12
30 577
Arrive Cape Town; the day is free for relaxing, shopping, catching a few rays of sunshine or exploring the endless activities in and around the city. The guide will be on hand to advise and assist, but here are a few recommended options: a cable car ride up Table Mountain for the fantastic view over Cape Town and the coastal regions; a visit to the world famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens or a half-day trip to the infamous Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela and other members of the ANC served their long sentences (this trip can be done on day 12 depending on the weather on Table Mountain).City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront or similar
This morning we have a short transfer from our lodge to the harbour and then we cycle to Bloubergstrand - it's from here that the iconic pictures of Cape Town with the backdrop of Table Mountain are taken. After taking the obligatory photos, we're off on a short transfer into the centre of the winelands. In the afternoon we cycle over Hellshoogte' (Hell's Heights) and then freewheel the rest of the way to the famous Boschendal vineyards where we stop for a well-earned drink (optional) before transferring to our accommodation at the Rosenview winery in Stellenbosch.Rosenview Guest House or similar
Distance in Km: 50
Distance in Miles: 31
In the morning we have a short transfer before cycling through Franschhoek and up the Franschhoek Pass (739m) for some of the most breath-taking views of this region. We then continue to cycle to Villiersdorp. After a lunch we get back on our bikes and cycle towards Nuy Valley and then take a short transfer to Montague.Montague Hotel or similar
Distance in Km: 70
Distance in Miles: 44
Today we head east, cycling from our accommodation in Montague to our accommodation in Barrydale. Along the way the landscape changes to the semi-arid desert of the Great Karoo, a huge ancient plateau making up almost a third of South Africa's landmass and littered with remains of ancient Bushman cultures. We cycle a scenic back road traversing a more fertile region known as the Little Karoo, a short climb brings us to the Tradouws Plateau before arriving in Barrydale, our base for the night. This quiet old Dutch village is in a fertile valley surrounded by a colourful mix of vines, fruits and wild flowers (in season). While here we will visit a local co-op cellar and have an opportunity to taste their produce, including the local Chardonnay which is well respected for its unique taste.Tradouw Guest House or similar
Distance in Km: 65
Distance in Miles: 40
After breakfast a short climb takes us up and over the spectacular Tradouws Pass. Near the top of the pass is the remains of a prison camp once home to the convicts that constructed the pass in 1873. From here the route is mainly downhill through the Langeberge Mountains to the small town of Suurbrak. Built by the London Missionary Society in 1812 many of the buildings have been restored and now the town has the feel of a living museum. Moving on we reach our base for the night - Swellendam. From here we drive to the Bontebok National Park. This park boasts some rare antelope as well as mountain zebra and some endangered crane species. The park has two 2km self guided nature trails, which can be explored independently.Aanhuizen Guest House or similar
Distance in Km: 35
Distance in Miles: 22
A short transfer (20km) brings us into the Overburg district, and we cycle through the cultivated farmlands of the Western Cape to Bredarsdorp. The road gently rolls through neat wheat fields and remote fishing villages facing the Indian Ocean, arriving at Cape Agulhas. This is the southernmost point of Africa, and South Africa's newest national park, encompassing a large area of wetlands and coastline and extending some kilometres out to the sea. Whales and other sea life that frequent the warm waters of the Indian Ocean enjoy the protection within its boundaries. It also provides a home to thousands of sea birds and seals that can be seen along the rugged beaches.Cape Agulhas Guest House or similar
Distance in Km: 60
Distance in Miles: 37
This morning we cycle through the picturesque hamlet of Elim and past 55km of undulating farmlands to the coastal town of Kleinbaai. Following lunch, we take a short transfer into Standford where have the chance to sample local beer at the Birkenhead Brewery. We finish our day in the town of Hermanus - famous for the very close sightings of the Southern Right Whale, which come into the secluded bay to mate and calf each year from June through to November, it is a great place to relax. In the afternoon we have the option of cycling from one of the local viewpoints of Walkersbay along the Hermanus coastal road to our accommodation, offering the best chance of spotting the whales.Windsor Hotel or similar
Distance in Km: 55
Distance in Miles: 34
We have a free day today to rest our legs in Hermanus. In the 1920's the town was known as a place to convalesce and was being recommended from as far a field as London. Grand hotels were built and its reputation as a holiday resort was established. Nowadays it still manages a delightful balance between the two industries of fishing and tourism. In addition to this the World Wildlife Foundation recognises Hermanus as among the twelve best places in the world for whale watching.Our September to October departures give the best opportunity to see whales swimming off the coast. Windsor Hotel or similar
