Best of South African Luxury: Relaxation and Adventure

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to South Africa! Fly into Cape Town, where you will receive a meet and greet at the airport and a private transfer to your hotel. Your home for the next 3 nights is The Silo Hotel, the hottest hotel in Africa. This stunning architectural work was converted from a 100-year-old grain silo into Cape Town’s most luxurious hotel. Art lovers will be in heaven at The Silo: The hotel sits on top of the Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, and boasts an impressive collection of contemporary African art in its individually decorated rooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer fabulous 360° views of Cape Town. Head up to the rooftop bar this evening to watch the sunset with cocktail in hand.
The Silo Hotel

Day 2
Embark on a captivating culinary journey through Cape Town on a private walking food tour. Just as a country’s culture is interwoven with its cuisine, South Africa offers no exception. Many of its gastronomic traditions are deeply rooted in home cooking, demanding a thorough exploration to genuinely savor its intricate flavors, textures, and aromas. Guided by an enthusiastic local expert and foodie expert, this tour is designed to unveil contemporary culinary trends and the modern shifts within Cape Town’s food scene, while celebrating its traditional cultural heritage. Discover hidden gems throughout the city, from bustling markets and local bakeries to back-street bars, unassuming street vendors, and trendy cocktail lounges. Immerse yourself in the flavors and meet the artisans who embody the vibrant tapestry of the Rainbow Nation. As you traverse Cape Town’s streets, you’ll not only connect with its history and people but also indulge in its culinary wonders. At various stops along the way, you will sample an array of offerings, from traditional dishes to South African street food and visits to artisanal food and coffee shops. Each stop will treat you to a small dish or beverage, accompanied by insights into its cultural significance. Engaging narratives about the neighborhood will provide a deeper understanding of what you are tasting and the authentic local way of life. The enchanting Bo-Kaap, a picturesque locale within the city, serves as a highlight of this tour. As the heart of the Cape Malay Community, it offers both beauty and flavor. Here, you’ll explore the charming streets and relish in tasting beloved local dishes, such as the traditional Muslim rose-flavored milk drink known as a falooda, and exquisitely cooked samosas with their flaky perfection. A visit to an Aladdin’s Cove of spices will offer insight into their integral role in the Cape Story—a chapter that began as a refreshment station for ships transporting spices between the East and West. Throughout the day, let your taste buds lead the way on a culinary expedition that brings the city’s history and lifestyle to life. This tour serves as an illuminating introduction to Cape Town’s dining scene. Your guide will impart not only knowledge about the city’s culinary landscape but also share valuable tips and insights on the finest dining establishments—places where locals gather, and you’ll want to join for a drink or two.
The Silo Hotel

Day 3
Today is yours to spend at leisure in Cape Town. Your hotel is perfectly located in the heart of the V&A Waterfront, with easy and safe walking access to all the top attractions. Hike up Table Mountain; visit Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned; discover food, art, and culture in the fashionable Woodstock neighborhood; or relax on one of Cape Town’s beautiful beaches.
The Silo Hotel

Day 4
On this day, you leave the city and head into the idyllic Cape Winelands. Enjoy a private transfer to your luxurious hotel in Franschhoek Valley. With the stunning mountains in the background and breathtaking natural scenery, La Residence is a haven of tranquillity and exquisite opulence. Sample delicious cuisine matched with local wines at the fabulous on-site restaurant. The picturesque town of Franschhoek is a mere 15-minute walk away.
La Residence

Day 5
Led by a qualified Cape Wine Master, hailed as the pinnacle of wine education in South Africa, your wine and food journey promises unparalleled expertise. Your guide is not only on a mission to unravel the enigma of wine but also happens to be an eighth-generation descendant of a prominent Cape ‘wine’ lineage. Beyond his extensive wine knowledge garnered locally and globally, your wine guide’s escapades are steeped in fostering connections and sharing the narratives of the present and the past within the wine industry. Nestled amidst mountains and vineyards, Stellenbosch is a charming university town that seamlessly intertwines historical architecture, vibrant student life, culinary delights, and tree-lined streets. Explore its enchanting character through a leisurely walking tour of the town center, where beautifully conserved Cape Dutch and Victorian buildings stand as testaments to its rich heritage. This amble also presents the perfect occasion to peruse captivating art galleries, boutique interior shops, stylish clothing boutiques, and charming gift stores. Stretching gracefully around the town, the Stellenbosch Wine Route stands as South Africa’s most commercially developed and long-standing wine destination. In fact, it pioneered the concept of a coordinated wine route. With a plethora of approximately 200 estates within its boundaries, each offering a unique essence, the area boasts wines produced from nearly every grape variety. It’s a haven for wine enthusiasts, renowned for its impeccable blended reds. From ultramodern and contemporary wineries to grand historic ones, as well as charming family-owned boutique estates, the options cater to every palate. Living up to its reputation as a Winelands gourmet hotspot (it was one of Time Magazine’s list of World’s Greatest Places in 2022), Franschhoek is littered with a choice of superb fine-dining restaurants. Enjoy lunch at a fine establishment, before embarking on a journey to explore some of the hidden gems among the valley’s estates. Beyond its illustrious wineries and Michelin-worthy eateries, Franschhoek reveals a vibrant world of contemporary art galleries, an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails, and a chic café culture. These elements converge, making it one of the most coveted destinations in the country, equally appealing to families, culinary enthusiasts, and nature aficionados alike.
La Residence

Days 6 – 7
It’s on to your next stop, Hermanus! Enjoy a private transfer to Birkenhead House, an incredible boutique luxury hotel. With its exhilarating clifftop position overlooking the whale watching paradise of Walker Bay, Birkenhead House provides luxury accommodation for those seeking an extraordinary coastal experience. Watch surfers carving through the waves and, for several months each year, witness Southern Right and Humpback Whales breaching just meters from the shore. For those seeking adventure, Hermanus is the perfect base for cage diving with sharks! Enjoy these days at your leisure.
Birkenhead House

Day 8
What’s a South Africa vacation without a Big 5 wildlife safari? Today, take a private transfer to Cape Town, where you’ll catch a flight and road transfer to Thornybush Private Game Reserve (part of the Greater Kruger National Park). Your home for the next 3 nights is Royal Malewane safari lodge, one of the most exclusive and luxurious lodges in South Africa. The safari experience here is unparalleled!
Royal Malewane

Day 9 – 11
Spend the next 3 days on safari and experience the thrill of seeing African wildlife in the wild. Royal Malewane boasts incredible game viewing; be prepared to see elephants, lions, antelopes, giraffes, wild dogs, and much more! In between game drives and walking safaris, you can relax in your spacious suite—which features a private deck, day beds, a plunge pool, and a well-stocked mini bar—or unwind at the spa.
Royal Malewane

Day 12
Today, your South African adventure comes to an end. Make your way to Hoedspruit airport, where you’ll connect to Johannesburg and onward back home.