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7 days - Cape Town, wine country and the coast

Cape Town and the vineyards from the air

Seven days in Cape Town, with a Peninsula day, a day on the water for whale watching with the option of cage diving, and a helicopter flight to the Stellenbosch vineyards.

1 Country
3 Stops
6 Nights
Medium to Luxury Service level
  • The storyThe headline tells the journey in a few lines, one after another.
  • At a glanceThe figures beneath it are the essential facts of the trip.

The journey

When to go

Cape Town weather
Whale season
Cape Winelands
Cape Town weather Whale season Cape Winelands Avoid
January Primary window

Warm, dry and sunny; the south-easter can blow and the Table Mountain cableway pauses in strong wind. Out of whale season; boat days focus on seals, dolphins and seabirds. Hot, dry days; tastings are best in the morning and under the oaks at midday.

Off season Warm, windy

The route

Cape Town Cape Winelands Cape Town
01

South Africa

Cape Town, Stellenbosch wine country, and the coast for whale watching.

Upon arrival in Cape Town, you’ll be greeted at the airport by an Iconic Expeditions representative and taken to your city accommodation. You’ll have the afternoon and evening to spend at your leisure, with our team only too happy to make restaurant recommendations and reservations.
We’ll spend today immersing ourselves in the beauty of Cape Town today with a half-day city tour and an afternoon cableway ride to Table Mountain for a bird’s eye view of the city. Your half-day Cape Town tour includes visits to the South African Museum, the beautiful Company Gardens, the parliament buildings, city hall, and the Castle of Good Hope. You’ll then head into the colourful streets of multicultural Bo-Kaap, where you’ll visit local landmarks including Signal Hill, Green Market Square, and Clifton. You’ll even have a chance to visit one of the local diamond factories. After your city tour is complete, you’ll board the scenic Table Mountain Cableway for a ride to the top of Cape Town’s most well-known landmark, from where you’ll have a spectacular view of the city.
We’ll head out after breakfast today for a full day exploring the stunning Cape Peninsula. Your day is one packed with isolated beaches, unspoiled landscapes, quaint villages, and the unique wildlife that makes the region so popular. Our day starts with the idyllic beaches of Clifton & Camps Bay before we head over to the bustling fishing town of Hout Bay. While here, you’ll take a boat out to Seal Island to spend a little time observing the playful mammals that lend the island their name. A visit to Cape Point to see firsthand where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet is our next stop en route to the highlight of the day: the penguin colony of Simon’s Town! These adorable birds call the nearby Boulders Beach home, and you’ll get a chance to see them up close. We’ll then make our way back towards Cape Town, breaking up the drive with a visit to the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens to stretch your legs and snap a few photos. Set at the foot of Devil’s Peak Mountain, it’s an absolutely gorgeous spot and well worth the visit. We’ll return to Cape Town in time for dinner.
Cape Town is widely regarded as one of the best places in the world for whale-watching, and we’re going to put that to the test today as we head out into the grey-blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean in pursuit of the majestic humpback. If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous, you might fancy the opportunity to experience the thrill of cage-diving with the great white sharks that frequent the same waters. Take a walk on the wild side with this rare experience. Or, if you’d prefer a day to explore Cape Town at your leisure, today can be a day of your own design. There’s plenty to see, do, and eat in Cape Town!
We’re going on a wine tour with a difference today, as you’ll take a helicopter flight all the way to the beating heart of South Africa’s world-famous wine country! Soaring over the patchwork of landscapes sprawled out beneath you is the ideal way to start a day of world-class wine and delicious gourmet food in the twin wine towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. After a day of fine wine and fine dining, you’ll retire to a quaint wine country B&B for a night’s well-earned rest.
What is better than a day sampling world-class wines in wine country? Two days in wine country! Today is a day for new experiences, and you’ll start with a spectacular sunrise hot air balloon ride that is sure to inspire you for the day ahead. Once you touch down, you’ll have a day of wine tastings and fine food to remember. Take a ride on the famous wine country train or rent bicycles and cycle from cellar door to cellar door. Once your exploration and degustation is done, we’ll head back to Cape Town to sleep off your day of excess. Alternatively, depending on what time your flight departs tomorrow, you can spend one more night in wine country.
After breakfast, an Iconic Expeditions vehicle will pick you up from your hotel and bring you to the airport for your onward travel. If you opted to spend your last night in wine country, we can even arrange a helicopter transfer straight to the airport!

Choose your day 4

Whale watching · On the AtlanticHead out onto the Atlantic to look for humpback whales. Whales are around from about June to November.

