South Africa Bicycle Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome to The Western Cape
Your guides will meet you at the Cape Town International Airport and then transfer you to your hotel situated in the beautiful Cape winelands close to the town of Stellenbosch. After settling in at the hotel, we will meet outside in the gardens, where your guides will give a full trip briefing and assist you with bike set-up. Afterwards, we will enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch in the garden. After lunch we will depart the hotel and cycle to the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. Our ride features gentle undulations past vineyards up into the Jonkershoek Valley. If you are interested, there will also be an optional 10km extra loop on gravel road that you may choose to ride. We will return to the hotel for the evening and enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel.
Your guides will meet you at the Cape Town International Airport and then transfer you to your hotel situated in the beautiful Cape winelands close to the town of Stellenbosch. After settling in at the hotel, we will meet outside in the gardens, where your guides will give a full trip briefing and assist you with bike set-up. Afterwards, we will enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch in the garden. After lunch we will depart the hotel and cycle to the Jonkershoek Nature Reserve. Our ride features gentle undulations past vineyards up into the Jonkershoek Valley. If you are interested, there will also be an optional 10km extra loop on gravel road that you may choose to ride. We will return to the hotel for the evening and enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations visited: Stellenbosch, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
Distance cycled: 16km (additional 10 km also available)
Destinations visited: Stellenbosch, Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
Distance cycled: 16km (additional 10 km also available)
Day 2 – Stellenbosch
After a delicious breakfast we will cycle through Stellenbosch towards Devon Valley and the JC Le Roux Estate, where we will sample some of their wines, complemented by a nougat tasting. After this visit, we will cycle to the Kyamandi Informal settlement for a truly South African cuisine and cooking experience. The African Cooking Safari is a unique opportunity to get in touch with locals of the friendly Kayamandi Township. Explore African food and beverages during our hands-on cooking experience and discover the hues of South Africa’s cultural diversity. In the spacious kitchen of the community centre, professional cook Loyiso will demonstrate the art of delicious African cuisine and invite us to participate in preparing the meal. You’ll have the option to cycle back to the hotel or be transferred by vehicle. Once back at the hotel, you will have the opportunity to explore the town of Stellenbosch prior to dinner. With its majestic old oak trees, thriving wine industry and the longest row of conserved historic buildings in the country, Stellenbosch is undoubtedly among the finest cultural jewels of the Cape, if not South Africa. Dating back to 1679, and the second oldest town in the country, it boasts many fine examples of Cape Dutch, neo-Gothic, Georgian, Art Deco, and Victorian architecture. Tonight we will be transferred to De Volkskombuis restaurant in Stellenbosch for a relaxing and intimate dinner. Relax and enjoy the abundant variety and tastes the Cape’s table has to offer.
After a delicious breakfast we will cycle through Stellenbosch towards Devon Valley and the JC Le Roux Estate, where we will sample some of their wines, complemented by a nougat tasting. After this visit, we will cycle to the Kyamandi Informal settlement for a truly South African cuisine and cooking experience. The African Cooking Safari is a unique opportunity to get in touch with locals of the friendly Kayamandi Township. Explore African food and beverages during our hands-on cooking experience and discover the hues of South Africa’s cultural diversity. In the spacious kitchen of the community centre, professional cook Loyiso will demonstrate the art of delicious African cuisine and invite us to participate in preparing the meal. You’ll have the option to cycle back to the hotel or be transferred by vehicle. Once back at the hotel, you will have the opportunity to explore the town of Stellenbosch prior to dinner. With its majestic old oak trees, thriving wine industry and the longest row of conserved historic buildings in the country, Stellenbosch is undoubtedly among the finest cultural jewels of the Cape, if not South Africa. Dating back to 1679, and the second oldest town in the country, it boasts many fine examples of Cape Dutch, neo-Gothic, Georgian, Art Deco, and Victorian architecture. Tonight we will be transferred to De Volkskombuis restaurant in Stellenbosch for a relaxing and intimate dinner. Relax and enjoy the abundant variety and tastes the Cape’s table has to offer.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations visited: JC Le Roux, Stellenbosch
