Premium Cape Town and the Garden Route

Duration

9 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Unknown

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Spend nine days exploring Cape Town and The Garden Route in South Africa, filling your days with scenic landscapes and delicious food and wine.

Highlights

Indulge in delicious, local wines and Bo-Kaap cuisine with a welcome dinner in a twentieth-century Victorian house, and a visit to a local farm for a fresh dinner of local ingredients prepared by your hosts within their family home.
Feast on fresh, local dishes during a six-course dining experience at your Feature Stay hotel’s on-site restaurant (with a wine pairing, of course) in the Cape Winelands.
Explore Cape Town and the surrounding area, learning about the layered history of Apartheid and slavery and Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment and release. You’ll also take a scenic drive along the peninsula, stopping at many bays and lookouts along the way.
Spend a night in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley at your Feature Stay hotel – Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa, displaying the best of the Cape Winelands and surrounded by mountains and wineries.
Take a hike within the gorgeous natural landscape of Garden Route National Park – known for its Indigenous forests and dramatic coastline. Walk the river suspension bridge, then follow your leader along one of the many popular trails.

Trip Details

Duration

9 days

Transportation

Private vehicle

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cape Town, South Africa

Finishes

Cape Town, South Africa

Accommodations

Unknown

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Cape Town

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:

Cape Town - Welcome dinner

Accommodation:

Cape Town Hollow Boutique Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Cape Town

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.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:

Peninsular Tour - Half Day
Cape Town - City Tour with Local Guide

Accommodation:

Cape Town Hollow Boutique Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Cape Town

Today is your day 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. Your Leader will, of course, be on hand to help with other suggestions and make arrangements.

Optional Activities:

Cape Town - Robben Island tour (550 ZAR)
Cape Town - Cape Peninsula & Table Mountain Tour - Full Day (2000 ZAR)

Accommodation:

Cape Town Hollow Boutique Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Franschhoek

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

Accommodation:

Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa (feature stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Franschhoek

Soak up a leisurely morning today before a big day of food and wine. Early this afternoon, settle in with your group for a traditional South African lunch of Potjiekos – translated to small-pot food – paired with local wines at the Rickety Bridge Wine Estate. 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:

Franschhoek - Wine Tasting with Food Pairings
Franschhoek - Farm Tour and Bo-Kaap style dinner

Accommodation:

Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa (feature stay) or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Knysna – Garden Route National Park

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:

Knysna - Orientation Walk

Accommodation:

Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Knysna

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:

Knysna - Tsitsikamma Village
Knysna - Old Nick Village Community Visit
Knysna - Garden Route National Park

Accommodation:

Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Cape Town

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.

Accommodation:

Cape Town Hollow Boutique Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: 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.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $6,600

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 9 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Spend nine days exploring Cape Town and The Garden Route in South Africa, filling your days with scenic landscapes and delicious food and wine.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 12 Dec 2025

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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