Cape Town and the Garden Route + The Blue Train
Prior to exploring Cape Town and the magnificent Garden Route, why not depart a couple of days earlier and arrive in style, travelling on the ultimate in luxury rail travel, on board the Blue Train.
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: Depart UK.
Overnight flight to Johannesburg.
DAY 2: Arrive Johannesburg - Pretoria.
Upon arrival in Johannesburg you will be met by our representative and taken to the Holiday Inn hotel in Pretoria. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa.
DAY 3: The Blue Train.
After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Pretoria Station in time to board The Blue Train. You will be given a personal orientation by your butler, after which you will have free time to enjoy the various facilities on board, although most will want to simply relax and admire the differing views. Later, lunch will be served, before the train arrives at Kimberley station. Here you will enjoy an included excursion to the Open Mine Museum, travelling there on an old tram. After this exciting tour you will be welcomed back on board with a glass of Sherry. This evening dinner will be served in the dining car. Dinner is an elegant affair and men are requested to wear a jacket and tie. (B, L, D)
DAY 4: Arrive Cape Town.
This morning you then have a few hours to enjoy the dramatic scenery of south west South Africa, before the train arrives at Cape Town station around midday. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to The Hollow on the Square or the Cape Town Hollow, where you will join the main tour. (B)
DAY 5: Cape Town.
Today brings a tour around the Cape Peninsula. Visit Cape Point, a nature reserve within the Table Mountain National Park. The ‘Flying Dutchman’ funicular will take you up to the old lighthouse where you can take in panoramic views of the national park and out to the Southern Atlantic. Also visit the famous Boulders Beach penguins, Chapmans Peak (subject to availability), and picturesque Hout Bay Harbour. Your tour ends at the beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens, dramatically set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. (B)
DAY 6: Cape Town - Hermanus.
After breakfast, depart for the seaside resort of Hermanus, stopping enroute for a short Winelands tour. Apart from its scenic beauty, Hermanus is known as the heart of the whale route and offers the best land-based whale watching in the world. Southern right whales come to South Africa between June and November to mate and calf and are best seen in Walker Bay, where the deep waters mean that whales have been known to swim within metres of the cliffs! Strategically placed telescopes and a twelve kilometre cliff path provide perfect lookout points for observing these gentle giants. (B)
DAY 7: Hermanus - Oudtshoorn.
Look forward to more spectacular sights today as we head for Oudtshoorn, crossing the dramatic Tradows Pass and joining the scenic Route 62 to the 'feather capital of the world'. Set in traditional ostrich country, you'll enjoy a memorable visit to one of the region's many ostrich farms, complete with a guided tour and lunch. Afterwards visit the magical Cango Caves, set in the foothills of the majestic Swartberg mountains. Originally discovered 10,000 years ago, these cavernous limestone chambers are filled with incredible stalagmites and stalactites. Our guided tour gives you plenty of opportunity to marvel at these geological wonders. The evening is at leisure. (B, L)
DAY 8: Oudtshoorn - Knysna.
This morning we leave for Knysna, travelling through the awesome Outeniqua Pass en route. After crossing Knysna lagoon by ferry, you'll arrive at the Featherbed Nature Reserve. This wild, pristine reserve of woods and wetlands is protected by South African Heritage and home to the Blue Duiker, Africa’s smallest antelope. Enjoy a trailer drive up the headland and onto the reserve stopping at spectacular viewpoints, and a buffet lunch in a fabulous setting on the edge of the lagoon, under a canopy of milkwood trees. You will also have the chance to take a walk through coastal forests to ancient sea caves. Afterwards, journey back across the lagoon to Knysna. Why not spend your evening exploring the waterfront? (B, L)
DAY 9: Knysna – Tsitsikamma.
Rejoin the Garden Route this morning as you continue up to Tsitsikamma Forest. A short walk through the forest meanders past glades of ferns and giant yellowwood, stinkwood, candlewood and assegai trees, taking you to the Big Tree, a giant outeniqua yellowwood believed to be over 800 years old. Soak up magnificent sea views at Storms River Mouth before spending a free afternoon further exploring the area. (B)
DAY 10: Tsitsikamma – Port Elizabeth – UK.
Journey to Port Elizabeth where time permitting, you will have a short orientation tour on arrival. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
DAY 11: Home landing in the UK.
The Winelands
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The Winelands
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Why not start your holiday on The Blue Train?
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The Blue Train lounge
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Why not start your holiday on The Blue Train?
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The Blue Train lounge
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Victoria and Albert waterfront, Cape Town
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Cape Point
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Oudtshoorn
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See the Ostriches at Oudtshoorn
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The valleys and fields of Oudtshoorn
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Cango Caves
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Cango Caves
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Knysna Head
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Knysna Elephant Park is an optional excursion on day 9 or 10
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Beautiful Knysna Lagoon
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Whales can often be seen between August and November
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The Garden Route
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Coastline near Kynsna
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Tsitsikamma Forest
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Port Elizabeth
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You can extend your stay in Kariega Game Reserve
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Look out for Rhino in Kariega Game Reserve
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Wonders of the Western Cape
A relaxing journey along South Africa's breathtaking Garden Route, including exciting whale-spotting in Hermanus and sightseeing in captivating Cape Town.
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Wonders of the Western Cape + Cape Town - Staying at Premier Hotel Cape ManorStart your holiday a little earlier with two pre nights in the vibrant city of Cape Town.
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Wonders of the Western Cape + Kariega Game Reserve - Staying at Kariega Game ReserveWhy not extend your stay in South Africa with two nights at the Kariega River Lodge in the beautiful Kariega Game Reserve? This picturesque game reserve offers a combination of the 'big five' game viewing, an expansive variety of flora and fauna, birdlife, dramatic views and vistas.
Holiday Availability
Unfortunately we do not currently have any available departure dates for this holiday. For more information about possible future departures or suitable alternative holidays please contact us using the number at the top of the page or view one of the Other Holiday Choices
Cape Town and the Garden Route + The Blue Train
Prices are per person
Holiday Highlights
- Hermanus
- Oudtshoorn Ostrich farm
- Cango Caves
- Knysna Lagoon ferry crossing, Featherbed Nature Reserve
- Tsitsikamma Big Tree, Storms River Mouth
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
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