Johannesburg Soweto Tour

Following hotel pickup in Johannesburg, your personalized tour of the historic city starts off with a visit to the home Nelson Mandela lived in prior to his death. Your guide highlights the formerly elite suburb where high-rise apartments once predominantly occupied by white residents are now inhabited by African emigrants seeking their fortune in the 'City of Gold.'

You'll see a vibrant mixture of cultures before proceeding to the Carlton Centre, located in what was once Johannesburg's most prestigious business district. The well-maintained building towers above the city and you can see magnificent 360-degree views from its 50th floor.

Passing by Gandhi Square and its namesake statue, you'll cross the gold mining strip that divides the city. After an hour or two exploring the Apartheid Museum, you'll continue on to the township of Soweto with your guide.

Lunch at a popular restaurant on Vilakazi Street where you will sample the local fare. Here also you will find the previous homes of two Nobel Peace Prize winners: Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela. Visit the home of the latter, now a museum and tribute to South Africa's abolishment of apartheid. Learn more about the country's history at the Hector Pieterson memorial, erected in honor of 70 young people who were shot by police while protesting the apartheid regime during the student riots of 1976.

You will also view Freedom Square, the Regina Mundi Church and the World Cup stadium as you depart Soweto for your hotel.