Description

South Africa Biking Private by Butterfield & Robinson

Price from: $6,895 per person (based on 4 people, double occupancy) Request your date for exact pricing. (Prices may fluctuate due to currency exchange rates)*

Prices from: 2 travellers – $8,895pp – 4 travellers – $6,895pp – 6 travellers – $6,295pp.

Start: Cape Town

Finish: Cape Town

Duration: 11 days / 10 nights

Request your date for exact pricing directly from Butterfield & Robinson.

“All itineraries can be customized to your group size, departure dates and interests (a custom quote will be provided). OnceOff members must identify themselves in the application form under the section “Additional Information”. Bookings are made directly with Butterfield & Robinson.”

Your Journey

South Africa is one of our oldest friends. We saw a stunning country that lent itself beautifully to our penchant for pedalling, and knew we absolutely had to introduce B&R travellers to it. It’s hard to believe that so much beauty, diversity and wine can be found so close to Cape Town—not to mention truly spectacular biking. In fact, this trip is not unlike many of our European jaunts, as we explore a compact area and stay in one elegant hotel after another. Pedalling along roads lined with dramatic vistas, we cover the Cape Winelands and cross over dramatic mountains, entering the Klein Karoo and Overberg. As our trip winds down, we will visit the coastal town of Hermanus before ending up in Cape Town.

The Wine Country

Days 1 – Welcome to South Africa! Upon your arrival at the Cape Town International Airport, your guide will be waiting for you in the arrival hall. It’s about a 45-minute drive to the heart of the Cape Winelands and the beautiful historic grounds of Babylonstoren. Spend the day exploring your surroundings. The picturesque region of the Winelands is centered around three charming towns, each with their own unique appeal.

The French Huguenot town of Franschhoek is widely regarded as the culinary capital of South Africa with its highly acclaimed outdoor cafes and bistros. Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in the country, is the historic center of the Winelands and is a bustling university town set in oak-lined avenues. And Paarl has a beautiful setting beneath the imposing Helderberg Mountains. Prestigious wine estates equally renowned for their award-winning wines surround these towns. Be sure to try the Pinotage, a uniquely South African cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault varieties.

Day 2 – A short drive from your farm hotel will bring you to the quaint country village of Franschoek. We’ll pedal the back streets of Franschoek and explore the surrounding wine farms. After lunch on a wine farm, you will have the option to either cycle or take advantage of the van to explore more wine farms in the area. This evening we will dine at one of Franschhoek’s great restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Activity: A 3-hour warm-up ride with the option to cycle or take the van to wine farms

Day 3 – Depending how much mileage you’re up for, you can either depart directly from the hotel or take a short drive to the start of your ride. Our route takes a scenic ride through wine country on undulating asphalt roads making our way to historic Stellenbosch, with options to taste wine and experience cellar tours along the way. We end our ride at the beautiful Middelvlei Wine Estate to enjoy a traditional braai (BBQ) on the manor house’s lawns before spending the afternoon exploring Stellenbosch on foot. This afternoon is yours to enjoy back at the farm before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Activity: A 28 to 36-km (17.4 to 22.36-mi) bike ride through gentle, undulating landscape with one short steep hill.

HOTEL | Babylonstoren Babylonstoren is situated in the scenic Western Cape wine growing area, 17 kilometres from Franschhoek. This 250 hectare working farm is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms of the area, surrounded by the dramatic Simonsberg and Franschhoek Mountains. Dating back to 1690, the original farm structures are beautifully preserved, reflecting the simplified Cape Dutch architecture of the era, with white washed walls and thick thatched roofs.

The Klein Karoo

Days 3 – This morning we’ll take a long, but scenic 2.5-hour drive out of the wine country and into the semiarid Klein Karoo. The sweeping open landscapes of this region are spread along the National 2 and the famed Route 62. Approximately 200 km (124 mi) from Cape Town, this area is surrounded by the spectacular peaks of the distant Langeberg Mountains, forming a narrow valley bubbling over to the wide plateau of the Klein Karoo. Charming country towns make up this region and many of these farms still have their original homesteads, which are characterized by their interesting architectural features and old gables. To this day, these communities are dependent on the agriculture of fruit, dairy, sheep and cattle. The pristine landscape is characterized by its wide range of foliage, from Afromontane forest to a variety of succulent plants. Hop on your bike and cycle into the remote frontier town of Montagu, arriving in time for a farmstyle lunch. Get settled in your lodge before spending the remainder of the afternoon wine tasting, exploring the town or taking a hike around a nearby canyon.

