• Waterford Estate - Journey north to Paarl

Begin with a cellar tour, followed by a delightful cheese and wine tasting.

Continue to Franschhoek, pausing for a photo at the Groot Drakenstein Prison, where Nelson Mandela was released in February 1990.

Enjoy a brief tour of the charming town and partake in a second wine tasting in Franschhoek.

Lunch stop (optional – at your own expense).

After lunch, proceed to Stellenbosch, where the guide will highlight historic buildings and share fascinating facts.

If time allows, a third wine tasting will be included before returning to the hotel.

• Dorpstraat Stellenbosch - The enchanting town of Stellenbosch, about an hour from Cape Town, is nestled among the Stellenbosch Mountains in the Jonkershoek River Valley, offering one of the most scenic settings in the Cape.

As the second oldest town in South Africa, it is affectionately known as ‘Eikestad’ or city of oaks, with streets lined with stunning examples of Cape Dutch, Georgian, and Victorian architecture. Dorp Street is a national monument, and exploring this quaint part of Stellenbosch, with its hidden lanes, water furrows, cosmopolitan restaurants, and coffee bistros, alongside breathtaking views of mountains, vineyards, and orchards, makes for a perfect morning outing.

The name ‘Stellenbosch’ is almost synonymous with the wine industry. It boasts the oldest wine route in the country, arguably the most renowned, and features one of the most advanced experimental wineries globally, along with the only viticultural and oenological department in the country at its university.

• La Motte Wine Estate - Franschhoek, the French corner of the Cape, is situated in one of the world’s most stunning wine valleys, just 45 minutes from Cape Town and within half an hour of the Stellenbosch, Paarl, Wellington, and Somerset West wine routes.

This traditionally French town is the culinary and wine capital of the nation, a claim that is hard to contest. Eight of the top 100 restaurants in the country are located in Franschhoek, with nearly 30 wine cellars and over 28 restaurants to choose from for a gastronomic delight. The Franschhoek valley has recently introduced a Cap Classique route, featuring nine cellars within a 4 km distance, as part of a joint marketing effort. The sparkling wine tour educates visitors on the methods of making Cap Classique, offering a unique approach to enhancing wine appreciation.

Originally known as the Valley of the Huguenots, French Huguenots were granted land in this valley by the Dutch government of the Cape after fleeing France when Protestantism was banned in 1685. Today, many wine farms retain their original French names, and most showcase beautiful examples of Cape Dutch architecture.

• Fairview Wine and Cheese - As the third oldest settlement in South Africa, Paarl is rich in history and culture, yet offers much more. While the town is close enough for a day trip—just an hour’s drive from Cape Town—you might want to extend your visit to a weekend.

The Paarl Wine Route, the second oldest in the country, is celebrated for its robust spicy reds and crisp whites. Shiraz is the area’s most prominent varietal, but Paarl wineries also produce exceptional Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinotage, Viognier, and Mourvèdre.

Be sure to visit Under Oaks, Nederburg Wines, KWV Wine Emporium, Fairview, Black Pearl Wines, Boland Kelder, Ridgeback Wine Farm, and Rhebokskloof Wine Estate. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Grande Roche Hotel or at Harvest at the Laborie Wine Estate.

• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Lunch

The Cape Winelands Tour stands out for several compelling reasons:

1. Scenic Beauty: This tour guides you through some of South Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes, featuring the charming towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl, all set against the backdrop of magnificent mountains and verdant vineyards.

2. Wine Region: As one of the oldest wine-producing areas in the Southern Hemisphere, the Cape Winelands boasts a rich winemaking heritage and culture. Participants can visit prestigious wine estates, savor some of the finest wines globally, and gain insights into the winemaking process.

3. Historic Significance: The area is rich in history, offering numerous historic buildings, museums, and landmarks, including the Huguenot Memorial Museum and examples of Cape Dutch architecture.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.