SOUTH AFRICA HAS SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SCENERY OF ANY WINE REGION
OF THE WORLD AND LATE FEBRUARY IS THE PERFECT TIME TO VISIT. This tour
offers the highlights of the Cape Peninsula – the sights and
spectacular setting of CAPE TOWN, one of the most beautiful cities in
the world; wine tastings in several different wine regions including
Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Durbanville and Hemel-en-Aarde; a 2 night
stay on a private game reserve, plus…..fabulous settings for meals,
varied and dramatic landscapes and unforgettable coastal views. The
Western Cape is all about wine, food and scenery. You won’t want to
leave…DRAFT ITINERARY (some winery visits are subject to
confirmation):
Day 1: Friday 21st FEBRUARY
Morning arrival in Cape Town and own transfer to Cloud 9 Boutique
Hotel & Spa Time to relax and freshen up. Afternoon orientation tour
of Cape Town followed by a welcome Group tasting and dinner.
Day 2: Saturday 22nd FEBRUARY
Visit Durbanville Wine Region just half an hour from Cape Town. Visit
Diemersdal winery in the morning for a tasting. Continue to De Grendel
for lunch and tasting. Late afternoon return to Cape Town. Free
evening. Overnight at Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel & Spa
Day 3: Sunday 23rd FEBRUARY
Leave Cape Town and head south-west passing through the regions of
Elgin and Bot River to Walker Bay. Today we visit Springfontein winery
for a tour and tasting followed by lunch in their highly regarded
restaurant which is overseen by a Michelin starred chef! Continue to
Hermanus, overnight at Harbour House Hotel Free evening
Day 4: Monday 24th FEBRUARY
This morning a tasting at a winery in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley. On
our shortlist are Newton Johnson and Ataraxia. Then for a very special
visit we will be welcomed by Anthony and Olive Hamilton-Russell for a
tasting at the winery followed by lunch at their house. Late
afternoon, return to Hermanus for some free time to enjoy the town.
Free evening, overnight at Harbour House Hotel
Day 5: Tuesday 25th FEBRUARY
Depart Hermanus this morning and drive 300 kms east along the Garden
Route. After a stop for lunch, early afternoon arrival at Botlierskop
Game Reserve, our base for the next two nights. In the afternoon there
will be a private Game Drive led by the in-house rangers accompanied
by some liquid refreshments! The evening includes a buffet dinner in
the grand dining room of the Firehouse Restaurant with a large variety
of meats cooked by the team of chefs. Overnight at Botlierskop
Day 6: Wednesday 26th FEBRUARY
Optional early morning Game Drive followed by breakfast, or lie in,
stay by the pool and relax! Mid-morning visit to a local winery,
Boplass, who specialise in fortified wines and brandies. Return to
Botlierskop with free time for lunch and relaxation, and maybe a spa
treatment? Mid-afternoon there will be another Game Drive to a
different part of the reserve. Dinner at the Firehouse Restaurant.
Overnight at Botlierskop
Day 7: Thursday 27th FEBRUARY
After breakfast, check out and drive west back towards the main wine
regions. We will stop in Robertson for a tasting and lunch at a
winery. On our short list are De Wetshof, Van Loveren and
Viljoensdrift. Late afternoon, arrive in the beautiful town of
Franschhoek and check in at Marriott Protea Hotel. This evening is
free to enjoy one of the many fine restaurants.
Day 8: Friday 28th FEBRUARY
A busy day today with visits to three wineries in the premier region
of Stellenbosch, including lunch at one winery. On our shortlist are
Rustenberg, Thelema, Tokara and more. Late afternoon return to
Franschhoek and this evening is free to enjoy the town.
Day 9: Saturday 29th FEBRUARY
Check out of our accommodation and visit two wineries in Franschhoek
including lunch at one. On our shortlist are La Motte, La Bri, Topiary
and Glenwood. Late afternoon return to Cape Town and check into the
Cloud 9 Boutique Hotel & Spa. Group farewell meal in the evening.
Day 10 Sunday 1st MARCH
TOUR ENDS after breakfast. Free time for sightseeing – maybe a visit
to Table Mountain, or Robben Island before transfer to the airport.
Depending on your return flight time you could fit in a full day
excursion to Boulders Beach, Chapmans Peak, Simonstown and Cape Point.