– Leaving Edinburgh after breakfast, we drive to the historic town of Stirling where we will visit the Stirling Castle and the Bannockburn Battlefield, where Robert the Bruce overcame the English army in 1314 to safeguard Scotland’s independence. Our final stop on the way to our hotel is at the Wallace Monument, which celebrates the life and struggles of William Wallace of Braveheart fame. A short drive from here takes us to the world-renowned Gleneagles Resort, where you can enjoy the leisure club before freshening up for dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Activity: A 38-km (24-mi) ride with long sections of downhill as we descend two passes. This ride is approximately 4 hours.

Day 5 – Leaving directly from the front door of the hotel, today’s ride takes you through a dramatic canyon with soaring twisted rock faces and into the rolling hills of the scenic wine country. We will make our way to the rural farming community of Bonnievale and have lunch on a wine farm along the banks of the Breede River, the life blood for this arid region. After lunch and a wine tasting, you can choose to continue your ride through scenic wine country on rural farm roads or take the van back to Montagu for an afternoon at your leisure.

Meal: Breakfast, LunchActivity: A 36 to 56-km (22 to 35-mi) ride through rolling farming landscapes with dramatic scenery as we travel through impressive rock formations. This ride is approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours.

HOTEL | Mimosa Lodge The Lodge is a delightful retreat with an enviable reputation for personal attention, hospitality and care. Unwind from your day’s activities in the oasis-like garden, enjoy a refreshing swim or relax in one of the stylish Art Deco lounges. The award winning Restaurant is renowned for its superb cuisine, run by owner-chef Bernhard Hess, the emphasis is on local, fresh and seasonal produce.

Route 62 & Swellendam

Day 6 – Either ride directly from the hotel for a full 82-km (51-mi) ride, or drive a little farther out of Montagu for an easier 43-km (27-mi) ride. The biking is beautiful, offering great cycling on a broad asphalt road with stunning remote mountain scenery. Both routes will drop down to the dramatic Tradouw’s Pass, revealing its wonderful rock formations, and take you to the missionary town of Suurbraak for lunch at an organic vegetable farm. After lunch, we’ll take a short drive to Swellendam, a village nestled at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains that is full of historical buildings.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Activity: The long bike option is an 82-km (50.9-mi) ride on long, undulating hills and climbs up to Tradouw’s Pass. The shorter bike option is a 43-km (26.7-mi) ride that also includes Tradouw’s Pass.

 

HOTEL | Schoone Oordt Country House Schoone Oordt Country House is a charming country hotel with 10 luxury bedrooms set in lush gardens, an intimate Conservatory restaurant, a saltwater pool and a passion for people, family, food, wine and the environment. The emphasis here is on unpretentious unaffected luxury, quality and acute attention to detail.

Heaven & Earth Valley Day

Day 7 – A short drive from Swellendam will bring you to the sweeping wheat fields of the Overberg region and the farming town of Caledon. Back in the saddle, our ride takes us through the vast fields of wheat and down the Caledon Pass into the beautiful Hemel en Aarde (Heaven and Earth) Valley, one of the Cape’s premier wine regions. Whet your palette while we will stroll through the vineyards to understand the fine art of viticulture and to sample the wines. We will have lunch at one of the fine restaurants before making our way down the valley to beautiful Walker Bay and the scenic fishing village of Hermanus. Archaeological evidence found at the nearby Klipgat Cave shows that the Khoi-San were the earliest inhabitants of the area; however, a shepherd named Hermanus Pieters originally founded the town in the early 1800s, and the protected bay was named after a Royal Naval officer named Walker.

Today the charming town has earned the status of being the best land-based whale-watching destination in the world. Southern right whales visit Walker Bay from June through to December when the world’s only Whale Crier blows his kelp horn to alert the town when the whales are spotted. The whales use the sheltered bay to calf and it is not uncommon to see pods of 50 or more in the peak months, with whales occasionally coming as close as 50 m (164 ft) to the cliffs.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Activity: A gentle 25-km (15.5-mi) bike ride with more trips downhill than up.

HOTEL | The Marine Hermanus The Marine Hermanus holds prime position on top of the cliffs at Hermanus, with spectacular seascapes over Walker Bay and the Overberg Mountains. It is decorated in a sophisticated nautical theme, with black and white photography and a unique wave designed class screen. Dining options are varied, with The Pavilion Restaurant and the Wine Cellar offering an elegant, yet relaxed and informal atmosphere, while the Seafood at The Marine emphasizes the freshness of the fish from Walker Bay.

