7 Days • 6 Nights
Cape Town & the Cape Winelands
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Riding the cableway to the summit of Table Mountain, high above Cape Town, is an unforgettable highlight. The revolving cable car sweeps you up the sheer face of the mountain to a summit more than a thousand metres above the sea, where a spectacular panorama opens over the city bowl, Table Bay, Robben Island and the curving Atlantic seaboard, with the rugged Twelve Apostles stretching south. You walk the well-made paths among endemic fynbos and the endearing little rock hyraxes called dassies, drinking in one of the finest urban views on earth.
- Tasting in the beautiful Cape Winelands, from Stellenbosch to gourmet Franschhoek, is a delicious highlight of this journey. Inland from the city, a landscape of green valleys, jagged peaks and centuries-old estates forms one of the world's loveliest wine regions. In graceful Stellenbosch, with its oak-lined streets and whitewashed Cape Dutch gables, and in the exquisite Franschhoek valley, founded by French Huguenots and now South Africa's gourmet capital, you visit celebrated estates to taste award-winning wines, from crisp chenin blanc and chardonnay to bold cabernet, syrah and the uniquely South African pinotage, often paired with cheese, chocolate or a long lunch among the vines.
- Exploring the wild Cape Peninsula, from Boulders penguins to dramatic Cape Point, is a beautiful highlight. A spectacular coastal drive follows Chapman's Peak south past pretty Hout Bay to the tip of the peninsula. At Boulders Beach you walk boardwalks among a comical colony of African penguins on the sand, then continue into the Cape of Good Hope, where the land narrows to the wild, windswept headland of Cape Point, its old lighthouse high above crashing surf. Along the way you pass the naval town of Simon's Town, fishing harbours and sweeping white beaches, watching for ostriches, baboons and antelope in the fynbos.
- The ferry to Robben Island and the story of Nelson Mandela form a moving, essential highlight. From the V&A Waterfront a boat carries you across Table Bay to Robben Island, the low island where Mandela and many other freedom fighters were imprisoned for long years under apartheid, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Former political prisoners often guide the tour, lending it great power as you see the quarry where the men laboured and stand in the tiny cell where Mandela spent eighteen years. It is a sobering, humbling and ultimately uplifting encounter with courage, endurance and reconciliation that gives depth and meaning to the whole journey.
- Wandering the colourful Bo-Kaap and the heart of the Mother City is a vivid highlight of this journey. Cape Town is a city of extraordinary character, and a walking exploration reveals its layers. In the Bo-Kaap you stroll steep cobbled lanes lined with houses painted in vivid pinks, blues and greens, home to the Cape Malay community and its mosques, spices and warm hospitality. You take in the leafy Company's Garden with its museums, the buzzing Greenmarket Square, and the City Hall from whose balcony Mandela spoke on his release. You sample Cape Malay flavours, browse craft markets, and feel the creative, cosmopolitan energy of the city.
- Above all, this journey offers the beauty, culture and relaxed good life of Cape Town and its Winelands, a perfect city-and-wine escape. In a single week you ride above the clouds on Table Mountain, meet penguins and stand where two oceans meet, walk with history on Robben Island and in the colourful streets of the city, and taste world-class wines amid the gabled estates and gourmet restaurants of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Few destinations combine such natural beauty, rich history and superb food and wine so effortlessly, or welcome visitors so warmly. Comfortable hotels and expert guides make it all seamless and relaxed.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Your Cape journey begins as your flight lands at Cape Town International Airport, where you are met and transferred to your hotel beneath the great wall of Table Mountain. Cape Town, the Mother City, is one of the most beautiful cities on earth, cradled between mountain and sea, and its beauty and easy warmth are felt at once. Spend the rest of the day settling in and relaxing after your journey, perhaps strolling the lively V&A Waterfront with its harbour, shops and mountain views, or watching the sun sink into the Atlantic from Camps Bay or Signal Hill. This evening a welcome dinner introduces you to Cape cuisine and to the beautiful week ahead of mountain, ocean, history and wine. As the city lights come on beneath the mountain, its magic takes hold. Rest well, ready to explore beautiful Cape Town tomorrow.
Today you explore the Mother City. Weather permitting, you ride the revolving cableway to the summit of Table Mountain for breathtaking panoramas over the city bowl, Table Bay, Robben Island and the Atlantic coast, walking the summit paths among fynbos and dassies. Back below, a city and walking tour takes in the historic Company's Garden, the pastel-painted, cobbled Bo-Kaap with its Cape Malay heritage, spices and mosques, the buzzing Greenmarket Square, and the City Hall from whose balcony Mandela spoke on his release. You sample Cape Malay flavours and feel the creative energy of the city. The beauty, colour and history are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your hotel, perhaps savouring the sunset from Signal Hill or the waterfront. Rest well, for tomorrow you explore the wild Cape Peninsula.
