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South Africa- Winelands & Beyond

Much more than just wine.... although that’ s a pretty good reason to visit!

A leisurely drive from Cape Town brings you to the scenic Winelands, a region of lush valleys, mountain-backed vineyards, historic towns, tiny hamlets and Cape Dutch farmsteads. While it’ s the velvety wines that have brought the region international acclaim, it’ s also a fabulous foodie hub showcasing everything from farm-to-table experiences to fine dining. Hailed as the nation’ s wine and gourmet capital, Stellenbosch has an easy elegance with oak-shaded streets lined with cafés, restaurants, boutiques and art galleries. In addition, some 150 wine estates decorate the vine-strewn landscape, many of them with achingly beautiful Cape Dutch manor houses, gardens, hotels and fine-dining restaurants. Originally settled in 1688 by French Huguenot refugees who introduced their age-old wine and food culture, today Franschhoek has some of the country’ s best wineries and an impressive selection of renowned restaurants. A fun way to explore is to hop on the wine tram which shuttles you between various boutique wineries, family-run farms and sprawling estates. Additionally, this lovely town’ s quaint streets brim with galleries and antique shops, along with many places to eat and drink. Surrounded by mountains, Paarl is steeped in history, culture and scenic splendour. Naturally, wine is the star of the show, and the Paarl Wine Route takes in dozens of award-winning vineyards. Foodies will find many tempting dining venues, from relaxed family steakhouses to the finest international cuisine and everything in between. Wine aside, the surrounding area serves up scenic picnic spots, hiking and biking trails, championship golf courses and more. Other notable places to visit include leafy Constantia where grapes are grown on the slopes of Table Mountain and there are centuries-old homesteads as well as new stylish boutique wineries to seek out. The small scenic town of Montagu is gateway to the Klein Karoo and lies on the famed Route 62. As well as wine cellars, orchards and healing hot mineral springs, there are activities galore including rock climbing. Just outside the Winelands is Hermanus, an attractive fishing village rich in magnificent scenery and with endless adventure options on both land and sea. From June to November, Hermanus also offers the best land-based whale watching in the world.

• Cedarberg Mountains

WESTERN CAPE

Getting there: All the Winelands region towns are approximately 45 minutes driving distance of Cape Town, while Hermanus is 1½ hours drive from Cape Town.

Best time to go: This region typically sees long, warm and dry summers( October-April). Winter( May-September) can be cooler but still has lots of sunshine.

Stellenbosch

Get more out of your stay. Prices are per person. Tours and attractions may not operate year-round.

Foodies on Foot from £ 99

Excite your taste buds on this half day walking tour which focuses on fresh, local, sustainably-produced and seasonal produce. Includes lunch & tastings but excludes transfers.

NEW

Spier Wine Tasting & Picnic from £ 35

At the famous Spier Wine Estate taste three wines from their Signature Selection and three wines from their Signature Range. Follow this with a relaxed, delicious picnic on the Werf lawns which features fresh, seasonal treats from Spiers’ own garden and local producers. Classic, vegetarian, vegan, or children’ s baskets available. Excludes transfers.

© Visit Winelands

Franschhoek Wine Tram from £ 19

This hop-on-hop-off tour is one of the best ways to discover the Franschhoek Valley’ s picturesque vineyards, breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, world class cuisine, fine wines and its 300 year history. Hop on and off at the loop of stops to experience the activities on offer, be it wine tasting, a cellar tour, lunch or simply a stroll. Excludes transfers.

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Stellenbosch Winelands Cycle Tour from £ 65

Perfect for those who have limited time in the Winelands, this tour packs the best of Stellenbosch into half a day of laidback cycling, stopping for two wine tastings enroute.

White Shark Encounter from £ 219

Imposing in size, Great White sharks are known for their graceful beauty and powerful predatory behaviour, so why not see this majestic animal from inside a cage below the waves! For the less courageous, the boat has a large viewing platform. Children over 7 years are welcome on the tour but, must be over 11 years to go in the cage. Excludes transfers.

prices & offers change constantly- call for today’ s best available deals!