14 Day Best of the Cape & Garden Route Luxury Tour
From the iconic sights of Cape Town to the whale-filled bays of Hermanus, lush forests of the Garden Route, and vineyard-covered slopes of the Cape Winelands—this 14-day luxury tour showcases the very best of the Western Cape. Designed as a self-drive with the option of a fully guided experience, this itinerary blends dramatic landscapes, charming towns, and boutique stays into a relaxed yet richly rewarding journey.
Highlights
- Explore Cape Town's iconic sights at your own pace
- Stay in luxury boutique hotels and guesthouses throughout
- Discover the Garden Route's pristine beaches, forests, and lagoons
- Visit Hermanus, South Africa's whale-watching capital
- Enjoy world-class wine and food in Franschhoek and Stellenbosch
- Drive the scenic Route 62 through mountain passes and historic towns
- Take in cultural, coastal, and culinary experiences from start to finish
- Option to travel as a self-drive or guided luxury tour
- Malaria-free throughout
Discover South Africa's scenic south in style. Expect world-class wine and cuisine, spectacular coastal drives, and a warm, friendly welcome wherever you go. This trip is entirely malaria-free, boasts excellent road conditions, and offers total flexibility.
Day-by-Day Destination Details
Use the dropdowns below to explore each destination on your journey, including standout accommodations, activities, and regional highlights.
Day 1–4: Cape Town — Iconic Sights & Cosmopolitan Style
View from Table Mountain
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, explore Cape Town and its surroundings at your own pace.
- Member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World
- Set in historic gardens with vineyard views
- Easy access to city, mountains, and beaches
- Table Mountain Cableway
- V&A Waterfront & Zeitz MOCAA
- Robben Island & Bo-Kaap heritage quarter
- Boulders Beach penguin colony
- Cape Point & Chapman's Peak scenic drive
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Day 5–6: Hermanus — Whale Watching & Coastal Charm
The Marine Hotel
Perched on dramatic cliffs overlooking Walker Bay, Hermanus is one of the world's best land-based whale-watching spots. Beyond the whales, it charms with art galleries, hiking trails, award-winning wines, and a laid-back coastal vibe. These two nights are all about ocean air, fine food, and uninterrupted views.
- Cliff-top luxury with front-row whale views
- Steps from the historic Old Harbour and cliff path
- Elegant rooms, fine dining, and spa
- Whale watching (Jun–Nov) by land or boat
- Sea kayaking, fat biking, and cliff path hikes
- Wine tasting in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
- Tidal pools and coastal picnics
- Africa's first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy
Day 7–9: Plettenberg Bay — Beach, Forest & Adventure
The Plettenberg Hotel
Known as the jewel of the Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay offers golden beaches, indigenous forests, and ocean safaris in one of South Africa's most biodiverse regions. It's an ideal base for active adventures, family-friendly outings, or simply soaking up the coastal serenity in luxury.
- 5-star hotel with panoramic ocean views
- Overlooks Lookout Beach and Robberg Peninsula
- Sophisticated coastal base for Garden Route adventures
- Ocean Blue whale and dolphin tours
- Robberg hikes and seal swims
- Tsitsikamma canopy tours
- Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, and Radical Raptors
- Art galleries and gourmet food markets
- Golf, surfing, and bungee jumping
Day 10–11: Oudtshoorn — Karoo Wildlife & Wide-Open Spaces
The famous Klein Karoo sunsets
As the gateway to the Little Karoo, Oudtshoorn offers a taste of South Africa's semi-arid interior—big skies, dramatic landscapes, and quirky charm. It's also the ostrich capital of the world and home to fascinating wildlife and geological wonders like the Cango Caves.
- Luxury farmstay on a working ostrich farm
- Expansive views and star-filled skies
- Family-owned with personal charm
- Cango Caves tours
- Sunrise meerkat encounters
- Stargazing in the Karoo
- Ostrich farm experiences
- Karoo walks and birdwatching
Day 12–13: Franschhoek — Wine, Food & Mountain Vistas
Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa
Journey along the iconic Cape Route 62—one of the world's longest wine routes—through a landscape of dramatic mountain passes, charming farming towns, and vibrant villages. Your journey culminates in Franschhoek, the heritage-rich culinary capital of South Africa. Nestled in a vineyard-cloaked valley, this historic town invites you to slow down, savour, and indulge in fine food, superb wines, and elegant Winelands hospitality.
- Upscale country retreat in the heart of wine country
- Mountain views and vineyard serenity
- Elegant dining, spa, and top-tier service
- Scenic journey along the Cape Route 62
- Franschhoek Wine Tram
- Wine tasting and farm-to-table picnics
- Stellenbosch culinary walking tour
- Babylonstoren sensory experiences
- Art galleries, local markets, and afternoon tea
Day 14: Departure
After a final Winelands breakfast, you'll make your way back to Cape Town International Airport for your onward travel. Of course, if you'd like to extend your stay—or pair this itinerary with a Big 5 safari or beach break—we're happy to tailor something to suit.
Self-Drive or Fully Guided?
The ever-popular Franschhoek Wine Tram
This luxury tour is ideal for confident travellers who enjoy flexibility and independence. We provide a well-planned route, premium vehicle hire, and 24/7 support. Prefer to sit back and enjoy the views? Choose a fully guided version with private driver-guide—contact us for a tailored quote.
Includes
- 14 days Group E (CDAR) Toyota Corolla Quest Auto or similar car rental
- 4 nights at Cellars Hohenort in a Suite (bed and breakfast)
- 2 nights at The Marine in a Premier Suite (bed and breakfast)
- 3 nights at The Plettenberg in a Premier Suite (bed and breakfast)
- 2 nights at De Denne Country Guesthouse in a Family Suite (dinner, bed and breakfast)
- 2 nights at Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa in a Family Suite (bed and breakfast)
Excludes
- International flights
- Visa and border crossing costs
- Airport tax if applicable
- Personal travel insurance
- Meals not specified
- Drinks
- Gratuities
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