The detail

About this trip

Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, cosmopolitan Cape Town is a bustling cultural gem where countless cultures combine into one fascinating melting pot. A trip to Cape Town combines the glittering city’s nightlife and world-class luxury accommodations with the natural beauty of places like Table Mountain, the spectacular Cape Peninsula, and the nearby wine regions. The 7-Day Cape Town experience showcases the best that the area offers, including a full day in wine country, a whale watching experience, and a romantic hot air balloon over the vineyards of Stellenbosch.

What is included

  • City & Culture Tour – historic Cape Town: Bo‑Kaap, Castle of Good Hope & Company’s Garden
  • Table Mountain – cableway ride with panoramic city & coastline views
  • Cape Peninsula – Cape Point, penguins & scenic beaches
  • Winelands by Air – helicopter ride with wine tasting in Stellenbosch/Franschhoek

What is not included

  • International flights (From/home)
  • Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  • Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
  • Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
  • Increase in taxes and/or fees for parks set by the government

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

How does the 7-day Cape Town and winelands itinerary move around?
Days 1 to 4 are based in Cape Town: an airport greeting by an Iconic Expeditions representative, a city tour, a Peninsula day and an ocean day. On day 5 you take a helicopter flight to Stellenbosch and Franschhoek and spend the night at a wine country B&B. Day 6 is a second wine country day, then a return to Cape Town. On day 7 a vehicle takes you to the airport.
When is the best time for Cape Town, whales and the winelands?
Cape Town and the winelands score highest from October to April, with warm, dry weather. Whale season runs from about June to November, with peak watching from August to October, so October pairs peak whales, with mothers and calves close to shore, with fresh, bright weather. September is an alternative, with peak whales and spring warmth. June to August is cold and wet, when boat trips and flying activities are more often cancelled.
What does a typical day look like on this Cape Town trip?
Day 2 is a half-day city tour with an afternoon cableway ride. Day 3 is a full day on the Peninsula with Hout Bay’s Seal Island, Cape Point, the penguins at Boulders Beach and Kirstenbosch. Day 5 and day 6 are wine country days of tastings and fine food, and day 6 starts with a sunrise hot air balloon ride.
What can be chosen on the Cape Town itinerary?
Day 4 is yours to choose: whale-watching by boat, cage-diving with great white sharks, or a day to explore Cape Town at your leisure. On day 6 you can take the wine country train or hire bicycles between cellar doors. Depending on your flight, you can spend a seventh night in wine country, with a helicopter transfer to the airport. Dates are confirmed in your proposal.
Can you combine more than one country in a single trip?
Yes. Many of our journeys cross borders, for example Botswana with Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, or Cape Town with a safari and the Falls. Tell us the places you have in mind through the enquiry form and we will plan the route and transfers as one itinerary.
What meals are included on safari?
Meals depend on the camp or lodge and are set out in your itinerary. On safari they are usually taken at camp, with a picnic or packed meal on some days. Tell us about any dietary needs when you enquire.
Do I need vaccinations or medication before an African safari?
Health requirements depend on where you are travelling from and where you are going, and they change. Check your country's official travel health advice or TravelHealthPro (travelhealthpro.org.uk), and see a travel clinic well before you depart. Ask about malaria prevention early.
What should I pack for an African safari?
Lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your arms and legs helps against sun and insects, in neutral colours. Bring comfortable closed shoes (boots if you will walk), a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards. Your itinerary lists any luggage limits for charter flights.
How do I stay safe on safari?
Your guides brief you on how to behave around wildlife. Follow their instructions, stay in the vehicle or camp area as told, and never approach or disturb animals. Conditions differ by country and change over time, so check your government's current travel advice before you book and again before you travel.

On this trip

Photographs from the route, not stock library scenery.

Sparkling wine, glasses and platters of fruit and cured meats overlooking vineyards and mountains
7-Day Cape Town: South African Delights

Book it in this order

Work down the list. Each step depends on the one above it.

Field notes

The practical detail that decides whether a trip runs smoothly.

Cableway and Peninsula

The Table Mountain cableway pauses for wind and cloud. The Peninsula day takes in Hout Bay, Seal Island, Cape Point, Boulders Beach and Kirstenbosch.

On the water

Boat trips can be cancelled when the sea is rough. If your day 4 trip is called off, we move it or swap in another choice.

Wine country day

Day 5 begins with a helicopter flight, then tastings in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. Day 6 starts with a sunrise balloon, then the wine train or bicycles between cellar doors.

Balloon rides

Balloons need calm, clear air, so a flight can be cancelled at short notice. Wear warm layers for the pre-dawn start.

Tipping

Tip your guides and drivers at the end of each service. Your final documents give a general guide.

Plan this journey

Make this trip your own

Every journey is planned around your dates and your party. Tell us who is travelling and when, and a specialist will come back with a tailored itinerary and a quote. Payment is by invoice.

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