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Day 1 - 4: Cape Town
As you arrive into Cape Town airport you will be met at the airport by one of our representatives who will be happy to answer any questions you might have and who will help you with the collection of your car, maps and travel information.
Settle in at your accommodation, Highlands Country House, which is t ucked under the slopes of Table Mountain in the leafy suburb of Kenilworth. Highlands is a beautifully restored National Monument with marble and wooden floors, pressed ceilings, large shuttered sash windows, balustrades and fireplaces. The 13 spacious guest suites are gracious and intimate and i n the surrounding garden, benches have been placed under trees, beside the pond and on patios. Whether you wish to spend your day visiting the attractions of the Cape or simply relaxing by the sparkling, secluded pools, you can be certain that your personal comfort and well-being is the priority of your hosts.
Spend the next four days exploring Cape Town’s many attractions including: Table Mountain, the V&A Waterfront and Robben Island (where Mandela was imprisoned), Seal Island, the Chapman’s Peak scenic drive, Cape Point, the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and Kirstenbosch botanical gardens. Alternatively wonder around the many museums and historic buildings the Cape has to offer, relax on the beaches and enjoy the fine selection of restaurants and bars. For the more adventurous there is also a wide range of activities on offer and then, afterwards, enjoy the nightlife Cape Town has to offer
Day 5 & 6: West Coast (175 kms)
From Cape Town drive northwards along the coast of the cold Atlantic Ocean towards the Langebaan Lagoon and the West Coast National Park, taking in the famous postcard view of Table Mountain as seen from Blouberg Strand. The West Coast National Park has an abundance of bird life, the lagoon area is very beautiful, and you will get an introduction to the unique fynbos flora prevalent in the area as well as the many beautiful wild flowers in spring (August-September). You may also spot some interesting game here.
The attractive ruggedness of ageing iron wheeled farm implements reflects just a relatively recent part of Kersefontein's rich and fascinating history and it is here, on this working farm, that you will be accommodated for the next two nights. Offering beauty, tranquillity and an isolation softened by birdcall and the lowing of cattle, Kersefonteinis the ideal base from which to explore the rugged coastline and quaint fishing villages of the west coast. Alternatively spend your day relaxing on the farm, swimming in the river or join your host, Julian Melk, in his private plane for a flight over the west coast. In the evening enjoy a drink in the licensed "Turn and Slip" pub before a dinner of local specialties hosted by Julian in the dinning room of the historic Cape Dutch homestead.
Day 7 & 8 : Tulbagh (120 kms)
Leaving the west coast behind you now drive inland to the historic town of Tulbagh. Dating from 1743, this scenic town boasts many historic buildings, a magnificent setting at the foot of the mountains and local vineyards that produce white wines and sherries.
Close to Tulbagh, in a beautiful setting beneath the Elandskloof Mountains, is the exclusive private game reserve of Bartholomeus Klip. This original Victorian homestead offers a combination of luxury accommodation, game viewing and farm living as well as a procession of gourmet meals to remember. On the guided game drives you have the opportunity to see a variety of game including: eland, blue and black wildebeest, red hartebeest, and the endangered Cape Mountain Zebra as well as the rare geometric tortoise wandering among the fynbos. Alternatively enjoy a relaxing walk, or bicycle ride on the working wheat and sheep farm or simply relax by the pool and enjoy the peace of this breathtaking setting.
Day 9 & 10: Gansbaai (245 kms)
From Tulbagh take the scenic route via the spectacular Bainskloof pass, an impressive drive over the mountains, through Worcester towards the shores of the Indian Ocean and onto the local fishing village of Gansbaai, where, from August to November, regular sightings of the southern right whale occur.
Here you will be accommodated in Grootbos Nature Reserve, an exclusive lodge affording magnificent views over the " Bay of Whales." Located within a private nature reserve conserving 1,061 hectares of pristine fynbos, Grootbos is ideal for those interested in the local flora or marine life and offers private cottages and friendly service as well as a selection of daily activities including: guided walks, mountain biking or horse riding in the fynbos vegetation, shore or boat based whale watching tours and great white shark viewing and cage diving. Alternatively you can explore the coast and make your way down to Cape Agulhas, Africa's most southerly point. The unique setting and high levels of friendly service at Grootbos all combine to ensure that your stay here is an enjoyable and relaxing one.
Day 11 - 13: Franschhoek (140 kms)
Leaving Grootbos behind you now make your way back in the direction of Cape Town and onto Franschhoek in the heart of the winelands. Surrounded by serenely beautiful homesteads and vineyards, and dramatically situated in a valley overlooked by the mighty mountains of the Franschhoek-berg this quiet little town was established by the Huguenots who settled here in 1688 after leaving France to escape persecution. The French tradition of fine cuisine has grown from these humble origins with Franschhoek now boasting many a fine restaurant as well as local art and craft galleries.
This scenic and historic region is best known for its vineyards and is home to some of the very best South African wines. However the region has a lot more to offer than just the wine farms and cellar tours, and other options include: the 4 passes scenic drive, world renowned golf courses, walking and horse riding trails, trout fishing and a visit to the historic town of Stellenbosch.
Set on a working wine estate high above Franschhoek, Mont Rochelle offers exemplary personal service and world-class cuisine as well as finely appointed, individually decorated rooms. Whether you are sunning yourself by the pool, enjoying a drink at the colonial style cigar bar or relaxing in your room, stunning views of mountains, vineyards or of the valley below will surround you.
Day 14: Cape Town Airport (75 kms)
Your last day can be spent relaxing in the winelands, in Cape Town doing last minute shopping, or you can fit in a final visit before you drive back to the airport, drop off the car and board your flight for home.
Price from:
Rand 12,090 per person (based on 2 people sharing, travelling in July ‘06)
€ 1,280 (Euro equivalent will depend on exchange rate at time of booking)
* Please note that this price is an estimate and should only be used as a guide to the cost of your holiday. Final price will depend on availability, season, exchange rate fluctuations etc.
Includes: Meet & Greet on arrival, accommodation on a B&B basis (except Bartholomeus Klip and Grootbos on a full board & activities basis), 14 days car rental: Nissan Almera or similar (unlimited kms, air conditioning, radio/tape, power steering, super-cover insurance)
Excludes: Meals not indicated above, all drinks, entrance fees, activities and game drives (unless otherwise specified), all airfares and airport taxes, travel insurance, fuel and toll fees, car hire extras such as contract fees, additional driver fees and one way drop off charges, mobile phone rental, expenses of a personal nature, porterage, tips and gratuities
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Introduction: Popular with return visitors to Cape Town, South Africa and with those who like to get away from the crowds, this itinerary combines the essential visits to Cape Town, the Winelands and whale watching in Hermanus, a stopover on the Garden Route Tour, with some less developed tourist destinations along the West Coast and the interior of the Cape. The accommodation available includes historic houses, working farms and private nature reserves, all of which add to the richness of the itinerary. While popular all year round, the region is best visited from August to November, during both the flower and the whale seasons. 