Today we cycle the Whale Coast, from Hermaus to Gordon's Bay, possible one of the most scenic rides in the world. The road follows the rugged coastline passing through fishing villages with dramatic views over False Bay and the Cape of Good Hope. Along the route there is a good chance that our efforts will be encouraged by the numerous troops of Cape Baboon. Today is the longest cycle day, but those preferring a shorter ride can catch a lift in the support bus for part of the day. We transfer at the end of the day from Gordon's Bay to Simonstown.Quayside Hotel or similar
Distance in Km: 90
Distance in Miles: 55
After breakfast, a short 30km transfer brings us to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. We then walk from the Cape of Good Hope to the old lighthouse at Cape Point. From here we cycle through the Cape Point Nature Reserve and then along the very scenic coastal road to the historic village of Simonstown, downhill for most of the way, with panoramic views over False Bay. After a rest stop and lunch at Boulders Beach we visit the local penguin colony (optional). We then continue our cycle along the coastal road to our overnight accommodation. Quayside Hotel or similar
Distance in Km: 25
Distance in Miles: 15
The ride today follows part of the annual Cape Argus route, one of the largest cycling events of the world, and is arguably the most scenic route that South Africa has to offer. We complete our circuit by cycling from Glencairn over the redhill pass along an old navy road to Scarborough and then all along the Atlantic coast via the stunning Chapman's Peak drive into Hout Bay. After lunch in Hout Bay we cycle up Suikerbos Ridge past Llandudno and then on to Cape Town via Camp's Bay and the 12 Apostles all the way to our accommodation in Seapoint. We celebrate the end of the cycling at one of the many venues at the Waterfront.City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront or similar
Distance in Km: 50
Distance in Miles: 31
The day is free for last minute shopping, catching a few last rays of sunshine or the half-day trip to Robben Island before the trip ends here.
9 days cycling with full vehicle support95% tarmac, 5% hard pack dirt
roads Group normally 4 to 14, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs7 nights guest
houses and 4 nights lodges, all en suite
All breakfasts are included on this holiday.For breakfast you can expect a
continental style buffet with fresh fruit, cereals, bread, yogurts and tea
and Coffee. On some days our guides will prepare a cooked breakfast when they
have the facilities to do so. Lunches can consist of a good spread of fresh
salads, cold meats, cheese, bread, condiments, fresh fruit and a selection of
cold drinks. For evening meals you can expect a large Braai (BBQ) with lots
of locally sourced steaks, sausages and vegetables. Restaurant menus are very
varied and our guide will be on hand to recommend the best options for your
personal tastes and budget. you can expect You can expect stews, pasta, curry
and steaks. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday -
please do inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so that
our local team can be well prepared.
9 days cycling with full vehicle support95% tarmac, 5% hard pack dirt
roads Group normally 4 to 14, plus leader. Min age 16 yrs7 nights guest
houses and 4 nights lodges, all en suite
This tour is classified: Road Activity level 3 (Moderate)9 days cycling with
an average distance of approximately 55km (34 miles) per day with full
vehicle support.A classic road tour with relaxed rides and the opportunity
for a few challenging climbs. Mainly good quality tarmac with a few
excursions onto hard-packed graded roads. This trip uses main roads which can
be busy, but the scenery from the route we take is wonderful. All of the
roads used are of good quality tarmac except the occasional stretch of dirt
road in the wine district and at Cape Agulhas.Legal Note: all group members
joining this tour will be asked to sign an indemnity form at the start of the
holiday. This indemnity form is a requirement of the South African Tourism
Service Association which our local supplier is a member of. As a client of
Exodus Travels Ltd, your rights under the Package Travel Regulations (1992)
are unaffected, and Exodus remains liable for the actions of our
sub-contractors.
Lodges & ChaletsThroughout the trip we stay in locally run lodges and chalets with plenty of
individual character. The majority of these are small, privately owned
establishments and all are clean and comfortable. We have chosen a range of
properties, most specifically for their excellent locations; in Cape Town we
stay in Seapoint, near the Waterfront which is a very popular and central
area, in Hermanus we are close to the sea and in Stellenbosch we stay at the
Rosenview wine farm where we can sample the locally made wines. All
accommodation has en suite facilities and are of a high standard throughout
the tour.
Normally 4 to 14 plus leader and driver.
All breakfasts are included on this holiday.For breakfast you can expect a
continental style buffet with fresh fruit, cereals, bread, yogurts and tea
and Coffee. On some days our guides will prepare a cooked breakfast when they
have the facilities to do so. Lunches can consist of a good spread of fresh
salads, cold meats, cheese, bread, condiments, fresh fruit and a selection of
cold drinks. For evening meals you can expect a large Braai (BBQ) with lots
of locally sourced steaks, sausages and vegetables. Restaurant menus are very
varied and our guide will be on hand to recommend the best options for your
personal tastes and budget. you can expect You can expect stews, pasta, curry
and steaks. Vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday -
please do inform us before departure of any special dietary requests so that
our local team can be well prepared.