Walker Bay & Cape Town

Days 8 – The waters of Walker Bay draw in hundreds of whales annually, making it the best spot in South Africa to watch these gentle giants. Early this morning we’re trading in our bicycles for kayaks to search for whales and seals in the bay. After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll drive beside the spectacular False Bay coastline, taking out the bikes along the way for a scenic ride to soak up the views. After a café lunch, we will drive to Cape Town. Your final home on this journey is the urban retreat Kensington Place, sitting directly below Table Mountain.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Activity: An early morning kayak (weather permitting) lasting 90 minutes and a scenic 25-km (15.5- km) bike ride along the False Bay coastline for 2.5 hours. The Cape Peninsula & Table Mountain

Day 9 – A short drive from Cape Town will bring you to Simonstown, a quaint village that is home to a colony of unique African Penguins. After a quick walk to the colony, we will ride from Simonstown along the beautiful False Bay coastline, gradually ascending to reach the famous Cape of Good Hope, commonly called Cape Point. You will have the option to either hike along the cliff up to Cape Point or catch a ride to our scenic restaurant lunch. After lunch, we will hike to the Cape Point Lighthouse to soak up the magnificent views before returning to Cape Town on our dramatic Chapman’s Peak drive.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Activity: A 25-km (15.5-mi) bike ride along the coast that starts gradually going uphill before undulating in Cape Point Reserve. There is an optional easy hike that is along good footpaths and should take approximately 45 minutes.

Day 10 – For those who wish to climb the mountain, we recommend an early start to beat the heat and get back to the city in time for lunch. The other option is to take the cable car to the top. The mountain presents many possibilities for scenic hikes that can be tailored to your ability, interest and the prevailing conditions. Ride down the famous Table Mountain Ariel Cableway, returning to the city in time for lunch at a home-hosted affair in the Bo-Kaap, the Cape Malay Quarter of Cape Town. This authentic experience brings the unique hospitality and culture of the Cape Muslim community to the table. Our host will prepare our main dish in advance, but you are invited to join in a simple cooking lesson involving local delicacies, such as chilli-bites and samoosas. In the afternoon, feel free to take a short walking tour around the Bo-Kaap, extending to the Companies Garden in the heart of Cape Town or drop down to the beautiful beaches of Clifton for some sun and beach fun.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Activity: A steep uphill hike for 3 to 5 hours and a 1 to 2 hour walking tour of Bo-Kaap.

HOTEL | Kensington Place Located in the leafy Cape Town suburb of Higgovale, surrounded by Table Mountain and overlooking the city, this luxury boutique hotel houses just eight spacious suites. Sink into the total comfort of meticulously designed suites defined by a blend of luscious textures and contemporary detail. Breakfast is served throughout the day and a seasonal menu is always on hand should you wish to dine by the pool or on your own private terrace.

 

Farewell

Day 11 – After breakfast, your guide will drive you back to Cape Town International Airport for your journey home. Safe travels!

Meals: Breakfast

The Details

Price from: 2 travellers – $8,895

4 travellers – $6,895

6 travellers – $6,295

Start: Cape Town

Finish: Cape Town

Best time to visit: January through April and September through December. Note that December is peak season so roads will be busy.

LEVEL OF ACTIVITY This trip is rated Enthusiast, meaning it’s appropriate for travellers who bike about once a week at home. Daily biking distances usually vary from 25 to 40 km amid the vineyards, farmlands and coastline of South Africa’s Western Cape. The riding is on predominantly asphalt roads, with the occasional compact dirt road. You can expect to encounter a few steep hills and at least one steep descent. There are plenty of shorter and longer options available each day to accommodate a wide range of fitness levels.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

All hotel accommodation  Meals as indicated with drinks  Services of B&R-trained local guide(s)  Support vehicles during bike rides  Use of a Giant Cypress bicycle or Giant Escape and helmet  Detailed maps and water bottle  All special events and private tours  All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

International flights  Cancellation insurance  Items of a personal nature  Gratuity for your local guide(s)

Designed by Michele Harvey Michele spent family holidays in the Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe before entering B&R history as our first-ever guide in South Africa in 1996. Today she designs incredible journeys in and around her native South Africa

About our Private Trip Collection The ready-to-book trips in our Private Trip Collection offer all the hallmarks B&R’s known for – great hotels, unparalleled immersion and unforgettable experiences – with the flexibility of going on your own schedule and with your own travel companions. Think of these trips as prêt-à-porter from your favourite designer: simply pick your dates, back your bags, and go.

WISH TO HAVE A CUSTOM TRIP PREPARED TO YOUR REQUIRED NEEDS?

Please Review the Butterfield Website here: BUTTERFIELD & ROBINSON HERE or CALL 1-800- 387-1147 quoting you are a OnceOff Member.

* Please note that your final itinerary may vary slightly from this one as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather—though we’d like to think there won’t be any—may also necessitate minor alterations. All pricing in U.S. dollars exchanged into Euro equivalent. ©2015 Butterfield & Robinson Inc.