Premium Cape Town and the Garden Route

Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. With its gorgeous coastline, modern cityscape and nearby mountains, Cape Town is one of Africa's most popular cities. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, why not get out and explore Cape Town, maybe with a walk in Newlands Forest or by jumping on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. You could also head down to the waterfront to see Cape Town Stadium up close. After the meeting, you’ll head out for dinner at a local restaurant set in a twentieth century Victorian house. Tuck into local dishes made from seasonal produce and free-range, responsibly sourced meats as you toast to the start of your adventure.

Head out early for a tour of the peninsula. Drive along the Atlantic Seaboard to Maiden’s Cove, then continue to Hout Bay’s fishing harbour to soak up the views from Sentinel Lookout. Head on along Chapmans Peak Drive for panoramic views across the bay and Noordhoek Beach. Then, head to the Cape of Good Hope, within the Table Mountain Nature Reserve. Look out for the local wildlife as you take a walk up to the restored lighthouse at Cape Point. From here, you may be able to see the spot where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet! Carry on to Boulders Beach, where you can see the resident colony of African penguins. This afternoon, retrace over 300 years of Cape Town’s dramatic history on a walking tour. Learn about the impact of Apartheid and the effect of racism and discrimination on the lives of the local people. Visit the Castle of Good Hope (the oldest existing colonial building in South Africa), significant slavery sites like the Iziko Slave Lodge Museum, the District Six museum and the Parliament buildings where Apartheid Laws were made and later repealed. Visit the Grand Parade, where Nelson Mandela made his first address to the nation as a free man and walk along Government Avenue while hearing about South Africa’s Nobel Peace Prize winners and the struggle for freedom and an end to Apartheid. End the afternoon in Bo-Kaap and learn a bit about the rich, multicultural history as you wander the coloured buildings.

This morning, have breakfast at your hotel then head out to visit the Amy Foundation – a non-profit organisation that offers programs to develop and empower young people from challenged and vulnerable communities. Learn about how their Youth Skills Development program helps young adults prepare for employment. After, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore Cape Town at your own pace. Maybe head to Table Mountain, and either take the Aerial Cableway or choose one of the hiking trails to see epic views across the city and ocean. You could also head to Robben Island – sitting within Table Bay, this island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the place where Nelson Mandela and many others were imprisoned.

After breakfast, hit the road for Franschhoek, home to centuries-old vineyards. Arrive at your Feature Stay, Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa – sitting in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley and the Cape Winelands, this hotel is surrounded by mountains and is the perfect place to kick back and relax. After check-in, maybe just chill out within the grounds with a good book, or if you’re feeling adventurous, maybe head out on the Franschhoek tram. This tram conveniently stops at lots of different wineries in the area, so you can soak up the afternoon in the best way – with local drops, sunshine and maybe a bite to eat. Tonight, you’ll be treated to an indulgent six-course dinner with a wine pairing at Sauvage Restaurant (that sits within your Feature Stay). Feast on Bo-Kaap inspired cuisine and paired wine from local, boutique wine farms.

Soak up a leisurely morning today before a big afternoon of food and wine! Early this afternoon, you’ll head to a South African cooking class at Spilsbury Kitchen – in the heart of the Cape Winelands, global sensation and local private chef Nicola Spilsbury will take you on a culinary journey of local dishes like babotie (spiced meat baked with an egg-based topping) and vetkoek (fried dough filled with minced curry). Enjoy the fruits of your labour with the group for lunch, then head to a local wine farm for a tasting. Indulge in a few local glasses paired with cheeses, then head back to your hotel bar for some cocktails. Later, head out in 4WDs to the family home of a local foodie. Tour the farm with the hosts, then chill out as the sun goes down, enjoying a dinner spread of locally sourced dishes cooked in the true Bo-Kaap style, prepared by your hosts. The farm overlooks the whole of Franschhoek and is home to abundant wildlife, so soak up the views and get to know the family.

Today is a bit of a long travel day as you make your way to Knysna – the ‘jewel of the Garden Route,’ this city is known for its oysters, beaches, lagoon and forest. Along the way, stop in at Hermanus for lunch, where in-season whales can be spotted from the shore! You may also stop at Swellendam – this town is home to over 50 provincial heritage sites, most of which showcase Cape Dutch architecture – or Riverdale to stretch your legs. When you arrive in Knysna, head out with your local leader on an orientation walk to get your bearings, then soak up a free afternoon and evening to explore at your own pace.

Today you’ll head out as a group and explore Knysna. First, visit Garden Route National Park – known for its Indigenous forests, dramatic coastline and the popular Otter Trail. Walk to Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, where you can walk along the suspension bridge for gorgeous river views. You’ll also choose one of the nearby hiking trails here, depending on the group’s abilities and interests. Enjoy a well-earned lunch together after your hike at a local restaurant, then head back to the city. Along the way, stop in Plettenberg Bay and visit Old Nick Village – a collection of shops owned by local creative manufacturers, designers and curators. You’ll also stop in at The Mungo Mill – a GOTS-certified homeware textile company – to learn about the weaving process. Tonight, you’re free to rest and recharge or head out to dinner (your leader will always have some good restaurant recommendations handy.

Today after breakfast, you’ll travel back to Cape Town along the scenic Route 62, making plenty of stops on the way for photos and to stretch your legs, including Oudtshoorn, Montagu, Robertson and Paarl. When you arrive back in Cape Town, maybe head out with your group and local leader for an optional farewell dinner and toast to a beautiful adventure.

After breakfast today, there are no further activities planned and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in Cape Town, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.