Distance cycled: 30 km (Optional 10 km back to the hotel)
Destinations visited: JC Le Roux, Stellenbosch
Distance cycled: 30 km (Optional 10 km back to the hotel)
Day 3 – Paarl & Franschoek
After breakfast this morning, we will hop in the van for our transfer to Paarl, where we will begin our day of cycling. At Fairview Estate, situated in Paarl, a true winelands experience awaits. The farm is oriented around the enjoyment of excellent quality products in the company of friendly hosts. In the wine and cheese tasting room, you’ll be guided through a relaxed tasting of the products made right here on the farm. You’ll learn all there is to know about how this particular farm started and how they produce such great products today. After our tasting, lunch will be enjoyed at the Goatshed Restaurant on the estate. Afterwards, our ride will include cycling around the famous Paarl Rock and also stopping at the Taal Monument. This district is particularly well known for its Pearl Mountain or "Paarl Rock." This huge granite rock is formed by three rounded outcrops that make up Paarl Mountain and has been compared in majesty to Ayers Rock in Australia. We’ll also pass by the Taal monument, which is one of the most famous Afrikaans monuments and is dedicated to the Afrikaans language. From here we will be transferred to our next hotel, situated in Franschhoek. Situated in the heart of the Franschhoek winelands on the Franschoek Wine and Olive Estate, the exclusive 5 Star L'Ermitage offers sanctuary for the soul. With its breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, quaint cobbled streets, vibrant piazza, and indigenous fynbos, you will experience a unique and unforgettable taste of the Franschhoek country lifestyle. Treat yourself to a selection of local and imported delicacies at the Epicerie Delicatessen, or relax in the tranquil Wine Spa with its wide range of indulgent treatments. Tonight we will head to Le Quartier Francais for dinner.
After breakfast this morning, we will hop in the van for our transfer to Paarl, where we will begin our day of cycling. At Fairview Estate, situated in Paarl, a true winelands experience awaits. The farm is oriented around the enjoyment of excellent quality products in the company of friendly hosts. In the wine and cheese tasting room, you’ll be guided through a relaxed tasting of the products made right here on the farm. You’ll learn all there is to know about how this particular farm started and how they produce such great products today. After our tasting, lunch will be enjoyed at the Goatshed Restaurant on the estate. Afterwards, our ride will include cycling around the famous Paarl Rock and also stopping at the Taal Monument. This district is particularly well known for its Pearl Mountain or "Paarl Rock." This huge granite rock is formed by three rounded outcrops that make up Paarl Mountain and has been compared in majesty to Ayers Rock in Australia. We’ll also pass by the Taal monument, which is one of the most famous Afrikaans monuments and is dedicated to the Afrikaans language. From here we will be transferred to our next hotel, situated in Franschhoek. Situated in the heart of the Franschhoek winelands on the Franschoek Wine and Olive Estate, the exclusive 5 Star L'Ermitage offers sanctuary for the soul. With its breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, quaint cobbled streets, vibrant piazza, and indigenous fynbos, you will experience a unique and unforgettable taste of the Franschhoek country lifestyle. Treat yourself to a selection of local and imported delicacies at the Epicerie Delicatessen, or relax in the tranquil Wine Spa with its wide range of indulgent treatments. Tonight we will head to Le Quartier Francais for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations visited: Fairview Estate, Paarl, Taal monument
Distance cycled: 35 km
Destinations visited: Fairview Estate, Paarl, Taal monument
Distance cycled: 35 km
Day 4 - En Français in Franschoek
If you are up for the challenge, you have the opportunity to cycle up the Franscchoek Pass in the early morning. The pass offers dramatic views over the Franschhoek Valley. After the ride we will return to the hotel for breakfast and to meet up with other guests. Today, we’ll cycle through the Franschhoek area on quiet country roads to Môreson Wine Estate for a unique Bread Baking experience. We've all grown up believing that a person shouldn't ever play with their food. At Môreson, we love to dispel this archaic myth once and for all. Learn how to fill your own kitchen with that famous freshly baked bread smell and become the baker you always knew you could be. Today's lunch will be served with your very own baked breads! We’ll then ride back through the town to the hotel. Tonight's dinner will be at the award winning Ruebens Restaurant in Franschhoek. This is the home of this region’s fine dining, where cuisine is not only stirred up with professionalism and care to satisfy even the most expert connoisseur, but is wielded into shapes of color-coordinated wonder. Enjoy.
