Magical Garden Route - 3 Day
TISD - 40/2 - S - Silver Class Tour
Cape Town to Port
Elizabeth
Day 01
With our last sight of majestic Table Mountain, we wave good-bye to the 'mother
city' of Cape Town and arrive in the town of Stellenbosch. Take a fascinating
stroll through 'Oom Samie se Winkel' - Stellenbosch's first trading store, and
admire the historical beauty of the heart of the winelands. Travelling over the
Helshoogte Pass to Franschhoek, we pass through the town of Robertson. From
here, we arrive in Montagu in time for a delectable country luncheon at Mimosa
Lodge reputed as a place of fine hospitality and superb cuisine. After lunch, we
continue through the Little Karoo before Barrydale until we arrive in the
Tradouw Valley. From here, we take a nostalgic trip on a vintage tractor through
the vineyards of the Joubert Tradouw Cellars, where we enjoy a cellar tour and
wine tasting. Crossing the Tradouw Pass, our journey to the beautiful town of
Wilderness begins. Driving through Mossel Bay, marvel at the splendour of
'Dolphin Point' before arrival at our seaside paradise resort.
Protea Hotel Wilderness Resort or similar - bed and breakfast basis including
lunch
Day 2
TIGK TOUR - Nature's Beauty and Nostalgia
From our hotel in Wilderness, we travel to George Railway Station to board the
famous Outeniqua Choo-Tjoo. In 1922 the Railways and Harbours Board recommended
the construction of a railway between George and Knysna, a distance of
approximately 67 kilometres. When this line was built it was regarded as the
most expensive piece of 'clickety clack' in the world. Today it is billed as the
most beautiful.
Travelling from George to Knysna is like being present at an animated art
exhibition, each kilometre presenting a new canvas that calls forth exclamations
of pleasure. One loses to a certain degree, the sense of time, thanks to a
profusion of scenic delights. The line travels through two tunnels of moderate
length, cut into the hills above the sea, before it approaches the Kaaimans
River Bridge, 210 metres long and 36 metres high.
On arrival at the Knysna waterfront, board the ferry that will take us to
Featherbed Nature Reserve on the Western Knysna Head. On arrival at the reserve,
enjoy a spectacular 12 dish buffet lunch at the 'Food Forest' - a unique outdoor
restaurant situated under the Milkwood Trees. After lunch, board a Unimog drawn
trailer and drive up to the top of the reserve. While stopping at a scenic
lookout point, our specialist guides will share with you some fascinating tales
about Knysna and the surrounding area while you enjoy the panoramic views. An
optional 2,2 km guided nature walk takes you through the forest, onto the
cliffs, into the caves and along the scenic coast. After the ferry returns to
the Featherbed Ferry Terminus, the day's adventure ends with a scenic drive back
to Wilderness for drop off at your hotel.
Protea Hotel Wilderness Resort or similar - bed and breakfast basis including
lunch
Day 03
Leaving the quaint seaside village of Wilderness we continue via Sedgefield to
South Africa's 'oyster capital', Knysna. After a short refreshment stop at
Knysna's East Head, continue via the millionaires playground of Plettenberg Bay
to the Tsitsikamma Forest area. Attractions here include the Big Tree and the
Garden of Eden. After lunch at the scenic Storms River mouth (not included),
Gaze in awe at the scenery whilst crossing the bridge over the Storms River
where photographic opportunities abound. Leaving the Garden Route via the high
forests of the Tsitsikamma Mountains and the Groot River Passes and Bloukrans,
we arrive in Port Elizabeth for drop off at your hotel or at Port Elizabeth
Airport.
AT A GLANCE
Accommodation
- Upper 3 and 4 star luxury accommodation
Flights
- No flights
Driver / Guide
- Services of SA Tourism Garden Route specialist tourist guide
Main Attractions
- Featherbed Nature Reserve on Knysna s West Head
- Nostalgic and scenic Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe
- Ocean Safari in search of various dolphin, whale and shark species
- Monkeyland and Bird s of Eden rehabilitation centres
- Historic Mossel Bay and the post office tree
- Ostrich farm visit and ostrich derby
- Cango Wildlife Ranch and Valley of Ancients, endangered species breeding
facility
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