The Grape Escape: Cape Town & Winelands self-drive

Day 1 : International outbound flight

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Cape Town.

Day 2 : Cape Town

On arrival in Cape Town you're met by an Audley representative and transferred to your accommodation in Cape Town by private vehicle. The rest of the day is yours to spend relaxing at your guesthouse or exploring the local area. We suggest heading to the V&A Waterfront, which has an excellent collection of shops and restaurants lining the harbour.

Day 3 : Cape Town

Today you will be taken on a full day private tour of the Cape Peninsula's beautifully rugged coastline, passing through pretty towns and villages. You will visit Cape Point which is one of the most iconic spots in South Africa. Here you can take a funicular to enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline. You will also see the African penguin colony at Boulders Bay and take a stroll through the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, home to a variety of native flora.

Day 4 : Cape Town

Today you will be collected by your guide in the morning for your half day city tour which is the perfect way to learn more about the beautiful city of Cape Town. Your visit wouldn't be complete without taking a trip up Table Mountain and this is the first stop. We suggest taking the cable car, which rotates 360º to ensure you get views of the city, ocean and mountains from all angles.You will make your way to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent much of his imprisonment during the apartheid. A half hour ferry ride from the V&A Waterfront takes you across to the island, with a documentary shown on board providing a bit of background. A bus then takes you and a small group on a tour of the island, passing the warders' village, the church and graveyard from its days as a leper colony, and the lime quarry where prisoners such as Mandela worked. The tour of the prison itself is led by a former inmate, giving you a fascinating insight into what life was like for prisoners.

Day 5 : Cape Town

Today you have a day at leisure to enjoy your last full day in Cape Town.Perhaps visit the famous Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel for afternoon tea or visit the markets at Greenmarket Square.

Day 6 : Franschhoek

Your fully insured vehicle will be delivered to your accommodation this morning. You then drive for around one hour to Franschhoek in the Winelands. After settling into your accommodation, you may wish to take a stroll through the quaint town to browse its cafes, art galleries and restaurants.

Day 7 : Franschhoek

Make the most of your time in the Winelands by visiting some of the many vineyards and wineries in the area. You could cycle between several different estates, or take the Franschhoek Wine Tram, which follows a circular route through the town and the surrounding countryside, stopping at a number of different wineries where you can sample some of the region's produce. You can book a guided tour of a winery to gain an insight into wine production and learn about the art of wine tasting.

Day 8 : Franschhoek

Spend today exploring Franschhoek further. This area is steeped in history, dating back to the Huguenot refugees who moved to South Africa to escape persecution in France in the 17th century. There's a memorial to the Huguenots in Franschhoek, as well as a small museum - well worth a visit if you're interested in history.

Day 9 : Franschhoek

The Winelands are known as the gourmet capital of South Africa, boasting some of the best restaurants in the country, as well as small delis, charming cafes and bistros. We can make recommendations and book you a table before you arrive should you wish, or arrange for you to join a guided food tour to sample some of the region's cuisine.

Day 10 : International return flight

Drive the hour and a half back to Cape Town today, where you can drop off your car before boarding your onward flights.

Day 11 : International return flight

Arrive home today to complete your journey.