Premium Cape Town and the Garden Route
Tour Overview
Embark on a luxurious journey through South Africa with the "Premium Cape Town and the Garden Route" tour. Begin your adventure in Cape Town, where you'll explore the city's rich history and stunning landscapes, including a scenic drive along the peninsula and a visit to the iconic Cape of Good Hope. Indulge in local cuisine with a welcome dinner in a Victorian house and a six-course dining experience in the Cape Winelands. Discover the beauty of the Franschhoek Valley, staying at the exquisite Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa, and enjoy wine tastings and a Bo-Kaap style dinner. Continue to Knysna, the jewel of the Garden Route, for breathtaking hikes in the Garden Route National Park and visits to local artisan communities. Conclude your journey with a scenic return to Cape Town, enriched by the vibrant culture and natural wonders of South Africa. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Cape Town
Location: Cape Town, Table Mountain, Cape Town Stadium
Accommodation: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa or similar
Accommodation Name: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. With its gorgeous coastline, modern cityscape and nearby mountains, Cape Town is one of Africa's most popular cities. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive early, why not get out and explore Cape Town, maybe with a walk in Newlands Forest or by jumping on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway. You could also head down to the waterfront to see Cape Town Stadium up close. After the meeting, you’ll head out for dinner at a local restaurant set in a twentieth century Victorian house. Tuck into local dishes made from seasonal produce and free-range, responsibly sourced meats as you toast to the start of your adventure.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Cape Town
Location: Maiden's Cove, Hout Bay, Chapman's Peak Drive, Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point, Boulders Beach, Castle of Good Hope, Iziko Slave Lodge Museum, District Six Museum, Parliament of South Africa, Grand Parade, Bo-Kaap
Accommodation: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa or similar
Accommodation Name: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head out early for a tour of the peninsula. Drive along the Atlantic Seaboard to Maiden’s Cove, then continue to Hout Bay’s fishing harbour to soak up the views from Sentinel Lookout. Head on along Chapmans Peak Drive for panoramic views across the bay and Noordhoek Beach. Then, head to the Cape of Good Hope, within the Table Mountain Nature Reserve. Look out for the local wildlife as you take a walk up to the restored lighthouse at Cape Point. From here, you may be able to see the spot where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet! Carry on to Boulders Beach, where you can see the resident colony of African penguins. This afternoon, retrace over 300 years of Cape Town’s dramatic history on a walking tour. Learn about the impact of Apartheid and the effect of racism and discrimination on the lives of the local people. Visit the Castle of Good Hope (the oldest existing colonial building in South Africa), significant slavery sites like the Iziko Slave Lodge Museum, the District Six museum and the Parliament buildings where Apartheid Laws were made and later repealed. Visit the Grand Parade, where Nelson Mandela made his first address to the nation as a free man and walk along Government Avenue while hearing about South Africa’s Nobel Peace Prize winners and the struggle for freedom and an end to Apartheid. End the afternoon in Bo-Kaap and learn a bit about the rich, multicultural history as you wander the coloured buildings.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Cape Town
Location: Cape Town, Table Mountain, Robben Island
Accommodation: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa or similar
Accommodation Name: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning, have breakfast at your hotel then head out to visit the Amy Foundation – a non-profit organisation that offers programs to develop and empower young people from challenged and vulnerable communities. Learn about how their Youth Skills Development program helps young adults prepare for employment. After, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore Cape Town at your own pace. Maybe head to Table Mountain, and either take the Aerial Cableway or choose one of the hiking trails to see epic views across the city and ocean. You could also head to Robben Island – sitting within Table Bay, this island is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the place where Nelson Mandela and many others were imprisoned.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 4: Franschhoek
Location: Franschhoek
Accommodation: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa or similar
