the delights of africa’s western cape - adagio...

01707 386700 www.adagio.co.uk

The Delights of Africa’s Western Cape

Oceans, Mountains, Wine & Wanders

outh Africa is so often described as a ‘world in one country’ and

this could not be more true. It offers a sense of unravelling

scenery from its world renowned seascapes, majestic mountain

backdrops and vineyard-lined countryside. We will gently explore

the Western Cape, enjoying many of its marvels.

We start our journey with six nights in Cape Town, crowned by the

spectacular Table Mountain. We explore the ‘mother city’ mainly on

foot, seeing all the best sights, including a trip up Table Mountain

allowing us to experience a spectacular view of the city and ocean

below, and walks along the Cape Peninsula and the Cape of Good

Hope. We also visit places of interest such as Bo-Kaap where we

enjoy a cooking safari and Boulders Beach where we have the

chance of seeing the native breeding colony of penguins. We also

take a day out from the city and visit the Aquila Private Game

Reserve where we have the chance of spotting some of the ‘Big 5’!

Moving on we head east to Franschhoek for two nights, which we’ll

find nestled between towering mountains in the winelands.

Spectacular vineyards cover these mountain slopes settled more

than 300 years ago by the Huguenots, who brought with them their

age-old French wine and food culture. Widely known as South

Africa’s culinary capital, we will enjoy sampling the splendid wines

and cuisine which have given it its reputation. As well as its great

food and wine it offers beautiful scenery through which we enjoy

gentle walks and allow time to relax in the surroundings.

Table Mountain

Travelling south to Hermanus, which is situated in the heart of the

Cape Whale Coast, we spend our final two nights on the historic

Hermanus Harbour. Known for its spectacular marine life and the

best land based whale watching in the African continent, we may be

lucky enough to spot some of these magnificent creatures. From

Hermanus we take a visit to the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

and explore its 2500 hectares which encompass 750 rare fynbos

and 120 bird species.

A truly thrilling holiday, with a cherry-picked itinerary, which includes

all the best parts of this beautiful region. We have tried to keep as

much of the sightseeing on foot as possible, as we believe that there

is no better way to explore the world.

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Proposed Daily Itinerary

ur itinerary is expected to follow the daily schedule outlined below but please bear in mind that the order of the days may be amended, or

walks substituted, due to weather conditions or changes beyond our control.

Day 1 – We fly to Cape Town on an overnight flight from London

Heathrow.

Day 2 – We should arrive early into Cape Town Airport and then

transfer by road to the President Hotel (30 minutes), situated in

beautiful Bantry Bay. After freshening up we will have an orientation

walk, followed by some free time before dinner at the hotel.

Meals included today – Dinner.

Day 3 – After breakfast we visit Kirstenbosch National Botanical

gardens, acclaimed as one of the greatest botanical gardens in the

world. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of the setting of

Kirstenbosch, against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. It was

the first of its kind, devoted to displaying its country’s indigenous

flora; it displays a wide variety of fynbos and plants from all over

South Africa.

After lunch we visit the Steenberg Hotel and Wine Estate, situated

on the oldest farm in the picturesque Constantia Valley, where we

enjoy a wine tasting before returning to the hotel. Dinner will be

taken in the hotel this evening.

Meals included today – Breakfast & Dinner.

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The Winelands

Day 4 – Morning visit to Table Mountain, taking the cable car to the

top. From the top of Table Mountain there are magnificent views of

Cape Town, surrounding suburbs and the Atlantic Ocean. We will

spend time exploring the mountain on foot; some landmarks in view

include Robben Island, Camps Bay beach and Cape Town Stadium.

Or why not try and spot some of the resident ‘Dassies’? In the

afternoon there is some free time; why not walk to the Waterfront or

the Green Point area where there are delightful delis and cafés on

the main road. Or maybe take a trip over to Robben Island? Dinner

will be taken in the hotel this evening.


Day 5 – Today we will visit Bo-Kaap, where our adventure begins.

Perched on the slopes of Signal Hill, overlooking Table Bay, Bo-

Kaap is as idiosyncratically ‘Cape’ as the spicy scents and flavours

that waft downhill from its eccentrically colourful cobbled streets.

Here we take part in the Cape Malay Cooking Safari, a truly special

Cape experience. Starting at Bo-Kaap museum we visit the photo

exhibition to get a feel for the history and traditions of the area. Your

local guide will then lead you on a leisurely stroll through some of the

historic streets with their pre-1840 architecture before heading to the

local shops to purchase ingredients to make your own Cape Malay

dish.

During an informal cooking workshop in a Bo-Kaap family’s home we

learn how to mix Masala, fold Samosas and how to balance the

delicate flavours of a Cape Malay Curry. Then it’s time to sit back,

relax, and appreciate your handiwork as you dig in to a traditional

Malay lunch.

