Cape Town, Winelands & Garden Route

Your romantic escape begins today as you arrive at Cape Town International Airport and pick up your rental car. From here you'll drive to The Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel, a charming hotel close to fashionable Kloof Street at the heart of the city. Your home for the following three nights is ideally located to discover the beauty and vibrance of the Mother City.

Cape Town was simply made for romance: visit the beautiful beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton, cooling off with a sea-view cocktail afterward and take a drive down the dramatic peninsula to Cape Point, stopping off at the colourful towns of Kalk Bay or Simons Town for lunch and a stroll along the seafront and into working harbours.

You can also enjoy fantastic views of the city from the top of Table Mountain or go on a boat cruise around the harbour, and don't forget that historic Robben Island is just a ferry ride away. A stroll down the Sea Point Promenade with an ice cream in hand is another way to enjoy the stunning sea views and the sunset before dinner at one of the city's many top-class restaurants. On your third day, opt for a half-day cycle tour of the beautiful Cape Peninsula, either leaving at sunrise or timing your journey to end at sunset. This fun-filled excursion leaves from the V&A Waterfront and has you riding through the historic harbour and alongside the Atlantic Ocean as the sea breeze fills the air. You visit the Cape Town Stadium and the eco-friendly Green Point Urban Park as well as the oldest working lighthouse in the South Africa before continuing along the Sea Point Promenade. Then ride through Bantry Bay and stop at Darwin’s Rocks, where the famous explorer himself stopped in the HMS Beagle! Make your way past Clifton and its four attractive beaches to take in the magnificent views of the Twelve Apostles Mountains and Camps Bay Beach before returning to the city for a meander through De Waterkant Village, the Company's Gardens and the historic Malay quarter of the Bo-Kaap.  

This morning you will leave the bustling city behind as you drive to Franschhoek, an elegant and historical town surrounded by rolling vineyards and beautiful mountain ranges. Settle in at the warm and inviting Franschhoek Country House where you'll spend the following three nights. These tranquil surroundings are made for relaxation: enjoy scenic walks around the estate and taste a selection of fine local wines; venture out and wind your way through the beautiful Cape countryside, stopping at the many estates and farms to taste wines and cheeses. Return to Franschhoek after a day of fun and discover why this Alpine-style town is also known as South Africa's gourmet capital - take your pick of fine-dining establishments and enjoy a romantic evening dinner.    

Today you will head out on yet another scenic drive to The Whale Coast and check in at The Cliff Lodge. Close to Hermanus - the epicentre of The Whale Coast - and situated just outside the old fishing town of Gansbaai, this lodge boasts elegance, style and incredible views over the azure Indian Ocean.   Relax on the all-weather conservatory and seafront deck and enjoy 180-degree views as you sip on a glass of wine and settle into your home for the following two nights. In whale season (July to October, peaking in September), you'll be able to see southern right whales as they roll and display in the waters not too far from the shore.  

The following day brings with it the opportunity for more adventure: included in your tour is a shark-cage diving excursion that will bring you close to the ultimate predator - great white sharks. It's quite an experience to share these waters with these terrifying yet magnificent creatures.   Unwind after this heart-pumping experience with a leisurely horseback ride, a round of golf or a visit to one of the nearby wine farms.  

Continue your journey today as you drive along the ever-popular Garden Route to the holiday town of Knysna. Head to its large lagoon and check in at The Leisure Isle Lodge, set on a tiny island in the middle of the lagoon's tranquil waters. Take stock of your calm and beautiful surroundings as you either relax at the lodge or swim in the lagoon. Head down to one of the beautiful local beaches or take a short drive to Noetzie where you'll find some of the country's most incredible beaches. Also included in your tour is a canopy tour in the idyllic Tsitsikamma Forest where you'll experience this indigenous forest and its wildlife from above, and to finish off you can perhaps spend an afternoon browsing the town's art galleries and shops or taking a walk around the small harbour.

Carry on along the Garden Route today as you travel into the Eastern Cape. Arrive at your final accommodation for the tour, The Great Fish River Lodge in the Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. As the name suggests, you'll be staying on the banks of the Great Fish River - the perfect location to end your journey with a Big 5 safari experience.

Go on game drives and other exciting game viewing activities in restocked and rejuvenated Kwandwe - thousands of animals including lion, black and white rhino, buffalo and elephant roam this diverse and fascinating reserve and you will enjoy the information and stories delivered by your expert rangers who will tell you everything you need to know about this slice of wilderness.