Black Tomato has partnered with Agatha Christie Limited to unveil a three-part grand tour inspired by the author’s own ten-month adventure. Jenny Southan reports

Announced to coincide with the cinematic release of Death on the Nile (based on the novel by Agatha Christie), the Black Tomato x Agatha Christie grand tour allows people to follow in the footsteps of the intrepid writer who departed on a tenmonth voyage from Madeira in January 1922.

Devised in close collaboration with Christie’s great grandson James Prichard, Agatha Christie Limited chose Black Tomato to be their official luxury travel partner to celebrate 100 years since Agatha departed on her ambitious tour.

Studying her letters and archives, Black Tomato says it has translated Christie‘s grand tour into one “monumental” trip that can be undertaken as one of three “chapters” (Africa, Australia and New Zealand, and North America) or one full 40-night expedition.

James Prichard, chairman and CEO of Agatha Christie Limited, says: “My great grandmother’s travels were a huge influence on her writing, which is evident in stories such as The Man in the Brown Suit (directly inspired by this round the world trip) and of course, Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the Nile.

“When we were delighted when Black Tomato, a travel brand with storytelling at its heart, agreed to partner with us in celebrating Agatha’s many adventures by creating this bespoke itinerary.”

Chapter 1: South Africa

  • Like Agatha, stay at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town
  • Learn to surf near Cape Town, where Agatha first tried the sport
  • Tour the wineries and vineyards of Franschhoek
  • Follow Agatha around the bays, towns and communities of the Cape Peninsula, and over the “neck” of Table Mountain
  • Take the Blue Train, stopping off at the old diamond mines of Kimberley

From £5,299 per person

Chapter 2: Australia and New Zealand

  • Visit the Dandenong Ranges via a centuries-old, lovingly preserved steam train
  • Stop off at Melbourne, Sydney and Hobart
  • Spend time on the Mornington Peninsula
  • Follow Agatha’s footsteps to the “cobalt” vistas of the magisterial Blue Mountains
  • See the wilderness landscapes of Rotorua, Nelson and Hokitika

From £18,990 per person

Chapter 3: North America

  • Stay at the Fairmont Empress Fairmont Palliser
  • Explore the lakes, mountains and hot springs of British Columbia and Alberta
  • Take a private flight to Niagara Falls, which Agatha herself visited
  • Finish in New York, the birthplace of Agatha’s father

From £13,490 per person

An additional “scene-setting prelude” in London will give clients the chance to have afternoon tea at Brown’s hotel in London where they can stay for two nights. They will also have time with legendary historian Lucy Worsley or James Prichard. (The price of this part is on application.)

Agatha Christie novelBlack Tomato’s co-founder Tom Marchant, says: “I grew up with Agatha Christie, through reading and watching her television dramas every Sunday with my family, a cosy ritual that was a staple of my childhood and opened up the world of travel to me.

“These rich stories were a focal point in our household, along with millions of her devoted worldwide fans, and strongly influenced my upbringing, with their unforgettable backdrops and captivating characters.

That Black Tomato was selected by Agatha Christie Limited to breathe life into this iconic journey is a huge source of pride and we hope we do justice to her enormous legacy. Though a century apart, we both share an acute passion for storytelling and find the world a remarkable source to fuel creativity.

“In bringing this special adventure to life which inspired some of her most beloved books, we’re similarly aiming to harness travel to inspire life affirming journeys, as well as a new generation of literary fans.

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