Guide

Normally 4 to 14 plus leader and driver.

Meals

All breakfasts are included on this holiday. For breakfast, expect continental buffets with fresh fruit, cereals, bread, yogurts and tea and coffee. On some days, our guides prepare a cooked breakfast when they have the facilities to do so. Lunches can consist of a good spread of fresh salads, cold meats, cheese, bread, condiments, fresh fruit and a selection of cold drinks. For evening meals, expect a large braai (barbecue) with lots of locally sourced steaks, sausages and vegetables. Restaurant menus are very varied and our guide will be available to recommend the best options for your personal tastes and budget. You can expect stews, pasta, curry and steaks. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday – please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.

Transport

To transfer to our cycle rides we use a minivan. All have comfortable seating and are good quality, up-to-date vehicles. Our bicycles are carried on a trailer. Your drivers and guide are at your disposal during the day to take you on the planned route and make any necessary route changes.

Others

All transport and listed activities Local bike hire

Accommodation

We have selected a combination of three- and four-star hotels and lodges for this cycling adventure across the Western Cape. Each property is well located for our cycling or for nearby attractions. Many of the hotels and lodges have lovely views and most have pools. The normal accommodations used on this trip can be found on the day-to-day itinerary; however, below are a few of the notable places we stay. Montague: Montague Hotel (night 3) Between the Cape Winelands and the Garden Route is the Montague Hotel, an architectural gem that opened in 1875. It was refurbished with original art deco and Victorian furniture and has two swimming pools, two restaurants, a spa and a flower-filled garden. An idyllic stop while travelling through the Langeberg mountains. Hermanus: Windsor Hotel (nights 7-8) The 120-year-old Windsor Hotel sits opposite Walker Bay, one of the best whale-watching destinations in the world when southern right whales migrate to the bay to breed (July to November). Whale-watching is even possible from the comfort of the hotel restaurant. However, the location of the property is also ideal out of season with a central setting within town and quick access to the 7.5mi (12km) Hermanus Cliff Path. Simonstown: Quayside Hotel (nights 9-10) This bright and breezy boutique hotel is centrally located in Simonstown on the water’s edge. Rooms are outfitted with an elegant nautical design and have views of either the Simonskloof mountains or False Bay.

Not included:

Others

— Travel insurance — Single accommodation (available on request) — Visas or vaccinations — E-bike hire

Insurance

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Start Cape Town; Free Day To Explore
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Start Cape Town; Free Day To Explore

We arrive in Cape Town. The day is free to relax, shop, catch a few rays or explore the endless activities in and around the city. The guide can advise and assist, but here are a few recommended options: a cable car ride up Table Mountain for fantastic views over Cape Town and the coast; a visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens; or a half-day trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and other members of the ANC served long prison sentences (this trip can be done on Day 12, depending on the weather on Table Mountain). Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (or similar)
Day 2 Day 2: Ride Over Hellshoogte, Passing Vineyards; To Stellenbosch (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Ride Over Hellshoogte, Passing Vineyards; To Stellenbosch (Breakfast)

This morning, we have a short transfer from our lodge to the harbour and then we cycle to Bloubergstrand, where the iconic pictures of Cape Town with Table Mountain as a backdrop are taken. After taking the obligatory photos, we have a short transfer into the centre of the winelands. In the afternoon, we cycle over Hellshoogte (Hell’s Heights) and then freewheel the rest of the way to the Boschendal vineyards where we stop for a well-earned drink (optional) before transferring to our accommodation in Stellenbosch. Accommodation: San Gabriel Homestead (or similar)
Day 3 Day 3: Ride The Franschhoek Pass (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Ride The Franschhoek Pass (Breakfast)

In the morning, we have a short transfer before cycling through Franschhoek and up the Franschhoek Pass (2,425ft/739m) for some of the most breath-taking views in the region. We then continue to cycle to Villiersdorp. After lunch, we cycle towards Nuy Valley and then take a short transfer to Montague. Accommodation: Montague Hotel (or similar)
Day 4 Day 4: Ride Through The Semi-Arid Desert Of Great Karoo (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Ride Through The Semi-Arid Desert Of Great Karoo (Breakfast)

Today we head east, cycling from our accommodation in Montague to our accommodation in Barrydale. Along the way, the landscape changes to the semi-arid desert of the Great Karoo, a huge ancient plateau making up almost a third of South Africa’s landmass and littered with remains of ancient indigenous cultures. We cycle a scenic backroad traversing a more fertile region known as the Little Karoo, a short climb brings us to the Tradouws Plateau before arriving in Barrydale, our base for the night. This quiet old Dutch village is in a fertile valley surrounded by a colourful mix of vines, fruits and wildflowers (in season). While here, we visit a local co-op cellar and have an opportunity to taste their produce, including the well-respected local chardonnay. Accommodation: Karoo Art Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 Day 5: Ride Through Langeberg Mountains To Bontebok National Park (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Ride Through Langeberg Mountains To Bontebok National Park (Breakfast)

After breakfast, a short climb takes us up and over the spectacular Tradouws Pass. Near the top are the remains of a prison camp once home to the convicts that constructed the pass in 1873. From here, the route is mainly downhill through the Langeberg Mountains to the small town of Suurbrak. Built by the London Missionary Society in 1812, many of the buildings have been restored and now the town has the feel of a living museum. Moving on, we reach our base for the night, Swellendam. From here, we drive to the Bontebok National Park, home to rare antelope, mountain zebras and endangered crane species. The park has two 1.2mi (2km) self-guided nature trails, which can be explored independently. Accommodation: Aanhuizen Guest House (or similar)
Day 6 Day 6: Ride And Transfer To Cape Agulhas National Park, The Southernmost Point In Africa (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Ride And Transfer To Cape Agulhas National Park, The Southernmost Point In Africa (Breakfast)

