Cape & Coast Vintage Explorer (Ground Only) 2027

Duration

12 Days

Departure Dates

5th May 2027

Prices from

£4,199 Per person

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Experience an extraordinary adventure to South Africa on this unique tour that blends nostalgia and discovery. Step on board a spectacular rail experience from the iconic city of Cape Town to the coastal charm of Mossel Bay, steam along beautiful coastlines and iconic landmarks, rise to the summit of Table Mountain, and indulge in award-winning wines of the Franschhoek Valley. Immerse yourself in the landscapes, culture, and spirit of South Africa through the golden era of rail travel.

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Table Mountain ©Shutterstock

12 DAYS FROM £4,199 (Ground Only)

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT

Book by 30th June 2026 using code EARLYBIRD100

to save £100 per person!

DEPARTS

Wednesday 5 May 2027

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Experience a spectacular six-day rail voyage through the scenic Cape Province
Travel in beautifully restored vintage coaches with a panoramic observation car
Journey along lines seldom experienced by the public
Steam along the coastline to the stunning village of Great Brak River
Experience a full day, 160km, steam-hauled journey to the vibrant Elgin Railway Market
Climb over the dramatic Sir Lowry’s Pass with wonderful views
Capture iconic moments with a photo stop at the Gouritz River Bridge
Ride the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway with a fast-track pass
Travel along the thrilling Chapman’s Peak Drive, carved into steep cliffs
Indulge in wine tastings at three renowned estates within the Franschhoek Valley
Journey on the celebrated, double-decker Franschhoek Wine Tram
Explore the delightful coastal charm of Mossel Bay

Also included in your Tour Fare:

11 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 5 evening meals and 7 lunches
Services of experienced Tour Manager

DAY 1

Wednesday 5th May
After making your own flight arrangements to Cape Town, you will meet the group at the AC Marriott Waterfront Hotel for our overnight stay and, after check-in, we enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before dining at leisure.

DAY 2

Thursday 6th May
This morning, we board our vintage train from the platform right outside the hotel for the start of an exciting six-day voyage through the Cape Province. After leaving the suburbs, we can relax in the observation lounge and bar as the train travels through Bellville, Wellington, and Worcester, with a light breakfast and our lunch served on board. We continue through Robertson and Bonnievale, enjoying views of the majestic Langeberg Mountains and the winding Breede River, before arriving in the small town of Swellendam. Here, we transfer to our overnight accommodation (Hotel TBC) and enjoy our evening meal together at a local restaurant.

B, L, D

DAY 3

Friday 7th May
After breakfast, we re-board our train to travel via Heidelberg and Riversdale to Albertinia, where steam traction is attached. A highlight of our journey includes a photo stop at the spectacular Gouritz River Bridge on the famous Garden Route before our steam-hauled arrival into Mossel Bay. We transfer to our accommodation (Hotel TBC) and check-in for our three-night stay, enjoying our evening meal together.

B, L, D

DAY 4

Saturday 8th May
Today, we enjoy a full day at leisure to relax and enjoy this delightful coastal resort of Mossel Bay at our own pace. You can discover the pristine beaches, visit the Post Office Tree Museum, or explore the local entertainment and dining options for lunch. This evening, we will reconvene at the hotel in time for our evening meal together.

B, D

DAY 5

Sunday 9th May
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we are treated to a fantastic steam-hauled journey along the coastline to the beautiful coastal village of Great Brak River, where we enjoy a buffet lunch at the Oppi-Stasie Restaurant. Afterwards, we make the return journey by steam to Mossel Bay and enjoy our evening meal together.

B, L, D

DAY 6

Monday 10th May
After breakfast this morning, we board the train and bid farewell to Mossel Bay as we begin our scenic journey back through Cape's landscapes towards Cape Town, with a light lunch served on board. Enjoy a day of nostalgia, relaxing on board, and taking advantage of the panoramic observation car before our arrival in Ashton where we transfer to Montagu and our overnight accommodation (Hotel TBC) to enjoy our evening meal together.

B, L, D

DAY 7

Tuesday 11th May
Today, we reboard our train for the relaxed journey to Cape Town and indulge in an onboard wine tasting experience sourced from local vineyards as we travel via Worcester, arriving in Cape Town in the early evening. Here, we return to the AC Marriott Waterfront Hotel for our five-night stay enjoying an evening at leisure.