In the afternoon we visit the Houses of Parliament, Company

Gardens, City Hall and some of the local museums. We return to

the hotel late afternoon. Dinner is not included this evening but your

Adagio leader will be more than happy to recommend somewhere to

dine.

Meals included today – Breakfast & Lunch.

Street in Bo-Kaap

Day 6 – A full day tour of the Cape Peninsula, travelling to the Cape

of Good Hope Nature Reserve. We can take a funicular ride to the

summit to view the meeting point of the two Oceans, but we would

recommend doing the walk instead. We will then head for the naval

port of Simon’s Town. After a leisurely lunch we visit Boulders

Beach. There are few places in the world where you can get this

close to a breeding colony of penguins and enjoy their private sandy

beach. Boulders Beach is situated near Simon’s Town in False Bay

between Fish Hoek and Cape Point.

We will return to Cape Town in the late afternoon. Tonight we will

head to the Waterfront for dinner.


Day 7 – Today we will spend the day at the Aquila Private Game

Reserve. A ‘Big 5’ game reserve, it is an ultimate safari getaway

whilst staying in the city.

On arrival we will have a welcome drink and enjoy a lovely lunch

before embarking on an afternoon game drive, operated by open

4x4 safari vehicles. The drive will also include a visit to the ARC

(Animal Rescue Centre).

We will then travel back to Cape Town. Dinner is not included this

evening but your Adagio leader will be more than happy to

recommend somewhere to dine.


Day 8 – After an early breakfast we leave Cape Town and travel to

our next destination, Franschhoek, in the majestic winelands. Here

breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, world class cuisine and the

finest wines all combine to create lasting memories.

Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa

We leave our luggage on the coach and spend the morning on the

Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour, a unique and leisurely way to

explore the Franschhoek Valley as you journey through rolling

vineyards stopping in at some of South Africa’s oldest and most

distinguished wine estates. We will have time to stop and explore

some of the wine estates and try some of these world renowned

wines.

In the afternoon we visit the local chocolatier, located in the Main

Road of the village. A chocolate-making demonstration will be

given, followed by a chocolate tasting. Afterwards we continue to

our hotel for two nights. Dinner is taken in the hotel, in one of the

conservatory-style dining areas outside, overlooking the valley.



Franschhoek Wine Tram

Day 9 – Today is a day at leisure. Your Adagio Leader will have an

organised walk planned, exploring this beautiful vineyard lined

countryside. Or you may prefer to spend the day wine tasting and

eating all the delicacies for which the region is famed.

We will meet for dinner in the evening taken in a restaurant in one of

the wine estates.


Day 10 – After breakfast we depart for Hermanus via Babylonstoren,

where we spend our final two nights. Babylonstoren is one of the

best preserved werfs (farm yards) in the Cape Dutch tradition, with

not only the manor house from 1777, but pioneer structures that date

back to the founding of the farm in 1690. The Babylonstoren garden

is at the heart of the farm. It was inspired by the company gardens

of the Cape, where for centuries ships would replenish with fresh

water, vegetables and fruit at the halfway station between Europe

and Asia. It also hails back to the mythical garden of Babylon.

Hermanus

We take part in a garden tour, followed by tea/coffee, selections of

sandwiches and a garden salad. Afterwards we will continue to our

hotel in Hermanus. We will take dinner in a local restaurant.

Meals included today – Breakfast, lunch & Dinner.

Day 11 – Our final full day will be spent at Fernklook Nature

Reserve, located along the Kleinrivier Mountain Range. The famous

Cliff Path cuts though the reserve, which offers breathtaking views of

the Indian Ocean. In the reserve alone there are 1600 different

species of fynbos, all of which are indigenous to the area, which

makes it an important part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, one of only

six in the world. After exploring the nature reserve we will have a

relaxing lunch in one of the local restaurants before returning to our

hotel in Hermanus.

Dinner is not included this evening but your Adagio specialist will be

more than happy to recommend somewhere to dine.


Day 12 – After breakfast we head back to Cape Town via

Stellenbosch. Stellenbosch is the second-oldest and undoubtedly

the most scenically attractive and historically preserved town in

Southern Africa. Your Adagio Leader should lead you around this

wonderful town with time for lunch before our coach journey to the

airport in the early afternoon. We have an overnight flight back to

the UK.

Meals included today – Breakfast & In-Flight Meal.

Day 13 – Arrive back in the UK.

