Wine, Wildlife and the Garden Route

Day 1 Depart London Heathrow
Your overnight flight departs this evening.

Meals: In-flight.

Day 2 Arrive Cape Town
At the airport, you’ll meet your local guide and embark on a tour of this spectacular city located between the mountains and the ocean. You’ll travel by cable car up Table Mountain for unforgettable views. Back in the city walk through the Malay Quarter to visit the District Six Museum before transferring to the Holiday Inn Express for 3 nights. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace.

Day 3 Cape Town
This morning, you’ll set off for the Cape Peninsula, where the Atlantic meets the Indian Ocean. Drive past Camps Bay and Hout Bay, along Chapman’s Peak Drive to the Cape Peninsula National Park; a rugged coastline which was a beacon for early explorers. In the afternoon, you’ll stop at Boulders Beach and see the large African penguin colony, home to some of the world’s most northerly penguins. Returning through the pleasant suburbs with a backdrop of Table Mountain, you’ll head to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, where you’ll see some incredibly varied and colourful exotic African plants in a stunning setting.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 4 Cape Town
You’re free to explore Cape Town today, perhaps head to fashionable Camps Bay or take an optional guided tour to Robben Island where political prisoners were incarcerated, including Nelson Mandela, for almost 20 years.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 5 Cape Town to Franschoek, the Cape Winelands
Today you’ll drive out of the city to the picturesque hills and valleys of the Cape Winelands, where vineyards are scattered around traditional Cape Dutch manor houses. You’ll take the Franschoek Wine Tram for a unique journey to some of the exclusive wine estates in this region stopping for vineyard tours and indulgent wine tastings. You’ll spend the night in Franschoek at the Protea Hotel. Franschoek was founded by French settlers in the 17th century and is now a pretty town with a fascinating history.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 6 Franschoek to Hermanus
A short but scenic journey down to the coast leads to the town of Hermanus where you’ll stay overnight at the Windsor Hotel. During whale season (June to November) it is easy to see from the clifftops, schools of southern right whales on their migration from the south. It is one of the only places in the world where whale watching is possible from land and there is a resident town ‘Whale Crier’ to alert of their arrival. At other times of year Hermanus is an enjoyable place to visit, with its beautiful coastal location. Outside of whale season you’ll head to Walker Beach to enjoy the pristine nature, see the unique coastal plants and birds and take a boat trip on the bay. You may want to try optional sea kayaking or other adventure sports that are popular in the area.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 7 Hermanus to Knysna
This morning you’ll journey along the Garden Route, one of the world’s most beautiful drives passing ever changing scenery of farmland, mountains, lakes and ocean views. You’ll arrive in the picturesque port of Knysna, set on a large lagoon, and stay for 3 nights at the Knysna Log Inn.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 8 Knysna
On today’s full day tour you’ll head over the hills of the Outeniqua Pass and visit one of the large ostrich farms at Oudsthoorn. Witness the amazing life cycle of these huge birds, there’s an option to buy some ostrich feathers and try a delicious ostrich steak. You’ll then head to the impressive limestone labyrinth of the Cango Caves in the afternoon before returning to the coast.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 9 Knysna
Today is yours to relax in the beautiful scenery of the Garden Route. Explore Knysna at your own pace or take the optional boat trip across the bay to the beautiful Featherbed Nature Reserve.

Meals: Breakfast.

Day 10 Depart South Africa
After a leisurely morning, you’ll transfer to George this afternoon for your flight to London Heathrow via Johannesburg.

Meals: Breakfast, Inflight.

Day 11 Arrive London Heathrow
Morning arrival into London.

Tour includes

Return flights to and from the UK including all UK taxes
Sightseeing as specified with transfers and entrance fees included
Local guides who’ll share their knowledge of the country, its history and culture
Whale watching in season and an African Safari optional extension
Free time to explore independently
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch

On a Journey of Distinction, you are not merely a bystander. They believe that the wonders, customs and cultures you experience will live on in the core of your being. They even go so far as to say that one of their holidays will change your life forever.

Their combination of Tour Managers and Local Guides is what makes Journey of Distinction so distinctive. When you’re embarking on a voyage of discovery, it’s reassuring to know that a seasoned traveller is with you every step of the way; planning, organising, checking details and offering their advice and support. Their groups all depart from the UK, and no one joins us along the way, so you have the reassuring constancy of always knowing your travelling companions.

Our Opinion
“Limited to just 25 travellers per departure, every Journeys of Distinction escorted tour has an intimate, personal feel that makes for a more enjoyable experience.”