Cape Town & the Coast

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4.1 . Great
87%
Travel Style: Array Relaxed
Physical Level: Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment. Easy
Lodging Level: Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
13 days
From: $ 4,008 $ 308 / day
Checking price

Overview

Short Description

Escape to bright blue waters, postcard-worthy landscapes, rolling vineyards, and wildlife-filled brush. Hear the sounds of elephant's trumpet, dance to the beat of hand-drums, and spot whales' tails poking up from the ocean. Try the vibrant flavors of authentic South African Braii, paired perfectly with a glass of local Pinotage, of course. On this vacation, become part of the magic of South Africa.

Start your journey in colorful Cape Town! Visit sparkling Camp's Bay, hike up Lion's Head, and stroll through Bo-Kaap - all while majestic Table Mountain sits in the background. For once-in-a-lifetime views, take a cable car up the iconic mountain and watch a truly unforgettable sunset.

Next, drive through the winding countryside to stunning Stellenbosch. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the South African Winelands and treat yourself to tons of sips and samples! From Stellenbosch, head to the Whale Coast! Gaze out at the bright blue waters of Hermanus, right near the meeting points of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Enjoy cliffside hikes, peaceful whale watching, and endless exploration. You'll spend the next couple of nights in breathtaking Knysna - home of the picture-perfect Knysna Heads!

Your final stop may be last on the list of destinations, but it's certainly not last in adventure. Drive to Kariega Private Game Reserve and watch your dreams of an African safari come to life! Take tons of photos and see the Big 5 and more in-person! Say hello to giraffes, elephants, zebra, and more.

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Traveling with children

Style Self-guided tour
See all the highlights and popular spots on a classic tour.
Itinerary Focus Classic Highlights
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Lodging Level Value (3*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions Roundtrip air to/from trip start & all internal transport
Start City Cape Town
End City South Africa

Theme

N/A

Destinations

South Africa

Attractions & Cities Visited

N/A

Activities & Interests

Independent

N/A
See more

Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Cape Town!

As your plane floats down to land, peek out at the majestic mountains and deep blue waters that await you below! Upon arrival in Cape Town International Airport (CPT), you will be welcomed by a friendly travel representative who will shower you with tips, directions, and suggestions.

Next, pick up your rental car and take off! Take a scenic drive along the sparkling coast, then settle into your luxurious hotel.

Unpack, then spend your first afternoon frolicking around the vibrant V&A Waterfront. Treat yourself to some delicious seafood at any of the Waterfront's seaside restaurants, browse through local craft shops, and listen to the lively beats of street drummers. To finish off an amazing first day, take an unforgettable sunset ride on the giant Ferris Wheel that sits at the center of the Waterfront - talk about incredible views!

Day 2 Cape Town

Wake up to blue skies, mountain views, and sea air! After an energizing breakfast, head to nearby Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, where you'll suddenly feel tiny in the shadow of towering trees and soaring mountains. Take tons of priceless photos as you walk through vast greenery and become surrounded by rare, brightly-colored flora and fauna.

Put on your bravest face and walk across the amazing tree canopy walkway! If time allows,frolic through the colorful streets of Bo-Kaap! This former township, nestled on the slopes of Signal Hill, is a quaint neighborhood filled with proud residents and rich history. Take tons of eye-catching photos in-front of the vivid brightly-colored homes!

In the afternoon, grab your camera and fill your backpack with water-bottles and snacks - it's time to hike Lion's Head! On this easy-intermediate hike, experience some of the most amazing views Cape Town has to offer. Gaze out at the horizon and watch the blue ocean meet the shore beneath Table Mountain. Feel immersed in lush vegetation, say hello to some friendly wildlife, and feast your eyes on a once-in-a-lifetime sunset.

Day 3 Cape Town

Spend your morning walking along the trendy restaurant-lined streets near Camp's Bay Beach. Grab a bite at a cute seaside cafe, then take a stroll on the sand. Look right and see bright blue ocean, then look left and see a majestic backdrop of Table Mountain.

Hop in the car and spend the afternoon exploring Cape Town's extraordinary outskirts. Drive through beautiful Hout Bay, then make your way to Simon's Town. Pull over, stretch your legs, and wander along quaint shop-lined streets. 

Be sure to stop at Boulder's Beach and take tons of photos with some friendly locals - penguins, of course! Boulder's Beach is home to a large colony of African Penguins, and they're there all year-round. Watch them bask in the sun and swim in the cool waters in front of you!

Spend your last night in Cape Town unwinding at a trendy bar on Kloof Street.

Day 4 Cape Town - Stellenbosch

Wave goodbye to the cobalt coast, for now. Embark on a scenic journey through the mountainous countryside to South Africa's picture-perfect wine region: Stellenbosch!

Upon arrival, settle into your elegant hotel and wander around its gorgeous grounds. Take a walk into town and explore charming Church Street! Treat yourself to a delicious dinner at any of the fabulous restaurants in the area.

Day 5 Stellenbosch

Say "cheers" to an exciting day of exploring South Africa's world-renowned wine region! Visit any of the area's countless wineries and treat yourself to a tasting, or two. 

Be sure to try South Africa's signature red: Pinotage! Sip its smooth, slightly smokey flavor - it might be your new favorite!

Day 6 Stellenbosch - Hermanus

Head to Hermanus today and get ready for a whale of a time! Drive down the Western Cape until you reach the bright blue waters of South Africa's - and perhaps the world's - whale watching capital.

This beautiful beach town is populated with Southern Right Whales, species of sharks, and other marine wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled!

Tonight, treat yourself to a beachfront meal at any of Hermanus' cliffside restaurants!