Today you follow the spectacular Cape Peninsula south from the city. You drive the coast past Camps Bay and along the cliff-hugging Chapman's Peak, pausing at pretty Hout Bay harbour. At Boulders Beach near Simon's Town you walk the boardwalks among a delightful colony of African penguins, then continue into the Cape of Good Hope, where the land narrows to the wild headland of Cape Point, riding the funicular to the old lighthouse for dizzying views over the meeting of the oceans. You watch for ostriches, baboons and antelope in the fynbos, and perhaps enjoy a seafood lunch by the sea. The drama and beauty are unforgettable. As the day ends, you return to Cape Town along the False Bay coast, the light golden over the water. Rest well, for tomorrow holds Robben Island and the waterfront.
Today brings a moving encounter with South Africa's recent history. From the V&A Waterfront you take the ferry across Table Bay to Robben Island, the UNESCO-listed prison island where Nelson Mandela and many other freedom fighters were held during the apartheid years. Often guided by former political prisoners, you see the limestone quarry and stand in the small cell where Mandela spent eighteen years, an experience both sobering and uplifting. Back on the mainland you explore the lively V&A Waterfront, with its harbour, markets and restaurants, perhaps visiting the striking Zeitz MOCAA museum of contemporary African art or the aquarium, or simply enjoying lunch with a mountain view. The history and humanity are profound. As the day ends, you relax in the city. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey into the beautiful Winelands.
Today you leave the city for the beautiful Cape Winelands. A short scenic drive brings you to the exquisite Franschhoek valley, founded by French Huguenots and now South Africa's gourmet capital, ringed by dramatic mountains. You settle into your estate or guesthouse, then explore the pretty village with its galleries, boutiques and superb restaurants, perhaps riding the hop-on Franschhoek wine tram between historic estates to taste award-winning wines among the vines. You savour a long estate lunch paired with fine wine beneath the mountains. The beauty, flavours and hospitality are wonderful. As the day ends, you relax amid the vineyards, the peaks glowing at sunset, perhaps enjoying a memorable dinner at one of the valley's celebrated tables. Rest well in the heart of the gourmet Winelands, ready to taste more tomorrow.
Today you explore more of the beautiful Winelands, centred on historic Stellenbosch. A short drive brings you to this graceful university town of oak-lined streets and whitewashed Cape Dutch gables set beneath jagged mountains. You wander its historic lanes, galleries and cafes, then tour celebrated wine estates to taste award-winning wines, from crisp chenin blanc and chardonnay to bold cabernet and the uniquely South African pinotage, often paired with cheese or chocolate. You enjoy the mountain scenery, the gracious estate architecture and the warm hospitality of the winemakers. The beauty and flavours are a delight. As the day ends, you return to your Franschhoek retreat, reflecting on a day of superb wine and lovely scenery. This evening, savour a final Winelands dinner beneath the mountains. Rest well, for tomorrow you depart the Cape.
After a final leisurely breakfast amid the vineyards, and perhaps a last stroll through Franschhoek village or a final tasting, you are transferred to Cape Town International Airport for your onward departure. You leave having experienced the beauty and good life of the Cape: the summit of Table Mountain, the penguins and drama of the Cape Peninsula, the moving story of Robben Island, the colour of the Bo-Kaap and the city, and the superb wines and cuisine of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. The images stay vivid long after you land, the view from the mountain, the meeting of the oceans, the vineyards beneath the peaks, and the courage remembered on Robben Island. Cape Town and its Winelands offer beauty, culture, history and superb food and wine in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to the Mother City.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation, a welcome dinner and a Winelands estate lunch
- Daily breakfast
- Airport and land transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- Touring, game drives and sightseeing as per itinerary with expert local guides and ranger-trackers
- Park, reserve and site entrance fees as per itinerary
- private touring with an expert guide, a Table Mountain cableway visit, a Cape Peninsula tour with Boulders and Cape Point, a Robben Island ferry and tour, a city and Bo-Kaap walking tour, a Stellenbosch and Franschhoek winelands tour with tastings, and all entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Most lunches and some dinners
- Premium wine tastings, spa treatments and tips for guides and drivers
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Many nationalities (including UK, EU, US, Canada and Australia) receive a visa-free visitor's permit on arrival in South Africa for tourism, typically up to 90 days; a passport valid for at least 30 days beyond departure with two or more blank pages is required. Rules vary by nationality and can change, so we confirm the exact, current requirements for you and advise on any eVisa or permit needed
- Currency: The currency is the South African Rand (ZAR); cards are very widely accepted in cities, towns, hotels, restaurants and shops, and ATMs are plentiful. Carry some cash for markets, tips, curio stalls and rural areas. Tipping is customary, roughly ten percent in restaurants, and gratuities for safari rangers, trackers, guides and drivers are appreciated
- Best time to visit: South Africa is a year-round destination. May to September (dry winter) is prime for Big Five safari in Kruger and the lowveld, as thinning bush and water holes concentrate wildlife; November to March (summer) is warm and sunny for Cape Town, the beaches and the Winelands. June to November brings the southern right whales to Hermanus and the Garden Route coast. We tailor timing to your priorities
