Sampling some of South Africa's finest wines and exploring historic towns characterized by impressive architecture is followed by a visit to two prime whale-watching locations in South Africa's Overberg region, namely Hermanus and Arniston.
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ItineraryGuests will be met at any location in Cape Town from where we visit Stellenbosch. The town was founded by Simon van der Stel in 1679. He ordered planting the oak trees, which now line the streets and gardens of the 'City of Oaks', the second oldest European settlement in South Africa, home to one of the most prestigious universities in South Africa. In the early days of the Second Boer War, Stellenbosch was a British military base and was used as a 'remount' camp. The town lies at the foot of the Cape Fold mountain range, which provides soil favorable for viticulture. Grapes grown in this area are primarily used for wine production.
After exploring Stellenbosch, we visit two of the region's fine wine estates. Here, guests enjoy wine tasting and cellar tours and gain insight into the production of wine in South Africa under the guidance of knowledgeable staff who will highlight vineyard practices and the characteristics of each wine.
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Itinerary The day is devoted to visiting the town of Franschhoek and the surrounding wine estates. Most of the old buildings have been declared national monuments to preserve the spirit of the original settlers to the area. We visit the Huguenot Museum, where three high arches symbolize the Holy Trinity - the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The central female figure personifies religious freedom with a Bible in one hand and a broken chain in the other. She casts off her cloak of oppression, and her position on top of the globe shows her spiritual freedom. The fleur de lis on her robe represents a noble spirit and character.
The French Huguenots brought their knowledge of viticulture with them, and upon receiving land from the Dutch East India Company, many vineyards were established. These estates now produce some of the world's finest wines. After exploring the town, visitors will visit three wine estates renowned for the fine-quality wines they produce. Famous estates include La Motte, Haute Cabriere, Grand Provance, and Mont Rochelle. Your guide will choose the estates to visit after discussing your preferences. The tour returns to Franschhoek in the late afternoon.
Distance ItineraryAfter an enjoyable breakfast, the tour makes its way up the Franschhoek Pass, which has spectacular views of the Franschhoek Valley. It was initially known as the Olifantspad (elephant's path), used by migrating herds. The road then leads to Grabouw in the Elgin Valley, sandwiched between the Hottentots-Holland, Kogelberg, and Groenland mountains. The Elgin Valley is the heart of the South African deciduous fruit region, with apples, pears, and plums.
The countryside road rejoins the main highway before reaching the town of Hermanus. The town is internationally renowned as one of the world's top whale-watching destinations. Since August 1992, it has hosted the world's only 'Whale Crier,' who sounds his kelp horn to announce the arrival of whales in Walker Bay. During the afternoon, we visit the Hermanus Whale Museum, where various exhibitions focus on these fascinating mammals' behavior, biology, reproduction, communication, and migratory patterns. The difference between toothed and baleen whales is highlighted.
Distance Itinerary After breakfast, we hike along the Hermanus Cliff Path, which stretches about eleven kilometers from New Harbour to Grotto Beach. Guests can decide whether to hike the entire path or only stroll along a short section. Rest and viewpoints with benches along the route are ideal for stopping and appreciating the natural surroundings. The three most common whale types that can be spotted are the southern right whale (July to November), humpback whale (May to December), and Bryde's whales (year-round).
Lunch is then enjoyed in town before we return to our accommodations for rest. In the mid-afternoon, a whale-watching cruise is on the agenda. Operated by a licensed company, this eco-friendly adventure is conducted according to rules and protocols that minimize the impact on the mammals. Potential highlights could be seeing a breaching whale, witnessing tale slapping, or spy hopping, when whales lift their heads slightly above water to look around. The cruise lasts between one and a half and two hours.
Distance ItineraryWe leave behind Hermanus as the road turns inland, with numerous sightings of South Africa's national bird, the blue crane, to be expected. These birds are endangered and are very special to the Xhosa - "Indwe" in the native tongue. When a man distinguished himself by deeds of valor, he would be decorated by the feathers of this bird as a mark of honor. We travel past Stanford and Napier towards Bredasdorp, a small town established around a Dutch Reformed Church in 1838.
The tour then travels on to Cape Agulhas, which, in its Portuguese form—"Cabo das Agulhas"—translates to "Cape of Needles." It is the geographic southern tip of the African continent. We will visit the lighthouse and museum before photographing the marker indicating Africa's southernmost point. Then, it's on to Arniston. The town was named after a shipwreck that occurred here in 1815. Only six of the three hundred and seventy eight souls on board survived. It is a beautiful coastal town with a unique character. Whales are often spotted in the small bay overlooked by our hotel.
Distance Itinerary During the morning, we explore Arniston and the adjacent Kassiesbaai, the last authentic fishing village in South Africa—a living, working village seemingly trapped in a time capsule. Kassiesbaai is a natural heritage site founded in 1850 by local fishermen. Its distinct whitewashed, thatched cottages create an idyllic scene next to the clear blue waters of the ocean.
After lunch, we stroll along the seaside to the "Waenhuiskran Cave," a deep erosion in the coastline sculpted by the ocean. Massive in size, it is truly unique, and from inside, we have a spellbinding view out across the sea. We return to our overnight accommodation in the late afternoon.
Distance ItineraryThe tour returns to Cape Town via a scenic coastal route that traverses the towns of Betty's Bay and Rooi Els and ends in Gordon's Bay. En route, several stops will be made at vantage points from which the southern right whale can be spotted. Guests are assisted with check-in at the airport or dropped off at any location in Cape Town.
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