If you are up for the challenge, you have the opportunity to cycle up the Franscchoek Pass in the early morning. The pass offers dramatic views over the Franschhoek Valley. After the ride we will return to the hotel for breakfast and to meet up with other guests. Today, we’ll cycle through the Franschhoek area on quiet country roads to Môreson Wine Estate for a unique Bread Baking experience. We've all grown up believing that a person shouldn't ever play with their food. At Môreson, we love to dispel this archaic myth once and for all. Learn how to fill your own kitchen with that famous freshly baked bread smell and become the baker you always knew you could be. Today's lunch will be served with your very own baked breads! We’ll then ride back through the town to the hotel. Tonight's dinner will be at the award winning Ruebens Restaurant in Franschhoek. This is the home of this region’s fine dining, where cuisine is not only stirred up with professionalism and care to satisfy even the most expert connoisseur, but is wielded into shapes of color-coordinated wonder. Enjoy.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations visited: Franschoek Pass, Môreson Wine Estate, Franscchoek
Distance cycled: 30 km (+ optional 7 km pass ride in the morning)
Destinations visited: Franschoek Pass, Môreson Wine Estate, Franscchoek
Distance cycled: 30 km (+ optional 7 km pass ride in the morning)
Day 5 – Off to Cape Town
Following another delicious breakfast, you will be transferred to the small town of Darling, situated close to the West Coast, the heartbeat of the region. The little village lies tucked away between hills of vineyards and golden wheat fields. Here you can still expect to see a horseman cantering through the streets on a Saturday afternoon. A gaggle of geese might waddle into a neighbor’s garden to forage. You may witness a funeral procession accompanied by the consolatory gospel sounds of a traditional brass band. Lovingly restored Victorian homes and ancient trees make an idyllic setting for a getaway that promises serenity, nature, culture, and much more! From here you will ride towards the city and cycle along the Coast with classic views of Table Mountain in the distance. When we arrive at Blouberg Strand you will be transferred to the V&A Waterfront for a lunch at Quay Four. After lunch, you have the option to cycle from the V&A Waterfront along the Atlantic Seaboard to our next stunning ocean front hotel, the Tintswalo Atlantic. Positioned at the base of Chapman’s Peak, the hotel overlooks the quaint fishing village of Hout Bay. Relax right beside the ocean and watch the sun slowly set before we meet for dinner at the hotel.
Following another delicious breakfast, you will be transferred to the small town of Darling, situated close to the West Coast, the heartbeat of the region. The little village lies tucked away between hills of vineyards and golden wheat fields. Here you can still expect to see a horseman cantering through the streets on a Saturday afternoon. A gaggle of geese might waddle into a neighbor’s garden to forage. You may witness a funeral procession accompanied by the consolatory gospel sounds of a traditional brass band. Lovingly restored Victorian homes and ancient trees make an idyllic setting for a getaway that promises serenity, nature, culture, and much more! From here you will ride towards the city and cycle along the Coast with classic views of Table Mountain in the distance. When we arrive at Blouberg Strand you will be transferred to the V&A Waterfront for a lunch at Quay Four. After lunch, you have the option to cycle from the V&A Waterfront along the Atlantic Seaboard to our next stunning ocean front hotel, the Tintswalo Atlantic. Positioned at the base of Chapman’s Peak, the hotel overlooks the quaint fishing village of Hout Bay. Relax right beside the ocean and watch the sun slowly set before we meet for dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations visited: Darling, Cape Town, V&A Waterfront, Hout Bay
Distance cycled: 30 km (+ optional 15 km Atlantic Seaboard cycling)
Destinations visited: Darling, Cape Town, V&A Waterfront, Hout Bay
Distance cycled: 30 km (+ optional 15 km Atlantic Seaboard cycling)
Day 6 – Cape Peninsula
Begin the day with breakfast and then head off for a visit to Boulders Beach, close to Simons Town, to view the colony of African Jackass Penguins. Boulders Beach is a sheltered beach made up of inlets between granite boulders, from which the name originated. From just two breeding pairs in 1982, the penguin colony has grown to about 3000 in recent years. This is partly due to the reduction in commercial pelagic trawling in False Bay, which has increased the supply of pilchards and anchovy, which form part of the penguins' diet. From Boulders Beach we begin our cycling today, heading to to Cape Point via a section of the famous Cape Argus Cycle Tour route (the largest timed cycling event in the world taking place in March every year). Depending on the wind direction, we may adjust the route and cycle from Cape Point to Kommetjie. Here we will explore the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, established in 1939 to protect 7750 hectares of indigenous flora and fauna. Situated at the junction of two of Earth's most contrasting water masses - the cold Benguela current on the West Coast and the warm Agulhas current on the East Coast - the Cape of Good Hope is popularly perceived as the meeting point of the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans. Lunch today will be at Cape Farmhouse. Our lunchtime menu is Africa-inspired and redolent of the tastes, spices, and herbs of Morocco through to the Cape itself. You’ll then have the chance to participate in an optional bicycle township tour, experiencing local Xhosa culture from the seat of your bike. This tour is part of the Bicycle Empowerment Network drive to promote cycling and job creation in townships and rural areas around South Africa. The ride continues to Chapman’s Peak Drive as it winds its way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay. The drive offers stunning 180° views over the ocean and mountains with Hout Bay in the distance. Tonight we will travel to Hout Bay, where they will enjoy dinner at Pure Restaurant.
