Journey Across South Africa: Johannesburg, Blue Train, Cape Town, Franschhoek & Hermanus - 9 Days

Days 1-2: Arrive in Johannesburg, Board The Blue Train to Cape Town 

Welcome to South Africa's largest city, Johannesburg! Meet your guide in the arrivals hall, then transfer 45 minutes to Pretoria Station to board The Blue Train, a 5-star hotel on wheels. Enjoy a pre-departure drink and snack in the station's Blue Train lounge before departing at 2:30 pm for your two-day journey to Cape Town. Settle into your luxurious private suite, then head to the lounge car for a traditional afternoon tea overlooking the scenic South African countryside. For dinner, make your way to the elegant dining car to indulge in a four-course gourmet meal paired with fine local wines. 

The next morning, wake up in the Karoo, a semi-desert with rolling plains and distant mountains. At 9:30 am, you'll arrive at Kimberley, where you can disembark to learn about South Africa's diamond mining history. Stop at the Big Hole, a massive crater dug by pick and shovel during the 19th century, and the adjacent Kimberley Mine Museum to peruse the exhibits showcasing the miners' lives, some famous gems discovered in the region, and period-specific artifacts. Once you're back on the train, you can enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner as you continue your journey to Cape Town. 

Day 3: Arrive in Cape Town, Free Time at the V&A Waterfront

Enjoy your final breakfast on board while the train winds through the scenic Cape Winelands. Around 10:30 am, you'll pull into the picturesque port city of Cape Town. Disembark and transfer to your hotel to check in. The day is then yours to spend as you wish. If you want to do a bit of sightseeing, an excellent place to start is the V&A Waterfront, a bustling harbor area that blends historical charm with modern sophistication. Stroll along the promenade and browse the array of boutiques, eateries, and museums set against the backdrop of the iconic Table Mountain.

Then, you might like to visit the Two Oceans Aquarium for a captivating journey into the marine worlds of both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The aquarium is home to over 3,000 marine animals, including vibrant fish, mesmerizing jellyfish, and graceful rays. When you get hungry, wander along the waterfront and browse the world-class restaurants, markets, and bars to find somewhere for dinner. Whether you'd like to dine al fresco overlooking the marina or inside a stylish waterfront eatery, you'll find plenty of delicious dining options here.

Day 4: Visit Robben Island, Full-Day City Tour

At 8 am, meet your driver outside the hotel and transfer to the V&A Waterfront for a 40-minute ferry ride to Robben Island. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an apartheid-era prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 years in captivity. When you arrive, take a bus tour of the island, then follow your guide (typically a former political prisoner) through the maximum-security prison. You'll see Mandela's cell and learn about the stories of the anti-apartheid activists who were once confined there before returning by ferry to the city. 

On the mainland, head with your driver through Bo-Kaap, Cape Town's colorful Malay quarter. Discover the deep-rooted history of the Cape Malay people, descendants of enslaved and exiled Malaysians and Indonesians who were brought to South Africa by Dutch colonizers in the late 18th century. Sample their delicious cuisine, then continue to the green oasis of the nearby Company's Garden for a stroll past roses, sculptures, and the occasional squirrel. Visit the on-site Iziko South African Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts showcasing the country's rich biodiversity. 

On the way to your next stop, the Castle of Good Hope, you'll pass landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, City Hall, and the Grand Parade (the city's main public square). After snapping photos in front of the 17th-century castle, transfer to the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway for a ride to the summit. At the top, enjoy panoramic views of the sprawling cityscape, the picturesque Cape Peninsula, and the Twelve Apostles mountain range. If time permits, you may witness the sunset over the Atlantic Seaboard before returning to your hotel in the early evening.

Day 5: Full-Day Tour of the Cape Peninsula, Transfer to Franschhoek

Join your guide on a full-day tour of the Cape Peninsula, known for its dramatic cliffs and picturesque beaches. Head to Boulders Beach first to see the resident colony of African penguins that waddle freely along the sandy shores and nest among the large granite boulders that dot the landscape. After observing the penguins, continue to the southernmost tip of the peninsula, Cape Agulhas, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet. Walk along the scenic coastal paths, taking in sweeping views of the rugged shoreline, sparkling water, and red-and-white Cape Agulhas Lighthouse.

