Exploring South African Vineyards

The Cape region is a true gem, with its vineyards and mountain range overlooking the city, which is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. A tour of the Cape Peninsula takes you to the legendary Cape of Good Hope, where many ships ran aground on the spice route between Europe and India.

Take the scenic route around the peninsula, where you’ll spot a colony of African penguins, climb to the summit of Table Mountain, and enjoy a panoramic view of the magnificent Cape Bay. Sample fine wines at the vineyards around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek… Set out to explore the Tulbagh and Wellington wine routes, which are less well-known to the general public but full of charm.

Day 1: Cape Town Airport

Meet and assist service at Cape Town International Airport provided by our English-speaking representative. Car rental with unlimited mileage and comprehensive insurance: full coverage in the event of theft, accident, or damage, with no deductible. You’ll pick up your rental car and drive to Cape Town and your hotel. Overnight stay at The Tree House boutique hotel in a Superior Sea View room.

Day 2: Cape Town

A day exploring the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town.

We recommend taking the cable car to the top ofTable Mountain. From the summit, 1,000 meters above sea level, a stroll along the flat terrain offers magnificent views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean.

You can then choose to visit the South African National Museum, Company’s Garden, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the colorful Bo-Kaap neighborhood, the African craft market at Green Market Square, or the Castle of Good Hope.

We also recommend a visit to the Zeitz MOCAA museum on the Waterfront. It is the largest museum of contemporary African art on the continent, impressive for its unique architecture and the diversity of the works on display.

Suggested tours to book in advance with us: guided tour of a township (half-day), culinary tour of the city (half-day), bike ride (3 hours to 1 day), cage diving with great white sharks (1 day), evening exploring the origins of African jazz, helicopter tour of the city and the peninsula (between 12 and 60 minutes), 112-meter abseil down Table Mountain (2 hours), paragliding over the Atlantic coast, sunset catamaran cruise in Cape Bay with sparkling wine, cultural tour of craft beers in Woodstock.

At your hotel, an expert will share his passion and knowledge of South African wines with you. Tasting of 6 wines: 1 sparkling wine, 2 whites, and 3 reds.

Overnight stay at The Tree House boutique hotel in a Superior Sea View room.

Day 3: Cape Town

A day dedicated to exploring the Cape Peninsula and its legendary Cape of Good Hope.

Suggested itinerary:

Take the road to the small fishing port ofHout Bay, nestled in a beautiful bay bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. You can take a boat trip to Duiker Island, home to a colony of sea lions.

You continue along the scenic Chapman’s Peak Drive, which winds through the mountainside along the Atlantic Ocean. You arrive in Simon’s Town, where Boulders Beach is home to a colony of African penguins.

You can enjoy a seafood meal and then head to the Cape of Good Hope and Cape Point, the tip of the Cape Peninsula.

Off the coast of the Cape of Good Hope, formerly known as the Cape of Storms, many ships of the Dutch East India Company ran aground in the 17th century before a trading post was established on the peninsula that would become the city of Cape Town. From the Cape Point lighthouse, a beautiful 1.5-hour walk leads to the tip of the peninsula.

Return to Cape Town in the late afternoon. On the way, you can visit the Cape Point Ostrich Farm to learn more about the largest living bird species.

We also recommend stopping at Cape Point Vineyard to enjoy a wine tasting with a stunning view of Noordhoek Beach. Overnight stay at The Tree House boutique hotel in a Superior Sea View room.

Day 4: Cape Town

A day exploring Constantia and its surroundings. The Constantia Valley is home to Cape Town’s vineyards.

This wine region dates back to 1685, and here you can explore eight award-winning wineries: Groot Constantia, Steenberg Vineyards, Constantia Uitsig, Klein Constantia, Buitenverwachting, Eagles Nest, Constantia Glen, and Silvermist Vineyards. All are located less than 15 km from downtown Cape Town.

Nestled beneath Table Mountain National Park, Constantia is the perfect place to relax in nature over a glass of wine, while still being close to downtown Cape Town.

Overnight stay at The Tree House boutique hotel in a Superior Sea View room.

Day 5: Cape Town

A day at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town’s waterfront on the Atlantic Ocean.

The V&A Waterfront is home to the large Victoria Wharf shopping center, a craft market, numerous restaurants and shops, as well as a Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of Cape Town.

Suggestions: a visit to Robben Island, a visit to the Museum of Contemporary African Art (MOCAA), a visit to the Two Oceans Aquarium, or a visit to the V&A Waterfront Market.

Overnight stay at The Tree House boutique hotel in a Superior Sea View room.

Day 6: Cape Town – Stellenbosch

Departure for Stellenbosch, a university town in the Western Cape wine region. Estimated travel time: 50 min.

South Africa is a leading producer of wines, all of which come from the Western Cape region. A tour of the wine route through the valleys of Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Franschhoek is a must-do when exploring the country.

