Cape town & Garden route adventure - 14 days 13 nights

•  meet your local guide in the city center for a 4-hour historic walking tour of cape town
•  visit company's garden, parliament, green market square, castle of good hope, and the slave lodge.
•  learn about cape town's history, including its european settlement, the slave trade, and apartheid-era struggles.
•  take a break for lunch in cape town's city center after the walking tour.
•  enjoy a relaxing afternoon on a red open-top bus, exploring landmarks like table mountain and taking in panoramic views. 
•  Conclude the day with dinner in the bustling downtown area near greenmarket square.

•  immerse yourself in cape town's diverse cultures through a culinary journey, reflecting the multicultural influences that have shaped south africa's cuisine.
•  understand the roots of south african food by exploring the country's history, from indigenous bantu and khoisan people to dutch and english colonists, enslaved populations, and various immigrant groups.
•  discover the unique cape malay culture, a distinctive group in the world with origins from southeast asia and the east indies, brought to south africa as enslaved people, political prisoners, or exiles.
•  embark on a guided tour starting at company's gardens, sampling rooibos tea and afrikaaner biscuits. Explore the earth fair market for local treats, indulge in a traditional cape malay lunch in the bo kaap, and visit atlas trading, a spice shop dating back to 1946.
•  continue the culinary adventure with a city bus trip to woodstock, where you'll sample craft beer and locally produced gin.
•  conclude the day with a visit to an artisanal chocolate factory.
•  return to your accommodation for a free evening in cape town's city center.

•  explore kirstenbosch national botanical gardens, nestled against table mountain.
•  encounter thousands of indigenous and exotic plant species in this exceptional botanical haven.
•  wander along the centenary tree canopy walkway, known as the 'boomslang, ' for stunning views from the treetop canopy.
•  head to la colombe in constantia, one of south africa's internationally acclaimed fine dining establishments.
•  indulge in a late lunch featuring a fusion of asian and french cuisine, prepared with the freshest seasonal produce.
•  pair your exquisite meal with a selection from the restaurant's award-winning wine list for a memorable culinary experience.
•  stroll along cape town's waterfront for a leisurely evening by the water.
•  alternatively, return to your accommodation to relax and unwind after a day filled with nature and gourmet dining.

•  embark on a full-day adventure exploring the cape peninsula, a rocky stretch jutting into the atlantic ocean.
•  start with chapman's peak drive, offering scenic views along the atlantic seaboard, passing by llandudno and camps bay beaches.
•  reach cape point and the cape of good hope, enjoying breathtaking views and encountering local wildlife like baboons, zebras, eland, and ostriches.
•  head to the charming town of kalk bay, where you can explore local shops, stroll along the waterfront, and indulge in classic south african fish and "slap chips. "
•  drive along boyes drive above muizenberg, famous for its surfing scene, before continuing to the winelands district.
•  spend the afternoon in stellenbosch, known as south africa's wine and food capital. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the historic town with preserved cape dutch architecture.
•  settle in for the evening in stellenbosch and unwind, soaking in the vibrant culture and youthful vibe of the university town.
•  enjoy a relaxing night, perhaps with a local wine or at a charming local eatery, reflecting on the day's diverse experiences.
   

•  begin a three-hour journey to cape agulhas, the southernmost tip of africa.
•  stop at kayamandi township in stellenbosch for a cultural immersion.
•  enjoy local stories, tea, homemade ginger beer, and xhosa snacks like amagwinya and chakalaka.
•  visit simonsig winery in stellenbosch for a wine tasting experience.
•  sample south africa's first methode cap classique sparkling wine amid the picturesque stellenbosch winelands.
•  arrive in franschoek for lunch, exploring the town's variety of dining options.
•  opt for a wine tasting paired with chocolates or a wine and biltong pairing for a taste of local cuisine.
•  stroll through franschoek's 17th-century streets, learning about french huguenot culture.
•  head south to cape agulhas, reaching in time for a breathtaking sunset where the indian and atlantic oceans meet.
•  enjoy a relaxing night on the coast, falling asleep to the soothing sea breeze.
•  embrace the tranquility of the coastal environment, marking the end of a day filled with cultural experiences and scenic delights.- begin a three-hour journey to cape agulhas, the southernmost tip of africa.
•  stop at kayamandi township in stellenbosch for a cultural immersion.
•  enjoy local stories, tea, homemade ginger beer, and xhosa snacks like amagwinya and chakalaka.
•  visit simonsig winery in stellenbosch for a wine tasting experience.
•  sample south africa's first methode cap classique sparkling wine amid the picturesque stellenbosch winelands.
•  arrive in franschoek for lunch, exploring the town's variety of dining options.
•  opt for a wine tasting paired with chocolates or a wine and biltong pairing for a taste of local cuisine.
•  stroll through franschoek's 17th-century streets, learning about french huguenot culture.
•  head south to cape agulhas, reaching in time for a breathtaking sunset where the indian and atlantic oceans meet.
•  enjoy a relaxing night on the coast, falling asleep to the soothing sea breeze.
•  embrace the tranquility of the coastal environment, marking the end of a day filled with cultural experiences and scenic delights.