Day 7 Hermanus

Enjoy an energizing breakfast, then lace up your sneakers and head to Fernkloof Nature Reserve! Hike gorgeous cliffs and feast your eyes on spectacular sea views. More breathtaking beauty awaits at Walker Bay! Sit and stare out at the vast ocean and watch majestic whales swim on by.

Day 8 Hermanus - Knysna

Hit the road and embark on a journey along the sparkling southern coast. On your way to Knysna, consider stopping at picturesque Mossel Bay for lunch. Then, continue onto Knysna and check-in to your beautiful hotel.

Day 9 Knysna

Ah, wake up in paradise! Rejuvenate with a tasty breakfast, then grab your camera and head to Knysna Heads. This postcard-worthy spot boasts dramatic cliffs and deep turquoise waters that are so beautiful you won't believe they're real. From the Heads, explore the rest of Garden Route National Park and discover the beauty of the wilderness.

In the afternoon, check out the bustling Wild Oats Farmer's Market. Try delicious foods, learn about Knysna's culture, and mingle with some friendly locals. After you finish your snacks, make your way to breathtaking Brenton on Sea or Buffalo Bay and relax on the warm sand of the glistening beach. 

If time allows, drive through the magnificent Prince Alfred's Pass. Feel awe-struck by jaw-dropping mountain-scapes, hidden waterfalls, and endless greenery.

Day 10 Knysna - Kariega Private Game Reserve

Breathe in the salty sea air as you enjoy a pleasant breakfast, then head for the brush. Today's the day to let your wild side roar!

Explore the lush grounds of the malaria-free reserve, then indulge in a delicious dinner at the main lodge. Get a good night's rest - excitement awaits tomorrow!


Day 11 Kariega Private Game Reserve

Wake up in the wild! Enjoy breakfast, then put on your best safari hat and get exploring. Take tons of photos on your first safari drive of the day, then break for a yummy lunch. Roam around the gorgeous grounds of the reserve, then get ready for round two. Spot lions, elephants, leopards, and more!

After an exciting day, indulge in a delicious dinner back at the lodge. Then, cozy up and get a good night's sleep.

Day 12 Kariega Private Game Reserve

What's a better way to spend your last day in South Africa than on Safari? Enjoy the day and try to spot all of the Big 5 and more! Get that selfie with a giraffe and hear the roar of a nearby male lion.

Spend your last dinner reflecting on the success of your magical South African journey. 

Day 13 Depart South Africa

Squeeze all your souvenirs into your luggage and take one last scenic drive to the airport. Drop off your rental car and fly from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg, then board your connection home. Spend your flight scrolling through priceless photos and dreaming about your next adventure. 

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 4,008
Price Per Day: $ 308 per day

21,359 Great Value Vacations Travel Reviews & Ratings

87%
4.1 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 11,134
Great 5,035
Average 2,482
Disappointing 1,140
Terrible 1,568
Value
4.1
Guide
4.1
Activities
4.1
Lodging
4.1
Transportation
4.1
Meals
4.1

Cape Town & the Coast

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Company Reviews

Great hotel choices and itinerary

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Great Value did an amazing job with the basic outline for the itinerary and the hotel choices were excellent.

Even though our booked resort could not…

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Even though our booked resort could not accommodate us, GVV arranged a wonderful upgraded substitute, and our vacation was saved. Thanks!

Did not like the hotels expected much…

3.0
Details
Value3.0
Guide3.0
Activities3.0
Lodging3.0
Transportation3.0
Meals3.0
Did not like the hotels expected much better hotels when I upgraded. They were old and carpets were from the 70 stained and furniture was old and stained too. Specially in Lisbon
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INCOMPETENT DRIVE

1.0
Details
Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging1.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
As a reminder, we had contacted Viator that we arrived an hour early. Understandable, we had a 1 p.m. PU time. They said he could come at 12:45. It was 1:17 and we called back. They said he would arrive in a few minutes. We are 65. A man came over to us and said "I am taking a chance are you ? naming my first name". Other drivers were holding signs in the area. Then, FOUR TIMES WITH LUGGAGE, he stepped off with us on each floor and couldn't find his car. Then, he gets about to the hotel wherein it if a small side road going the oppoisite way and said "can I enter here"? We walked about 3 doors down to the hotel. I reported this to Viator for half credit as we have used Viator before. They sent an emal that they cannot offer us anything back. I will never use them in the future, nor will I recommend them.
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Package allowed no luggage, hotels fine.

2.0
Details
Value2.0
Guide2.0
Activities2.0
Lodging2.0
Transportation2.0
Meals2.0
The vacation went well. Our only complaint with the package was the luggage allowance for the flights was not clear up-front. This package was for 8 days to London and Paris, and the package allowed no checked luggage which could have been OK, but weight limit for carry-on was just 22 pounds. Considering the weight of the suitcase, this is not a lot of stuff for 8 days in DEC. So had to purchase checked bags which was quite a bit. Paris Hotel in much better neighborhood than London, but was much smaller. Both locations very good for breakfast and for transit.
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Two Storied Cities

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Both hotels were well situated; full service breakfasts incl. in both. The one in Copenhagen was fine; the one in Stockholm was larger, had more amenities incl. a good restaurant/bar. The boat tours were comprehensive. The train ride betw. the cities showed us the countryside. Tivoli Gardens & the historic Christmas market in Stockholm dating back to the early 1800’s were glorious. Recommend dinner along the canals. A lovely tour although a bit short; a couple more days would have been nice.
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Details

Flight & Transport Inclusions

Roundtrip air to/from trip start & all internal transport

Group Size

Independent

Trip ID#:

Greatvaluevacations-PK-GC4P-SH-CTTC-CPT

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