Special information
- This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
Itinerary
Day 1 Franschhoek
Franschhoek or "French corner" is a small town in the Western Cape Province and one of the oldest towns of the Republic of South Africa. Franschhoek is notable for having some of the top restaurants in the country within its quiet borders. This fact, together with the strong wine culture, and pristine natural and architectural beauty has made Franschhoek into what many describe as the "food and wine capital" of South Africa.
Upon arrival into South Africa you will be met at the door of the plane and escorted through Customs and Immigration avoiding any queues. You will also receive all of your necessary documents for your trip which contains a detailed personalized itinerary, maps, restaurant suggestions, Top Tips for exploring each city or region and a 24 hour concierge service (for restaurant reservations, spa treatments, child minders, day tours etc).
You will be met this morning by your guide and set off for the Winelands, a delightful drive which winds its way through superb mountain ranges, vineyards and Cape Dutch homesteads. Our first stop is Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa, with canal lined avenues, and magnificent examples of Cape Dutch architecture where we enjoy our first wine tasting, coupled with a chocolate and dessert tasting. Onward over the scenic Helshoogte Pass, to Franschhoek, founded by French Huguenots over 350 years ago, and widely regarded as the culinary capital of South Africa. Its beautiful setting and café lined streets will charm you and a further wine tasting is included at one of the renowned estates here. Your journey will also take you to the town of Paarl, at the foot of a cluster of remarkable granite domes where we enjoy our final wine tasting before being dropped off in Franschhoek at La Fontaine Guesthouse for the night.
The serious business of fine dining at Le Quartier has been set apart and defined by The Tasting Room. Course after course of exquisitely presented culinary delights showcase chef Margot Janse and her team's award-winning talent. You can indulge in a surprise - African inspired - or a five course choice menu. The menu can be enjoyed with a wine pairing (drinks not included).
The Franschhoek is a historic residence in the centre of what many regard as the most picturesque village in the Cape Winelands.
Overnight at The Franschhoek Country House.
Day 2 Franschhoek
Today your resident Winelands expert will join you for a full day exploration of the culinary delights of the Franschhoek Valley, including exceptional estates such as Haute Cabriere, Moreson, La Motte and Grande Provence. You will delight in cheese tasting in the 200 year old barn at La Grange Fromagerie, chocolate tasting at the Franschhoek Chocolate factory and lunch which has been booked for you at either La Petite Ferme or Grande Provence, depending on your preference. Take time to explore the town by foot as the boutiques and art are exceptional. You will return to your auberge late this afternoon.
Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.
Set on the original site of Franschhoek's first parfumerie, today it's the heavenly scent of chef Adrian Buchanans cooking that inspires at the Monneaux Restaurant, a Cape culinary classic. Even by the food & wine capital of the country's high standards, Monneaux is an extra-ordinary success, having been in the country's Top 100 list for six years consecutively, on the Top 10 list for two years and winning the American Express Platinum Award for fine dining.
Overnight at The Franschhoek Country House.
Day 3 Cape Town
Private transfer between Cape Town and Franschhoek.
Depart from Cape Town international airport - end of itinerary.
Overnight at Depart.
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