Cape Town Independent Short Break - 5 Days

Sawubona! Welcome to South Africa. When you arrive in Cape Town, you’ll be met by your local operator who’ll transfer you to your hotel. With its stunning coastline, dominating mountain and modern cityscape, Cape Town is one of Africa's most appealing cities. With vineyards on its doorstep, adventure activities around every corner and plenty of restaurants and cafes to while away the time, Cape Town is a very easy city to spend some extra time in. If you arrive early, maybe hop inside the revolving cable car and set off on one of hundreds of hiking trails that criss cross Table Mountain to its summit, stopping off the admire the views of Camps Bay below. You could also visit the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, Robben Island, and the Cape Point Nature Reserve to admire some local flora and fauna.

Today, you'll drive along the peninsula and see the many natural highlights of the area before retracing 350 years of Cape Town’s history on a two-hour walking tour of the city. Starting on the Atlantic Seaboard, take in natural sights like Maiden's Cove, Sentinel Lookout and the Cape of Good Hope in Table Mountain Nature Reserve. Look out for local wildlife, walk up to the old lighthouse at Cape Point and see the place where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet. Carry on to Simonstown, the home of the South African Navy, and to Boulders Beach to see the African penguins. See the prison where Nelson Mandela spent six years of his life then learn about the history of apartheid as you arrive into Cape Town's centre. Gain valuable insight into the effects of racism and discrimination on the lives of modern-day South Africans. See historical sites like the Castle of Good Hope (the oldest existing colonial building in South Africa), significant slavery sites such as the Iziko Slave Lodge Museum, the District Six Museum and the parliament buildings where apartheid laws were made and later repealed. End the day with a photo stop in Bo-Kaap.

Spend a full day travelling through Cape Winelands, visiting both old and new estates for a taste of the region’s best wines. You'll start off in the Fairview Estate for a wine and cheese tasting. On the slopes of the Paarl Mountain, this working farm is world-renowned for its wines, artisanal cheeses and the iconic goat tower. After, visit the Groot Drakenstein prison where Nelson Mandela was released in February 1990. Then, it's into the hills to Franschhoek. The view of the valley from here is lined with rows of manicured vineyards. Soak up the scenery and enjoy a glass of the region's finest from Rickety Bridge in the La Cabriere Estate. You can take the chance to lunch at the estate’s gourmet restaurant or visit one of the village’s many cafés instead. This afternoon you'll visit the college town of Stellenbosch to wander the boulevards and town centre before heading to your final activity – a cellar tour at Hidden Valley Estate, which sits on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain. You'll indulge in a chocolate and wine pairing tasting experience to elevate your time here. Later, return to the city for a free evening.

Today you have free time to discover everything that Cape Town has to offer. You can admire the view from the top of Table Mountain, go hiking if you're craving something more active or head off to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners were imprisoned. Maybe take in the atmosphere of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, wine and dine your way through the city or take a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing tour around the city. Tonight, why not unwind with a group dinner and another few glasses of the region’s best vino.

Your adventure comes to an end today. There are no activities planned for the final day and you can depart the accommodation at any time after check out. Additional accommodation can be booked if you’d like to extend your time in Cape Town, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.