Our suggestions:

Explore the town of Stellenbosch, South Africa’s second-oldest town after Cape Town, which features beautiful, well-maintained streets lined with typical Cape-Dutch style buildings (the name given to Cape architecture inspired by the Dutch).

A tour of the cellars at several wineries in Stellenbosch, featuring tastings of red, rosé, and white wines. You’ll discover South African wines made from grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, and Merlot, as well as Pinotage, a uniquely South African variety created by crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault.

Enjoy a gourmet picnic outdoors at one of the region’s beautiful wineries.

Our favorites:

– Grande Provence for its MCC tasting (South African champagne known as Méthode Cap Classique).
– Babylonstoren for its magnificent gardens and its restaurant called Green House, located under a lovely shaded glass roof.
– Marianne Wine Estate for its excellent red wines, including its famous Floréal, which was selected for Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday dinner at Buckingham Palace. A perfect final stop to admire the sunset before returning to Cape Town. Overnight stay at De Zalze Lodge in a standard room.

De Zalze Lodge, located in Stellenbosch, offers breathtaking views of the mountains and overlooks lush vineyards. To make the most of your stay, you can enjoy activities such as wine tasting, cycling along the trails, or relaxing by the pool.

Day 7: Franschhoek – Stellenbosch

A day exploring Franschhoek and the surrounding area. Franschhoek is renowned for its wineries, which produce excellent wines. Wine lovers are sure to have a wonderful time and will have the opportunity to taste premium wines.

This is mainly due to the influence of the Huguenot winemakers who settled in this valley in the 17th century. There are more than 48 winemakers here, all offering truly delicious wines. You’ll be spoiled for choice, and all the wineries are very easy to reach.

Our recommendations: South African wine tastings, a gourmet picnic at a vineyard—such as Solms Delta or Mont Rochelle. Franschhoek also offers plenty of hiking trails and bike paths with stunning views of the valley. Enjoy a beautiful scenic drive through the Franschhoek Pass.

Overnight stay at De Zalze Lodge in a standard room.

Day 8: Stellenbosch

Departure for Tulbagh – Estimated travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The charming little town of Tulbagh is located in the valley of the same name and surrounded by the magnificent mountain ranges of the Western Cape. A tour of the wine route through the Tulbagh valleys is a must-see stop on your journey through the country.

Exploring the historic district: The town is steeped in history, having been discovered in 1658 by European settlers, who quickly established farms and homes in the lush valley.

Horseback riding: Horseback riding tours take you through the valley and the town, as well as through vineyards and farmland.

Discover Moniki Chocolates: The renowned Moniki Chocolates, located on the Schoonderzicht Farm, offers breathtaking views of the valley. Chocolate tastings are held, inviting you to enjoy samples of these world-class treats, accompanied by a selection of beverages.

Exploring the Valley's Wineries: Located in the Cape Winelands, Tulbagh is home to a number of renowned wineries that produce wonderful red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines.

Overnight stay at the Tulbagh Heritage Boutique Hotel in a Fynbos room.

Day 9: Tulbagh Wine Route

Overnight stay at the Tulbagh Heritage Boutique Hotel in a Fynbos room.

Day 10: Stellenbosch – Wellington

Drive to the charming village of Wellington – Estimated travel time: 45 min

Wellington is surrounded by orchards, vineyards, buchu plantations, and olive groves.

The region has received an impressive array of national and international accolades for its wines. The Wellington Wine and Spirits Trail features numerous high-quality producers.

Hiking trails, birdwatching and wildlife viewing, Unimog expeditions, mountain biking, off-road driving, and rappelling are just a few of the outdoor activities available in the mountainous terrain and picturesque surroundings.

More French Huguenots settled here than anywhere else in the Cape, and the valley was once known as Val du Charron. Visit the Wellington Museum with its various cultural exhibits, or Ouma-Granny’s House, which offers a glimpse into life in Wellington in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Wellington is literally the birthplace of the modern South African wine industry, supplying up to 85% of the country’s vine cuttings, commonly known as “stokkies.” Once best known for its vital role in propagating and supplying this phylloxera-resistant grafted rootstock, Wellington has become a recognized and innovative player on the South African wine scene and a premier wine-tasting destination.

Suggestions: Alkmaar Wines, Andreas Wines, Bosman Family Vineyards, Jacaranda Wines & Guest Farm, Doohof Wine Estate, Bosman Family Vineyards

Overnight stay at the Grand Dédale in a Luxury Loft Room, including breakfast, an afternoon snack buffet, and a selection of complimentary beverages (non-alcoholic drinks, beer, estate wines, and select spirits).

Day 11: Wellington

A day to taste fine wines and tour the wineries around Wellington.

Overnight stay at the Grand Dédale in a Luxury Loft Room, including breakfast, an afternoon snack buffet, and a selection of complimentary beverages (non-alcoholic drinks, beer, estate wines, and select spirits).

Day 12: Wellington – Cape Town Airport

Departure for Cape Town Airport – Estimated travel time: 1 hour

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