Highlights of the Western Cape

Ask our expert Jackie Sheehan about this destination

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Day 1

Fly overnight to Cape Town. On arrival collect your hire car and drive the short distance into the city centre. As there is no jet-lag to contend with you can feasibly spend the afternoon exploring this ‘Mother City’, perhaps a stroll around the V&A Waterfront. Overnight Portview Guesthouse on a B&B basis.

Day 2

A full day of exploration today. Perhaps you could take the hop on hop off sightseeing buses for a better understanding of the city and what is has to offer. Weather permitting a trip on the cable car to the top of the mountain for spectacular views or a short boat trip to Robben Island famous for being where Nelson Mandela was incarcerated for many years. Overnight Portview Guesthouse on a B&B basis.

Day 3

Suggest today that you take the car and drive through wonderful coast roads south along the peninsula experiencing the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other. Visit the rugged Cape of Good Hope and marvel at the point where these 2 oceans are visible. Visit the penguin colony at boulders beach before return to the city via Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens famous the world over for its rich diversity of flora and fauna. Overnight Portview Guesthouse on a B&B basis.

Day 4

A leisurely drive today north east to the world famous Winelands. Still in sight of the sea many of the wineries produce a wealth of world class wines that can be sampled along the way. Situated at the end of a spectacular valley is Franschhoek (or French Corner) home to many fine wineries and gourmet restaurants. Overnight La Fontaine Guesthouse on a B&B basis.

Day 5

A full day to explore the Winelands or perhaps take a guided tour around some of the popular estates or take a picnic and sit enjoying the African sun and amazing views. A visit to the university city of Stellenbosch is easily done with its oak lined streets and quaint shops.
Overnight La Fontaine Guesthouse on a B&B basis.

Day 6

Another spectacular drive through the mountains and fruit growing areas towards the coast before winding your way along the coastal road to the sleepy town of Hermanus. Built on a narrow strip of land between mountains and the sea this charming town is a perfect stop over for the next 2 nights. Overnight Pebble Beach Guesthouse on a B&B Basis.

Day 7

A full day to enjoy the delights of Hermanus perhaps taking a wander along the cliff side looking for whales in the bay. Alternatively look out for the Whale Crier who wanders the town announcing the daily sightings. Sample some of the many seafood delicacies on offer or for the more adventurous drive a little way around the bay for the chance to cage dive with Great White Sharks or take a boat excursion to get even closer to the whales. Overnight Pebble Beach Guesthouse on a B&B Basis.

Day 8

Depart after breakfast for your sedate drive back to Cape Town perhaps stopping along the way at a cheetah outreach programme for the chance to stroke these magnificent creatures before dropping off the car at the airport and you overnight flight back to the UK.