A short transfer (12mi/20km) brings us into the Overberg district, and we cycle through the cultivated farmlands of the Western Cape to Bredasdorp. The road gently rolls through neat wheat fields and remote fishing villages facing the Indian Ocean, arriving at Cape Agulhas. This is the southernmost point in Africa, and the newest national park in the country, encompassing vast wetlands, coastline and extending some kilometres out to sea. Whales and other sea life that frequent the warm Indian Ocean here enjoy the protection. It also provides a home to thousands of sea birds and seals that can be seen along the rugged beaches. Accommodation: Cape Agulhas Guest House (or similar)
Day 7 Day 7: Cycle Towards Hermanus; Sample Local Beer At Birkenhead (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Cycle Towards Hermanus; Sample Local Beer At Birkenhead (Breakfast)

This morning, we cycle through the picturesque hamlet of Elim and past 34mi (55km) of undulating farmlands to the coastal town of Kleinbaai. Following lunch, we take a short transfer into Stanford where we can sample local beer at the Birkenhead Brewery. We finish our day in the town of Hermanus, famous for the very close sightings of the southern right whale, which come into the secluded bay to mate and calf each year from June to November. In the afternoon, we have the option of cycling from one of the local viewpoints of Walker Bay along the Hermanus coastal road to our accommodation, offering the best chance of spotting the whales. Accommodation: Windsor Hotel (or similar)
Day 8 Day 8: Free Day To Relax In Hermanus (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Free Day To Relax In Hermanus (Breakfast)

We have a free day today to rest our legs in Hermanus. In the 1920s, the town was known as a place to convalesce and was being recommended from as far afield as London. Grand hotels were built and its reputation as a holiday resort was established. It still manages a delightful balance between the two industries of fishing and tourism. In addition to this, the World Wildlife Foundation recognises Hermanus as among the best places in the world for whale watching. Our September to October departures give the best opportunity to see whales swimming off the coast. Accommodation: Windsor Hotel (or similar)
Day 9 Day 9: Ride The Whale Coast To Gordon’S Bay (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Ride The Whale Coast To Gordon’S Bay (Breakfast)

Today we cycle the Whale Coast, from Hermaus to Gordon’s Bay, one of the most scenic rides in the world. The road follows the rugged coastline, passing through fishing villages with dramatic views over False Bay and the Cape of Good Hope. Along the route, there is a good chance our efforts will be encouraged by numerous troops of Cape baboon. Today is the longest cycle day, but those preferring a shorter ride can catch a lift in the support bus for part of the journey. We transfer at the end of the day from Gordon’s Bay to Simonstown. Accommodation: Quayside Hotel (or similar)
Day 10 Day 10: Cape Peninsula Ride; Visit Penguin Colony (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Cape Peninsula Ride; Visit Penguin Colony (Breakfast)

After breakfast, an 18mi (30km) transfer brings us to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. We then walk from the Cape of Good Hope to the old lighthouse at Cape Point. From here, we cycle through the Cape Point Nature Reserve and then along the very scenic coastal road to the historic village of Simonstown, downhill for most of the way, with panoramic views over False Bay. After a rest stop and lunch at Boulders Beach, we visit the local penguin colony (optional). We then continue our cycle along the coastal road to our overnight accommodation. Accommodation: Quayside Hotel (or similar)
Day 11 Day 11: Cycle To Cape Town Via Chapman’S Peak, Hout Bay And Camps Bay (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Cycle To Cape Town Via Chapman’S Peak, Hout Bay And Camps Bay (Breakfast)

The ride today follows part of the annual Cape Argus route, one of the largest cycling events in the world, and is arguably the most scenic route in South Africa. We complete our circuit by cycling from Glencairn over the Red Hill pass along an old navy road to Scarborough and then along the Atlantic coast via the stunning Chapman’s Peak drive into Hout Bay. After lunch in Hout Bay, we cycle up Suikerbos Ridge past Llandudno and then onto Cape Town via Camp’s Bay and the 12 Apostles all the way to our accommodation in Seapoint. We celebrate the end of the cycling at one of the many venues at the Waterfront. Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (or similar)
Day 12 Day 12: Optional Morning Visit To Robben Island; End Cape Town (Breakfast)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Optional Morning Visit To Robben Island; End Cape Town (Breakfast)

The day is free for last-minute shopping, catching a few last rays of sunshine or taking the half-day trip to Robben Island before the trip ends.

12 days tour

Cycling The Cape & Winelands

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Cycling The Cape & Winelands

Day 1: Start Cape Town; Free Day To Explore

Day 2: Ride Over Hellshoogte, Passing Vineyards; To Stellenbosch (Breakfast)

Day 3: Ride The Franschhoek Pass (Breakfast)

Day 4: Ride Through The Semi-Arid Desert Of Great Karoo (Breakfast)

Day 5: Ride Through Langeberg Mountains To Bontebok National Park (Breakfast)

Day 6: Ride And Transfer To Cape Agulhas National Park, The Southernmost Point In Africa (Breakfast)

Day 7: Cycle Towards Hermanus; Sample Local Beer At Birkenhead (Breakfast)

Day 8: Free Day To Relax In Hermanus (Breakfast)

Day 9: Ride The Whale Coast To Gordon’S Bay (Breakfast)

Day 10: Cape Peninsula Ride; Visit Penguin Colony (Breakfast)

Day 11: Cycle To Cape Town Via Chapman’S Peak, Hout Bay And Camps Bay (Breakfast)

Day 12: Optional Morning Visit To Robben Island; End Cape Town (Breakfast)

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