Client quote
It was a wonderful trip and I've been giving mini presentations to friends ever since I returned. I plan to do another one with you cycling-centuries, next year.
Patricia Neils, Hawaii USA
Cape Escape - New for 2010
Experience the ultimate cycling adventure in the southern reaches of the African continent. This awesome bike trip will take you through some of the most scenic areas of South Africa, a country filled with dramatic coastlines, majestic mountain ranges, remote expanses of bush, searing deserts and endless species of birds and wild animals.
Spend 7 days of cycling pleasure as you pedal along a meandering route through the beautiful Cape Winelands, stopping to enjoy the taste of world class wines. Then it’s off along the edges of picturesque coastal bays where whales wallow lazily behind the breaking waves on your way to the Southernmost Point of Africa and the confluence of two mighty oceans.
With natural hot springs to soothe your tired muscles, stunning scenery to fill your eyes and quality wines to satisfy your taste buds, you’ll be sure to have a cycling experience that’ll make you come back for more. Enjoy the ride ...
Trip Highlights
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Visit the infamous Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.
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Take a Cable Car ride to the top of Table Mountain.
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Pedal leisurely through the Cape Wine Route, stopping to sample South Africa’s best wines.
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Visit the historic town of Stellenbosch, the heart of the Cape Wine Industry.
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Look down on Whales wallowing in the bay below you at Hermanus.
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Cycle to the Southernmost Point of the African Continent.
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Laze away in natural hot mineral springs in the settler town of Montagu.
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Enjoy the panoramic views of the Cape from the top of Franschoek Pass.
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Enjoy a remarkable part of the world in some of the finest accomodations available.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Cape Town
AM pickup at Cape Town Airport and off to the V&A Waterfront, for a welcome brunch under the stunning veiw of table mountain. In the afternoon enjoy an optional catamaran ride to Robben Island or a scenic cable car ride to the top of Table Mountain. There's also the pool or Spa and a leisurely stroll through the landscaped gardens on the Liesbeeck River. After a bike fitting we will have a welcome dinner at one of Cape towns most acclaimed waterfront restaurants.
Day 2
Bloubergstrand to Stellenbosch ride of 80km/49m
After a shuttle through Cape Town to the stunning beaches at Bloubergstrand, we ride up the West Coast and inland over rolling, tree-lined roads through vast grasslands and the stunning Helderberg Mountains as the road begins to wind through the first vineyards. After a tasty lunch at the Klein Joostenberg Wine Farm, we head to off to Stellenbosch. Relax and enjoy the night over a mouth-watering meal at a world acclaimed Wine Estate.
Day 3
Stellenbosch to Hermanus ride of 95km / 59m
After breakfast at our wine estate, we set off along the foothills of the magnificent Helderberg Mountains for a thrilling ride through the Winelands on our way to the coast of False Bay. Here we join the most spectacular coastal road, leading us all the way to the world renowned whale watching town of Hermanus. Along the cliff-top paths we can admire the beauty of Walker Bay and, depending on the time of the year, the awesome sight of whales playing in the waters just below us.
Day 4
Hermanus to Cape Agulhas Ride of 101km / 62m
We continue our ride to the quaint seaside village of Gansbaai, known for the gentle pastime of shark-cage diving ... anyone for a dip? Here we head inland onto the picturesque Fynbos Road that meanders through the coastal plain. This landscape has changed over the ages and is covered in over 2 500 different rare plant species. After lunch, we set off on the final stage of the day's ride to the Southernmost Point of the African Continent - Cape Agulhas.
Day 5
Cape Agulhas to Swellendam Ride of 95km / 59m
Today we can enjoy the rolling ride to Swellendam. Those with an interest in maritime history can stop in the town of Bredasdorp where we can visit the Shipwreck Museum. Our ride threads its way through vast farmlands on our way to the stunning Langeberg Mountain range and Swellendam. This historical little settler town is also steeped in history with traditional old Cape Dutch architecture and beautifully refurbished churches and cathedrals.
Day 6
Swellendam to Montagu Ride of 82km / 50m
Today we set off into the semi-desert Karoo region. Stunning scenery and the challenging Tradouw pass mark the day. Rolling hills take us through a kaleidoscope of semi-desert scenery to the charming little frontier town of Montagu. This historic town dates back to the 1800's and boasts magnificent Victorian architecture mingled with traditional thatched Cape Dutch houses and some of the finest wines from the nearby Robertson wine valley.
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Day 7
Montagu to Franschhoek Ride of 85km / 52.8m
A mostly flat ride today over the Klein Karoo en route to Franschhoek. Heading south, we pass sparkling waters of the Brandvlei Dam, with a chance to cool off before the only real climb of the day - Franschhoek Pass. At the top, views all the way to Table Mountain meld into the heart of the Cape Winelands. Then a delightful dash downhill as we head into the charming village of Franschhoek, settled by Huguenots in 1688 and still exuding an incredible French charm.
Day 8
Franschhoek to Cape Town 65km / 40.3m
Our final day of cycling dawns under the shadow of the Franschhoek Pass. We set off through the peaceful Winelands where we' ll find the scenic town of Paarl. Buildings lining Main Road present a mosaic of the most superb examples of Cape Dutch, Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco architecture. Then we head on past world renowned wine estates, with an opportunity to stop in and sample their delectable range along the way, before we retrace out pedal strokes back to Cape Town.
Day 9
Farewell
Our final day dawns with the bitter sweet thought that we do not need to get onto our bicycles again. Instead we can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast in our hotel restaurant overlooking Cape Town Harbour before packing our bags and boarding our bus for our final drive to Cape Town International Airport. At the airport we bid fond farewells to Africa as you board your homeward flights after an exhilarating week of cycling through a truly amazing country.
Trip Details
Cape Escape - New for 2010
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| Dates: |
4-11-2010 to 12-11-2010
27-11-2010 to 5-12-2010 |
| Price: |
€4790 |
| Single Supplement: |
€600 |
| Duration: |
9 days / 8 nights |
| Included: |
all breakfasts, 2 lunches, 7 gourmet dinners & w/ wine + more |
| Accommodation: |
Luxury B&B, Boutique Hotels, Cape wine lodge |
| Daily Mileage: |
68km daily average |
| Activity Level: |
Moderate / Challenging |
| Tour Interests: |
Africa, seascapes, world class rides & wines |