Cycling the Cape & Winelands

Take an overnight flight from London to Cape town.
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Day 2

Arrive Cape Town; the day is free for relaxing, shopping, catching a few rays
of sunshine or exploring the endless activities in and around the city. Your
guide will be on hand to advise and assist, but here are a few recommended
options: a cable car ride up Table Mountain for the fantastic view over Cape
Town and the coastal regions; a visit to the world famous Kirstenbosch
Botanical Gardens or a half-day trip to the infamous Robben Island, the
prison where Nelson Mandela and other members of the ANC served their long
sentences (this trip can be done on day 12 depending on the weather on Table
Mountain).

*Sweetest Guest House or similar*

Day 3

This morning we have a short transfer from our lodge to the harbour and then
we cycle to Bloubergstrand - it's from here that the iconic pictures of Cape
Town with the backdrop of Table Mountain are taken. After taking the
obligatory photos, we're off on 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 famous Boschendal vineyards where
we stop for a well-earned drink (optional) before transferring to our
accommodation at the Rosenview winery in Stellenbosch.

*Rosenview Guest House or similar*

Day 4

In the morning we have a short transfer before cycling through Franschhoek
and up the Franschhoek Pass (739m) for some of the most breath-taking views
of this region. We then continue to cycle to Villiersdorp. After a lunch we
get back on our bikes and cycle towards Nuy Valley and then take a short
transfer to Montague.

*Montague Hotel or similar*

Day 5

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
Bushman cultures. We cycle a scenic back road 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 wild flowers (in season). While here we will visit a local co-op
cellar and have an opportunity to taste their produce, including the local
Chardonnay which is well respected for its unique taste.

*Tradouw Guest House or similar*

Day 6

After breakfast a short climb takes us up and over the spectacular Tradouws
Pass. Near the top of the pass is 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 Langeberge 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. This park boasts some rare antelope as well as mountain zebra
and some endangered crane species. The park has two 2km self guided nature
trails, which can be explored independently.

*Aanhuizen Guest House or similar*

Day 7

A short transfer (20km) brings us into the Overburg district, and we cycle
through the cultivated farmlands of the Western Cape to Bredarsdorp. 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 of
Africa, and South Africa's newest national park, encompassing a large area of
wetlands and coastline and extending some kilometres out to the sea. Whales
and other sea life that frequent the warm waters of the Indian Ocean enjoy
the protection within its boundaries. It also provides a home to thousands of
sea birds and seals that can be seen along the rugged beaches.

*Cape Agulhas Guest House or similar*

Day 8

This morning we cycle through the picturesque hamlet of Elim and past 55km of
undulating farmlands to the coastal town of Kleinbaai. Following lunch, we
take a short transfer into Standford where have the chance to 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 July through to
December, it is a great place to relax. In the afternoon we have the option
of cycling from one of the local viewpoints of Walkersbay along the Hermanus
coastal road to our accommodation, offering the best chance of spotting the
whales.

*Windsor Hotel or similar*

Day 9

We have a free day today to rest our legs in Hermanus. In the 1920's the town
was known as a place to convalesce and was being recommended from as far a
field as London. Grand hotels were built and its reputation as a holiday
resort was established. Nowadays 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 twelve best places
in the world for whale watching.

Join us on our September to October departures for the best chance to see
whales swimming off the coast. 

*Windsor Hotel or similar*

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Day 10

Today we cycle the Whale Coast, from Hermaus to Gordon's Bay, possible 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 that our efforts
will be encouraged by the 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 day. We transfer at the end of the day from
Gordon's Bay to Simonstown.

*Quayside Hotel or similar*

Day 11

After breakfast, a short 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.

*Quayside Hotel or similar*

Day 12

The ride today follows part of the annual Cape Argus route, one of the
largest cycling events of the world, and is arguably the most scenic route
that South Africa has to offer. We complete our circuit by cycling from
Glencairn over the redhill pass along an old navy road to Scarborough and
then all 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 on to 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.

*Sweetest Guest House or similar*

Day 13

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

Day 14

Land in London where the trip ends.
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