Description
The Tour
There is no better introduction to the Garden Route than this tour, which combines the best scenery and locations with a chance to discover the Winelands and stay in Cape Town. A steam train journey and wine tasting in 2 of the best wine estates are amongst the many highlights.
Day 1: London - Johannesburg
Fly overnight from London Heathrow to Johannesburg with Virgin Atlantic.
Day 2: Port Elizabeth
On arrival, take a short flight to Port Elizabeth. Transfer to the Marine Hotel for 1 night.
Day 3: Knysna
Your odyssey down the beautiful Garden Route begins! Travelling along the coastline, through the indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest, the journey takes you along the stunning coastline past Plettenberg Bay and finally to Knysna. In a stunning setting, the lagoon-side resort is a hugely popular Garden Route stopover due to its very relaxed atmosphere. Spend 2 nights at the Knysna Log Inn. (D)
Day 4: Knysna
This morning, enjoy a riverboat cruise on the Knysna Lagoon and visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve. It's not until you witness Knysna from the sea that the town's stunning backdrop is fully appreciated. (B/L)
Day 5: Oudtshoorn
This morning, enjoy a nostalgic steam train journey on the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe from Knysna to the small leafy town of George, perfectly placed between the Garden Route coast and Oudtshoorn, the gateway to the Karoo. Drive over the Outeniqua Pass to the ostrich capital of the world, Oudtshoorn. Enjoy a tour of an ostrich farm, which includes lunch, before visiting the breathtaking Cango Caves. Overnight: Queens Hotel. (B/L)
Day 6: Cape Town
Today you'll travel through the Klein Karoo to Calitzdorp, Barrydale and the Tradouw Pass to Swellendam and on to the beautiful seaside village of Hermanus. From Jul-Nov (occasionally later) right whales gather in the bay at Hermanus to calf, with many coming extremely close to the shore. Arrive at Cape Town in the late afternoon. The next 3 nights are spent at the Protea Hotel President. (B)
Day 7: Cape Town
A full day of sightseeing, taking in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, before stopping off to see the penguins at Boulders Beach. (B)
Day 8: Winelands
Off into wine country today, through the Winelands to Paarl and Stellenbosch. Both stunning towns are packed with turn-of-the-century Cape Dutch architecture that provides so much of the region's character. Stellenbosh is a delightful town of leafy avenues and small cafs and restaurants - a real favourite for repeat visitors to the Western Cape Winelands. Visit 2 very well known wine estates, including a cellar tour - lots of wine tasting and of course, you don't have to drive! Continue to the quaint village and wine growing town of Franschhoek and the Huguenot Monument and Museum. (B)
Day 9: Cape Town
Transfer to Cape Town airport for your return flight to London Heathrow with Virgin Atlantic or South African Airways. (B)
Tour Notes
- Tour departs daily from the UK.
- Accommodation, transfers, excursions, meals and game activities as specified in the itinerary have been included in the cost of the tour.
- We reserve the right to substitute accommodation for that of a similar standard where necessary.