Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
The Winelands and Cape,Eastern Cape,Cape Town
100% customisable for you
After an overnight flight, you will arrive into the 'Mother City' - Cape Town - bright and early. Our team will be waiting to meet you at the airport for the transfer to your city hotel where you can check in and refresh after the long flight. Later today, take the cable car up to the summit of Table Mountain for a birds eye view. Those with a little more post-flight energy may like to hike up Lions Head instead. We'll book a table for you at Kloof Street House this evening; the super fresh fish bouillabaisse is a particular favourite, and best accompanied by a crisp glass of Cape Winelands Sauvignon Blanc.
Leave the city behind as you travel out to the Cape Winelands to enjoy a day of wine tasting. Wind your way through the towering Hottentots-Holland, Franschhoek and Wemmershoekberg mountains on route to visit a number of historic wine estates where you can enjoy tastings with local experts. Start in Stellenbosch, and explore the canal lined streets on foot before your first tasting of the day which will be tailored to your preferences, no matter whether you have a penchant for Pinotage or are longing to sip the finest Syrah. Continue your tour over the scenic Helshoogte Pass to the quaint town of Franschhoek which is bursting with classic Cape architecture, wineries and some of the finest restaurants in the country. Take lunch in town - we love Foliage restaurant for its vibrant open kitchen, inventive dishes and picture perfect presentation - before your second tasting at a nearby winery. Your last stop will be in the farming district of Paarl, where the first Bordeaux-style red blend was bottled in South Africa. Enjoy your final tasting at a winery on the Paarl wine route before the journey back to Cape Town.
After a relaxed breakfast, your hire car will be delivered to you at your hotel. Begin your journey east by driving for around two and a half hours to arrive at the pretty town of Swellendam at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains. On route you will pass through the Elgin Valley, a region full of wineries and orchards and the home of soft drink Appletiser - great news for the designated driver. Settle in to your accommodation for this evening, which will be a charming boutique hotel or luxury guesthouse. Take the afternoon to explore this historic town - the third oldest in South Africa - at your leisure. Perhaps use your new found photographic skills to capture images of the local architecture, or peruse the Kunstehuijs art gallery for a glimpse of the contemporary art scene in South Africa. Alternatively stretch your legs with a self-guided hike through the forest and fynbos of the Marloth Nature Reserve. For dinner this evening, enjoy the super fresh locally sourced product at Field & Fork paired with award winning wines from local producers.
Continue east to the town of Oudtshoorn today in the heart of the Klein Karoo, a region of rugged mountains and arid plains. The drive takes two and a half hours door to door, but be sure to stop on route to enjoy the views as you cross spectacular mountain passes, weave through valleys and pass vineyards. Oudtshoorn itself is the ostrich capital of the world, and a visit to an ostrich farm to see these magnificently plumed creatures is a must do. A knowledgeable local guide will give you a tour of the farm, an overview of the history of ostrich farming and you'll have the chance to feed the resident ostriches.
After breakfast start your travels south to join the fabled Garden Route at the town of George, an hour south. From here it's another hour and a half drive to Plettenberg Bay, hugging the coastline. Make a lunch stop in one of the coastal towns - Knysna is the oyster capital of South Africa, so makes a worthy stopping point. Extend the lunch stop and hire a kayak to explore the tranquil lagoon and the canals weaving through nearby Thesen Island. The eagle-eyed kayaker may even spot the endangered Knysna Seahorse along the canal walls. Arriving in Plettenberg Bay, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing.
Make your way to the airport in Plettenberg Bay today (a ten minute road transfer) in time for the morning flight directly to the Kwandwe Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. You'll be met at the airstrip for the transfer to your luxury lodge, travelling in an open game viewing vehicle - the wildlife spotting starts now! Upon arrival at the lodge, settle into your suite for your three night stay. Afternoon tea is served at the lodge, so enjoy your fill of coffee, fruit infusions, fresh juices and sweet treats before departing on a game drive late this afternoon. An expert guide and tracker will be looking out for wildlife in the reserve, including the Big Five (rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo), cheetah, giraffe and all manner of elegant antelope species.
After a leisurely morning relaxing at the lodge (or one last game drive if you've still got a few species to tick off of your list), you will be picked up from the lodge for the transfer to Port Elizabeth airport. Fly from Port Elizabeth late this afternoon, connecting through Johannesburg on route back to the UK.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
