Winelands and Garden Route Discovery
A 5 day discovery of the secluded Cape Winelands, the road less travelled, Garden Route sites and guest house and boutique hotel hospitality experiences
-
Full InfoVal du CharronComfortGuests are collected from the hotel, and travel northeast to Wellington via the Cape Winelands. Journey into the heart of the Winelands and enjoy a craft beer tasting (own account) before arriving at the university town of Stellenbosch. Embark on a walking tour of Stellenbosch which includes the town’s historic sites and colonial Cape Dutch architecture. These structures are some of the country’s oldest buildings. Stop for lunch (own account) at one of the many wine farms and eateries near Paarl. Guests visit the town of Paarl, South Africa’s third oldest town. At Paarl Rock, the second largest granite projection on the planet, guests visit the Afrikaanse Taalmonument (Afrikaans Language Monument) and learn more about the museum. Found in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Wellington is home to Cape Dutch homesteads and beautiful gardens and wineries, as well as South Africa’s only whisky producer. Check in at the guest house, and enjoy time at leisure before drinks and dinner (own account) at one of the hotel’s restaurants.
-
Enjoy breakfast at the guest house before departing Wellington en route to Oudtshoorn, in the Klein Karoo, via the scenically-attractive Bainskloof Pass and Route 62. Built in 1854, the 18km Bainskloof Pass was an engineering masterpiece known as the ‘Gateway to the North’. It is now a national monument and offers unsurpassed views of the area. Enjoy a cheese and wine pairing followed by a cellar tour at an estate in the Robertson wine valley, located off the world’s longest wine route, the Route 62. Savour lunch en route (own account). Arrive at the guest house on the outskirts of Oudtshoorn. Spend the late afternoon and evening at leisure. Enjoy dinner and warm hospitality at own expense.
-
After breakfast, guests journey south via the Outeniqua Pass, to Knysna. Stop outside Oudtshoorn, in the Cango Valley and discover the spectacular subterranean world of the Cango Caves. Back above ground, tour a nearby ostrich farm and learn about for the ostrich-farming industry. Enjoy lunch at the ostrich farm’s restaurant (own account). The tour travels southwards to Knysna via the Outeniqua Pass. This pass was constructed by prisoners of war from 1943-1951 and now bridges the semi-arid Klein Karoo and the coastal Garden Route. Stop in Wilderness to enjoy photo opportunities and sweeping views from the Map of Africa lookout point (weather permitting) before continuing on to Knysna. Guests check in at allocated boutique hotel for the next 2 night and dine at the hotel at own expense.
-
Following breakfast, guests spend the day at leisure, or an optional excursions in and around Knysna. Guests can board a ferry to the Featherbed Nature Reserve (own account, including lunch). The local tour guide will share tales about Knysna whilst guests enjoy panoramic views on board the ferry and a 4WD vehicle. An optional 2.2km guided nature walk, through the forest and along the coast, is recommended. Enjoy a buffet lunch at a unique outdoor restaurant under a canopy of milkwood trees, on the edge of the lagoon. Guests spend time at leisure before dinner at own expense.
-
After an early breakfast, the tour departs for Port Elizabeth, via the Garden Route. Travel to the Storms River Mouth and experience unique views of the Tsitsikamma from a suspension bridge. Guests enjoy lunch at own expense, in the Tsitsikamma Forest area, home to century-old trees. The tour concludes at a Port Elizabeth city hotel of choice.
