the delights of africa’s western cape - adagio...
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The Delights of Africa’s Western Cape
Oceans, Mountains, Wine & Wanders
outh Africa is so often described as a ‘world in one country’ and
this could not be more true. It offers a sense of unravelling
scenery from its world renowned seascapes, majestic mountain
backdrops and vineyard-lined countryside. We will gently explore
the Western Cape, enjoying many of its marvels.
We start our journey with six nights in Cape Town, crowned by the
spectacular Table Mountain. We explore the ‘mother city’ mainly on
foot, seeing all the best sights, including a trip up Table Mountain
allowing us to experience a spectacular view of the city and ocean
below, and walks along the Cape Peninsula and the Cape of Good
Hope. We also visit places of interest such as Bo-Kaap where we
enjoy a cooking safari and Boulders Beach where we have the
chance of seeing the native breeding colony of penguins. We also
take a day out from the city and visit the Aquila Private Game
Reserve where we have the chance of spotting some of the ‘Big 5’!
Moving on we head east to Franschhoek for two nights, which we’ll
find nestled between towering mountains in the winelands.
Spectacular vineyards cover these mountain slopes settled more
than 300 years ago by the Huguenots, who brought with them their
age-old French wine and food culture. Widely known as South
Africa’s culinary capital, we will enjoy sampling the splendid wines
and cuisine which have given it its reputation. As well as its great
food and wine it offers beautiful scenery through which we enjoy
gentle walks and allow time to relax in the surroundings.
Table Mountain
Travelling south to Hermanus, which is situated in the heart of the
Cape Whale Coast, we spend our final two nights on the historic
Hermanus Harbour. Known for its spectacular marine life and the
best land based whale watching in the African continent, we may be
lucky enough to spot some of these magnificent creatures. From
Hermanus we take a visit to the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
and explore its 2500 hectares which encompass 750 rare fynbos
and 120 bird species.
A truly thrilling holiday, with a cherry-picked itinerary, which includes
all the best parts of this beautiful region. We have tried to keep as
much of the sightseeing on foot as possible, as we believe that there
is no better way to explore the world.
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Proposed Daily Itinerary
ur itinerary is expected to follow the daily schedule outlined below but please bear in mind that the order of the days may be amended, or
walks substituted, due to weather conditions or changes beyond our control.
Day 1 – We fly to Cape Town on an overnight flight from London
Heathrow.
Day 2 – We should arrive early into Cape Town Airport and then
transfer by road to the President Hotel (30 minutes), situated in
beautiful Bantry Bay. After freshening up we will have an orientation
walk, followed by some free time before dinner at the hotel.
Meals included today – Dinner.
Day 3 – After breakfast we visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical
gardens, acclaimed as one of the greatest botanical gardens in the
world. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of the setting of
Kirstenbosch, against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. It was
the first of its kind, devoted to displaying its country’s indigenous
flora; it displays a wide variety of fynbos and plants from all over
South Africa.
After lunch we visit the Steenberg Hotel and Wine Estate, situated
on the oldest farm in the picturesque Constantia Valley, where we
enjoy a wine tasting before returning to the hotel. Dinner will be
taken in the hotel this evening.
Meals included today – Breakfast & Dinner.
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The Winelands
Day 4 – Morning visit to Table Mountain, taking the cable car to the
top. From the top of Table Mountain there are magnificent views of
Cape Town, surrounding suburbs and the Atlantic Ocean. We will
spend time exploring the mountain on foot; some landmarks in view
include Robben Island, Camps Bay beach and Cape Town Stadium.
Or why not try and spot some of the resident ‘Dassies’? In the
afternoon there is some free time; why not walk to the Waterfront or
the Green Point area where there are delightful delis and cafés on
the main road. Or maybe take a trip over to Robben Island? Dinner
will be taken in the hotel this evening.
Meals included today – Breakfast & Dinner.
Day 5 – Today we will visit Bo-Kaap, where our adventure begins.
Perched on the slopes of Signal Hill, overlooking Table Bay, Bo-
Kaap is as idiosyncratically ‘Cape’ as the spicy scents and flavours
that waft downhill from its eccentrically colourful cobbled streets.
Here we take part in the Cape Malay Cooking Safari, a truly special
Cape experience. Starting at Bo-Kaap museum we visit the photo
exhibition to get a feel for the history and traditions of the area. Your
local guide will then lead you on a leisurely stroll through some of the
historic streets with their pre-1840 architecture before heading to the
local shops to purchase ingredients to make your own Cape Malay
dish.
During an informal cooking workshop in a Bo-Kaap family’s home we
learn how to mix Masala, fold Samosas and how to balance the
delicate flavours of a Cape Malay Curry. Then it’s time to sit back,
relax, and appreciate your handiwork as you dig in to a traditional
Malay lunch.
