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 5pm, 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.

Ride from Hout Bay along the Atlantic edge, following Chapman’s Peak Drive, an early-20th-century feat of engineering cut directly into sheer coastal cliffs. Guided by our tour leader, we trace the natural curves of the peninsula rather than forcing a line through it, with ocean far below and mountains rising sharply inland. The route continues towards Cape Point, where seabirds circle above the headlands and the scale of the coastline becomes clear. We finish cycling in Simon’s Town at Boulders Beach, home to a protected colony of African penguins. We stop for lunch before taking a transfer to Stellenbosch in the heart of the Cape winelands. Terrain: 100% paved.

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. Terrain: 90% paved, 10% gravel

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. After lunch, we transfer to Houw Hoek Hotel, a historic hotel in apple country. Terrain: 80% paved, 20% gravel

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. Terrain: 60% paved, 40% gravel

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. We stop for lunch and have a chance to explore the quaint town before a transfer of around 30mins to Barrydale. Terrain: 100% paved

We start this morning with a transfer along Route 62, one of the most iconic routes in South Africa, before we embark on a captivating ride into the Klein Karoo. Keep your eyes peeled for animals roaming the rugged landscape, as we cycle through Van Wyksdorp before dropping into the Rooiberg Valley. 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. Terrain: 10% paved, 90% gravel