Begin the day with breakfast and then head off for a visit to Boulders Beach, close to Simons Town, to view the colony of African Jackass Penguins. Boulders Beach is a sheltered beach made up of inlets between granite boulders, from which the name originated. From just two breeding pairs in 1982, the penguin colony has grown to about 3000 in recent years. This is partly due to the reduction in commercial pelagic trawling in False Bay, which has increased the supply of pilchards and anchovy, which form part of the penguins' diet. From Boulders Beach we begin our cycling today, heading to to Cape Point via a section of the famous Cape Argus Cycle Tour route (the largest timed cycling event in the world taking place in March every year). Depending on the wind direction, we may adjust the route and cycle from Cape Point to Kommetjie. Here we will explore the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, established in 1939 to protect 7750 hectares of indigenous flora and fauna. Situated at the junction of two of Earth's most contrasting water masses - the cold Benguela current on the West Coast and the warm Agulhas current on the East Coast - the Cape of Good Hope is popularly perceived as the meeting point of the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans. Lunch today will be at Cape Farmhouse. Our lunchtime menu is Africa-inspired and redolent of the tastes, spices, and herbs of Morocco through to the Cape itself. You’ll then have the chance to participate in an optional bicycle township tour, experiencing local Xhosa culture from the seat of your bike. This tour is part of the Bicycle Empowerment Network drive to promote cycling and job creation in townships and rural areas around South Africa. The ride continues to Chapman’s Peak Drive as it winds its way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay. The drive offers stunning 180° views over the ocean and mountains with Hout Bay in the distance. Tonight we will travel to Hout Bay, where they will enjoy dinner at Pure Restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations visited: Boulders Beach, the Cape Nature Reserve, Chapmans Peak, Kommetjie
Distance cycled: 42 km (+ optional 5 km township cycling and 7 km Chapman’s Peak Cycling)
Destinations visited: Boulders Beach, the Cape Nature Reserve, Chapmans Peak, Kommetjie
Distance cycled: 42 km (+ optional 5 km township cycling and 7 km Chapman’s Peak Cycling)
Day 7 – Cape Town and departure
If you choose to ride this morning, you will receive an early morning wake-up call to cycle along the Atlantic Seaboard to Cape Town. You will then meet up with the group back at the hotel to enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel. Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Cape Town International Airport for your flight home or onto your next destination.
If you choose to ride this morning, you will receive an early morning wake-up call to cycle along the Atlantic Seaboard to Cape Town. You will then meet up with the group back at the hotel to enjoy your last breakfast at the hotel. Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Cape Town International Airport for your flight home or onto your next destination.
Meals: Breakfast
Destinations visited: Cape Town
Distance cycled: 20 km (optional)
Destinations visited: Cape Town
Distance cycled: 20 km (optional)
Quick Facts
$6295 View 2012 Dates
7 days / 6 nights
Weekend Rider
••••
d'Ouwe Werf Hotel, Le Quartier Français, Tintswalo Atlantic
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