In the afternoon we visit the Houses of Parliament, Company
Gardens, City Hall and some of the local museums. We return to
the hotel late afternoon. Dinner is not included this evening but your
Adagio leader will be more than happy to recommend somewhere to
dine.
Meals included today – Breakfast & Lunch.
Street in Bo-Kaap
Day 6 – A full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, travelling to the Cape
of Good Hope Nature Reserve. We can take a funicular ride to the
summit to view the meeting point of the two Oceans, but we would
recommend doing the walk instead. We will then head for the naval
port of Simon’s Town. After a leisurely lunch we visit Boulders
Beach. There are few places in the world where you can get this
close to a breeding colony of penguins and enjoy their private sandy
beach. Boulders Beach is situated near Simon’s Town in False Bay
between Fish Hoek and Cape Point.
We will return to Cape Town in the late afternoon. Tonight we will
head to the Waterfront for dinner.
Meals included today – Breakfast & Dinner.
Day 7 – Today we will spend the day at the Aquila Private Game
Reserve. A ‘Big 5’ game reserve, it is an ultimate safari getaway
whilst staying in the city.
On arrival we will have a welcome drink and enjoy a lovely lunch
before embarking on an afternoon game drive, operated by open
4x4 safari vehicles. The drive will also include a visit to the ARC
(Animal Rescue Centre).
We will then travel back to Cape Town. Dinner is not included this
evening but your Adagio leader will be more than happy to
recommend somewhere to dine.
Meals included today – Breakfast & Lunch.
Day 8 – After an early breakfast we leave Cape Town and travel to
our next destination, Franschhoek, in the majestic winelands. Here
breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, world class cuisine and the
finest wines all combine to create lasting memories.
Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa
We leave our luggage on the coach and spend the morning on the
Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour, a unique and leisurely way to
explore the Franschhoek Valley as you journey through rolling
vineyards stopping in at some of South Africa’s oldest and most
distinguished wine estates. We will have time to stop and explore
some of the wine estates and try some of these world renowned
wines.
In the afternoon we visit the local chocolatier, located in the Main
Road of the village. A chocolate-making demonstration will be
given, followed by a chocolate tasting. Afterwards we continue to
our hotel for two nights. Dinner is taken in the hotel, in one of the
conservatory-style dining areas outside, overlooking the valley.
Meals included today – Breakfast & Dinner.
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Franschhoek Wine Tram
Day 9 – Today is a day at leisure. Your Adagio Leader will have an
organised walk planned, exploring this beautiful vineyard lined
countryside. Or you may prefer to spend the day wine tasting and
eating all the delicacies for which the region is famed.
We will meet for dinner in the evening taken in a restaurant in one of
the wine estates.
Meals included today – Breakfast & Dinner.
Day 10 – After breakfast we depart for Hermanus via Babylonstoren,
where we spend our final two nights. Babylonstoren is one of the
best preserved werfs (farm yards) in the Cape Dutch tradition, with
not only the manor house from 1777, but pioneer structures that date
back to the founding of the farm in 1690. The Babylonstoren garden
is at the heart of the farm. It was inspired by the company gardens
of the Cape, where for centuries ships would replenish with fresh
water, vegetables and fruit at the halfway station between Europe
and Asia. It also hails back to the mythical garden of Babylon.
Hermanus
We take part in a garden tour, followed by tea/coffee, selections of
sandwiches and a garden salad. Afterwards we will continue to our
hotel in Hermanus. We will take dinner in a local restaurant.
Meals included today – Breakfast, lunch & Dinner.
Day 11 – Our final full day will be spent at Fernklook Nature
Reserve, located along the Kleinrivier Mountain Range. The famous
Cliff Path cuts though the reserve, which offers breathtaking views of
the Indian Ocean. In the reserve alone there are 1600 different
species of fynbos, all of which are indigenous to the area, which
makes it an important part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of only
six in the world. After exploring the nature reserve we will have a
relaxing lunch in one of the local restaurants before returning to our
hotel in Hermanus.
Dinner is not included this evening but your Adagio specialist will be
more than happy to recommend somewhere to dine.
Meals included today – Breakfast & Lunch.
Day 12 – After breakfast we head back to Cape Town via
Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch is the second-oldest and undoubtedly
the most scenically attractive and historically preserved town in
Southern Africa. Your Adagio Leader should lead you around this
wonderful town with time for lunch before our coach journey to the
airport in the early afternoon. We have an overnight flight back to
the UK.
Meals included today – Breakfast & In-Flight Meal.
Day 13 – Arrive back in the UK.
