ALL NEW ALTERNATIVE WINE AND GARDEN ROUTE TOUR
- 6-days / 6-nights land package
- 4 and 5 star accommodation
Price:
R25750pp sharing; single supplement R2822
(October 09 – end April 10)
Inclusions: wine specialist guide; transport; accommodation (including breakfast); all tastings and entrance fees included in the itinerary
Exclusions: all beverages - alcoholic or non alcoholic; all meals, except breakfast, unless specified otherwise; where meal suggestions are provided, these are for your own account.
Itinerary:
Day 1
We meander our way along what must be one of the world's best coastal drives, through the fishing village of Gordon's Bay and along the precipitous cliffs past Kogel Bay, Betty's Bay, Pringle Bay and Kleinmond. If its Whale season, (June to November) keep your eyes open as these gentle giants are often seen along this drive. Next stop is the bustling little town of Hermanus, but before that, a visit to the unique Hamilton Russell Vineyards. This vineyard is just 3km from the sea and further south than any other South African vineyard. Next stop is the boutique winery Bouchard Finlayson in the stunning Hemel and Aarde Valley (heaven and earth) before continuing to Stanford for a delicious dinner, stunning views and good night's rest at Schulphoek Guesthouse. Don't worry about your choice of wine at dinner: Schulphoek boasts an impressive 7000-bottle cellar! (Dinner included).
Day 2
Don't linger too long over breakfast: the beautiful Overberg is calling! We head off, through Hermanus on to picturesque Swellendam, one of South Africa's oldest towns, before heading along the world-renowned Garden Route. Need to post a letter? Next stop is Mossel Bay with its “post office tree”, where early explorers left letters for other seafarers to pick up. You'll be free to explore the old town and enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants (for your own account). We suggest Café Gannet's famous Mossel Bay mussels. After lunch, we visit the Old Post office Tree, the Maritime Museum, the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse and the Khoi Village and Cave.
Then it's on to Knysna. You'll be ready for your rest at The Lofts luxury guesthouse overlooking the lagoon where you can unwind in your own spa bath.
We suggest a visit to the Knysna Oyster Company (for your own account) for some fresh Knysna oysters and west coast crayfish.
Day 3
You'll be leaving the comfort of one bed for a visit to another. Today's first stop is a four hour trip into the famous Knysna Western Head Featherbed, a private nature reserve which is one of South Africa's Natural Heritage sites. Your excursion includes a optional guided walk through the forest, cliffs and coast (where you may catch a glimpse of the endangered seahorses). For lunch we will head back to Knysna on the lagoon ferry.
You could spend a month in Knysna without being bored, so you'll easily fill the afternoon visiting museums, art galleries, unique furniture markets and craft stalls.
Dinner and evening at your leisure (for your own account).
Day 4
Today we visit Oudtshoorn to make closer acquaintance with the world's biggest bird. You'll even get a chance to ride one! After learning all there is to know about the ostrich, we head off to the surreal beauty of the Cango Caves with their magical display of limestone formations, created drip by drip over thousands of years. Lunch stop will be at one of Oudtshoorn's award-winning restaurants. We suggest you try Jemima's (for own account) traditional Cape Malay Bobotie. You'll be soothed into sleep by the sounds of the wild Karoo at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge in the heart of a sprawling private game reserve.
Day 5
It’s an early start today for a game drive where you’ll meet the rhinos, giraffes, as well as many buck and bird species – you’ll have met the hippos in the dam by now. And afterwards a chance to get up close and personal and play ball with the orphaned baby elephants. Then we head off to the South Africa's Port wine capital, Calitzdorp for tastings at Boplaas and De Krans. We meander down Route 62 to Barrydale and tea at the Country Pumpkin. Next stop Joubert-Tradouw, a farm that combines superb wines with a strong conservation ethic. Overnight at Fraai Uitzicht in Robertson, a tranquil haven of peace and beauty.
Day 6
Our first stop today is De Wetshof in the Robertson Valley, where the De Wets have a heritage of making fine wines since 1693. Next stop is at the historic Springfield Estate, another family estate which dates back to the French Hugenots. The Bruwers were such keen wine makers that the treasures they brought with them when they fled persecution in France were bundles of vines.
Lunch is at Viljoensdrift for a picnic on the banks of the Breede River. After lunch we head off to Worcester to the world famous KWV Brandy Cellars. Tantalise your senses with a guided tour through the largest brandy cellar in the world. This working distillery offers you the unique opportunity to revel in the smells, tastes and textures of the wine making process.
Our last nightstop is an experience of Victorian elegance and genteel hospitality at Pontac Manor in Paarl. Dinner at your leisure and for your own account.
Tour ends.
* Itinerary subject to change: every effort will be made to keep the itinerary as it appears here; however, the final itinerary may vary due to wine producer schedules, availability, and factors beyond our control.
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