Cape Town, Wine & Whales

13 Days

Overview

The Cape is a dream holiday destination. with some of the most scenic city surroundings in the world and a medley of interesting things to see and experience. This tour combines the best of Cape Town with the country charm of the Winelands and the thrill of whale-watching to deliver a holiday that is both relaxing and exciting. Whale season in South Africa is between June and November each year, so it’s best to plan this trip for some time during this six month period. Private road transfers are arranged to take you between each of the three towns and cities, with no journey being longer than two hours. You’ll be centrally located in each place giving you the freedom and access to enjoy the very best of each. This is a good itinerary for those a little shorter on time, or who do not want to drive large distances. A self-drive version of this itinerary is also available.

Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel or guesthouse where you will spend your first four nights. Cape Town is undeniably one of the world’s top tourist destinations. From iconic Table Mountain to the buzz of the V&A Waterfront, the history of Robben Island and fragrant beauty of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the Mother City boasts a diverse choice of sights and a vibrancy unlike any other city. It’s of course renowned for its breathtaking beaches and mountainous backdrop, but the city centre itself, with its outdoor street markets, boutique shops and hip restaurants, is a playground all on its own.

After a delicious final breakfast, you’ll head south taking the roughly two hour drive along the spectacular coastline to the charming town of Hermanus. From June to November each year, this is the place where you can see the Southern Right Whales that come into the warmer waters to calve. If you visit outside of this season, there are still many things to enjoy such as peaceful beaches, nearby Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa, as well as the quaint fishing village of Arniston or the unspoiled De Hoop Nature Reserve.

For those hoping to experience other marine encounters, you can take a boat trip to a nearby island to see the huge colonies of sea birds and the 60 000 strong Cape Fur Seal colony – a real delight. Great White sharks also call the area home and you can view them from the safety of a boat, or if you’re brave, there’s always shark cage diving that brings you up close and personal with these mysterious creatures in their own habitat.

After a restful night’s sleep, you will be whisked away on another wonderful drive that will take you over the Franschhoek Pass and into the gorgeous Franschhoek Valley in the Winelands for your three night stay. With its distinct passion for tourism and superb positioning along the most famous of our wine routes, it makes for a perfect base from which to explore the area. The countless estates offer topportunities for picnics, wine tasting and cellar tours, with many of them often involved in the production of much more than just wine – sparkling wines, brandy, cheese and olive oil are just some of the products that come out of this area and are well worth sampling. Franschhoek has also established itself as the gourmet capital of South Africa with a sizeable and varied selection of restaurants and cafés, so serious foodies are guaranteed to be satisfied.

Alternatively you could opt to stay in Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa and one also along the Cape wine route. Boasting an impressive selection of quality restaurants and wine estates, it’s a lovely blend of history and culture combined with the delights of the Winelands.

Return to Cape Town International Airport in time for your return international flight home after a refreshing and enjoyable holiday.

The best time of year to do this trip:

Excellent - September to March

Good - April to August

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