The Cost of this Tour is £2300 sharing a double or twin room. The
supplement for single occupancy is £495, and the supplement for the
room upgrade is £250 per person. The Tour costs includes:
9 nights’ accommodation - 7 nights’ bed and breakfast at 4 star
hotels or guesthouses + 2 nights half-board at 5 star Botlierskop Game
Reserve
9 main meals – 1 welcome dinner in Cape Town and 6 lunches at
wineries each with 2-3 glasses of wine; 2 dinners at Botlierskop
(drinks not included but BYO available)
Tastings at 11-12 different wineries (including the 6 where we will be
having lunch)
2 Private Guided Game Drives with refreshments at Botlierskop
Executive air conditioned coach throughout the tour
Services of Christos as Tour Guide/Wine Expert throughout the tour
N.B. International Flights are NOT included (see Flights below)
ACCOMMODATION: These are the hotels we will be staying at:
CAPE TOWN (3 nights) – Cloud 9 Hotel and Spa
https://www.hotelcloudnine.com/ [https://www.hotelcloudnine.com/]
nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, this hotel is within walking
distance of a variety of trendy shops and restaurants on vibrant Kloof
and Long Streets. Nearby attractions include the V&A Waterfront, the
cableway and Camps Bay. There is a spectacular rooftop bar with a
360-degree view of the city and Table Mountain and three on-site
restaurants. There is also an art gallery, a fitness room, a spa with
a sauna and three treatment rooms. Guests can relax on the sun deck
and enjoy a splash in one of the plunge pools or the Jacuzzi.
Hermanus (2 nights) – Harbour House Hotel, see:
http://www.harbourhousehotel.co.za/
[http://www.harbourhousehotel.co.za/] Situated in the heart of the
historical village this hotel’s understated luxury is offset by the
soothing surrounds of the ocean. There is a magnificent swimming pool
with 270 degree views over the ocean.
Bottlierskop Game Reserve (2 nights) http://www.botlierskop.co.za/
[http://www.botlierskop.co.za/] situated between the magnificent
Outeniqua Mountains and unspoiled beaches of the Indian ocean, in the
heart of the Garden Route, lies the 4000 ha Botlierskop Private Game
Reserve in the Western Cape ensuring its visitors of a uniquely South
African Luxury safari accommodation. This malaria free, family owned
and privately operated game lodge is home to an abundance of animals
including 4 of the Big 5, lions, elephants, buffalo's, giraffes,
rhino's, hippo's, rare black impalas and more as well as a unique bird
life. There is a swimming pool and a Bush Spa. Most accommodation here
is in luxury tented suites.
Franschhoek (2 nights) –
https://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/cptfr-protea-hotel-franschhoek/
[https://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/cptfr-protea-hotel-franschhoek/]
This 4-star property has a rich history, with one section dating back
to the 1880s. The hotel prides itself on its charming ambience,
gracious style and attentive service. There is an outdoor pool and an
on-site restaurant, the Hussar Grill which is an upmarket New York
styled steakhouse offering an authentic grill room dining experience.
There are numerous restaurants, bars and coffee shops within
minutes’ walk and one of the best wine shops in all of South Africa
next door!
ROOM UPGRADES: For more space and comfort there are 2 upgraded rooms
available for double occupancy and the cost of the upgrades for 7
nights (not available at Protea Franschhoek) is £250 per person
(based on 2 people sharing a room) – see further details in the
Criterion Wine website
FLIGHTS: You will need to book your own international flights which
will give you the flexibility to extend your stay/use airmiles/book
premium class travel. See the Travel tab on the Criterion Wine website
for more details
HOW TO BOOK THIS TOUR: RSVP and then go to
https://criterionwinetours.com/product/south-africa-wine-tour/
[https://criterionwinetours.com/product/south-africa-wine-tour/] Here
you will complete the booking form and pay the deposit of £575 per
person by debit or credit card (not AMEX). The balance is payable 8
weeks before the tour. The deposit is non-refundable so it is strongly
recommended that when you book the tour you buy personal travel
insurance at the same time in case you later need to cancel your
place. The full booking conditions are on the Criterion Wine Tours
website
POSTSCRIPT: South Africa is one of the most beautiful countries in the
world and the quality and diversity of their wines have hugely
improved during the last 15 years. The quality of food is also
excellent and there will be plenty of opportunities for gourmet
experiences. This is the 5th wine tour I have organised in the Cape
and I am very excited to be going back. This tour offers a lot for the
money including 2 nights at an expensive Game Reserve - check out the
competition to see what great value the tour offers!
You can see the rave reviews of the 2015 Tour here:
https://www.meetup.com/The-London-Wine-Dining-and-Travel-Meetup/events/200683662/
[https://www.meetup.com/The-London-Wine-Dining-and-Travel-Meetup/events/200683662/]
food
wine
tastings
nightlife
sports
courses
Travel
5207
Views
02/03/2020 Last update