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Franschhoek Wine Tram & Stellenbosch Town Full Day Tour
Stellenbosch
Explore South Africa’s winelands on a Franschhoek tram and Stellenbosch tour. Perfect for wine lovers, history buffs, and Instagram enthusiasts.
Duration:
10 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Stellenbosch - After being picked up from your accommodation in Cape Town, you will travel along the N2 motorway through the Cape Flats to the mountainous town of Stellenbosch. As you drive, your tour guide will provide commentary about the important landmarks you’ll pass. Upon arriving in Stellenbosch, you’ll have a chance to disembark and explore the quaint, cozy town on foot. Endemic Cape Dutch architecture lines the leafy streets, and 150-year-old water furrows cut through the gently sloping northeast side of town. Old and new shops trade in art, antiques, jewelry, and carved wood. You may also want to stop for coffee and soak in the vibrant energy before heading to your first wine tasting of the day.
- Lanzerac Wine Estate - After a quick tour of Stellenbosch town, your next stop will be Lanzerac Wine Estate for a chocolate and wine pairing experience. Founded in the early 1700s, Lanzerac is one of the oldest wine estates in Stellenbosch, spanning over 200 hectares at the foothills of the Jonkershoek Mountains. This picturesque estate is renowned for its exquisite examples of Cape Dutch architecture, including the stately 1830s Manor House. Together, the historic buildings, rolling vineyards, and modern winemaking facilities create a quintessential wine country experience. Although Pinotage was first bottled here, your tasting will showcase five premium wines expertly paired with artisanal chocolates. The chocolates are designed to highlight different facets of each wine’s flavor before and after tasting.
- Tokara Wine Estate - From Lanzerac, you will drive up and down the winding, hilly Hell’s Heights Pass to reach Tokara. Unlike historic Lanzerac, Tokara is known for its modern aesthetics, sweeping views stretching to Table Mountain, and olive groves that produce some of the region’s finest olive oils. The wine tasting here features 5 classic wines including a rosé and one of the area’s best Sauvignon Blancs, which has been meticulously cultivated for over 20 years since the turn of the century. The property’s deep, rich soils of decomposed granite and weathered sandstone allow Tokara to grow small batches that are then blended to create top-tier wines. As you taste the wines individually, your Tokara wine advisor will share insights about each one. If time permits, you may also want to sample the olive oils or a cheese platter.
- Franschhoek - After your second wine tasting experience, we will journey to the charming town of Franschhoek via the historic town of Pniel. Franschhoek, meaning “French corner” in Afrikaans, was established in the 1680s when French Huguenot farmers settled in the valley and began cultivating vineyards. Nestled between mountains and surrounded by picturesque vineyards, Franschhoek’s breathtaking natural scenery complements the quaint architecture of the town. We’ll stop for lunch and explore the acclaimed Leeu Estates, home to art galleries, hotels, and restaurants. You’ll also have free time to wander the streets lined with artisan shops, jewelry stores, leather goods, clothing boutiques, and chocolate factories. The beauty and old-world charm of Franschhoek is sure to delight.
- Franschhoek Wine Tram - Official Site (Franschhoek Terminal) - After exploring Franschhoek over lunch, the tour will head to the Franschhoek tram station for your second round of wine tasting. Your guide will provide tram tickets and explain how to read the timetable. The tram takes about 8 minutes between wineries, so you can hop off at up to two farms of your choice from the route list. With time permitting, a third stop may also be possible.
- Rickety Bridge Winery - Your first stop by tram could be Rickety Bridge, the first female-owned farm in Franschhoek. The tram drops you off at the Rickety Bridge terminal, where a comfortable tractor will transport you to the wine tasting area. There, you can choose from various wine tasting options or opt to visit Paulina’s Restaurant instead. At the restaurant, enjoy panoramic valley and mountain views while snacking, sipping coffee, or ordering a glass of wine.
- Franschhoek Cellar - Franschhoek Cellar is a winery in Cape Town’s wine region that uniquely pairs its wines with local cheese, handmade Belgian chocolate, or traditional tastings. Located near the tram terminal in Franschhoek, the winery sources its chocolates from a shop in town and makes its acclaimed wines on-site. After a full day of wine tasting, you can easily walk to meet your tour group at the terminal.
What's Included
- Pickup and drop off from Cape Town
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Qualified tour guide
- Wine tram tickets
- Entry/Admission - Franschhoek
- Bottled water
What's Not Included
- Gratuity (optional)
- Wine tasting fees (option selected)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Entry/Admission - Lanzerac Wine Estate
- Entry/Admission - Tokara Wine Estate
- Entry/Admission - Rickety Bridge Winery
- Entry/Admission - Franschhoek Cellar
Additional Information
Discover South Africa’s picturesque winelands on our small group tour. This tour combines a ride on the popular Franschhoek tram with a visit to historic Stellenbosch. We’ve carefully selected winetasting stops to appeal to architecture aficionados, Instagram photo-seekers, and discerning wine connoisseurs alike. We’ll pick you up and drop you off at your Cape Town hotel. Bring your cameras, wardrobe changes if desired, and an appetite, as you embark on a journey of stunning scenery, rich history, and world-class wines.
Location
Stellenbosch
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
