DAY 1: CAPETOWN
Welcome to Africa! Your VIP Meet and Greet will meet you at the door of the plane and escort you through Immigration and Customs before you are taken by private transfer to your hotel, located at the Waterfront. Later today, join your helicopter and pilot outside for a unique orientation of the City from the air.
You land at the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa where lunch awaits you on the deck overlooking the sea. Your guide will join you for lunch. From here you travel along the coast to Table Mountain where the cable car takes you to the top of this icon for spectacular views over the City and Peninsula.
This evening dinner is at your own leisure on the Waterfront.
Overnight: The Cape Grace
DAY 2: CAPETOWN
Today an exploration of the Cape Peninsula and the Cape of Good Hope awaits you. Set off along the Platinum Mile, following the Atlantic Ocean and passing the beach suburbs of Bantry Bay, Camp’s Bay and Llandudno, before reaching the small fishing harbour of Hout Bay. Here join a short cruise out to Seal Island where the Cape Fur Seal is found – it also offers excellent views of the rugged coastline which characterizes the Cape.
Lunch is served at the Black Marlin before we return to Cape Town via the African Penguin breeding colony at Boulders Beach and the renowned Kirstenbosch Gardens. Dinner is at a restaurant of your choice (not included, but the guide and vehicle are at your disposal). We can recommend many good options in the city and reserve places at hard to come by restaurants such as the Showroom, Ginja, Haiku, Five Flies and Savoy Cabbage.
Overnight: The Cape Grace
DAY 3: CAPETOWN
An early start today as your guide meets you before sunrise and transfers you to the Cape Winelands for a hot air balloon experience in the beautiful little winelands town of Paarl. You land for breakfast at the historic Grande Roche Wine Estate, before travelling with your guide to the charming town of Franschhoek. You will have time to explore the little boutique shops of the town before you stop at Moreson wine estate. Wine is served together with lunch amongst the lemon trees and vineyards.
On your return, travel via Stellenbosch. Then return to the Waterfront – dinner is at leisure with the guide and vehicle at your disposal.
Overnight: The Cape Grace
DAY 4: CAPETOWN
Time for a breather this morning! Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before you are collected at 10:00 by your guide for a true African shopping experience. Your guide will cover all aspects of the city depending on your preference. Take a late lunch in the beautiful Constantia Valley, overlooking the slopes of Table Mountain.
Overnight: The Cape Grace
DAY 5: CAPETOWN
Today join your guide on a Walk to Freedom. You will start off at the colourful Bo- Kaap, home to the Malay community and one of the oldest residential areas in the city, before crossing over to District Six, once a vibrant Coloured neighbourhood, before forced removals under the Group Areas Act of Apartheid turned it into a desolate wasteland. The museum makes for interesting viewing. From here, visit one of the townships – created specifically for black residents under Apartheid.
On your return to the city, board a ferry to Robben Island. Here you will be joined by a local guide. You will also learn something about the island’s most famous prisoner – Nelson Mandela – and see his cell where he spent nearly 27 years of his life.
You return to the Waterfront where you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Overnight: The Cape Grace
DAY 6 CAPETOWN/HERMANUS
Check out this morning and drive with your guide out of the city, your journey of 2.5 hours brings you to the vibrant town of Hermanus – acknowledged as the premier land based whale watching location in the world. With cliff top walks overlooking Walker Bay, where pods of whales 50 strong come to calve, sometimes not more than 50 yards from the rocks, you are assured incredible sightings of these giants of the deep.
Check in at Birkenhead House, a beacon of elegance on the coastline and directly on the sea, with unbeatable ocean views and whale watching from your armchair.
Delicious seafood is served daily in the restaurant and facilities include a split-level swimming pool in a sheltered courtyard, an infinity pool above the ocean and a gym, spa and treatment centre. The house is flanked by two of Hermanus’ best swimming beaches.
Overnight: Birkenhead House
DAY 7 HERMANUS
Set off this morning for the nearby fishing village of Gansbaai, where you will join your marine biologists on a boat out to the whale breeding grounds for close up encounters on the sea.
Return to for your transfer back to Birkenhead House. Lunch and dinner are included during your stay.
Overnight Birkenhead House
DAY 8: HERMANUS
The day is at leisure to absorb the elegance of Birkenhead House and its spectacular location. Visits can be arranged to the nearby coastal wineries of Bouchard Finlayson and Hamilton Russel, both top estates. You will also be able to enjoy many of the walks from the hotel and they offer a transfer service to town where shops and cafes abound.
A visit to nearby Grootbos, an internationally recognized Nature Reserve and the largest private fynbos conservation area in the world can be arranged. For the more active, spend a morning out at sea, kayaking between the old and new harbour with the chance of seeing whales and seals. Sea Kayaking is the only permitted water sport allowed in the Walker Bay Whale Sanctuary.
Overnight: Birkenhead House
DAY 9 HERMANUS/CAPETOWN
A final morning in Africa, before you are collected by your driver and transferred to the airport for your onward flight home
HAMBE KAHLE as they say in Africa – good bye and travel well!
Price includes:
• VIP Meet and Greet
• VIP document pack
• All excursions as detailed on a private basis with expert English speaking guide
• Highlights: helicopter flight and hot air ballooning
• Meals as specified
• 5 nights at the Cape Grace in a luxury room on a B&B basis
• 3 nights at Birkenhead House I the best room category (rooms 1, 5, 6 or 8) ona fully inclusive basis (all meals, local drinks and house wines)
• Service charge at included meals
Price excludes:
• Flights
• Gratuities
• Drinks at meals (except for Birkenhead House)
• Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls
Note: Whales are best spotted between May and November
