Garden Route Explorer

Day 1

CAPE TOWN – OUDTSHOORN (1 NIGHT)

Leaving Cape Town behind we'll travel via Du Toit's Kloof Pass, and the picturesque vineyards of Rawsonville to connect with Route 62. This scenic route passes through various fruit and wine producing towns in the Breede River Valley. We'll have the chance to stock up on delicious local delicacies like homemade pies, chutneys and melktert at the Affie Plaas Farmstall, before a 'Dive Into Culture' visit at Montagu Country Hotel, South Africa's only art deco style hotel. Over coffee and cake meet the current owner and learn about his predecessor, the legendary local hotelier Gert Lubbe, and the story of how he put Route 62 on the map as a tourist route. We'll support local businesses this afternoon with visits to Barrydale and Calitzdorp. Barrydale is a quaint village nestled at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains, home to a variety of local arts and craft shops. And with Calitzdorp being known as the Port Capital of South Africa, we'll of course experience at tasting at the De Krans Wine Cellar, owned by the Nel family since 1890. Our overnight stay is one of Trafalgar's 'Stays with Stories'; a charming guest house uniquely located on a working ostrich, alfalfa and cattle farm. Join the owners, Bartel and Karin du Toit for a 'Be My Guest dinner', learning more about life on a working farm.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - La Plume Boutique Guest House

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Be My Guest

Day 2

OUDTSHOORN - KNYSNA (2 NIGHTS)

We'll join Bartel this morning for a tour of his ostrich, alfalfa and cattle farm before swapping views of the Swartberg Mountains for the coast. Arriving in Victoria Bay, one of the smallest and most beautiful bays along the Garden Route, stretch your legs and take in the fresh sea air with a beach stroll. Our next stop is to support Timberlake Organic Village, where small, local businesses are showcased in a natural outdoor setting. There's time to wander and explore the art galleries and arts and crafts shops with locally made products on display, before we travel on to Knysna.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - The Rex

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3

FEATHERBED NATURE RESERVE EXCURSION

Our excursion this morning takes us across the tranquil Knysna Lagoon to Featherbed Nature Reserve. We'll jump on board a 4 X 4 vehicle and climb to the top of the western head where we'll pause to take in the spectacular lagoon, headland and coastal views below us. After the devastating fires in 2017, you'll learn how with dedication and hard work, the natural environment is being rehabilitated. You can play your part by distributing seed balls onto the forest areas of the reserve using a catty. After a coastal forest walk where you'll also see natural sea caves, tuck into a well-earned lunch before boarding a boat and sailing back across the lagoon.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4

KNYSNA – HERMANUS (3 NIGHTS)

Start the day with a visit to unique Tuinplaas, started by the artistic Coetzee Family in Albertinia who have made many interesting and quirky cement creations over the past 25 years, including toy towns and fairy gardens that are on display for visitors. We'll move on to the historic town of Swellendam, exploring some of its 50 provincial heritage sites, many of which are fine examples of Cape Dutch architecture. South Africa's whale watching capital Hermanus awaits next, where we have a good chance of seeing these magnificent creatures from the shoreline during our three night stay.

Trip Summary Accomodation Icon Hotel - Misty Waves Boutique Hotel

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5

CAPE AGULHAS AND HERMANUS FREE TIME

Our excursion today traces the coastal route to the southernmost tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas. After seeing where the mighty Atlantic and Indian oceans meet, we'll visit Suidpunt Potpourri, the southernmost arts and crafts shop, home to a selection of handcrafted items. As we return to Hermanus we'll visit Stanford to explore the antique stores, restaurants, vineyards and coffee shops of this charming riverside village. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Hermanus and perhaps stroll the coastal paths in search of whales.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 6

CAPE WINELANDS EXCURSION

The Cape Winelands beckon today as we travel over the scenic Franschhoek Pass to the village of Franschhoek, set amongst centuries-old vineyards and Cape Dutch architecture. After time for a stroll around, we'll head to Fairview Wine Estate for a wine and cheese tasting, before moving on to one of the oldest and most well-known Cape Dutch Farms - Babylonstoren, for a wine tasting and a walk around the fruit and vegetable gardens. Our route back to Hermanus takes us via the Helshoogte Pass and Sir Lowey's Pass.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7

HERMANUS – CAPE TOWN

A tranquil start to the day sees us visit the Harold Porter Botanical Garden, where we'll stroll through coastal fynbos, where the flora is at its richest. Our scenic coastal route takes us to say a quiet hello to the shy African penguin colony of Bettys Bay at Stony Point Nature Reserve. Our last stop before returning to Cape Town is the university town of Stellenbosch. We'll have a wine tasting at Neethlingshof Wine Estate, before stepping back in time to visit Oom Samie se Winkel, a popular Victorian style store that operates the same way it did back in the Victorian era. After marvelling at the rare and historical books, antiques, and handcrafted straw brooms, we'll have some free time before our final journey stretch back to Cape Town, where our trip ends upon arrival. Consider adding on a stay at the magnificent 12 Apostles hotel.

Trip Summary Meals Icon Included Meals - Breakfast