This is a spectacular, fully-escorted 12-day rail voyage through the scenic Cape Province of South Africa, travelling in beautifully restored vintage carriages, including a panoramic observation car, on lines seldom experienced by the public. Travelling under steam on some days, you’ll journey along the coastline to the stunning village of Great Brak River; experience a full day, 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; journey on the celebrated, double-decker Franschhoek Wine Tram and enjoy wine tastings at three renowned estates; and explore the delightful coastal charm of Mossel Bay.
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.
Overnight: AC Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Cape Town
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 and enjoy our evening meal together at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Local guest houses, Swellendam (B, L, D)
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 and check-in for our three-night stay, enjoying our evening meal together.
Overnight: The Point Hotel or Protea Hotel, Mossel Bay (B, L, D)
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.
Overnight: The Point Hotel or Protea Hotel, Mossel Bay (B, D)
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.
Overnight: The Point Hotel or Protea Hotel, Mossel Bay (B, L, D)
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 to enjoy our evening meal together.
Overnight: Local guest houses, Montagu (B, L, D)
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.
Overnight: AC Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Cape Town (B, L)
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.
Overnight: AC Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Cape Town (B)
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.
Overnight: AC Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Cape Town (B, L)
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.
Overnight: AC Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Cape Town (B, L)
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.
Overnight: AC Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Cape Town (B)
After our fantastic South African adventure, you will make your way independently to the airport for your chosen flight home.
(B)
11 nights quality centrally located hotels
11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners
All transport fares and costs provided for in the itinerary
Experienced full-time Tour Leader
Knowledgeable local guides
Accommodation taxes (if applicable)
Travel to tour departure point and from tour end point
Travel insurance (Mandatory for international travel)
Visa fees
Meals and drinks not provided for in the itinerary
Things of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, room service, etc
The best train trips possible, private luxury coach for off-train travel, guided walking where suitable, and other appropriate and appealing options to make exploration easy
Hand-picked hotels and resorts based on location, customer feedback, value and atmosphere. Please Note: Hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.
Hear from some of our adventurers that have already ridden the rails with us.
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Reserve your place on this exciting exploration of Cape & Coast Vintage Explorer.
