct with a myriad trendy cafés, high-street boutiques, al fresco restaurants and lively entertainment areas located just moments from the hotel doorstep.

We have arranged a complimentary drinks reception this evening for everyone on tour to relax and to get to know each other.

Diverse in culture, colour and heritage, Johannesburg’s contrasts will capture your heart and awaken your soul.

Spend a half day exploring Johannesburg, Soweto and surrounds. Visit the internationally acclaimed Apartheid Museum, illustrating the rise and fall of the Apartheid regime in South Africa. Discover the vibrant township of Soweto, home to Mandela House and many more historically significant sites and figures of the struggle.

Rest of the day at leisure. 

Match Day! Emirates Lions v Leinster at Emirates Airline Park. Kick Off 15.00. 

Morning at leisure.

1200: Meet in hotel bar and then coach transfer (20 minutes) to the stadium. 

Enjoy stadium hospitality including official match tickets, complimentary food and drinks both pre and post match. 

Check out and transfer to Johannesburg Airport for your midday (TBC) flight (2 hours) to Cape Town.

On arrival at Cape Town transfer to Stellenbosch (35 minutes) and check into the 4* Oude Werf Hotel for two nights on a bed and breakfast basis. 

This is a beautiful hotel located in the heart of Stellenbosch on Church Street. You are in the perfect location for exploring the town’s world-class restaurants, trendy cafe’s, boutique shops and famous vineyards.

Stellenbosch is a beautiful town and its history, culture, natural beauty, sport, education and wine has made the name ‘Stellenbosch’ resonate around the
globe as one of South Africa’s premier tourist, wine, business and education attractions.

Evening at leisure. 

Optional Wine Tour (can be booked online at time of booking).

Depart this morning for wine tasting and a cellar experience at a local Stellenbosch wine estate. It is then onto the beautiful French influenced town of Franschhoek where you will enjoy a fabulous lunch with amazing views. You will then have time to walk around this town and enjoy the various shops and amenities. It is then back to Stellenbosch and on the way enjoy a stop at a fantastic wine estate that specialises in Cap Classique. This is a sparkling wine that is made in South Africa and made the same way as champagne. 

This is a very social day!

Check out and transfer (two hours) to the 4* Aquilla Private Game Reserve. Check in for 2 nights within the Premier Lodge with breakfast, lunch and dinner included. 

Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa is home to the legendary Big 5: Elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard, and rhino. The 10,000 hectare conservancy sits between the Langeberg and the Outeniqua Mountains in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Aquila is more than just an unforgettable wildlife experience, it is an experience in luxurious African hospitality, traditional culinary delights, service excellence and the restoration of pride to the indigenous people and the land. The reserve has a large swimming pool with a poolside bar, serving cocktails and ice-cold beverages for socials around the 35m long crystal-clear, infinity pool. There are two large, dedicated dining areas and an African-style restaurant that serves local cuisine and traditional South African dessert.

Additionally, you have the opportunity to relax in the private, mezzanine-level bar and lounge with magnificent views of the reserve.

Enjoy lunch followed by a game drive. 

Rest of the day at leisure.

 

Today is a day of relaxation!

Why not avail of the superb Spa or simply soak up the sun by the bar and pool?

A sunset game drive (15.00-19.00) is included today. 

Evening at leisure. 

Check out this morning and transfer (two hours) to the 5* Cullinan Hotel and check in for three nights B&B.

The Cullinan Hotel is our go to hotel in Cape Town because it is located in one of Cape Town’s most sought after areas, within easy reach of the renowned Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Long Street and other popular landmarks.

This evening we have included dinner at a local African restaurant. The 14-dish tasting menu you will be served is designed to be enjoyed in a shared style. Throughout your traditional African meal you will enjoy learning about the country of origin, cooking techniques and spicing of each dish. The African entertainment includes praise singing to welcome you, Mali puppetry, and dancing to the rhythms of the marimba percussion and djembe drums. A great night is assured! 

This morning we have included a trip to Robben Island which from the mid-1960s to 1991, served as South Africa’s maximum-security prison. Most inmates, including Nelson Mandela, were black men incarcerated for political offenses. The last of these political prisoners were released in 1991. In 1997 it was turned into a museum and in 1999 it received designation as a World Heritage site.

The tour takes 3.5 hours including the ferry trip to and from the Island. The tour includes the Maximum Security Prison where thousands of South Africa’s freedom fighters were incarcerated for years. The tour culminates with a viewing of Nelson Mandela’s cell.

Please note that this is subject to weather conditions and if poor weather means the ferry is cancelled, we will look to run it again the following morning.

Rest of the day at leisure. 

Match Day! DHL Stormers v Leinster at DHL Stadium. Kick Off 19.05. 

