My 6‑Night Escape to Cape Town & Franschhoek

Getting There: Business Class Comfort

Our adventure began in style, flying business class with Turkish Airlines.

Settling into a fully flat bed, enjoying excellent food and attentive service meant we arrived in Cape Town rested and ready to explore, instead of exhausted and jet‑lagged. For long‑haul journeys like this, the difference that business class makes to the overall holiday really is huge: you start your trip as you mean to go on, relaxed and indulged.

Cape Town: Four Nights Between Ocean and Mountain

For our Cape Town base, we stayed four nights at Southern Sun The Cullinan, a stylish hotel in a great location for exploring the city. Think: elegant interiors, warm South African hospitality and the bonus of being within easy reach of the V&A Waterfront.

Our time here blended iconic sightseeing with local, personal touches.

Robben Island: A Powerful Journey Into the Past

One of our first stops was Robben Island, the prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years in captivity.

The boat trip across Table Bay offers beautiful views back towards Cape Town, but the true impact hits once you step inside the prison grounds. Listening to former inmates share their stories was both moving and humbling. It is not an easy visit emotionally, but it is an essential one if you want to understand South Africa’s modern history.

It is the kind of experience that stays with you long after you have left.

Table Mountain by Cable Car

From the depths of history to the heights of nature: another highlight was taking the cable car up Table Mountain.

As the rotating cable car ascended, Cape Town unfurled beneath us: glittering ocean, curving bays and the city framed by mountains. At the top, we wandered along the pathways, stopping constantly for photos, and simply stood in silence at times, taking it all in. On a clear day, you can see endlessly in every direction: it feels like standing at the edge of the world.

Exploring with a Local Guide: Reza’s Full‑Day Tour

A real standout of our stay in Cape Town was a full‑day private tour with Reza, our local guide. Having someone who lives and breathes the city made all the difference. He shared stories, shortcuts and viewpoints we would never have found alone.

In one day, he managed to weave together some of the Cape’s greatest hits:

Cape of Good Hope

We followed the coastal road down the peninsula, with the Atlantic on one side and mountains on the other. Standing at the Cape of Good Hope felt almost mythical: waves crashing, sea spray in the air and that sense of being at the very tip of Africa.

Penguins at Boulders Beach

From wild waves to waddling charm, our next stop was Boulders Beach to visit the famous African penguin colony. Watching them shuffle along the sand, dive into the surf and bicker adorably was pure joy. It is an easy place to fall in love with South Africa.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Surrounded by the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, these botanical gardens are a peaceful, green haven. We wandered among indigenous plants and colourful blooms, and strolled the tree‑canopy walkway with views that stretch for miles. It is a wonderful contrast to the buzz of the city.

Throughout the day, Reza shared local insights, restaurant tips and stories that brought each place to life. This is exactly why I so often recommend including at least one day with a private guide for my clients: you see more, understand more and do it all at a relaxed pace.

Cycling Through Cape Town & Colourful Bo‑Kaap

One of the most fun experiences of the trip was a cycling tour of Cape Town. Pedalling through the streets gave us a different perspective, at a slower pace and closer to local life.

A particular favourite was Bo‑Kaap, with its iconic rows of brightly painted houses and cobbled streets. The colours are vivid and joyful, and there is a rich Cape Malay heritage here. It is one of those neighbourhoods where every corner feels like a postcard, but there is a deep cultural story behind the Instagram moments too.

By the end of our time in Cape Town, we had experienced a real mix: history, nature, food, culture and a lot of sisterly silliness in between.

Franschhoek: Horses, Fine Wine and Elegant Country Living

After four nights in Cape Town, we swapped the ocean for the vines and headed into the Cape Winelands. Our base was Le Franschhoek, a beautiful hotel tucked among manicured gardens and mountain views. It felt instantly peaceful: elegant rooms, lovely outdoor spaces and that gentle, unhurried atmosphere that makes you breathe a little deeper the moment you arrive.

Horseback Wine Tasting in the Winelands

The real showstopper of our time here was a horseback wine‑tasting adventure. We visited three vineyards on horseback, riding through rows of vines with dramatic peaks all around us. The pace was relaxed, so we could chat and enjoy the views, and at each estate we hopped off to sample local wines and soak up the scenery before riding on to the next. It felt wonderfully different from a standard wine tour, and gave the whole day a sense of freedom and fun.

Dining in Franschhoek

Back in the village, Franschhoek’s food scene really lived up to its reputation. We enjoyed long, lazy meals in lovely restaurants, where fresh local ingredients, excellent wines and warm service were the norm rather than the exception. From relaxed lunches to more refined dinners, every meal felt like an occasion. Combined with the comfort of Le Franschhoek and our time in the saddle, it made our two nights here feel indulgent, restorative and just a little bit magical.

If you would love a South African adventure filled with these kinds of unforgettable moments, I would be delighted to design a tailor‑made Cape Town and Franschhoek escape just for you, so contact me today to start planning.