Magnificent Garden Route

Ask our expert Sarah Jayne about this destination

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Day 1

On arrival at Cape Town International Airport you will be met by a Thompsons Representative and transferred to your hotel, your base for 3 nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel President or similar

Day 2

Explore the beauty of the Cape Winelands, visiting both Paarl and Stellenbosch before stopping for wine tasting at two well known estates. Visit the Huguenot Memorial and the Afrikaans Language Monument.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel President or similar

Day 3

Depart on a full day tour to Cape Point, drive along the Atlantic seaboard, visit Hout Bay and then continue to the Cape Point Nature Reserve before stopping off to see the lovable penguins at Boulders Beach. Drive through the historic naval village of Simon’s Town. Return to Cape Town and overnight.
Accommodation: Protea Hotel President or similar

Day 4

We depart by 07h30 and travel via the town of Montagu on ‘Route 62’ (South Africa’s version of America’s famous ‘Route 66’) to the pretty village of Barrydale where we stop for tea (own account). Then on to Oudtshoorn, known as the ‘feather capital of the world’ thanks to its huge ostrich industry. After a fascinating tour of an ostrich farm, we continue to our Oudtshoorn hotel for check in and overnight.
Accommodation: Oudtshoorn Inn or similar

Day 5

This morning go underground to marvel at the icy formations in the Cango Caves, regarded, for good reason, as one of South Africa’s most spectacular natural wonders. We then drive via the spectacular Outeniqua Pass to the town of George, then onto Knysna, perhaps South Africa’s most visually stunning resort, in the heart of the famous Garden Route. Spend the rest of the day discovering the joys of the town’s many art galleries, craft shops and coffee bars.
Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Hotel or similar

Day 6

Cruise on the vast Knysna Lagoon, then visit the Featherbed Nature Reserve. Enjoy an amazing view of the imposing sandstone ‘Heads’ which guard the sea entrance to Knysna’s huge tidal lagoon, and the forests, marshes and pristine beaches surrounding it. After lunch spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying this lovely and special town.
Accommodation: Knysna Hollow Hotel or similar

Day 7

We get to Port Elizabeth mid afternoon, after a drive through the glorious indigenous Tsitsikamma Forest. Fly from Port Elizabeth back to Cape Town for your international flight home.