This morning we have arranged a trip to the top of Table Mountain. Enjoy stunning views and a brilliant cable car ride!

Later this afternoon enjoy our pre-match event that includes complimentary food and drinks. Official match tickets included. 

Back to the hotel bar for an end of tour party!

 

You will be glad to know that we have arranged a late check out today! 

At 1500 transfer (30 mins) to Cape Town International Airport. 

Emirates flight departs Cape Town at 1820. 

Land in Dubai at 0545.

Transfer and depart Dubai at 0715. Land in Dublin at 1210. 

It’s been a great tour and we hope to see you on another RTI tour soon!

Munster Rugby URC Two Match Supporters Tour to South Africa, April 2024.

Vodacom Bulls v Munster Rugby and Emirates Lions v Munster Rugby.

Travel with Rugby Travel Ireland to South Africa and witness Munster Rugby v Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday 20th April and Munster Rugby v Emirates Lions on Saturday 27th April in Johannesburg. Travel on our supporters tour and be guaranteed official match tickets, superb hotels and great craic! 

Register your details below!


Round 1: 
Sunday, December 10
La Rochelle v Leinster, Stade Marcel Deflandre. KO 15.15

Round 2: Saturday, 16 December
Leinster v Sale Sharks. KO 17.30

Round 3: Saturday, 13 January
Leinster v Stade Francais. KO 17.30

Round 4: Saturday, 20 January
Leicester Tigers v Leinster, Mattioli Woods Welford Road. KO 15.15


Round of 16: 5/6/7 April 2024

Quarter-finals:
 12/13/14 April 2024

Semi-finals: 3/4/5 May 2024

EPCR Challenge Cup final: Friday 24 May 2024, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Champions Cup Final: Saturday 25 May 2024, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Content
17-29 April. 11 Days / 10 Nights in South Africa
Departing
Dublin - Johannesburg - Dublin International Flights with Emirates.
Local Flights
One domestic flight: Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to Johannesburg.
Transfers
Executive coach transfers throughout.
Matches Included
Vodacom Bulls v Munster Rugby, Saturday 20 April, Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Kick Off 17.05

Emirates Lions v Munster Rugby, Saturday 27 April, Emirates Airline Park. Kick Off 17.00

Guaranteed official match tickets to both matches.
Hotels
• 3 nights B&B at the 5* Sheraton Pretoria Hotel
• 2 nights (Breakfast & Dinner included) at the 4* Kruger Gate Hotel, Kruger Park
• 2 nights (Breakfast & Dinner included) at the 4* Sabi River Sun Hotel
• 3 nights B&B at the 5* Marriott Melrose Arch, Johannesburg
Itinerary Includes
• Breakfast each day.
• Four dinners.
• Two lunches.
• 2 x match day hospitality including food and drinks both pre and post match.
• Donal Lenihan & Alan Quinlan tour plus special guest appearances.
• Welcome drinks reception on day of arrival.
• Cultural Village tour with a dance show and lunch.
• Two Safari Drives in Kruger National Park.
• Panorama Day Tour from Hazyview or choose to play a round of golf at Sabi River Golf Resort.
• Soweto Half Day Tour including Nelson Mandelas house and the Apartheid Museum.
Price Excludes
• Single Supplement @ €795.
• It is strongly recommended that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
• Upgrade to Business Class or First Class flights. Supplements apply and subject to availability.
• Admission fees into sights of interest not included in the tour cost / itinerary.
• Personal expenses such as tips, telephone calls, beverages, all meals not mentioned under the inclusions and anything else of a personal nature.
Payment Plan
€2,995 per person sharing.
A 25% deposit or full payment is required to secure your booking.
The tour balance is due by the 29th of February 2024.

Depart Dublin at 2205 with the superb Emirates. 

Land in Dubai at 0830.

Transfer and depart Dubai at 0955. Land in Johannesburg at 1615. 

Executive coach transfer (40 minutes) to the 5* Sheraton Pretoria Hotel and check in for three nights. We have arranged a complimentary drinks reception this evening, hosted by Donal Lenihan and Alan Quinlan, for everyone on tour to relax and to get to know each other.

Cultural Village tour with a dance show and lunch. Located in the heart of the African bushveld amidst the rocky hills within the Cradle of Humankind, a World Heritage Site. Discover the fascinating cultures and traditions of the people of Africa, visiting five traditional homesteads inhabited by Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele tribes who live according to tribal folklore and traditions of their ancestors.

Rest of the day at leisure. 

Match Day! Vodacom Bulls v Munster Rugby at Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Kick Off 1705. 

Morning at leisure.

1500: Meet in hotel bar and then coach transfer (5 minutes) to the stadium. 

Enjoy stadium hospitality including official match tickets, complimentary food and drinks both pre and post match. 

