| CAPE TOWN & GARDEN ROUTE - 14 NIGHT SELF-DRIVE TOUR |
Day 1 ~ Welcome to Cape Town
On arrival at Cape Town International Airport you will be met by one of our representatives who will direct you to your hire car, complete with local city and area maps. Drive the short distance to the city of Cape Town and check in to the Portswood Hotel, ideally located in the popular Victoria & Alfred Waterfront area. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, settling into the Capetonian way of life.
Overnight - Portswood Hotel, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Day 2 ~ Suggested Sightseeing: Cape Peninsula Tour
Embark on a full days drive around the Cape Peninsula, leaving Cape Town via the Atlantic seaboard suburbs of Sea Point's "Golden Mile", and the bikini beaches of trendy Clifton and Camps Bay, to the bustling fishing harbour of Hout Bay, where an optional short cruise can be taken to view the seal population of Seal Island. From Hout Bay head for the many holiday resort towns of the warmer False Bay side of the Peninsula. Visit the historic naval town of Simon's Town, and the ever popular penguin colony, before heading to the natural attractions of the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, and the many viewpoints around Cape Point. Return to Cape Town via the Silver Mine Mountain Pass and it's panoramic views over the Peninsula and the vineyards of suburbia.
Overnight - Portswood Hotel, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Day 3 ~ Suggested Sightseeing: Table Mountain & Kirstenbosch Gardens
In the morning take the trip to the top of Table Mountain by aerial cableway, weather permitting that is, which provides some of the world's most spectacular views. In the afternoon, spend a pleasant few hours wandering around the internationally renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, situated on the slopes of Table Mountain, and forming part of the estate of Cecil John Rhodes. This enormous area which comprises beautifully manicured gardens, natural, unspoiled walks on the forested mountain slopes, and over 8000 different plant species, deserves more than a mere passing visit. Complete with an informative visitors centre, it is no wonder that Kirstenbosch Gardens consistently appears in the top 10 attractions in South Africa.
Overnight - Portswood Hotel, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Day 4 ~ Suggested Sightseeing: Hermanus
After breakfast depart Cape Town via Sir Lowrys Pass en route to the relaxing coastal resort of Hermanus. There is a particular bonus when visiting this area during the months of July through to November, as there are spectacular whale viewing opportunities from some of the best land based sites in the world. Apart from the whales however, Hermanus has immense charm and character, with the locals singing opera openly in the market square, the shopping boutiques and the wonderful coastal setting of the town. From Hermanus return to Cape Town along the coast via Gordons Bay, which provides a complete contrast to the scenery that you would have seen whilst travelling to Hermanus in the morning.
Overnight - Portswood Hotel, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Day 5 ~ Suggested Sightseeing: The Winelands
A true treat for any lover of fine wines, the day to be spent ambling around the winelands regions. Spend some time wandering around the beautiful university town of Stellenbosch, viewing the famous Cape Dutch architecture of the town, before visiting the original French Huguenot town of Franschhoek, completing a piece of the mosaic that is South Africa's heritage. Wine tastings and cellar tours are highly recommended at the many Estates you may visit. If time permits, perhaps take a tour of either the impressive KWV wine cellars or the slightly different Paarl Rock Brandy Cellar, before visiting the Taal (language) monument, superbly situated on the slopes of Paarl Mountain.
Overnight - Portswood Hotel, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Day 6 ~ Journey to the Ostrich Capital of the World
After a casual check out from the Hotel, depart Cape Town passing through the winelands via Du Toits Kloof Pass, and head into the fruit and vineyard areas of the Breede River Valley, before spending a good part of the day travelling through the different environment of the Little Karoo. You will drive through the Karoo towns of Montagu (we highly recommend the coffee shop on the left-hand side of the road as you enter the town as a decent mid morning stop) and Ladismith (an ideal lunch stop), before reaching Oudtshoorn, the ostrich capital of the world. Visit a local ostrich farm to find out more about these prehistoric creatures as well as attempting to ride one if the mood dictates!
Overnight - Protea Riempies Hotel, Oudtshoorn
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Day 7 ~ Suggested Sightseeing: Cango Caves
Start the day with a visit to the well known Cango Caves, before heading over the Outeniqua Mountains via the spectacular Outeniqua Pass, to the contrastingly different coastal and forestry environment around George, administrative capital of the Garden Route. From George travel east, via the coast, forests and lakes of the Wilderness area to Knysna, commonly regarded as South Africa's favourite town and check in to the Protea Knysna Quays Hotel, located on the trendy Waterfront area.