Accommodation Name: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a relaxing morning, hit the road for Franschhoek, home to centuries-old vineyards. Arrive at your Feature Stay, Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa – sitting in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley and the Cape Winelands, this hotel is surrounded by mountains and is the perfect place to kick back and relax. After check-in, maybe just chill out within the grounds with a good book, or if you’re feeling adventurous, maybe head out on the Franschhoek tram. This tram conveniently stops at lots of different wineries in the area, so you can soak up the afternoon in the best way – with local drops, sunshine and maybe a bite to eat. Tonight, you’ll be treated to an indulgent six-course dinner with a wine pairing at Sauvage Restaurant (that sits within your Feature Stay). Feast on Bo-Kaap inspired cuisine and paired wine from local, boutique wine farms.Included Activities:-Franschhoek - Six course dinner with wine pairing
Day 5: Franschhoek
Location: Franschhoek, Cape Winelands
Accommodation: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa or similar
Accommodation Name: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Soak up a leisurely morning today before a big afternoon of food and wine! Early this afternoon, you’ll head to a South African cooking class at Spilsbury Kitchen – in the heart of the Cape Winelands, global sensation and local private chef Nicola Spilsbury will take you on a culinary journey of local dishes like babotie (spiced meat baked with an egg-based topping) and vetkoek (fried dough filled with minced curry). Enjoy the fruits of your labour with the group for lunch, then head to a local wine farm for a tasting. Indulge in a few local glasses paired with cheeses, then head back to your hotel bar for some cocktails. Later, head out in 4WDs to the family home of a local foodie. Tour the farm with the hosts, then chill out as the sun goes down, enjoying a dinner spread of locally sourced dishes cooked in the true Bo-Kaap style, prepared by your hosts. The farm overlooks the whole of Franschhoek and is home to abundant wildlife, so soak up the views and get to know the family.
Included Activities:
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Day 6: Knysna
Location: Hermanus, Swellendam, Riversdale, Knysna
Accommodation: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa or similar
Accommodation Name: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a bit of a long travel day as you make your way to Knysna – the ‘jewel of the Garden Route,’ this city is known for its oysters, beaches, lagoon and forest. Along the way, stop in at Hermanus for lunch, where in-season whales can be spotted from the shore! You may also stop at Swellendam – this town is home to over 50 provincial heritage sites, most of which showcase Cape Dutch architecture – or Riverdale to stretch your legs. When you arrive in Knysna, head out with your local leader on an orientation walk to get your bearings, then soak up a free afternoon and evening to explore at your own pace.
Included Activities:
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Day 7: Knysna
Location: Garden Route National Park, Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, Plettenberg Bay, Old Nick Village, The Mungo Mill
Accommodation: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa or similar
Accommodation Name: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you’ll head out as a group and explore Knysna. First, visit Garden Route National Park – known for its Indigenous forests, dramatic coastline and the popular Otter Trail. Walk to Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, where you can walk along the suspension bridge for gorgeous river views. You’ll also choose one of the nearby hiking trails here, depending on the group’s abilities and interests. Enjoy a well-earned lunch together after your hike at a local restaurant, then head back to the city. Along the way, stop in Plettenberg Bay and visit Old Nick Village – a collection of shops owned by local creative manufacturers, designers and curators. You’ll also stop in at The Mungo Mill – a GOTS-certified homeware textile company – to learn about the weaving process. Tonight, you’re free to rest and recharge or head out to dinner (your leader will always have some good restaurant recommendations handy.
Included Activities:
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Day 8: Cape Town
Location: Oudtshoorn, Montagu, Robertson, Paarl, Cape Town
Accommodation: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa or similar
Accommodation Name: Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today after breakfast, you’ll travel back to Cape Town along the scenic Route 62, making plenty of stops on the way for photos and to stretch your legs, including Oudtshoorn, Montagu, Robertson and Paarl. When you arrive back in Cape Town, maybe head out with your group and local leader for an optional farewell dinner and toast to a beautiful adventure.
Day 9: Cape Town
Location: Cape Town
After breakfast today, there are no further activities planned and your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay in Cape Town, just reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights), Feature Stay (2 nights) -
Meals
7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners -
Cape Town - Welcome dinner
Enjoy a welcome dinner in Cape Town.
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Peninsular Tour - Half Day
Experience a half-day tour of the Cape Peninsula.