Check out and transfer to Kruger Park. This overland journey to Kruger National Park holds as much beauty and excitement as the world-famous safari destination itself. Heading eastwards into Mpumalanga (the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’) witness undulating expanses and stunning scenery.

This is a five hour drive plus a lunch stop and two coffee breaks on the way.

Check into the 4* Kruger Gate Hotel for two nights on a breakfast and dinner basis. 

You have the option (at no additional cost) to enjoy an evening safari either today or tomorrow. 

After sunset, the boom of a big brass gong blending with the voice of a traditional African welcome will call you to a sumptuous fireside feast. Under a canopy of breath-taking stars, a hot and cold three-course buffet dinner, including local and international cuisine, is laid out for your pleasure.

Located right at the Paul Kruger Gate and on the banks of the iconic Sabie River, this lodge-style hotel is famed for its soaring wooden walkways and treetop ambiance. It provides classic Big 5 safaris in the Kruger National Park with all the comforts of an upmarket 4-star hotel experience.

Morning Game Drive 0545 – 1200. 

You will wake before dawn, enjoy complimentary coffee, tea and traditional rusks before setting off, full of anticipation, with your professional guide on an open-air safari vehicle. Within minutes, you enter the Kruger Gate and are immersed in pristine wilderness where large herds and powerful predators roam freely. As the sun rises, pink and gold, over the untamed landscape of thorn trees and waving grass, you never know what you might see. There’s always a chance of Africa’s iconic Big 5 – Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino, and so much more.

Tip: You will be given blankets but do bring warm clothing because early morning can be very cold!

On your return we have included a lovely al fresco buffet lunch.

Rest of the day at leisure. We recommend relaxing by the stylish Pool Bar with its extensive game-viewing deck along the Sabie riverbank. This boasts uninterrupted views into the Kruger National Park.  This scenic quiet zone, includes a stunning infinity pool, providing a peaceful respite after your safari travels. Here, you can be still, take pleasure in a cocktail or a glass of fine South African wine while the game wanders down to the Sabie River right in front of you. As you relax, cool off in the pool or enjoy an al fresco lunch. 

Look out for intimate sightings of Elephants, Buffalo, Hippo and numerous species of antelope who come to the river to drink and graze on the grassy banks. It’s a favourite spot for both watching the sunrise alone in the cool mornings and coming together for refreshing sundowners after a hot day on safari.

Late check out and transfer (one hour) to the 4*  Sabi River Sun Resort, Hazyview. Check in for 2 nights (breakfast and dinner included).

The resort’s 18-hole golf course, five swimming pools, resident hippos, tennis courts, rejuvenating spa and delicious dining ensure that you will have a great couple of days R&R!

Why not tee-off (additional cost) this afternoon on the 71-par 18-hole course that is famous for its resident hippos and the Mpumalanga Lowveld surrounding it!

Rest of the day at leisure. 

Today we have included a day trip on the stunning Panorama Route OR a round of golf. 

On the Panorama Route you will travel along the Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world, which is home to a number of sites of incredible natural beauty. These include the following which you will witness: God’s Window, the Three Rondavels and the Bourke’s Luck Potholes.

A view of Gods Window!

Evening at leisure. 

Check out and transfer (one hour) to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport from where you fly (one hour) to Johannesburg.

Transfer to the 5* Marriott Hotel Melrose Arch and check in for three nights B&B.

Melrose Arch is Johannesburg’s premier precinct with a myriad trendy cafés, high-street boutiques, al fresco restaurants and lively entertainment areas located just moments from the hotel doorstep.

Diverse in culture, colour and heritage, Johannesburg’s contrasts will capture your heart and awaken your soul. Spend a half day exploring Johannesburg, Soweto and surrounds. Visit the internationally acclaimed Apartheid Museum, illustrating the rise and fall of the Apartheid regime in South Africa. Discover the vibrant township of Soweto, home to Mandela House and many more historically significant sites and figures of the struggle.

Evening at leisure. 

Match Day! Emirates Lions v Munster Rugby at Emirates Airline Park. Kick Off 1700. 

Morning at leisure. 

1430: Meet in hotel bar and then coach transfer (20 minutes) to the stadium.

Enjoy stadium hospitality including official match tickets, complimentary food and drinks both pre and post match.

Return to hotel for end of tour party!

You will be glad to know that we have arranged a late check out today! 

At 1500 transfer (45 mins) to OR Tambo International Johannesburg Airport. 

Emirates flight departs Johannesburg at 1910. 

Land in Dubai at 0525.

Transfer and depart Dubai at 0715. Land in Dublin at 1210. 

It’s been a great tour and we hope to see you on another RTI tour soon!

19th - 29th March 2020

Leinster Rugby Tour to South Africa - PRO14