To transfer to our cycle rides we use a minivan. All have comfortable seating
and are good quality up to date vehicles. Our bicycles are carried on a
trailer. Your drivers and guide are at your disposal during the day, to take
you on the planned route and make any necessary route changes.
Travelling flight inclusive from London: 14 daysThe group flight from London
is an overnight flight departing the day before Day 1 of the itinerary.We
normally use the scheduled services of South African Airways or British
Airways (depending on availability). As flight timings and schedules change
regularly we recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your
agent to confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a
later date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks
before departure.If you are travelling on flights via Johannesburg, please
note that you will need to collect your baggage in Johannesburg, even
if your bag has been checked all the way through to Cape Town (and even if
you are told at Heathrow that you do not need to pick it up). After
collecting the bag, you are required to clear customs, and you should then
drop it off at the bag drop for the onward flight. This only applies to the
outbound flight ‐ you do not need to do this at the end of the trip on the
return flight.UK Regional FlightsThe Flight Inclusive price is based on a
London departure, but we are happy to tailor this to your local or regional
airport. Please visit www.exodus.co.uk/regionaldepartures for a useful
overview of the options available, and contact our sales team for
expert advice. If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must
allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in
time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer than
the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to
delays.Travelling land only: 12 days starting and ending in start Cape
Town Your trip normally starts at our accommodation in Cape Town in the
morning of Day 1 of the itinerary. Details of how to reach the start point
are provided in the Final Joining Instructions ‐ sent approximately two
weeks before departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it. If you require airport transfers, you may (by
prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are
arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight ‐ please
check the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take
this transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at
your own expense.
The best time to see the carpets of wild flowers and fruit blossoms is in the
spring (August and September). In the summer months the south easterly wind
can blow up to 70km/h at least a few times a month. This helps to cool things
off, but can be a little tiring if cycling into it. Our programme is flexible
enough to accommodate any major changes in weather, and yet still be
enjoyable. February is the hottest month in Cape Town with an average
temperature of 23c. June is the coldest month of the year with an average
temperature of 13c so we avoid running trips at this time. At the times we
run most of our trips you can expect warm days with the temperatures around
20C.
We recommend packing the following items:Normal daily clothesCycling helmet
(compulsory on this tour)Padded cycling shortsGlovesBreathable top or cycling
jerseySunglasses/eye protectionStiff-soled shoes suitable for
cyclingWaterproofs and long cycling trousersFor the earlier departures you
may need some warmer layersSun creamWater bottleCycling of all kinds has its
dangers and accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you
are properly prepared for the riding you are going to undertake.
You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or
gel saddle cover to fit to the hire bikes. We encourage this, if it is your
preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own
equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot
guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind. If you prefer the
familiarity of your own bike, you may of course bring it along. Please advise
us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount off the price of
the holiday, as specified above. You will be responsible for any extra
baggage charges, please speak to our Sales team for individual airline fees.
Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure they have adequate cover
for loss, damage or theft under their travel, home contents or a specialist
insurance policy. If Exodus is confident that we have taken all reasonable
care to ensure the safety of your bike, in the rare event of loss, damage or
theft you will need to claim under your own insurance policy.
Local Bike Details: Trek FX 7.2 hybrid bikes.Discount for bringing your own
bike: £150.
Sterling/US Dollar cash is recommended. Credit Cards can be used in major
shops and restaurants but will not be accepted at curio stalls and small
shops. We suggest that you bring cash. Please bear in mind that due to the
nature of the tour, it would be better to bring sufficient funds with you for
the duration of the trip.We recommend that you budget approximately £25 ($33
USD) per day to cover incidentals and any un-included food and drink.Optional
excursions:All prices listed are subject to change:Table Mountain cable car -
R225Seal Island cruise - R65Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens - R45Township Tour
(Cape Town) - R500Penguin Colony (Boulders Beach) - R170Wine Tasting ranges
from R30 - R50Hermanus Whale Watching boat trip - R800Robben Island - R600
(Note: If you would like to book this excursion then please advise Exodus at
least 4 weeks before travel (ideally when you book on the trip). We will take
all names and the tickets will then be payable locally - this is to avoid
disappointment as it is a popular tour. Once you have signed up then we
cannot accept cancellations. Refunds will only be issued if we are refunded
by the ticket office for adverse weather conditions etc).
This is entirely at your own discretion. However, as a guideline, we suggest
you allow a few pounds each day for tips for the guide‐ about £4 (approx.
US$6‐7) a day per client would seem reasonable.
Travel insuranceSingle accommodation (available on request)Visas or
vaccinations
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.