This twenty two night journey through South Africa is designed for couples who want variety without rushing, combining city stays, coastal driving, wine country, the Garden Route and a private safari lodge. With international flights from Dublin, a one way car hire, well chosen stops and guided experiences included, the route flows naturally from Cape Town to the Eastern Cape, on to Johannesburg and finishes with four nights on safari.
Begin in Cape Town with four nights in a central base that makes the city easy to explore. The included hop on hop off sightseeing tour covers the main areas, from the V&A Waterfront to Table Mountain viewpoints, while a full day guided tour includes Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, offering clear insight into South Africa’s political history.
Drive along the coast to Hermanus for two nights, a relaxed seaside town known for coastal walks, cliff paths and ocean views. It is a good change of pace after the city and a natural stop to enjoy the coastline before continuing east.
Spend two nights in the Franschhoek Valley, surrounded by vineyards and mountain scenery. A perfect setting for wine tasting, relaxed lunches and exploring the village on foot.
Continue along the Garden Route to Knysna, centred on a sheltered lagoon with waterfront walks and coastal viewpoints nearby. Two nights here allow time to enjoy the area properly.
Finish the Garden Route with three nights near Plettenberg Bay. The area suits beach time, nearby nature reserves and short scenic drives, with your lodge offering an easy place to return to after days out along the coast.
After a short stop in Johannesburg, fly on to Hoedspruit and transfer to Kapama River Lodge for four nights on an all inclusive safari stay. Daily game drives are included, led by experienced guides tracking wildlife across the reserve.
Return flights from Dublin with Qatar Airways via Doha, domestic flights within South Africa, private airport transfers in Johannesburg, 13 days one way car hire from Cape Town Airport to Port Elizabeth Airport with inclusive insurance, accommodation throughout including boutique hotels, guesthouses, lodges and a safari lodge, daily breakfasts throughout, all meals and drinks during the safari stay, Cape Town hop on hop off sightseeing tour, full day Cape Town and Robben Island guided tour, and twice daily game drives at Kapama River Lodge. Based on 2 passengers sharing. Flights depart Dublin on 01 October 2026. Price is correct at the time of posting (10th Feb 2026). Offers are subject to change.
Price from €8,100 per person
An Antarctic expedition cruise is designed to take you beyond simply seeing the continent from a ship. Small inflatable Zodiac boats are used to explore bays, reach remote landing sites and get closer to the ice, wildlife and landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Most journeys are designed to get you somewhere as quickly as possible. The Blue Train does the opposite. Over three days and two nights, it travels roughly 1,600 kilometres between Pretoria and Cape Town, turning the distance between the two cities into an experience in its own right.
Europe is packed with iconic destinations, but some of its most rewarding holidays begin just beyond the well-trodden tourist trail. If you've already ticked off the big-name cities or simply fancy somewhere that feels a little different, there are plenty of places offering beautiful scenery, fascinating history, and memorable food without the queues. From medieval towns on the Adriatic coast to volcanic islands in the Atlantic, these lesser-known corners of Europe prove that sometimes the best trips are the ones you weren't expecting.
Finding your match...