Dine in the seaside village of Simon's Town or Hout Bay before ending the tour at Groot Constantia, the country's oldest wine farm, established in 1685 CE. Sample a selection of local wines overlooking the verdant Constantia Valley and visit the on-site museum to learn about the estate's rich heritage and winemaking traditions. Then, discover more of the Cape Winelands as you transfer 1.5 hours to Franschhoek, a historic town established by French Huguenot settlers in the late 17th century. Nowadays, it's known for its beautiful vineyards, mountain views, and vibrant food and wine scene.

Day 6: Curated Wine Tour of Franschhoek

After breakfast, embark on a full-day wine tour around Franschhoek that's curated to your individual tastes. Start with a tram ride to a local estate, where you'll meet your knowledgeable wine guide. Learn about the region's rich history of viticulture and the science of winemaking while you sample different varietals. After the tasting, visit the estate's cellar to see rows of carefully stacked barrels of aging wine. Then, follow up with a curated three-course lunch in the restaurant paired with a glass of fine wine. In the afternoon, visit two more wineries in the area and sample premium vintages at each one. 

Day 7: Transfer to Hermanus via the Elgin Valley 

Say goodbye to Franschhoek this morning as you meet your driver for a 1.5-hour transfer to the seaside town of Hermanus. On the way, stop in the Elgin Valley, known for its cool climate and fertile soil. When you arrive, enjoy an olive oil tasting, then visit a local farm to sample fresh products, like honey, chocolate, preserves, cheeses, and apples. Continue to one of the many boutique wineries in the area, where you can indulge in some delicious varietals, from elegant reds to crisp whites and Méthode Cap Classique (MCC), a type of sparkling wine made only in South Africa.

If you're not too full, you can sit down for lunch at a restaurant your driver recommends or make one last stop at the Elgin Railway Market to taste freshly made apple cider, as the region produces 60% of South Africa's apple crop. Browse the stalls full of artisanal products, handcrafted goods, and gourmet treats before completing the drive to your hotel in Hermanus. The rest of the day is then yours to spend as you wish. You could head to the waterfront to enjoy the ocean views, followed by a fresh seafood dinner overlooking the water.

Day 8: Boat Cruise to Dyer Island, Optional Shark Cage Diving

Your penultimate day in South Africa starts bright and early with a boat cruise to spot the Big Five marine animals—whales, dolphins, penguins, seals, and great white sharks. Enjoy a welcome drink on board and don an all-weather jacket to keep you warm as you cruise to Dyer Island. It's home to a large African penguin colony, making them easy to spot as soon as you arrive. Keep your eyes peeled for the other Big Five marine animals that gather in the waters around the island while your marine tour guide shares their knowledge. After three hours on the water, return to land and transfer to your hotel.

If you're looking for a more adrenaline-packed aquatic adventure, opt for shark cage diving instead. Start with a 40-minute transfer to the Great White House in Kleinbaai, where you'll receive your wetsuit and complete a safety briefing. Then, board the boat with a marine biologist who'll teach you about the great white shark as you cruise to Dyer Island. Upon arrival, you'll each take turns in the cage. When it's your turn, climb inside the metal bars and, as the cage is lowered into the water, prepare for a face-to-face encounter with these powerful predators in their natural habitat. 

Day 9: Transfer to Cape Town, Depart

After nine days of exploring Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, and South Africa's picturesque coast, it's time to head home. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then check out and meet your driver for a 1.5-hour transfer back to Cape Town. Take one more look at the coast and Atlantic Ocean before traveling through Overberg, a region characterized by rolling hills, lush vineyards, and fields of wildflowers. As you approach the city, the towering Table Mountain looms in the distance, signaling the end of your journey. Head straight to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!