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Cape Town - City Tour with Local Guide
Explore Cape Town with a local guide.
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Cape Town - Amy Foundation Visit
Visit the Amy Foundation in Cape Town.
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Franschhoek - Six course dinner with wine pairing
Indulge in a six-course dinner with wine pairing in Franschhoek.
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Franschhoek - Wine Tasting with Food Pairings
Enjoy wine tasting with food pairings in Franschhoek.
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Franschhoek - Farm Tour and Bo-Kaap style dinner
Experience a farm tour and Bo-Kaap style dinner in Franschhoek.
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Knysna - Orientation Walk
Participate in an orientation walk in Knysna.
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Knysna - Tsitsikamma Village
Visit Tsitsikamma Village in Knysna.
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Knysna - Old Nick Village Community Visit
Visit the Old Nick Village community in Knysna.
What's Not Included
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the Robben Island tour and Cape Peninsula & Table Mountain Tour are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs and additional meals are not included.
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International Flights
International flights to and from the destination are not included.
Transport
- There are some long travel days on this trip but the roads will be of a good quality and the journey should be comfortable. On some long travel days, we may depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time at our next destination. If you experience travel sickness we recommend you consider medication to help ease the discomfort.
Accommodation
- Accommodation summary:
- Hotel (9 nights), Feature Stay (2 nights)
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
- TWIN SHARE / MULTI SHARE BASIS
- Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multi-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite (even if you paid for single room supplement) and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
Important Information
- 1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
- 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. [The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability.] Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably on good quality roads, with some long travel days requiring early departures to maximize time at destinations. Consider medication for travel sickness if needed.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay with 9 nights in hotels and 2 nights at the Feature Stay, Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa. Accommodation is on a twin/multi-share basis, with occasional alternative arrangements due to availability. Pre/post-trip accommodation may require room changes.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of dining experiences can I expect on this tour?
You will indulge in local wines and Bo-Kaap cuisine with a welcome dinner in a Victorian house, enjoy a six-course dining experience with wine pairing in the Cape Winelands, and participate in a South African cooking class. Additionally, there will be a dinner spread of locally sourced dishes cooked in the Bo-Kaap style at a local farm. ...more ...less
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What activities are included in the Cape Town portion of the tour?
In Cape Town, you will have a welcome dinner, a half-day peninsula tour, a city tour with a local guide, and a visit to the Amy Foundation. You will also have free time to explore attractions like Table Mountain and Robben Island.
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What is the accommodation arrangement during the tour?
Accommodation is on a twin/multi-share basis, and solo travelers are paired with another traveler of the same gender. There may be times when facilities are shared rather than ensuite, and occasionally, you might share a room with passengers from different tours. Pre-trip or post-trip accommodation may require changing rooms. ...more ...less
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What can I expect during the visit to Knysna?
In Knysna, you will have an orientation walk, visit the Garden Route National Park, and explore the Old Nick Village. You will also have the opportunity to walk along the suspension bridge at Storms River Mouth and choose a hiking trail based on the group's abilities.
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Are there any special features of the Franschhoek stay?
In Franschhoek, you will stay at the Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa, which is surrounded by mountains and wineries. You will enjoy a six-course dinner with wine pairing at the hotel's restaurant and have the option to explore local wineries using the Franschhoek tram.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Premium Cape Town and the Garden Route
9 Days Starting and ending in Cape Town, South Africa
Visiting: Cape Town, Table Mountain, Cape Town Stadium, Maiden's Cove, Hout Bay, Chapman's Peak Drive, Cape of Good Hope, Cape Point, Boulders Beach, Castle of Good Hope, Iziko Slave Lodge Museum, District Six Museum, Parliament of South Africa, Grand Parade, Bo-Kaap, Robben Island, Franschhoek, Cape Winelands, Hermanus, Swellendam, Riversdale, Knysna, Garden Route National Park, Storms River Mouth Rest Camp, Plettenberg Bay, Old Nick Village, The Mungo Mill, Oudtshoorn, Montagu, Robertson, Paarl ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
UBPC
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