The walking on this holiday involves mainly city sightseeing on foot, however some walks will be out of the city on well maintained tracks. A good majority of the walking will be on flat terrain, though sometimes we will be walking on uneven, cobbled or undulating paths. Distances will vary depending on the location of the sights visited. We will use funicular railways and cable cars to reduce some of the walking time involved. Distances covered when sightseeing can be deceptive, but our holidays allow a large amount of flexibility in how much or how little you walk.
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Cape Town
magnificient city which not only boast the typical traits of other
cities in the world, but also offers spectacular scenery and a
diverse range of opportunities which many other cities would fail to
offer. Pristine beaches and aqua-blue oceans, a mountainous
backdrop with ample walking opportunities, in addition to the trendy
restaurants, bars and boutique shops.
The V&A Waterfront is a great place to go for a bite to eat or a drink,
it is a five minute drive away from the hotel, and the hotel has a
complimentary shuttle bus which you can book in advance to take
you there, or a twenty - thirty minute beautiful stroll down the Sea
Point Promenade.
Five minutes walk away from the V&A is a shopping mall that has a
supermarket, foreign exchange facility in addition to plenty of other
shops that one may expect from a city. There are banks, a post
office and several cashpoints too.
If you wish to visit Robben Island during our stay in Cape Town we
advise that you book it in advance using the website below. The
excursions operation is subject to sea conditions; if your excursion is
cancelled they will offer to transfer you to another date/time, or will
refund your ticket.
www.webtickets.co.za/robbenisland
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Franschhoek
he culinary capital of South Africa and renowned for its
incredible hospitality, the winelands are a must when visiting
the Western Cape. Located forty six miles from Cape Town,
Franschhoek is set in whimsical surroundings between two
mountains in the valley; this is a valley rich in history centred around
a picturesque village of friendly, welcoming people.
Our hotel is located approximately one mile from the village of
Franschhoek.
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Hermanus
ocated on the Southern Coast of the Western Cape, Hermanus
is a marine paradise. Known for its status as the best land-
based whale watching destination in the African continent, it is a
haven for all types of sea and wildlife. The southern right whales
visit from June through to December, we may be lucky enough to
hear the horn call of the ‘Whale Crier’ if a whale comes into sight.
We are in the heart of the village, so we are close to all local
amenities.
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Accommodation
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President Hotel****
4 Alexander Road, Bantry Bay
Cape Town 8060, South Africa
+27 21 4348111
[email protected] / www.presidenthotel.co.za
he four star President Hotel is idyllically situated facing the
Atlantic coast, offering wonderful views of Table Bay and the
Atlantic shoreline. The hotel is decorated in a contemporary,
sophisticated design and rooms are airy and spacious.
President Hotel
Hotel facilities include:
The Senate Bar, Island Restaurant, outdoor terrace, hair salon and
nail bar, spa services, outdoor infinity pool and a curio shop.
President Hotel bedroom
Hotel en-suite bedroom facilities include:
Satellite TV, telephone, wireless internet access, electronic safe,
mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities and kitchenette with
microwave. Evening turndown service is provided, and bathrobes
and slippers can be provided on request.
All major credit cards are accepted.
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Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa*****
16 Minor Road, Parklands
7690 Franschhoek – South Africa
+27 21 876 8900
[email protected] / www.lefranschhoek.co.za
e Franschhoek is a luxurious five star hotel and spa, situated in
the world famous winelands. This really is a special hotel with
an elusive charm and contemporary Cape Dutch feel.
Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa
The building and its rooms have a wonderful feeling of grandeur but
do not compromise its relaxed atmosphere. It is a wonderful retreat
in the centre of the winelands, and it makes a great base from which
to explore. We will dine in their restaurant which offers an award
winning wine list, perfect after a day looking around the vines!
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Bedroom at Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa
Hotel facilities include:
Three Restaurants, bar, laundry service, swimming pool, wellness
centre and spa, transfer shuttle facilities and travel desk.
Hotel en-suite bedroom facilities include:
Air conditioning, telephone, TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making
facilities, electronic safe and internet connections.
All major credit cards are accepted.
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Harbour House Hotel Hermanus**** No. 22 Harbour Road
7200 Hermanus – South Africa
+27 28 312 1799
[email protected] / www.harbourhousehotel.co.za
ocated in the most prominent position in the heart of the Old
Harbour area and looking out to the ocean beyond. The hotel
has both a historic thatched roof Manor House built in the
1920s, and a contemporary new wing, and a mix of luxurious,
modern and sophisticated design throughout.
Harbour House Hotel
Hotel facilities include:
An infinity pool, and lookout terrace, which is one of the best whale
watching sites in Hermanus.
Breakfast is taken in the hotel and is both a scrumptious hot
breakfast and fresh continental buffet. Dinners will be taken at a
local restaurant.
Harbour House Hotel
Hotel en-suite bedroom facilities include:
Rooms are spacious and include a lounge area, kitchenette with
kettle, toaster, microwave and tea and coffee making facilities.