The walking on this holiday involves mainly city sightseeing on foot, however some walks will be out of the city on well maintained tracks. A good majority of the walking will be on flat terrain, though sometimes we will be walking on uneven, cobbled or undulating paths. Distances will vary depending on the location of the sights visited. We will use funicular railways and cable cars to reduce some of the walking time involved. Distances covered when sightseeing can be deceptive, but our holidays allow a large amount of flexibility in how much or how little you walk.

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Cape Town

magnificient city which not only boast the typical traits of other

cities in the world, but also offers spectacular scenery and a

diverse range of opportunities which many other cities would fail to

offer. Pristine beaches and aqua-blue oceans, a mountainous

backdrop with ample walking opportunities, in addition to the trendy

restaurants, bars and boutique shops.

The V&A Waterfront is a great place to go for a bite to eat or a drink,

it is a five minute drive away from the hotel, and the hotel has a

complimentary shuttle bus which you can book in advance to take

you there, or a twenty - thirty minute beautiful stroll down the Sea

Point Promenade.

Five minutes walk away from the V&A is a shopping mall that has a

supermarket, foreign exchange facility in addition to plenty of other

shops that one may expect from a city. There are banks, a post

office and several cashpoints too.

If you wish to visit Robben Island during our stay in Cape Town we

advise that you book it in advance using the website below. The

excursions operation is subject to sea conditions; if your excursion is

cancelled they will offer to transfer you to another date/time, or will

refund your ticket.

www.webtickets.co.za/robbenisland

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http://www.webtickets.co.za/robbenisland


Franschhoek

he culinary capital of South Africa and renowned for its

incredible hospitality, the winelands are a must when visiting

the Western Cape. Located forty six miles from Cape Town,

Franschhoek is set in whimsical surroundings between two

mountains in the valley; this is a valley rich in history centred around

a picturesque village of friendly, welcoming people.

Our hotel is located approximately one mile from the village of

Franschhoek.

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Hermanus

ocated on the Southern Coast of the Western Cape, Hermanus

is a marine paradise. Known for its status as the best land-

based whale watching destination in the African continent, it is a

haven for all types of sea and wildlife. The southern right whales

visit from June through to December, we may be lucky enough to

hear the horn call of the ‘Whale Crier’ if a whale comes into sight.

We are in the heart of the village, so we are close to all local

amenities.

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Accommodation

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President Hotel****

4 Alexander Road, Bantry Bay

Cape Town 8060, South Africa

+27 21 4348111

[email protected] / www.presidenthotel.co.za

he four star President Hotel is idyllically situated facing the

Atlantic coast, offering wonderful views of Table Bay and the

Atlantic shoreline. The hotel is decorated in a contemporary,

sophisticated design and rooms are airy and spacious.

President Hotel

Hotel facilities include:

The Senate Bar, Island Restaurant, outdoor terrace, hair salon and

nail bar, spa services, outdoor infinity pool and a curio shop.

President Hotel bedroom

Hotel en-suite bedroom facilities include:

Satellite TV, telephone, wireless internet access, electronic safe,

mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities and kitchenette with

microwave. Evening turndown service is provided, and bathrobes

and slippers can be provided on request.

All major credit cards are accepted.

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Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa*****

16 Minor Road, Parklands

7690 Franschhoek – South Africa

+27 21 876 8900

[email protected] / www.lefranschhoek.co.za

e Franschhoek is a luxurious five star hotel and spa, situated in

the world famous winelands. This really is a special hotel with

an elusive charm and contemporary Cape Dutch feel.

Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa

The building and its rooms have a wonderful feeling of grandeur but

do not compromise its relaxed atmosphere. It is a wonderful retreat

in the centre of the winelands, and it makes a great base from which

to explore. We will dine in their restaurant which offers an award

winning wine list, perfect after a day looking around the vines!

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Bedroom at Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa


Three Restaurants, bar, laundry service, swimming pool, wellness

centre and spa, transfer shuttle facilities and travel desk.


Air conditioning, telephone, TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making

facilities, electronic safe and internet connections.


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Harbour House Hotel Hermanus**** No. 22 Harbour Road

7200 Hermanus – South Africa

+27 28 312 1799

[email protected] / www.harbourhousehotel.co.za

ocated in the most prominent position in the heart of the Old

Harbour area and looking out to the ocean beyond. The hotel

has both a historic thatched roof Manor House built in the

1920s, and a contemporary new wing, and a mix of luxurious,

modern and sophisticated design throughout.

Harbour House Hotel


An infinity pool, and lookout terrace, which is one of the best whale

watching sites in Hermanus.

Breakfast is taken in the hotel and is both a scrumptious hot

breakfast and fresh continental buffet. Dinners will be taken at a

local restaurant.

Harbour House Hotel


Rooms are spacious and include a lounge area, kitchenette with

kettle, toaster, microwave and tea and coffee making facilities.

