Cape & Garden Route

Day notes

Touch down in the vibrant heart of Cape Town, where an exceptional adventure awaits you! After completing the necessary formalities, your friendly English-speaking driver will greet you with a warm smile, ready to whisk you away to your luxurious accommodations. Sit back, relax, and soak in the captivating sights and sounds as you embark on your first journey through this fascinating destination.
Upon arrival at your elegant hotel, you'll have the rest of the day to unwind and ease into the local rhythm. Refresh yourself in the comfort of your well-appointed room, or take a leisurely stroll to stretch your legs and get a taste of the enchanting surroundings. As the day fades into the evening, you may wish to indulge in the hotel's amenities or venture out to explore the nearby attractions at your own pace, whetting your appetite for the incredible experiences that lie ahead.

Day notes

Cape Town offers a rich cultural and industrial heritage, grand splendour and a hive of activity and excitement. This geological and cultural extravaganza tells the story of Cape Town, from its diverse and historical beginnings to the dazzling, modern city that it is today.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Table Mountain
• Cape Town City
• Company Gardens
• The Slave Lodge
• Truth Café
  08:30 - Collection from your Cape Town hotel

Cape Town City Centre
After collection from your city-based hotel, travel towards Table Mountain for the commencement of the Table Mountain Tour.
Table Mountain National Park
Arrive at Table Mountain National Park for a tour of the profound landmark that has become a symbol of Cape Town culture (weather permitting; cable car fee not included). Declared as one of the seven wonders of the world, Table Mountain offers panoramic views over the Mother City and the Atlantic Seaboard with Robben Island lying sleepily in Table Bay Harbour. After decent, travel back towards City Centre for a tour of the Company Gardens.

Company Gardens
The park and heritage site was originally established in the early 1650s by the European settlers arriving in the area. The gardens provided fresh fruit and vegetables to the ships seeking replenishment when rounding the Cape on their journey to the East. The Gardens now offer a natural retreat from the bustle of the City.
The Arch for Arch
After your stroll through the serene Company Gardens, make your way to the Wale Street end of gardens where the iconic ''Arch'' monument stands. The monument was created to commemorate the life and work of Desmond Tutu - lovingly referred to by South Africans as ''The Arch'' - as well as a tribute to the values of the South African Constitution. The Arch was installed beside the historic St. George's Cathedral which is also known as the ''People's Cathedral'' for its role in the resistance against the Apartheid Regime.

The Iziko Slave Lodge
Alongside the iconic Arch, stands the historical Slave Lodge which is one of the oldest buildings in Cape Town. Built-in 1679 by the Dutch East India Company, the building was initially used as housing for over 9000 slaves, convicts and the mentally ill up until the early 1800s when the building was converted into government offices. The building was restored in 1960 for use as a cultural history museum but was only officially renamed as The Slave Lodge in 1998. Today the historic building houses an array of exhibits that address the controversial and deeply ingrained history of slavery in South Africa.

Truth Cafe
As you drive through the city, you shall get a feel for the cultural melting pot that it is. End the tour with a stop at Truth Cafe a ''steampunk-inspired'' artisan coffee shop serving all hand-roasted coffees in a vintage cast-iron drum (any meals for own account). Tour ends with drop off at your hotel.

Day notes

Prepare to be spellbound as you venture forth on an awe-inspiring journey to the towering headland known as Cape Point. This tour promises to unveil magnificent beaches, breathtaking vistas, and picturesque coastal villages that will etch indelible memories in your heart.

Highlights:

• Explore the vibrant heart of Cape Town City
• Marvel at the majestic Cape of Good Hope
• Encounter the delightful Boulders Beach Penguin Colony
• Lose yourself in the botanical wonderland of Kirstenbosch Gardens

8:30 AM - Depart from Your Cape Town Hotel After a warm greeting from your guide, you'll embark on a scenic drive along the Atlantic Seaboard, taking in the captivating views of Sea Point, Clifton, and the idyllic Camps Bay. Your journey continues through the quaint seaside village of Hout Bay, where magnificent mountain vistas provide a breathtaking backdrop.

Cape Point and Peninsula: Prepare to be awestruck as you navigate the world-renowned Chapmans Peak Drive, one of the most spectacular coastal routes on the planet. Your destination? The Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point, where the mighty Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge in a dramatic clash of currents. From the viewpoint, accessible by foot or the Flying Dutchman Funicular (additional cost), witness the awe-inspiring interplay of these two powerful oceans. A lunch stop (at your own expense) will be arranged en route to Simons Town, allowing you to savor the local flavors.

Boulders Beach Penguin Colony: Arrive in the historic village of Simons Town, where charming Victorian architecture and a naval base transport you back in time. Here, at the beautiful Boulders Beach, you'll encounter a delightful colony of protected African penguins. Wooden walkways provide an up-close and personal experience, allowing you to observe these endearing creatures in their natural habitat.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens: Your day concludes with a visit to the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Founded in 1913 to preserve South Africa's unique flora, these gardens encompass five of the country's six diverse biomes, showcasing the breathtaking beauty and diversity of the Cape Flora. Set against the majestic eastern slopes of Table Mountain, this natural paradise will leave you in awe of its magnificence. Your tour culminates with a drop-off at your hotel, carrying with you the enchanting memories of the magical Cape Peninsula.