Nespresso machine, minibar, satellite TV, Air conditioning,
telephone, hairdryer and wireless internet access.
All major credit cards are accepted.
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Meals
ll breakfasts, seven dinners and three lunches are included in
the price of the holiday. Plentiful breakfasts will be taken in the
hotels; lunches and dinners will be taken as noted in the itinerary.
When lunches are not included, normally these can be taken as a
picnic or in a pleasant café or restaurant.
When dinner is not included your Adagio Leader will be more than
happy to recommend and assist with dinner reservations.
We suggest that you allow approximately £25 per head for an
evening meal. You should allow approximately £6 a day for a
reasonable packed lunch; lunch in local restaurants will cost more.
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Local Sightseeing
ocal transport costs and entrance fees are included in the
holiday cost.
We have a wonderful programme of walking, sightseeing, funicular
and cable car trips (dependent on local conditions) to keep you busy
along with plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy your
surroundings and the wonderful hotels. There will be time to indulge
in all things that make South Africa famous!
We will have some energetic and relaxed days; some days will be
spent leisurely walking around areas of special or historical interest,
whilst on other days we may be walking on regular trails.
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Adagio Leader
n Adagio Leader will accompany you throughout the holiday.
They are all experienced travellers with a love and knowledge
of the places you will visit. They are well-organised, pay great
attention to detail and enjoy being with people. They are there to
help make your holiday as enjoyable and stress free as possible.
Cable car Table Mountain
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What to bring
e recommend you bring the following items with you:
Walking boots with a good sole and waterproof uppers. A
good pair of walking shoes is ok if you know you have strong
ankles.
Waterproof jacket and trousers. It does rain sometimes!
A sunhat, fleece hat and gloves… to cover all weather
eventualities - particularly when we head up into the mountains.
It will be significantly cooler on the top of Table Mountain than
Cape Town below.
Sun cream. The sun can be very strong.
A litre water bottle.
A picnic lunch box, knife, fork and spoon, as required.
A simple basic first aid kit.
A daypack to hold all the above.
Camera to capture those special ‘Kodak Moments’.
Binoculars so that you can have a close up of the spectacular
South African wildlife, particularly on the game drive and in
Hermanus.
South African plug adaptor.
Evening wear in South Africa is smart casual.
Cape Dutch Farm
Passports, Visas & Insurance and other important information
lease make sure you are insured for guided walking below
2000m.
You will need a full passport to visit South Africa and your passport
should be valid for a minimum period of 30 days from the date of exit
from South Africa.
Although South African authorities state officially that only one blank
passport page is required, some officials insist on two blank pages.
You should therefore make sure you have at least two blank pages
in your passport on arrival.
Passport, visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is
your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a
professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such
requirements. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP, or
can be obtained from the Medical Advisory Services for Travellers
Abroad (MASTA). In addition, general travel advice is available from
the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel.
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Travel Information
e fly from London Heathrow to Cape Town and return with
British Airways. The flight is approximately 11 hours and 40
minutes.
Details of your baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel
documents, sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.
During the week we’ll travel on foot, road, funicular and cable car.
We will have private coach transfers.
Transfer times between centres are as follows:
Cape Town to the Winelands 40 min
Winelands to Hermanus 1 hour & 30 min
Hermanus to Cape Town Airport 1 hour & 30 min
If you intend joining the party at our hotel in Cape Town and leaving the party at our hotel in Hermanus, we assume, unless you have advised us otherwise, that you will meet and leave the party at our hotels. If this is not your intention, please let us know in writing at least 5 weeks before departure.
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Maps, Books and Websites
Various maps are available for the area and it is largely down to
personal taste as to how much detail you would like. You may like to
contact:
The Map Shop
15 High Street
Upton upon Severn, Worcs
WR8 0HJ
England
Tel: 01684 593 146 Fax: 01684 594 559
Website: www.themapshop.co.uk
E-mail: [email protected]
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The Rough Guide to South Africa has several pages on the areas
we plan to visit and lots of other in-depth information about the
country. There is also a Rough Guide specifically for Cape Town
and the Garden Route.
The South Africa tourism website, www.southafrica.net has lots of
information on all sorts of things in the Western Cape including
detailed information on Cape Town, Franschhoek and Hermanus.
If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:
If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact
sheet into YouTube (www.youtube.com), you will find a vast array of
spectacular footage of the area.
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Holiday Dates 2017 Holiday: The Delights of Africa’s Western Cape Tour Code: 58000 Departures for twelve nights on:
Fri 10 November
Booking and Further information
Please call us on 01707 386700 or email us at [email protected]
Hermanus Sunset
Notes
This document issued: 07 September 2016