Overnight - Protea Knysna Quays Hotel, Knysna
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Day 8 ~ Suggested Sightseeing: 'Featherbed Experience' & Noetzie
After breakfast take a casual cruise across the lagoon, to the privately owned Featherbed Nature Reserve, where a tractor trailer ride to the top of the Western Head will provide magnificent views over the coastline, and the lagoon itself. Taking an optional walk back through forests, caves, and a lagoon side path, lunch is served under the milkwood trees before returning to the mainland. It is worthwhile reserving an hour to visit the forest hideaway area of Noetzie. It is a relatively short distance to reach this extraordinary beach, with its secluded lagoon and beach and the unique Noetzie Castles.
Overnight - Protea Knysna Quays Hotel, Knysna
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Day 9 ~ Day at leisure
Day at leisure to relax, browse around the quaint town, explore the local area and generally recharge the batteries.
Overnight - Protea Knysna Quays Hotel, Knysna
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Day 10 ~ Suggested Sightseeing: Nature's Valley & Plettenberg Bay
Start the day with the drive eastwards beyond Plettenberg Bay to Nature's Valley, where you will find the most exquisite beach along the Garden Route. From Natures Valley head back towards Plettenberg Bay and take a casual cruise up the tranquil Keurbooms River in the company of a knowledgeable river guide. Returning for lunch in the vicinity of Plettenberg Bay, spend some time exploring the town and beaches of this popular holiday centre, including a visit to the Robberg Nature Reserve.
Overnight - Protea Knysna Quays Hotel, Knysna
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Day 11 ~ Welcome to the Eastern Cape
The morning heralds a farewell to Knysna, with the journey east towards the "friendly city" of Port Elizabeth. Arriving at the Cosmos Cuisine Guest House, set in the heart of the charming Sundays River Valley, world renown for its citrus products, rose farms and scenic location. After settling in, head for the nearby Addo Elephant National Park and enjoy a game drive in an open vehicle with a knowledgable ranger. Addo Elephant National Park has a unique place in the struggle to preserve the African Elephant. It is home to the densest population of elephant in the world.
Overnight - Cosmos Cuisine Guest House, Paterson, nr Addo
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Day 12 ~ Suggested Sightseeing: Shamwari Game Reserve
A leisurely mid morning departure to the very well appointed facilities of the internationally acclaimed Shamwari Game Reserve. Arrive in time for a traditional South African lunch at the Born Free Centre, overlooking the Bushman's River. Visit the Khaya Lendaba African Cultural village before embarking into Big Game territory on a 4 x 4 safari.
Overnight - Cosmos Cuisine Guest House, Paterson, nr Addo
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Day 13 ~ Moving On
After checking out of the Guest House, head back along the coast en-route to Wilderness. Spend some time in the vicinity of the beautifully rugged coastline at Storms River Mouth, and enjoy a casual walk through the natural forest to the suspension bridge at the mouth itself. On arrival in Wilderness, check in to the Protea Wilderness Resort, an elegant resort between the lagoon and the Indian Ocean.
Overnight - Protea Wilderness Resort, Wilderness
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Day 14 ~ Travel back to Cape Town
After breakfast depart Wilderness en route back to Cape Town perhaps stopping at Swellendam for a light lunch. Continue through the Overberg farming region, a spectacular drive and a complete contrast to the journey through the Little Karoo. As you near Cape Town you will head through the stunning Sir Lowrys Pass, where False Bay and Table Mountain on the horizon open up before you. Arriving mid afternoon back in the Mother City, check into the Portswood Hotel, where entertainment and a myriad of restaurants to suit any taste are on the doorstep.
Overnight - Portswood Hotel, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
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Day 15 ~ Checking Out
After checking out of the Hotel, the final day is at leisure to either finish that last minute shopping, or merely relax until the time of departure for Cape Town International Airport, returning the hire vehicle, and boarding the return flight back to Heathrow.
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PRICE PER PERSON = from £ 928.00
NOTES ON THE PRICE:
INCLUDED:
~ Hire car based on two people sharing (CDW insurance and unlimited mileage)
~ 14 nights double/twin share accommodation in South Africa
~ Daily breakfast
~ Representative on-call throughout your stay
~ VAT @ 17.5%
EXCLUDED:
~ International flights (quotations are available on request)
~ The cost of entrance fees to the sightseeing attractions
~ Lunches and dinners
~ Gratuities
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