- Language & etiquette: South Africa has eleven official languages; English is widely spoken and understood everywhere in tourism. This is a warm, diverse, welcoming 'Rainbow Nation' with a rich and complex history; a respectful, open-minded interest in its cultures, from Zulu and Xhosa heritage to the story of apartheid and reconciliation, is deeply rewarding. A friendly greeting goes a long way
- Getting around: Distances are large and touring is by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with expert guides and drivers, or by self-drive on good roads (we can arrange either); light aircraft connect Cape Town, Johannesburg and the bush to save time. South Africa drives on the left. On safari, open 4x4 game-drive vehicles with a ranger and tracker are used within the reserves
- Health & safety: Consult your doctor about routine vaccinations and, for the lowveld and Kruger during summer, antimalarial precautions (the Cape, Winelands and Garden Route are malaria-free); bring insect repellent, sun protection and any personal medication. Tap water is safe to drink in cities and towns. Use normal city-travel common sense, keep valuables discreet, and follow your guide's advice, particularly on foot in urban areas at night
- Culture & wildlife etiquette: On game drives, follow your ranger's instructions at all times, stay seated and quiet near animals, and never stand up or leave the vehicle unless told it is safe. Keep a respectful distance, avoid flash near wildlife, and take only photographs. When visiting townships, communities and cultural sites, go with trusted local guides who ensure visits are respectful, safe and genuinely beneficial
- Power & practicalities: Power is 230V; South Africa mainly uses the large three-round-pin type M plug (and increasingly type N and type C), so bring a universal adapter. Occasional scheduled power cuts ('loadshedding') can occur, though hotels and lodges typically have backup generators. Bring layers for chilly early-morning and evening game drives, sun protection, and neutral-coloured clothing for the bush
Frequently Asked Questions
What if Table Mountain is closed on my scheduled day?
The Table Mountain cableway can close at short notice in high wind or thick cloud for safety, which is quite common in Cape Town. We build in flexibility so that, if it is closed on your planned day, your guide can switch the visit to a clearer day during your stay. As an alternative or complement, a hike or the sunset climb up neighbouring Lion's Head or a trip up Signal Hill offers wonderful views. We do our best to ensure you reach the summit.
Is this trip suitable if I do not drink wine?
Absolutely. The Winelands are as much about breathtaking scenery, gracious Cape Dutch architecture, history and superb food as about wine, and estates offer grape juice, artisan coffee, chocolate and cheese pairings too. You can enjoy the beautiful drives, gardens, villages and restaurants without tasting a drop. We tailor the estate visits to your interests, whether that is wine, food, art, architecture or simply the glorious mountain scenery of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included, along with any meals named in the itinerary. On safari at game lodges, stays are typically fully inclusive, with all meals plus daily game drives, so breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided. In Cape Town, the Winelands and along the Garden Route we usually leave lunches and some dinners free so you can explore South Africa's superb, varied food and wine scene, and we gladly recommend the best restaurants at every stage.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Your journey is private by default, with your own expert local guide and comfortable vehicle in the cities, Winelands and Garden Route, and shared open 4x4 game drives with a professional ranger and tracker at the safari lodges (private vehicles can be arranged). This gives you flexibility, depth and a pace tailored to you. South Africa's knowledgeable guides bring its wildlife, landscapes, wine and complex history vividly to life.
Do I need a visa for South Africa?
Many nationalities, including UK, EU, US, Canadian and Australian passport holders, receive a free visa-free visitor's permit on arrival for tourism, typically up to 90 days. A passport valid for at least 30 days beyond your departure, with two or more blank pages, is required. Requirements vary by nationality and can change, so we confirm the exact, current process for you and advise on any eVisa or permit needed before you travel.
Is South Africa safe to visit?
South Africa is a rewarding and well-established destination that welcomes many visitors each year, and travelling with a good operator makes it smooth and safe. We use trusted guides, drivers and lodges, arrange secure transfers, and brief you on sensible precautions, much like in any major world city: keep valuables discreet, avoid walking alone in quiet urban areas at night, and follow local advice. On safari you are in expert hands with professional rangers at all times.
When is the best time to visit?
It depends on your priorities. May to September (dry winter) is prime for Big Five safari, as thinning bush and water holes concentrate the wildlife; November to March (summer) is warm and sunny for Cape Town, its beaches and the Winelands. June to November brings southern right whales to Hermanus and the coast, and September adds spring wildflowers. Many combine the Cape and the bush year-round; we tailor the timing to what matters most to you.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. We can adjust the balance of city, Winelands, coast and safari, upgrade to luxurious lodges in the Sabi Sand, add the Panorama Route and Blyde River Canyon, the Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal and Zulu heritage, Addo Elephant Park, or extend beach time, and tailor the pace, comfort and focus to you. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point for your ideal journey through the astonishing variety of South Africa.
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