14 Day Best of the Cape & Garden Route Luxury Tour

Renowned for its sandy beaches, majestic mountains, serene rivers, pristine lakes, lush forests, and charming towns, South Africa's Garden Route along the southern Cape coastline and the stunning Cape Winelands of the Western Cape province are ideal road trip destinations. Starting in Cape Town, our 14 Day Best of the Cape & Garden Route Luxury Tour covers popular highlights of the Garden Route and Cape Winelands, featuring handpicked boutique hotels and luxury guesthouses for your overnight stays. The rates listed here are for a self-drive trip, with the option for a fully guided tour available at an additional cost.

This part of South Africa is safe, beautiful, and malaria-free. The Western Cape province has a pleasant, moderate climate, and excellent road network, and the warmest, friendliest people you will meet anywhere!

Itinerary

Day 1 to Day 4

Cape Town

On arrival at Cape Town International Airport, collect your rental car and drive to the 5-star Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Nestled in the heart of Constantia, a short 15-minute drive from Cape Town's bustling city centre, Cellars Hohenort with its picturesque vineyards and tranquil gardens will be your luxurious accommodation for the next four nights.

Nestled against the iconic Table Mountain, the vibrant city of Cape Town is celebrated for its breathtaking beaches, scenic mountain trails, historic landmarks, and diverse culture. Over the next four days, immerse yourself in the wonders of Cape Town and its surroundings at your own pace. Cape Town's world-famous highlights include:

• The bustling Victoria and Alfred Waterfront
• The captivating Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art
• Visiting the top of Table Mountain via the Cableway
• Witnessing the delightful penguin colony at Boulders Beach
• Strolling through the lush Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
• Reflecting on history at Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in imprisonment

• Discovering the vibrant Cape Malay heritage in Bo-Kaap
• Embarking on a scenic journey along the Cape Peninsula, among other unforgettable experiences.

Day 5 and Day 6

Hermanus

Following breakfast on Day 5, take a leisurely drive to the charming seaside enclave of Hermanus, located approximately 140 kilometres from Cape Town. Renowned globally for its exceptional whale-watching experiences, Hermanus boasts unparalleled sightings from both the shore and on boat excursions. This coastal gem is particularly renowned for its annual migration of South Right Whales, with a population of over ten thousand returning each year between July and November to calve in the sheltered waters.

Your accommodation in Hermanus, The Marine, is perfectly situated along the town's scenic cliff path, offering breathtaking views of Walker Bay. The annual land-based whale-watching opportunities at The Marine from June to November are unparalleled.

The epitome of elegance in Hermanus, The Marine offers refined accommodation, exquisite dining, and superb service mere steps away from the historic Old Harbour, amidst the bustling shopping and dining district. Guests can unwind in a secluded courtyard oasis featuring a heated pool or indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments. For a refreshing ocean experience, a dip in the public tidal pool, nestled at the foot of the cliff path, comes highly recommended.

Originally established as a farming haven basking in year-round sunshine along South Africa's pristine coastline, Hermanus beckons with a wide range of outdoor and nature-centric pursuits, including:

• Whale-watching excursions
• Guided sea kayaking adventures exploring Walker Bay
• Leisurely picnics on the lawns bordering Voelklip Beach
• Fun fat biking escapades along Walker Bay Beach
• Scenic walks along the captivating 12-kilometer Cliff Path, tracing the ocean's edge from the New Harbour to Grotto Beach

• Hiking across the scenic wine estates nestled in the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, and stopping for some wine-tasting and culinary treats along the way
• Explore the town's vibrant streets and eclectic array of innovative restaurants, charming bistros, cosy coffee shops, lively pubs, and atmospheric bars. Hermanus proudly holds the distinction of being Africa's inaugural UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
• Immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Overberg region, traversing its majestic mountain passes, verdant vineyards, and bountiful orchards on horseback, promising an unforgettable journey through nature and more.

Day 7 to Day 9

Plettenberg Bay

Set off after a hearty breakfast on Day 7 for Plettenberg Bay, visiting picturesque landscapes and charming towns en route. Journey through Swellendam, nestled at the base of the majestic Langeberg Mountains, then explore the Portuguese-influenced charm of Mossel Bay, before reaching the tranquil haven of Knysna, renowned for its serene lagoons and indigenous forests. Your accommodation awaits at The Plettenberg Hotel in Plettenberg Bay, a distinguished five-star luxury retreat with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, towering mountains, and pristine golden beaches.

Plettenberg Bay, another coastal gem adorned with untouched beaches, meandering rivers, verdant forests, and a rugged peninsula, serves as the idyllic base for experiencing the many attractions of South Africa's Garden Route. Highlights include:

• Thrilling whale-watching and dolphin encounters with Ocean Blue Adventures
• Swimming or snorkeling experiences with seals
• Scenic hikes and seal sightings along the iconic Robberg Peninsula
• Adrenaline-pumping Bloukrans Bridge bungee jumps
• Canopy tours amidst the Tsitsikamma's ancient rainforests
• Visits to Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, Birds of Eden, or Radical Raptors

• Sampling locally crafted delights and shopping at Market on Main in Plettenberg Bay
• Teeing off at world-class golf courses in Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, or Plettenberg Bay
• Visiting the sculptures at Bronze Fields Foundry, and much more.

Day 10 and Day 11

Oudtshoorn

On Day 10, prepare for a dramatic change of scenery as you ascend into the majestic Outeniqua Mountains. These peaks separate the lush lakes, forests, and sandy shores of the coastline from the semi-arid beauty of the Klein Karoo, a region with its own unique charm.

Your next two nights will be spent at the elegant De Denne Country Guesthouse, situated on a working ostrich farm. Each spacious en-suite room offers stunning views of rolling lawns, mountain-framed farmlands, and breathtaking Klein Karoo sunsets.

Explore a variety of activities in the area, including:

• Sunrise meerkat safaris
• Tours of the famous Cango Caves
• "High 5" stargazing experiences
• Birdwatching adventures
• Scenic walks through the picturesque landscapes
• Fascinating ostrich farm tours

Day 12 and Day 13

Franschhoek and the Cape Winelands

Begin the final stretch of your 14-day luxury tour after breakfast on Day 12, embarking on a journey along one of the world's longest wine routes, Cape Route 62. This scenic route winds through spectacular landscapes, breathtaking mountain passes, historic landmarks, charming farming towns, and vibrant villages, culminating in the heritage town of Franschhoek, renowned globally as a premier food and wine destination.

Surrounded by majestic mountains and lush vineyards, your base for the next two nights will be the elegant and luxurious Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa. From here, explore the myriad attractions of Franschhoek and the Cape Winelands, including sprawling wine estates, five-star restaurants, picturesque valley scenery, literary festivals, quaint museums, unique boutiques, and hiking and cycling trails through vineyards and rugged mountain paths.

Activities in Franschhoek and the surrounding areas include:

• Hop-on hop-off Franschhoek Wine Tram tour through the heart of the Franschhoek Valley
• Picnic in the Boschendal Rhone Rose Garden
• Half-day culinary walking tour of Stellenbosch