Overview

 

GOURMET FOOD AND THE WINE HARVEST

March 1-8, 2014

 

Nestled between towering mountains in the beautiful Cape winelands lies the magnificent Franschhoek Valley. This is the culinary heartland of South Africa, where splendid wines are blended and the country's top chefs create magnificent cuisine. The village of Franschhoek, 45 minutes from Cape Town, offers wonderful crafts, art and antique shops and galleries. The main street is lined with coffee shops and world-class restaurants..

 

Our South African Experience encompasses the best of the Cape region, from gourmet dinners and guided wine tastings to country markets and cosmopolitan cities. Since we know most people will be staying in country more than our week together, we have provided a list of add-on tours to round out your journey. From a safari at Krueger National Park to a historic train ride to Port Elizabeth; take advantage of your time in South Africa.

 

Click to learn more about the town of Franschhoek or our accommodations Gable Manor.

 

Itinerary

 

DAY 1–Welcome to South Africa's Wine Country

A private driver will pick you up at either the Cape Town airport or local city hotel* and drive you to Franschhoek, which is about an hour away. We'll meet in the evening for cocktails and introductions before heading out to one of the town's best restaurants for dinner.

 

DAY 2–Franschhoek & Artisanal Food

A morning writing class, followed by lunch will proceed our guided historical tour of Franschhoek. Hop on a horse-drawn carriage and see the local sites while sampling the town's famed artisanal cheeses and chocolates. Dinner on your own.

 

DAY 3–Wineries and Mountain Views

After class, we'll head to a local vineyard for wine tasting before enjoying a mountainside picnic with extraordinary views. Free afternoon and evening to explore on your own or visit one of the town's famed spas.

 

DAY 4–The Mother City

Today we're off Cape Town, a local arts and crafts market, and Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held for 27 years. Dinner on your own.

 

DAY 5–Vineyards & Readings

After class, we'll continue to learn more about South African wine with vineyard visits and lunch. Group dinner, followed by readings at Gable Manor.

 

DAY 6–The Western Cape

Our trip to the Western Cape will feature penguin, whale and wildlife sightings, not to mention spectacular landscapes. Dinner on your own.

 

DAY 7–Cooking Class

A leisurely morning of writing will be followed by a cooking class with lunch. Free afternoon for catching up on your assignments or any last minute shopping. Farewell dinner featuring local delights.

 

DAY 8–Departure

After breakfast, you'll be taken to either the Cape Town airport or will continue with one of Winelands Experience's private tours.

 

*We encourage you to arrive to Cape Town a day or two before Experience South Africa begins in order to get the most from your journey. Our day in the city will allow you to see only part of this vibrant place, so take advantage of Winelands' city add-on. We can also provide a list of recommended hotels and restaurants, if you'd like to see it on your own.

 

*itinerary subject to change depending on local festivals and markets.

 

Pricing

 

Experience South Africa: $3400*,

double occupancy with private bath

 

Single Supplement: $400

 

*included in the price are 7 nights accommodations, all ground transportation after arriving to Cape Town, all group activities, cooking class, and meals, unless otherwise noted in the itinerary.

 

A $1000 per person deposit is required to reserve your place in the South Africa Experience. Since the number of participants is limited and accommodations vary, early reservations are advised. Once your deposit is received, an email confirmation will be sent. We encourage you not to purchase airline tickets until you have received our letter of confirmation. The balance is due no later than 60 days before the tour begins. If not received by that time, EAT-WRITE-TRAVEL reserves the right to treat the reservation as canceled.

 

Add-ons

Here’s a sample of Winelands Experiences add-on tours to be offered before or after our time in Franschhoek:

 

The Cape of Good Hope & Table Mountain
Enjoy an extra day in Cape Town, exploring wildlife, geology and history.

 

The Small Karoo Adventure
Spectacular scenery and gorges while travling the scenic routes to Barrydale.

 

Mammals of Land & Sea
Tour the scenic route to Cape Agulhas and explore the southernmost tip of South Africa. (2 nights at De Hoop Nature Reserve,1 night in Barrydale)

 

Addo Game Park via the Western Cape & Small Karoo
Journey the magnificent coastline and the majestic Cape Fold Mountain Ranges into the Small Karoo and in route to Africa’s Big 5 at Addo Game Park. (3 or 4 nights)

 

The African Experience
A garden route experience ending up at Addo Game Park before returning by luxury train to Cape Town.

 

Victoria Falls
Journey to Zimbabwe and the spectacular falls, complete with game park experience and rive trip.

 

For exact itineraries and prices, please contact Winelands

 

Writing

 

This writing portion of the South Africa Experience will coincident with the Franschhoek Literary Festival.

Details to follow.