Summary
Short description
Enjoy luxury stays in Cape Town, the Winelands and South Africa's whale-watching capital
Highlights
- Look out across Cape Town from Table Mountain's lofty summit
- Sip cocktails as you watch the sun set over Camps Bay
- Pair fine wines and gourmet food in the pretty Cape Winelands
- Watch southern right whales from Hermanus' clifftop perch
In pictures
About
Recommended for:
City | Food & wine | History & culture | Self-drive | Spa | Wildlife
This tour is designed to fit in around South Africa's whale-watching season, when migrating southern right whales congregate at Walker Bay to calve. You'll begin with Cape Town's V&A Waterfront, Robben Island and Table Mountain, followed by a stay in either Franschhoek or Stellenbosch to sample award-winning wines paired with the finest gourmet food in some of South Africa's most notable restaurants. From there, it's just a short hop south to pretty Hermanus for two days of land-based whale watching and seaside relaxation accompanied by magnificent India Ocean views.
Day by day itinerary
Day
1
Depart UK
Days
2-5
Cape Town
Arrive into Cape Town, collect your hire car and drive the short distance to your chosen hotel, either the Queen Victoria, a boutique retreat just minutes from the V&A Waterfront, or the luxurious Belmond Mount Nelson, idyllically perched on the slopes of Table Mountain. The next few days are given over entirely to independent exploration, taking in Cape Town's many highlights from its Table Mountain overlooks and the bars and bistros of the V&A Waterfront to the golden curves of Camps Bay – a perfect spot for sunset cocktails – and the austerity of Robben Island. It's also well worth spending a day exploring the city's scenic surrounds, with the jagged beauty of Cape Point and the penguins of Boulders Beach both within easy reach.
Stay: Queen Victoria Hotel, Cape Town (Superior) or Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Days
6-7
Winelands
Head north into the Winelands where countless vineyards are set to a backdrop of sprawling Cape Dutch estates and cragged mountain peaks. Whether you choose the fine dining and spa delights of Mont Rochelle, or you head down the road to the shady gardens and sun-dappled courtyards of Stellenbosch's Oude Werf, you'll be well placed to explore the region's vineyards over two days of optional tours and tastings. And, with both towns known for their outstanding restaurants, you're certain to enjoy an indulgent stay.
Stay: Oude Werf Hotel, Stellenbosch (Superior) or Mont Rochelle Hotel, Franschhoek (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Days
8-9
Hermanus
Drive south to pretty Hermanus where, between June and November, almost any walk along the cliffs of False Bay or Walker Bay will offer sightings of humpbacks, orcas and, most commonly, southern right whales as they gather in the bay to calve. These magnificent mammals can be spotted from either of our suggested hotels too, while boat trips can be easily arranged to help you get closer to the action. For something extra special, consider a stay at the wonderful Grootbos – a luxurious lodge near Hermanus, idylically nestled between the mountains and sea. Call our experts for prices.
Stay: Abalone Guest Lodge (Superior) or The Marine Hermanus (Deluxe)
Meals: B
Days
10-11
Depart for UK
Return to Cape Town and drop your car off at the airport, then take your flight back to the UK, arriving the following morning.
Map
Pricing
Any element of this itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs. Just contact us to find out more.
Accommodation rating:
11-day tailor-made self-drive
from £3,430 pp incl. flights
Superior
Low Season
from £2,670 pp. incl. flights
High Season
from £3,100 pp. incl. flights
Includes:
- Complimentary UK airport lounge access
- Return flights between the UK and Cape Town
- Private transfers
- 9 days car hire (Compact car with sat-nav)
- 8 nights accommodation in 4* (Superior) hotels on a B&B basis
Terms & Conditions
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and possible change; normal booking conditions apply.
Meet our experts
Speak to a tailor-made specialist on
Adjust your itinerary with our recommended extensions
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