Day notes

After savoring a delectable breakfast, you'll be collected and embark on an unforgettable full-day Cape Winelands Experience. Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking scenery as you wind your way through majestic mountain ranges, verdant vineyards, and charming Cape Dutch homesteads. This region is a tapestry of natural beauty, rich culture, and a storied history that has shaped South Africa's renowned wine industry.

Highlights:

• Explore the heart of the Cape Winelands
• Discover the historic towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl
• Indulge in three delectable wine tastings

8:30 AM - Depart from Your Cape Town Hotel Your journey begins as you depart the vibrant cityscape of Cape Town, heading inland toward the world-renowned Cape Winelands. Here, the fertile valleys and ideal climate have nurtured some of South Africa's and the world's finest vintages.

Stellenbosch: Step into the second-oldest town in South Africa, where canal-lined avenues, giant oak trees, and beautifully preserved historic buildings transport you back in time. Established in 1679 by Simon van der Stel, Governor of the Cape Colony, the town's Cape Dutch architecture whispers tales of its Dutch colonial heritage. Yet, it was the arrival of French Huguenot refugees in 1690 that planted the seeds of South Africa's thriving wine industry in the fertile valleys surrounding Stellenbosch. Enjoy your first wine tasting as you soak in the town's rich history.

Franschhoek: Travel over the Helshoogte Pass to the charming town of Franschhoek, another settlement of the French Huguenots in the 17th century. Billed as the gourmet capital of South Africa, this picturesque valley exudes a strong French Huguenot influence, reflected in its architecture and lifestyle. Savor another wine tasting and take the time to indulge in the fabled culinary skills of Franschhoek's award-winning restaurants (at your own expense).

Paarl: Your journey continues to Paarl, one of the Cape's first farming districts. Set at the foot of remarkable granite domes, this fertile region boasts a deep viticulture and fruit-growing heritage. Settlers planted orchards, vegetable gardens, and grape vineyards, laying the foundation for Paarl's enduring legacy as a major wine and fruit producing area. Enjoy a final wine tasting before returning to the bustling city, your senses brimming with the captivating sights, sounds, and flavors of the Cape Winelands. Your day concludes with a drop-off at your next hotel.

Day notes

Enjoy a day exploring the Cape Riviera and search for whales. August to November is usually the best time to see the Southern Right Whale in our waters. Hermanus’ Walker Bay is an ideal place for whale watching. These mammals, which often come as close to 50 meters from the shore, are given to displays of breaching, lob tailing, spy hopping and courtship rituals.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hermanus  
• Old Harbour Museum  
• Hemel-en-Aarde Valley 
• Wine Tasting  
• Harold Porter Botanical Gardens

08:30 - Collection from your Hotel

• Hemanus

  Depart Cape Town via Elgin to Hermanus. Stop at the Old Harbour Museum which provided a rocky but safe shelter for the small fishing boats whose owners were drawn to Hermanus by the abundance and variety of fish. Visit The Old Harbour museum which is situated along the coastline, in the heart of Hermanus. The town originally developed around this harbour during the middle of the nineteenth century when plentiful fish and fresh water was found in the area. The Old Harbour building was declared a museum in 1972.

• Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Valley

  Continue to the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde Valley and enjoy a wine tasting at one of the estates in the region that boast unique terroir driven wines. The Wine Route, along the R320, boasts more than just its vast array of wine farms., it is also famous for its uninterrupted views of the valley and is therefore the perfect escape from the bustle of city life. The experience will leave you feeling refreshed and content. It was once said that ''so high are the hills, which closely embrace the valley all around, that they seem to touch the sky and you cannot see anything but Heaven and Earth'' leading to the name 'Hemel-en-Aarde.'

• Harold Porter Botanical Gardens

  Take a scenic drive to the town of Kleinmond for a visit to the Harold Porter Botanical Gardens. The garden is renowned for its waterfalls and amber pools. The high twisting coastal road leading from Cape Hangklip to Gordon's Bay is one of the most spectacular anywhere. Not only does this route offer wondrous vistas out to sea, across sweeping bays and vertically down into transparent sapphire shallows, it offers a perfect setting for the entrance to the Riviera of the Cape. After a day of scenic splendour, travel back towards Cape Town. Tour end with drop off at hotel.

Day notes

Your new English-speaking guide will meet you in the foyer and transfer you to the inland Karoo town of Oudtshoorn. Enjoy two nights exploring this magical part of South Africa.

In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the farm.

Enjoy dinner at the Ma Belle Restaurant

Day notes

A day filled with adventure and sightseeing.

Enjoy dinner at the Ma Belle Restaurant

Day notes

Enjoy a leisure morning before checking out and a drive back via beautiful mountain passes to the coastal town of Knysna. Here a world of new adventures awaits.

Enjoy a sunset cruise on the laggoon before you sit down for dinner at the 34 Degrees South Restaurant.

After dinner you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Day notes

A guided tour of the Knysna surroundings. Explore and delight in the Elephant Sanctuary Interaction.

Day notes

Time to head further north and the Conservation area of the Addo. Enjoy all the game drives and other activities on offer at the lodge.

Day notes

Your guide will arrange a time to meet you and transfer you to the Airport for your onward flight.