Six
day's route
Day 1 Stellenbosch and the Winelands
Tour the Stellenbosch wine attractions that boast more than 106
cellars within a 25 km radius! Learn more through a guided cellar
tour. Stellenbosch's cultural heritage is unsurpassed and is depicted
in local art galleries, antique shops and the Village Museum. The
town has many examples of fine Cape Dutch architecture and it is
perhaps more desirable to discover "Stellenbosch on Foot".
Cycle routes, hiking trails and horse-trails are found in and around
the town.
Day 2 Paarl, Wellington, Tulbagh and Ceres
The town of Paarl, just 38 km from Stellenbosch, lies cradled in
the Berg River Valley. It is renowned for its illustrious past,
its unrivalled natural beauty, flourishing wine and fruit industry
and gracious architecture. The 11 km long Main Street is dotted
with historic buildings, shops, restaurants and charming places
of accommodation, and is where the head office of the wine industry,
the KWV, is situated. Drive on to the village of Wellington (11
km) and over the Bainskloof Pass, that in the days of old, was the
only gateway northwards to Tulbagh (57 km) and Ceres (63 km). Tulbagh
is a beautiful town that was restored to its original splendour,
following the great earthquake of 1969. Ceres is essentially a fruit-growing
area.
Day 3 Strand, Gordon's Bay and Hermanus
The coastal route along the R44 will take you all the way through
to Hermanus (98 km), but spend some time on the endless stretches
of beach at the Strand (22 km) or stop awhile in the scenic seaside
town of Gordon's Bay (29 km), with its selection of gift and shell
shops, its harbour cafés and sheltered beaches. Hermanus
is a holiday mecca renowned for its whale watching, particularly
between June and October.
Day 4 In and Around Cape Town
Only 48 kilometres from Stellenbosch, along the R44 and the N1,
is South Africa's oldest city, Cape Town, affectionately known as
the Mother City. Founded in 1652 by Jan van Riebeeck, it is the
parliamentary capital with a population of over 2 million. Some
worthwhile places to visit are the pentagonal-shaped Castle, erected
in 1666, the vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the magnificent
Two Oceans Aquarium, a trip in the cable car to the summit of Table
Mountain and the bustling "flea market" at Greenmarket
Square. Kirstenbosch, the National Botanical Gardens, stretches
over 560 hectares.
Day 5 Cape Peninsula Roundabout
The Cape Peninsula coastline is renowned for its expanse of pristine
beaches, coves and tranquil bays, the best known being False Bay
that forms a horseshoe from Cape Hangklip to Cape Point. The more
scenic Peninsula drive is from Stellenbosch, along Strandfontein
to Muizenberg from where you may continue your journey along the
coastline to Simonstown (60 km), the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve
and Cape Point (14 km). From here it's on to the spectacular beaches
of Kommetjie (15 km). The drive over Chapman's Peak to Hout Bay
(25 km) offers views of unsurpassed scenic splendour. Next stop
is the World of Birds, with its more than 400 species.
Day 6 Franschhoek, Worcester and Montagu
Drive along the scenic Helshoogte Pass to Franschhoek (35 km), a
town renowned for its fine wine, exclusive restaurants and sidewalk
cafés. The history of this French Huguenot settlement dates
back to 1688 and its history can be viewed at the Huguenot Museum.
From here, a 30 minute journey via the Franschhoek Pass brings you
to Villiersdorp (33 km) and on to Worcester (47 km). Visit the KWV
Brandy Cellars, the Wine Route and the Kleinplasie Living Open Air
Museum. A visit to the Schools for The Deaf and The Blind are rewarding
outings. Drive along rugged mountain roads with spectacular scenery,
through the imposing Cogmanskloof Tunnel to Montagu (72 km). Enjoy
the town's hot water springs, or one of the many hiking trails. |