Cape Town

Day +1: En Route from U.S.
Sunday, September 7, 2025

Day +2: Arrive in Cape Town, South Africa
Monday, September 8, 2025
Upon arrival to Cape Town International Airport transfer to the hotel to enjoy an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Mount Nelson Hotel by Belmond

Day +3: Cape Town
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
After breakfast meet your knowledgeable guide in the lobby and embark (via air-conditioned vehicle) for a full-day tour of Cape Town.

Today's first highlight is a cable car ride ascending Table Mountain (weather permitting). The cable car's rotating floor ensures unobstructed views during the journey—from the vast South Atlantic Ocean to the sprawling city below. At the summit take a leisurely walk to the various lookout points, each a postcard perfect spot for unbeatable photography opportunities.

Continue with a panoramic tour of the city passing by some of Cape Town's most iconic landmarks while the guide offers fascinating insights into the area's history and culture. Notable points of interest include the Houses of Parliament, City Hall, the Cape Castle, the Slave Lodge and St. George's Cathedral. Known as the “People’s Cathedral” for its role in the resistance against apartheid, St. George’s Cathedral is the oldest in South Africa and the mother church of the Anglican Diocese of Cape Town.

Next visit Company's Garden and Greenmarket Square with time to browse local crafts and souvenirs. Originally set up in the late 1600s to sell fresh produce from the Company's Garden, this bustling market features vendors selling a variety of goods like wall hangings, wooden kitchenware, necklaces, toys, beaded animal figurines and more.

Afterwards enter the eye-catching Bo-Kaap neighborhood, also known as the Malay Quarter. Located between the Cape Town city center and the foothills of Signal Hill, Bo-Kaap is named for the Afrikaans phrase meaning “above the Cape.” One of the oldest and most historic residential areas in Cape Town, it's synonymous with Islamic Cape Malay culture. Delve into South Africa's rich and complex food heritage during a cuisine tasting featuring a delicious blend of flavors and techniques—including Cape Dutch, French, Indian and Japanese. Options may include a hearty gatsby sandwich, South African braai (barbecue), the fragrant, sweet-and-sour bobotie, an Indian inspired meal known as bunny chow (which aside from the unusual name, has nothing to do with rabbits), and sushi.

Enjoy an evening at leisure at the hotel.
Overnight: Mount Nelson Hotel by Belmond (B,L)

Day +4: Cape Town | Cape Peninsula
Wednesday, September 10, 2025
This morning enjoy breakfast with a special guest—Nelson Mandela's friend and former jailer, Christo Brand. Hear about the struggles and triumphs of the anti-apartheid movement and gain insight into Mandela's character, resilience and unwavering commitment to justice and reconciliation.

Afterward set off on a scenic drive south along the Atlantic Seaboard between rugged cliffs and the pristine blue ocean towards Cape of Good Hope. En route take advantage of brief photography stops at Hout Bay and Chapman's Peak Drive—both providing unparalleled views of the dramatic landscape.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Hout Bay Market, a bustling hub of local artisans, craftsmen and food vendors. Discover unique treasures to take home as mementos of your journey.

Venture into the heart of the winelands where rolling vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, arriving to Cape Point Vineyards. Indulge in an exclusive food and wine pairing experience—each sip and bite is meticulously crafted to complement and enhance the flavors of the region.

Continue to the southwesternmost tip of Cape Peninsula reaching the iconic Cape of Good Hope, a legendary promontory where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans converge. Ascend to the summit aboard the historic Flying Dutchman Funicular, named after a mythical ghost ship, and marvel at the untamed beauty of the Cape Peninsula.

Before returning to the hotel visit Boulders Beach to observe a charming colony of African Penguins in their natural habitat, waddling along the sandy shores and frolicking in the crystal-clear waters.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening are at leisure at the property to relax by the pool or enjoy the spa facilities (additional fees apply).
Overnight: Mount Nelson Hotel by Belmond (B,L)

Day +5: Cape Town | Flight to Johannesburg | Main Program Begins
Thursday, September 11, 2025
After breakfast transfer to the airport for the group flight to Johannesburg to join the main program. (B,D)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

Pre-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.

This pre-tour is not escorted by an Orbridge Travel Director. Included sightseeing is accompanied by a local guide.

Tour days tend to be long, flow at a consistent pace and may include long periods of travel. Guests should be prepared to walk longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or ship excursions, on sometimes uneven surfaces including cobblestones or unpaved pathways and trails. Some destinations may have variations in altitude and/or temperature. Daily pace and timing may vary significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited.

• Due to the structure of some buildings, facilities for those with mobility issues may be limited.

• Maximum elevation at the top of Table Mountain is approximately 3,500 feet.

• 3 nights at five-star Mount Nelson Hotel by Belmond (or similar)
• 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 1 dinner
• Guided Cape Town city tour and food tasting experience
• Guided Cape Peninsula excursion including a market visit, vineyard food and wine pairing experience, and Cape of Good Hope visit
• Admission and fees for included activities
• Transportation for included activities
• Luggage porterage
• Gratuities to local guide, driver, porters, hotel staff and wait staff for included meals
• Airport transfers for guests arriving during the suggested times
• Internal airfare from Cape Town to Johannesburg