Johannesburg - Forget about that patterned tie and matching socks set; this year spoil your Dad with an experience he will never forget.
Just in time for Father's Day (Sunday 19 June), The Travel Corporation (TTC) has shared its pick of the best experiences and holidays for every well-deserving Dad.
FOR THE HISTORY BUFF
For those dads that are permanently tuned into The History Channel, Trafalgar's 12-day WW1 and WW2 Battlefields Special Interest itinerary is sure to please. The historical journey to the battlefields of WW1 and WW2 takes travellers to poignant sites in northern France, Belgium and The Netherlands - and to southern England to hear about the D-Day Landings. Listen to a haunting Last Post played at the Menin Gate in Ypres and visit one of the most impressive remains of World War II, La Coupole Museum housed in a gigantic underground bunker complex built by the German army.
Prices for the Trafalgar trip start from R38 950 per person and include 11 nights' accommodation with breakfast daily, 5 dinners including the Be My Guest insider experience, sightseeing in all major cities and an expert Travel Director.
FOR THE BEER CONNOISSEUR
In many places a beer is just a beer, and people expect little more than a pale coloured lager when ordering it and beer is practically synonymous with Germany. So what better place for dad to appreciate a pint (or stein in this case!) than a 10 day trip by Insight Vacations that traverses the length and breadth of this great beer country. Best of Germany, which travels from Berlin to Frankfurt, is priced from R28 100 per person twin share and with visits to Berlin, Potsdam, Dresden, Rothenberg, Munich, the Black Forest, Heidelberg, Mainz and Frankfurt your dad will soon know his Doppelbock from his Dunkel.
This escorted journey includes premium accommodation with breakfast daily, three dinners, and top rated highlights, travelling in absolute comfort on Wi-Fi equipped motor coach with business class legroom and receiving exemplary service from the Travelling Concierge.
FOR THE ECO WARRIOR
Outdoorsy types will be in their element on Trafalgar's 8-day Costa Rica Eco Adventure. Glide through the canals and waterways of the Tortuguero National Park one day and hike around the active Arenal Volcano the next. Travellers on this eco adventure will ascend to the treetops of the incredible Monteverde Cloud Forest for a bird's-eye view from the unforgettable Sky Walk, a chain of six suspension bridges at canopy level.
Prices start from start from R20 500 per person and include 7 nights' accommodation with breakfast daily, 4 lunches (including a Be My Guest) and 5 dinners, sightseeing in all major cities, an expert Travel Director and airport transfers.
FOR THE FAMILY MAN
If your dad is forever coordinating schedules to plan the perfect family holiday, this multi-generational river cruise is sure to be the perfect gift. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection offers a number of family-friendly departures including a magical 8 day Castles Along The Rhine cruise from Basel to Amsterdam. Parents, children and grandchildren alike will love exploring colourful medieval towns and picturing life among fortresses, dungeons and drawbridges in France, Germany, The Netherlands and Switzerland.
Priced from R50 100 per person sharing enjoy a family cruise departing 20 July. This includes 7 nights of on board accommodation in riverview stateroom, all meals and unlimited beverages onboard, onshore excursions and all transfers on arrival and departure days. Kids aged 4-18 years cruise for half-price (excluding port charges).
FOR THE MUSIC LOVER
Musical dads will love Luxury Gold by Insight Vacations Southern Grace, a 9-day tour through the musical heartland of Tennessee and Louisiana, discovering the roots of the blues and country. Join the ranks of the superstars like Elvis, Dolly and Willy and record a song at Nashville's legendary Studio B, learn the 'science' of making the signature 'mint julep' in Natchez and dine on Creole cuisine in New Orleans. Visit the birthplace of the Blues in Memphis, enjoying a guided tour of the Rock 'n Soul Museum and pay homage to The King himself in Graceland.
Priced from R46 600 per person twin share and inclusive of outstanding hotel accommodation with breakfast daily, five dinners, complimentary airport transfers, exceptional sightseeing and more.
Call The Travel Corporation on (011) 280 8400 to book one of these superb Father's Day getaways.
Adapted from a press release for IOL