The Itinerary
Daily: Private Departures
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Cape Winelands
Depart Cape Town City and head inland toward the heart of the South Africa wine industry, the world renowned Cape Winelands, which has come to produce some of South Africa and the worlds finest wines.
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Stellenbosch
Explore the second oldest town in South Africa and walk down the canal-lined avenues, in the shade of giant oak trees and beautifully preserved historic buildings, cafes, boutiques and art galleries. Simon van der Stel - the Governor of the Cape Colony at the time - established the town in 1679 and the remaining Cape Dutch architecture gives a sense of this Dutch colonial history. However, ten years later in 1690, French Huguenot refugees settled in the area and planted grapes in the fertile valleys around Stellenbosch giving way to the birth of the South African Wine Industry. Enjoy a wine tasting before continuing on the tour.
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Franschoek
Travel over the Helshoogte Pass to the town of Franschoek, which was also subsequently settled by the French Huguenots in the 17th century. Billed as the gourmet capital of South Africa, this charming town, in the most picturesque valley, retains a strong French Huguenot style represented in the longstanding architecture and lifestyle. Enjoy a wine tasting before taking the time to enjoy the fabled culinary skills of the Franschoek chefs at one of the many award-winning restaurants (to own account).
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Paarl
Onward to Paarl, one of the Capes first farming districts. The town is set at the foot of the cluster of remarkable granite domes from which it takes its name. Renowned for its haunting scenic beauty and deep viticulture and fruit-growing heritage, Paarls fertile soil and Mediterranean-like climate provided the perfect conditions for farming. Settlers planted orchards, vegetable gardens and grape vineyards, thus rooting Paarls long and continuing history as a major wine and fruit producing area of South Africa. Enjoy a final wine tasting before returning to the bustle of the city after an enthralling day in the countryside. The tour ends with drop off at your hotel.