•  wake up to the soothing sounds of the ocean and enjoy a relaxing morning on the beach in cape agulhas.
•  begin the 1.5-hour drive back north to hermanus, an international whale-watching destination.
•  visit voelklip and grotto beaches in hermanus, offering stunning ocean views.
•  explore the old harbor museum, showcasing the former harbor, fisherman's hut, and the whale house museum with a suspended whale skeleton.
•  take an hour-long hike along coastal paths in hermanus, enjoying views of marine birds and wildlife.
•  opt for a whale-watching tour or a guided sea kayaking experience in the afternoon (seasonal).
•  conclude the day with a visit to the penguin colony at betty's bay, one of the few remaining breeding grounds of the african penguin.
•  enjoy observing penguins and try to spot hyraxes (dassies) sunbathing among the rocks.
•  head back to hermanus for the night, concluding a day filled with coastal exploration, wildlife encounters, and picturesque scenery.

•  begin a full-day shark diving adventure with an early start, meeting the group at the great white house in kleinbaai, a two-hour drive from cape town.
•  gather for breakfast and a wetsuit fitting, accompanied by a pre-trip safety briefing and a biology lesson on great white sharks.
•  board the custom-designed luxury boat, slashfin, for an exhilarating 20-25 minute ride to dyer island and shark alley.
•  anchor at a suitable location and spend about two hours shark cage diving, getting close-up views of great white sharks.
•  learn about the behavior of these apex predators and their life history while waiting for your turn in the shark-proof cage.
•  depending on the day, encounter members of the marine big five, including dolphins, whales, penguins, seals, and sharks.
•  if weather permits, take a trip through the infamous shark alley after the dive.
•  return to the great white house, debrief with soup and bread to warm up, and use available showers.
•  continue the journey to hermanus, where you'll spend the night, concluding a thrilling day of shark diving and marine exploration.

•  begin a five-hour drive east, enjoying the winding mountain roads and spotting troops of baboons along the way.
•  pass through fertile micro-climates with hills covered in rows of grapevines.
•  take a break in riviersonderend for a mid-morning snack, indulging in the creamy melktert, a traditional dutch pastry.
•  arrive in albertinia, marked by larger-than-life aloe plants that provide picturesque photo opportunities.
•  visit the small towns of wilderness and george, experiencing a refreshing afternoon canoe paddle.
•  explore the bordering national parks for bird watching and wildlife viewing opportunities.
•  conclude the day with a drive to the coastal towns of sedgefield or knysna.
•  find a perfect spot for a sundowner as you witness the sun setting below the watery horizon.
•  enjoy a restful night's sleep, having experienced a day of diverse landscapes, cultural treats, and outdoor activities.
   

•  start the day with a tranquil beach stroll in knysna, enjoying the refreshing sea breeze and beautiful coastal scenery.
•  make your way to the picturesque town of plettenberg bay, known for its postcard-perfect views and relaxed atmosphere.
•  continue east to bloukran's bridge, home to the world's highest commercial bridge bungee jump.
•  for the adventurous, consider taking the 708 feet (216 m) plunge for an adrenaline-filled experience.
•  alternatively, explore the thick forests of tsitsikamma national park with a beautiful hike to the suspension bridge, offering panoramic views.
•  leave the garden route behind and arrive in jeffrey's bay, known as south africa's quintessential surf city. 
•  take a surfing lesson, immerse yourself in the local surf culture, or explore the shops along the main street promenade.
•  enjoy a relaxing evening on the coast, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of jeffrey's bay.
•  unwind and enjoy the coastal vibes of jeffrey's bay, reflecting on a day filled with stunning landscapes and exhilarating adventures.

•  start the day with an early wake-up for a one-hour drive to addo elephant national park.
•  enjoy a morning game drive in the park, south africa's third-largest, spotting africa's giants and other members of the big five.
•  return to jeffrey's bay for an afternoon of free time.
•  choose between catching up on sleep, exploring discount outlets for shopping, or engaging in beach activities.
•  if you're a surfer or interested in learning, rent a surfboard to ride the famous waves of jeffrey's bay.
•  alternatively, try sandboarding to make the most of the area's renowned sandy dunes.
•  opt for a relaxing beach adventure with a horseback ride along the sandy shores of a secluded nearby beach.
•  embrace the tranquility and natural beauty of the coastline for a perfect end to the day.

•  embark on a three-hour drive inland, winding through the langkloof mountains and transitioning to the arid landscapes of the klein karoo.
•  stop at the cango ostrich show farm to explore the ostrich farming industry and come face-to-beak with these fascinating birds.
•  witness bird-filled paddocks, colorful feather stalls, and palatial sandstone homesteads reflecting the historical significance of ostrich farming.
•  dive deep underground into the limestone chambers of the cango caves.
•  choose between the casual heritage tour to see stalactite and stalagmite formations, or the adventure tour for a more challenging experience through narrow limestone chimneys.
•  if time allows, go for a game drive in the buffelsdrift private game reserve to observe resident wildlife.
•  conclude the day with a culinary delight at one of oudtshoorn's eateries, savoring ostrich steaks or kebabs and experiencing the legendary hospitality of the region.
•  don't miss the opportunity to try the delicious karoo lamb.

•  enjoy a relaxing breakfast and embark on a five-hour drive west to cape town along the famous route 62.
•  modeled after america's route 66, route 62 offers a unique south african flair, featuring dive bars, farm stalls, and small country towns.
•  stop along the route to sample port-style wines, as route 62 is also the western cape's longest wine tour.
•  visit the legendary ronnie's sex shop, a roadside bar and restaurant along route 62 with a quirky history.
•  learn about the mischievous origins of the establishment and explore the eclectic interior adorned with traveler's graffiti, neckties, bras, and oddities.
•  continue the drive to cape town, arriving in the evening.
•  reflect on the diverse landscapes and unique experiences encountered on the journey along route 62.

transfer to the airport for your connecting flight home.