Western Cape

REFINED WESTERN CAPE EXPERIENCE

The Refined Western Cape Experience departs Cape Town at 08h30 stopping first for a wine tasting at Allesverloren, the oldest wine estate in the Swartland area and renowned for its distinctive red wines.  Dating back to the 17^th Century, Allesverloren’s rich history and picturesque setting will have you enthralled. Next stop, the town of Riebeek Kasteel!  One of the oldest towns in South Africa, set in the fertile vista of The Riebeek Valley, we spend 2 hours exploring and shopping.  Often referred to as ‘the best kept secret of the Western Cape’, the tranquil village is covered in the softest hues of pink and white during spring when the peach orchards are in bloom and is also home to the oldest hotel in South Africa, The Royal Hotel.  Some of South Africa’s most famous painters, attracted by the picturesque surroundings of the valley, are resident in Riebeek Kasteel today adding an artistic flair to the atmosphere of this quaint village. We enjoy lunch at Mama Cucina, a popular local Italian restaurant, before leaving for the multiple award-winning Kloovenburg Estate, also in The Riebeek Valley, for wine and olive oil tasting. We bid farewell to Riebeek Kasteel travelling via Malmesbury, commonly known as ‘the heart of the Swartland’ and arrive back in Cape Town at approximately 17h45.

Available on request basis only.
* Note: Entrance fees for own account.

WINE AND HISTORY EXPLORATION

The Wine and History Exploration departs at 08h00 for Stellenbosch for wine tastings, shopping and lunch at some of the most outstanding wine estates in the Cape. Our first wine tasting is at Rustenberg Estate, where wines have been bottled for an unbroken period since 1682.  The estate offers an intimate exclusivity and the beautiful gardens are truly a plant lovers dream. Our next stop is the beautiful Delaire Graff Estate, nestled between majestic mountains and overlooking the vineyards of Stellenbosch.  The original artworks from Laurence Graff’s personal collection are on display throughout, representing some of South Africa’s finest contemporary artists. After a wine tasting and fascinating walk through this estate, we travel to Franschhoek for lunch at a local restaurant (own account) before stopping at L’Ormarins, home of Antonij Rupert Wines.  L’Ormarins was restored in 1984 and the Manor House and Cellar declared national monuments.  The Antonij Rupert Cellar is a state of the art gravity fed cellar with revolving ceiling and underground barrel cellar built in memory of Antonij Rupert. The Franschhoek Motor Museum at the magnificent L’Ormarins offers the opportunity to look back at more than 100 years of motoring history, with its unique and exciting collection of more than 300 vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and memorabilia.  After a day of spectacular views of valleys and farms, we depart for Cape Town arriving at approximately 17h30.

Available on request basis only.

ROBERTSON WINE VALLEY DAY TOUR

Head out to Robertson on this unforgettable day travelling via Paarl and Worcester. The Robertson Wine Valley has so much to offer, including free wine tasting at any of the 47 wineries, Olive Tours and Tasting, Cheese shops, and short river cruises on the Breede River. The Breede river is the lifeline of the area by supporting the main industry, agriculture, and there is plenty to do on and around the river. The Bird Park is, ideal for families and children, with over 260 exotic birds, monkeys, crocodiles and ponies. The kids will be well entertained while you relax and enjoy something from the coffee shop. The town is also home to the famous Brandy Distillery called Klipdrift. Brandy was first distilled in this area in 1938.  Pop in for a distillery tour and brandy tasting and get an idea of how brandy is made. Remember to stop by at least one of the ‘padstalle’ offering local goods to nibble on, on your way back. Stroll down any of the small towns’ main streets to see local works of arts and craft, taste locally roasted coffee, or buy wines from the area at cellar door prices. 

Available on request basis only.
* Note: Entrance fees for own account.

DISCOVER WOODSTOCK

Discover Woodstock departs at Cape Town at 08h30 for Woodstock, located between the docks of Table Bay and the lower slopes of Devil’s Peak.  Today we can expect to enjoy trendy restaurants, shops and furniture showrooms which have sprung up in cleverly converted and revamped warehouses and abandoned buildings, creating the vibrant suburb of Woodstock. We start with a drive past The Castle of Good Hope, the oldest surviving colonial building in South Africa. From there it’s on to the Woodstock Exchange, a treasure hunt of creativity from internationally acclaimed designers and artists and heads of youth culture and music.  Here you will find photographers, fashion designers, illustrators, film directors, traders and artists.... it’s the workshop for artists in every form of the word.  We visit a famous local shoe shop to watch shoe-making by hand before moving on to the enchanting Bromwell Boutique Mall. The sophisticated and refined Bromwell Boutique Mall offers an array of limited-edition and one-off pieces of art, sculpture, rare decor, jewellery and top-end fashion and accessories from South Africa and abroad. The Old Biscuit Mill is a vibrant, warm-hearted little village in the heart of Woodstock, home to day and night markets, designer stores, delicious farm stalls and decadent restaurants, and some of South Africa’s most talented, innovative designers, artists and photographers. Time permitting, we visit the Woodstock Co-op, home to entrepreneurs with unique products and services in fashion, design, furniture, arts and crafts, as well as selected antiques.  We head to Delos, a church converted into a unique warehouse, for a tour and talk on antique pieces.  This leading antique lighting and furniture showroom presents restored and recycled relics from around the globe and boasts one of the largest collections of original antiques in South Africa. The final stop is a visit to the Woodstock Foundry, specializing in bronze casting.  We browse the gallery, which showcases wall-mounted work, sculpture, furniture and art pieces and watch coffee roasting.  Enjoy a light lunch at Tribes (own account), followed by a tour and demonstration of casting at Bronze Age before heading back to Cape Town.

Available on request basis only.

WEST COAST FLOWER TOUR

Visit the West Coast National Park for a view of the annual display of wild flowers that burst into sight as spring approaches. Travel via Darling to reach the park and then proceed through to the protected area of Postberg which is opened to the public for an opportunity to view these flowers blooming. In our search for these beautiful flowers, we will cover Mamre, Darling, West Coast National Park and Langebaan to view the variety of flowers on display. Time dependant our return to Cape Town may include an optional Ostrich Tour visit (own account) to complete what we know will be a beautiful day.

(Operates August to September only).