Nespresso machine, minibar, satellite TV, Air conditioning,

telephone, hairdryer and wireless internet access.


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Meals

ll breakfasts, seven dinners and three lunches are included in

the price of the holiday. Plentiful breakfasts will be taken in the

hotels; lunches and dinners will be taken as noted in the itinerary.

When lunches are not included, normally these can be taken as a

picnic or in a pleasant café or restaurant.

When dinner is not included your Adagio Leader will be more than

happy to recommend and assist with dinner reservations.

We suggest that you allow approximately £25 per head for an

evening meal. You should allow approximately £6 a day for a

reasonable packed lunch; lunch in local restaurants will cost more.

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Local Sightseeing

ocal transport costs and entrance fees are included in the

holiday cost.

We have a wonderful programme of walking, sightseeing, funicular

and cable car trips (dependent on local conditions) to keep you busy

along with plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy your

surroundings and the wonderful hotels. There will be time to indulge

in all things that make South Africa famous!

We will have some energetic and relaxed days; some days will be

spent leisurely walking around areas of special or historical interest,

whilst on other days we may be walking on regular trails.

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Adagio Leader

n Adagio Leader will accompany you throughout the holiday.

They are all experienced travellers with a love and knowledge

of the places you will visit. They are well-organised, pay great

attention to detail and enjoy being with people. They are there to

help make your holiday as enjoyable and stress free as possible.

Cable car Table Mountain

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What to bring

e recommend you bring the following items with you:

Walking boots with a good sole and waterproof uppers. A

good pair of walking shoes is ok if you know you have strong

ankles.

Waterproof jacket and trousers. It does rain sometimes!

A sunhat, fleece hat and gloves… to cover all weather

eventualities - particularly when we head up into the mountains.

It will be significantly cooler on the top of Table Mountain than

Cape Town below.

Sun cream. The sun can be very strong.

A litre water bottle.

A picnic lunch box, knife, fork and spoon, as required.

A simple basic first aid kit.

A daypack to hold all the above.

Camera to capture those special ‘Kodak Moments’.

Binoculars so that you can have a close up of the spectacular

South African wildlife, particularly on the game drive and in

Hermanus.

South African plug adaptor.

Evening wear in South Africa is smart casual.

Cape Dutch Farm

Passports, Visas & Insurance and other important information

lease make sure you are insured for guided walking below

2000m.

You will need a full passport to visit South Africa and your passport

should be valid for a minimum period of 30 days from the date of exit

from South Africa.

Although South African authorities state officially that only one blank

passport page is required, some officials insist on two blank pages.

You should therefore make sure you have at least two blank pages

in your passport on arrival.

Passport, visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is

your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a

professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such

requirements. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP, or

can be obtained from the Medical Advisory Services for Travellers

Abroad (MASTA). In addition, general travel advice is available from

the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel.

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Travel Information

e fly from London Heathrow to Cape Town and return with

British Airways. The flight is approximately 11 hours and 40

minutes.

Details of your baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel

documents, sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.

During the week we’ll travel on foot, road, funicular and cable car.

We will have private coach transfers.

Transfer times between centres are as follows:

Cape Town to the Winelands 40 min

Winelands to Hermanus 1 hour & 30 min

Hermanus to Cape Town Airport 1 hour & 30 min

If you intend joining the party at our hotel in Cape Town and leaving the party at our hotel in Hermanus, we assume, unless you have advised us otherwise, that you will meet and leave the party at our hotels. If this is not your intention, please let us know in writing at least 5 weeks before departure.

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Maps, Books and Websites

Various maps are available for the area and it is largely down to

personal taste as to how much detail you would like. You may like to

contact:

The Map Shop

15 High Street

Upton upon Severn, Worcs

WR8 0HJ

England

Tel: 01684 593 146 Fax: 01684 594 559

Website: www.themapshop.co.uk

E-mail: [email protected]

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The Rough Guide to South Africa has several pages on the areas

we plan to visit and lots of other in-depth information about the

country. There is also a Rough Guide specifically for Cape Town

and the Garden Route.

The South Africa tourism website, www.southafrica.net has lots of

information on all sorts of things in the Western Cape including

detailed information on Cape Town, Franschhoek and Hermanus.

If you cannot find the maps or books locally we recommend:

If you key many of the local places mentioned in this holiday fact

sheet into YouTube (www.youtube.com), you will find a vast array of

spectacular footage of the area.

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Holiday Dates 2017 Holiday: The Delights of Africa’s Western Cape Tour Code: 58000 Departures for twelve nights on:

Fri 10 November

Booking and Further information

Please call us on 01707 386700 or email us at [email protected]

Hermanus Sunset

Notes

This document issued: 07 September 2016

http://www.southafrica.net/

mailto:[email protected]

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