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6 DAY ITENERARY
Stellenbosch is the ideal base from where you can explore the entire region. With it's central location, safety and large selection of quality restaurants, this is where you want to unwind after a long day's sightseeing and exploration.
Day 1: Stellenbosch and the Winelands
Tour the Stellenbosch wine attractions that boast more than 150 cellars within a 25 km radius! Learn more through a guided cellar tour or discover the joys of a wine-and-food paring. Stellenbosch' cultural heritage is unsurpassed and is depicted in local art galleries, antique shops, theatres and the Village Museum. The town has many examples of fine Cape Dutch architecture and it is perhaps more desirable to discover all the old stories by going on a "Stellenbosch on Foot" tour. Every mountain has a name and if you listen carefully you'll hear them calling yours, enticing you to come and enjoy the cycle routes, hiking trails and horse-trails found in their valleys.
Day 2: Paarl, Wellington, Tulbagh and Ceres
The town of Paarl, just 30 km from Stellenbosch, lies cradled in the Berg River Valley. It is renowned for its illustrious past, its unrivalled natural beauty, flourishing wine and fruit industry and gracious architecture. The 11 km long Main Street is dotted with historic buildings, shops, restaurants and charming places of accommodation, and is where the head office of the wine industry, the KWV, is situated. Drive on to the village of Wellington (11 km) and over the Bainskloof Pass, which in the days of old, was the only gateway northwards to Tulbagh (57 km) and Ceres (63 km). Tulbagh is a beautiful town that was restored to its original splendour, following the great earthquake of 1969. Ceres is essentially a fruit-growing area.
Day 3: Strand, Gordon's Bay and Hermanus
The coastal route along the R44 will take you all the way through to Hermanus (98 km), but spend some time on the endless stretches of beach at the Strand (22 km) or stop a while in the scenic seaside town of Gordon's Bay (29 km), with its selection of gift and shell shops, it's harbour cafés and sheltered beaches. Hermanus is a coastal town renowned for its whale watching, particularly between June and October.
Day 4: In and Around Cape Town
Only 45 minutes drive from Stellenbosch, along the R44 and the N1, is South Africa's oldest city, Cape Town, affectionately known as the Mother City. Founded in 1652 by Jan van Riebeeck, it is the parliamentary capital with a population of over 2 million. Some worthwhile places to visit are the pentagonal-shaped Castle, erected in 1666, the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the magnificent Two Oceans Aquarium, a trip in the cable car to the summit of Table Mountain and the bustling "flea market" at Greenmarket Square. Kirstenbosch, the National Botanical Gardens, stretches over 560 hectares.
Day 5: Cape Peninsula Roundabout
The Cape Peninsula coastline is renowned for its expanse of pristine beaches, coves and tranquil bays, the best known being False Bay that forms a horseshoe from Cape Hangklip to Cape Point. The more scenic Peninsula drive is from Stellenbosch, along Strandfontein to Muizenberg from where you may continue your journey along the coastline to Simons Town (60 km), the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and Cape Point (14 km). From here it's on to the spectacular beaches of Kommetjie (15 km). The drive over Chapman's Peak to Hout Bay (25 km) offers views of unsurpassed scenic splendor. Next stop is the World of Birds, with its more than 400 species.
Day 6: Franschhoek, Worcester and Montagu
Drive along the scenic Helshoogte Pass to Franschhoek (35 km), a town renowned for its fine wine, exclusive restaurants and sidewalk cafés. The history of this French Huguenot settlement dates back to 1688 and its history can be viewed at the Huguenot Museum. From here, a 30 minute journey via the Franschhoek Pass brings you to Villiersdorp (33 km) and on to Worcester (47 km). Visit the KWV Brandy Cellars, the Wine Route and the Kleinplasie Living Open Air Museum. A visit to the Schools for The Deaf and The Blind are rewarding outings. From here it is only a short drive to Robertson, McGregor and Bonnievale, a route lined with numerous wine estates. Drive along rugged mountain roads with spectacular scenery, through the imposing Cogmanskloof Arch to Montagu (72 km). Enjoy the town's hot water springs, or one of the many hiking trails.
From here you can complete the circle back to Stellenbosch (only 28 km from Cape Town International Airport) or continue along the Route 62 to Oudtshoorn and on to the Garden Route. "Bon Voyage!"