B, L

DAY 8

Wednesday 12th May
This morning, we enjoy a private half-day panoramic tour of Cape Town, and a highlight of the day is the ascent of the iconic Table Mountain via the Aerial Cableway. Rising smoothly to the summit, we will take in the sweeping views across the city, coastline, and surrounding peaks. On arrival at the upper station, we enjoy time to explore the walking paths, admire the dramatic scenery, or visit the restaurant before retracing our steps to the city for an evening at leisure.

DAY 9

Thursday 13th May
Today, we enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent Cape Peninsula, travelling with both an English-speaking driver and guide. Our scenic adventure begins with the world-famous Chapman's Peak Drive, a thrilling coastal route carved into steep cliffs above the Atlantic, offering truly unforgettable views. We continue to the Cape of Good Hope, a spectacular nature reserve rich in wildlife and dramatic ocean scenery where we can ride the Flying Dutchman Funicular to the historic lighthouse, enjoying effortless access to the panoramic viewpoints that mark the most south-westerly point of the African continent. Afterwards, we travel onward to beautiful Boulders Beach, home to the beloved African Penguin Colony, before sitting down to an included meal at a local restaurant. With its beachfront setting, ocean vistas, and the chance to spot penguins nearby, it provides the perfect end to a wonderfully scenic day.

B, L

DAY 10

Friday 14th May
After breakfast this morning, we board the celebrated Franschhoek Wine Tram for a charming experience that showcases three renowned wine estates nestled within the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, each offering superb views, distinctive character, and award-winning wines. Travelling in the iconic double-decker tram, we are transported between the estates where a selection of wine tastings is available at each stop, and we take lunch together at a local restaurant. Our relaxing day in this world-famous region concludes back in Cape Town where we enjoy an evening at leisure.

B, L

DAY 11

Saturday 15th May
Today, we embark on a captivating train journey for a full day, 160km, round-trip to the vibrant Elgin Railway Market. This scenic journey takes us through stunning Cape landscapes including the iconic climb over Sir Lowry's Pass offering wonderful views over False Bay and Table Mountain and we will relax in vintage comfort enjoying snacks and drinks from the onboard services. On arrival in Elgin, we will have ample time to explore the lively Art Deco Railway Market packed with local crafts, food, and entertainment before returning to Cape Town for our final evening at leisure.

DAY 12

Sunday 16th May
After our fantastic South African adventure, you will make your way independently to the airport for your chosen flight home.

*Important Note: Whilst the arrangements for all described steam train travel are in place, we do reserve the right to make substitutions should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

HOTELS

AC Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Cape Town

Ideally located in the heart of Cape Town and minutes away from the iconic V&A Waterfront, the AC Marriott Hotel offers unmatched views of the iconic Table Mountain and harbour, a stylish restaurant serving delicious locally inspired dishes, a welcoming lounge and bar with Spanish-inspired tapas and creative cocktails plus an outdoor pool and a fitness centre. The modern bedrooms provide an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower and hairdryer, a living/sitting area, flat-screen TV, ironing facilities, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Hotel in Swellendam

TBC

Hotel in Mossel Bay

TBC

Hotel in Montagu

TBC

FARES

Ground Only Fare:
Ex Cape Town	£4,199
Single Traveller Supplement	£999
Deposit	£690

*If you would like to include return flights to/from South Africa, please book on the >> Flight Inclusive << version of the tour.

Please see below the details of the flights we intend to use on our Flight Inclusive tour:

TBC - We expect flight details and fares to be available in June.

11 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 5 evening meals and 7 lunches

All train rides, transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed

Services of experienced Tour Manager

Important – Please select the number of passengers before proceeding to ‘Book Now’

Number of passengers:

Date	From Price	Book Now	Callback
5th May 2027	£4,199 Per person	Book Now	Callback

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AC Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Cape Town

Franschhoek Wine Tram

Elgin Railway Market

Cape Town ©AdobeStock

Ceres Rail ©Shutterstock

Langeberg Mountains ©Shutterstock

Swellendam Church ©AdobeStock

Gouritz River Bridge ©AdobeStock

Mossel Bay, Post Office Tree ©AdobeStock

Sir Lowry's Pass, False Bay View ©Shutterstock

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