Cycling South Africa's Garden Route

Begin your adventure in cosmopolitan Cape Town, undeniably beautiful, culturally rich and a gateway to world-leading vineyards. Around 6pm, say howzit to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big South African welcome by arranging dinner at a local restaurant. Want to explore Cape Town further? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative. Stay: Harbour Bridge (or similar) (D).

Our first ride of the adventure takes us along the Cape Peninsula to Stellenbosch, the beating heart of South Africa's wine country. Along the way, we pass rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, and dramatic mountain passes, and ride through lively seaside communities. Highlights include: Chapmans Peak, which ranks among the most scenic coastal roads in the world; the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve; and Boulders Beach, which is populated by a protected rookery of critically endangered African penguins. Stay: Stellenbosch Hotel (or similar) (B).

Ride through the Cape Winelands today, where vineyards and mountain backdrops create a scenic cycling route. Our journey takes us from Stellenbosch to Franschhoek, two of the most iconic wine towns in South Africa, via vineyards and historic towns. Enjoy the peaceful countryside, with plenty of opportunities to slow down and take in the views. This route offers a mix of gentle climbs and scenic descents. Stay: Centre-Ville (or similar) (B).

Embark on a captivating ride to the riverside community of Botrivier through a mix of vineyards and farmlands. Riding through the heart of the Cape Winelands, enjoy quiet country roads and dramatic mountain views on a route that combines rolling terrain and scenic descents. Highlights include the Franschhoek Pass, Theewaterskloof Dam and the Van Der Stel Pass. We end the day at Wildekrans Wine Estate, an award-winning producer of wines and olive oil set within the beautiful Bot River Valley among fields of indigenous renosterbos shrubs. Stay: Wildekrans Wine Estate (or similar) (B/L).

After a scenic one-hour transfer to the starting point, gear up for an exciting ride through the Robertson Valley, another renowned wine-producing region. Our route includes tranquil roads surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and expansive farmlands, offering a peaceful escape with views of the valley and mountains. Stay: theLAB Robertson (or similar) (B).

Set off for Montagu, part of the Little Karoo (or Klein Karoo) region. This ride, one of the most scenic routes in the Western Cape, takes you through the vast open landscapes of the Breede River Valley, with views of rugged mountains, expansive vineyards, and rural farmlands. The terrain offers a mix of smooth stretches and gentle climbs, providing a perfect balance of challenges and relaxation. As you approach Montagu, known for its orchards, vineyards and hot springs, the landscape transitions into dramatic mountain passes, offering sweeping views that make every pedal stroke worthwhile. Stay: Montagu Country Hotel (or similar) (B).

Embark on a captivating ride along Route 62, one of the most iconic and scenic cycling routes in South Africa. Pedal through a mix of small towns, vast vineyards, and rolling farmlands as you make your way to Bonnievale. The route is lined with impressive mountain backdrops, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the views. Known for its rural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, this journey offers an immersive way to experience the heart of the Little Karoo. Stay: Karoo Art Hotel (or similar) (B).

Enjoy an unforgettable out-and-back cycling adventure through the Tradouw Pass. Pedalling through this natural wonder, we're surrounded by dramatic cliffs, lush vegetation, and winding roads that carve through the mountains. Mid-morning, we stop for snacks, a chance to refuel and enjoy the magnificent scenery. The pass offers a perfect mix of challenges and beauty, with a combination of climbs and thrilling descents. The breathtaking scenery unfolds with each turn, making it a truly immersive experience within the raw beauty of this iconic pass. Stay: Karoo Art Hotel (or similar) (B).

Begin your day with a scenic transfer to the legendary Ronnie's Sex Shop, which (despite the name) is actually a popular pub and much-photographed landmark. From here, cycle into the rugged Karoo, where the vast, open terrain offers endless views of arid plains, rocky hills, and towering mountains. Pedalling through this semi-desert region, we experience classic Karoo landscapes of unique vegetation and wide-open skies. Stay: Rooiberg Lodge (or similar) (B/L).

Start your day with a challenging yet rewarding ride to Calitzdorp, taking on the formidable Rooiberg Pass. As you ascend the pass, enjoy views of the rugged landscape and vast plains that stretch for miles, while also stopping for mid-morning snacks. The descent into Calitzdorp offers a thrilling finish, with sweeping views of the Little Karoo's unique terrain. Wrap up the day with a transfer to Oudtshoorn, known for being the ostrich capital of the world. Stay: The Riempie Estate – Oudtshoorn (or similar) (B).

Begin with a scenic transfer to the Cango Caves, a natural wonder in the Swartberg Mountains, where we gear up for a thrilling ascent to the Swartberg Pass. The climb offers challenging terrain, but the reward is panoramic views of the mountains and valleys. After reaching the summit, enjoy the exhilarating descent to a farmstall at the bottom of the pass, where you can refuel and relax before the next stage of your adventure. Stay: The Riempie Estate – Oudtshoorn (or similar) (B).

Set off from Oudtshoorn and cycle over the Montagu Pass, heading towards the coast. Enjoy panoramic views as we ascend and then a thrilling descent as we approach the coastal region. The ride combines mountain vistas and the cool coastal breeze as we head into George, while also capturing the transition from the dry Karoo to the greener, more temperate climate of the Western Cape coast. Stay: Loerie Guest Lodge (or similar) (B/L).

Start with a transfer to a tea stop along the Seven Passes Road, a scenic route that winds through forests and picturesque landscapes.

After a relaxing start, set off for a ride through verdant surroundings, culminating at the Knysna Lagoon. As you cycle along the water's edge, enjoy views of tranquil waters, greenery, and coastal beauty. It finishes with a peaceful ride along one of the most scenic spots in the Garden Route. Stay: aha The Rex Hotel (or similar) (B/L).

After an unforgettable cycling trip, we begin our return journeys home. If you'd like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay (B).