Wine, Whales and Wildlife in the Western Cape

Day 1 London to Cape Town

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international overnight flight to Cape Town. (N)

Day 2 Cape Town

On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, you will be met by representatives and then privately transferred to your centrally located hotel in Cape Town. Cape Town is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities with a spectacular location framed by Table Mountain and the crashing Atlantic Ocean. You may wish to spend the afternoon relaxing at your boutique hotel or start exploring the city. In the evening, you may wish to visit the iconic V&A Waterfront where you can enjoy dinner and drinks at one of the bustling harbour front restaurants and enjoy the sunset over the Atlantic. (N)

Accommodation in Cape Town: 4* Kloof Street Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa (or similar)

Day 3 Cape Town

Today is free to explore at leisure and your hire car will be dropped at the hotel this morning. You might choose to go in search of some of the iconic attractions in and around Cape Town. Key locations to visit include Robben Island, the icon of struggle in South Africa’s turbulent past, including the prison cell of Nelson Mandela; the Table Mountain Cableway, a rewarding 360° view of the city from 1000m above, where you can also go for a walk, have a bite to eat and enjoy the unique environment; and historic Bo-Kaap, which was formerly known as the Malay Quarter and today is known for its brightly coloured houses and unique culture. (B)

Accommodation in Cape Town: 4* Kloof Street Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa (or similar)

Days 4-5 Cape Town

Spend the next two days at leisure exploring Cape Town and its surroundings. You may wish to discover the Cape Peninsula stopping off at spectacular viewports and picturesque fishing villages as you take in the sights and sounds along the way. Key places to visit include Boulders Beach, home to a colony of penguins, Muizenberg, a scenic coastal town with colourful beach huts, Cape Point, a scenic promontory at the southwestern tip of the African continent, and Chapman’s Peak Drive, which is one of the most beautiful places to watch the sunset in Cape Town. The city is also home to several outstanding beaches including Clifton and Camps Bay, the latter is also home to a vibrant boardwalk with many wonderful food and drink options. Other places of interest include the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens which boast an exceptional array of endemic fynbos, a treetop walkway and fabulous views, and Constantia, Cape Town’s leafy wine suburb which comprises of traditional and modern wineries. (B)

Accommodation in Cape Town: 4* Kloof Street Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa (or similar)

Day 6 Cape Town to Gondwana Private Game Reserve – 388 km

After breakfast depart Cape Town and start your five-hour drive east to the private game reserve you will be staying at for the next two nights. En route, you may wish to stop in Swellendam, South Africa’s third oldest town which is full of history and culture. Continue to Gondwana Game Reserve, one of the Western Cape’s most beautiful lodge and safari properties. Luxurious yet authentic, stay in one of the lodge’s ten Kwena huts featuring stunning 180-degree views, sky lights for star gazing, a large bathtub and clay pot fireplace. On arrival to Gondwana, enjoy lunch before settling into your unique accommodation. Later, enjoy afternoon tea before embarking on your first game drive with a knowledgeable ranger to search for the reserve’s ‘Big 5’. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: 5* Gondwana Private Game Reserve

Alternate option: 5* Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Day 7 Gondwana Private Game Reserve

Wake up early for the first game drive of the day just as the sun is rising. It is likely to you will stop in one of the reserve’s valleys for morning coffee with the giraffes, a magical experience. On return to the lodge enjoy breakfast. During the remainder of the day you may wish to relax by the infinity pool, take a massage in the spa or experience a guided bush walk or fynbos experience. Late afternoon you will embark on your third game drive and enjoy sundowners from the safari jeep as the sun sets over the African plains. (B, L, D)

Accommodation: 5* Gondwana Private Game Reserve

Alternate option: 5* Sanbona Wildlife Reserve

Day 8 Gondwana Private Game Reserve to Hermanus - 305 km

This morning you will have another early start for your final game drive at Gondwana. On arrival back at the lodge have breakfast before setting off and driving west to Hermanus. Known as South Africa’s whale watching capital, Hermanus is perfectly positioned on the coast of Walker Bay where migratory southern right whales are frequently spotted. The town itself is home to waterfront restaurants, art galleries and boutique shops. (B)

Accommodation in Hermanus: 4* Harbour House Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* The Marine (or similar)

Day 9 Hermanus

Enjoy your day at leisure to explore Hermanus and the local activities available. Whale season is typically between June and November, and if you are visiting during this time it is highly recommended to take a whale watching boat trip – you may also encounter sea lions, dolphins and Cape fur seals. (B)

Accommodation in Hermanus: 4* Harbour House Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* The Marine (or similar)

Day 10 Hermanus to Franschhoek - 127 km

After breakfast say goodbye to Hermanus and drive north to Franschhoek, passing spectacular mountains and valleys en route. This beautiful town with centuries-old vineyards, is home to some of the world’s finest wineries. This afternoon you might decide to enjoy wine tasting and vineyard tour of one of the town’s wine farms. If you both want to enjoy wine tasting, then why not opt for a bike tour of the vineyards, or alternatively we can arrange a private driver for you. You’ll learn about the different wines produced in the area, as you sit back and relax amidst the idyllic surroundings and wonderful views. (B)

Accommodation in Franschhoek: 4* Franschhoek Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* Boschendal Wine Estate (or similar)

Day 11 Franschhoek

Today you might choose to step aboard the famous wine tram, a hop-on hop-off tour that takes you to some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates, some favourites include Boschendal, Babylonstoren, Rickety Bridge and Haute Cabriere. Alternatively you could take a wander into the heart of laidback Franschhoek where you can enjoy the café culture and distinct French charm. Have a wander around the upmarket shops, wander in and out of contemporary galleries or have a bite to eat in one of the many fine dining restaurants. (B)

Accommodation in Franschhoek: 4* Franschhoek Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* Boschendal Wine Estate (or similar)

Day 12 Franschhoek

Today you may wish to visit the neighbouring town of Stellenbosch, world renowned for its historic vineyards and colonised Dutch architecture. If you are a food lover, we can arrange for you to join the ‘Foodies on Foot’ tour where you will visit several food artisans, sample local produce and enjoy a craft beer tasting. For those who are interested in art, there a number of excellent galleries in Stellenbosch, and just outside the town you will find the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden. In the evening you may wish to enjoy dinner and a wine paring at one of the region’s excellent restaurants known for some of South Africa's finest cuisine. (B)

Accommodation in Franschhoek: 4* Franschhoek Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: 5* Boschendal Wine Estate (or similar)

Day 13 Franschhoek to Cape Town Airport / to the UK – 73 km

Today is free for you to explore further or relax using the hotels facilities until it is time to drive to Cape Town International Airport where you will return your hire car and take your flight back to the UK. (B)

Day 14 Arrive to the UK

Arrive back to the UK early this morning, where you will continue on your journey home. (N)

14 days from £2500 per person

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

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Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £2500 per person

Itinerary: Self-Drive: Wine, Whales, Wildlife in the Western Cape

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