Location: Stellenbosch
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The 10 Best Tours in Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Hiking trails and art galleries abound in Stellenbosch, but it's wine that takes center stage. More than 100 wine cellars, most open to the public, surround the oak-lined South African town, and tasting tours operate daily. Winter brings a four-day festival celebrating the local vintages. The historic town center houses the trading-post style shop Oom Samie se Winkel, the Neo-Gothic Moederkerk church, and museums dedicated to toys, military memorabilia, autos and early life on the Cape.
Restaurants in Stellenbosch
1. Private Full-Day Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl Wine Tour from Cape Town
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
This full Day Private Tour of the Cape Winelands for couples,friends traveling together or small parties to Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl, the biggest wine regions in South Africa. To secure social distance tastings will be outdoors, weather permitting. Only couples or small groups will be accommodated. Taste premier wines on vineyards of choice or the guide will tailor-make a tour to accommodate your wine palates.Utmost flexibility is our point of departure. As far as possible crowds will be avoided. You will also experience city tours in one or two main towns (also a Stellenbosch University drive) and sample about 16 different wines of 3 or, time permitting, 4 vineyards for the day. For your own account we will arrange lunch on a vineyard with spectacular views over one of the many stunning valleys. Panoramic drives and picture stops included. Vineyards close normally 17h00 or 16h00 with the last tasting commencing 45 minutes prior to closing time. STARTING TIME 09h30.
Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Private tour, Small-group, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Chilled bottled water
Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities, Wine Tasting fees.
Reviewed By OBeniamin
It was absolutely unforgettable experience. The drive was slow enough, so we had time to see and enjoy the surrounding and we stopped at the most picturesque sites. We had lunch at beautiful restaurant and was watching penguins while eating. On the way back we stopped at botanical gardens and had time to walk around (I would like to go there again) and we fall in love with Shona sculptures so much that we even purchased one when we came back to US. We’ve been great admires of Shona sculptures since that time. Ivan told us many stories and a lot of information about the land. We enjoyed his company so much that we still maintain contact. His driving is also awesome, you can rarely experience such smooth and comfortable ride. We with we are able to come again. It is just so far.
2. E-Bike Stellenbosch to Franschhoek
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
This E-Bike tour meanders through some of the best wine land scenery in South Africa. We cycle from Stellenbosch to Franschhoek. Meet local people and taste some of the great cuisine this region has to offer. After lunch, wine tasting and cellar tour our vehicle will take us back to Stellenbosch. NB. Riders need to have intermediate mountain biking skills to do the tour and a general fitness level is required. Activity level 3/5
Inclusions: Lunch on a wine estate in Franschhoek, Wine tasting on a wine estate in Franschhoek, Snacks, water and drinks along the route, Guide, Use of E-Bike or normal Mountain Bike, Transport back to Stellenbosch in private Air conditioned vehicle with bike trailer, Back up vehicle with bike trailer along the route
Exclusions: Items of personal nature, Gratuities
Reviewed By Voyager750523
I enjoyed this way of traveling to the vineyards, as you get the required information without a tour operator running around you.
3. 2 Hour Vineyard Trail Ride
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
What a fantastic way to experience the winelands, from between the ears of a horse. Our 2 Hour trail ride will start off with a short lesson for novices, after which we will head out onto our own nursery farm, and then cross to our neighbouring wine farm. Your ride will take you through vineyards, farmland and indigenous fynbos, all with spectacular views of Table mountain. We do not mix groups, so you will not be held back or put under pressure from other guests. Everyone gets exactly the ride they want, be that a gentle walk through vinyards, or a fast paced canter down a farm track. Your guide will be a local guide, with vast knowledge of South-African culture, the local area and natural horsemanship.
Inclusions: Live commentary on board, Local guide, Tour escort/host, Use of helmet
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By adamdryden
My wife and I did a full day horseback riding tour with Louise and had an amazing time. We booked directly through her website (can't put a URL on TA - search for Horseback Riding at Pink Geranium and you will find it) and the communication was excellent from the start. It is clear that Louise wants to give the customer a riding experience that is well tailored to what they want, what their riding capabilities are and what is best for the horses. My wife rides a fair bit whereas I am a beginner rider - she paired us each up with a perfect horse. Kelly's would require a bit more attention which kept Kelly engaged and mine was a well seasoned horse that still had lots of capability with the right rider. It was just the two of us and Louise on the tour which made for great riding, and great conversation. A picnic lunch was packed for us and we rode to a perfect spot to enjoy scenery and the food Lou had made. Unfortunately, and randomly, both of the wine farms we stopped at were closed for the day so we could not do tastings, but Lou brought wine, and got a bottle from one of the closed vineyards for us to enjoy on our first stop and over lunch. This was not a huge issue for us as we were doing wine tastings the next day, and this excursion was more about the riding than it was the wine. It is clear that Louise takes care of the horses and they all appeared to be healthy and sound. The horse my wife was riding (Princess) ended up lame at the end of the ride (which happens with any horse for many reasons) and after a short period of assessment, Louise decided it best that she not have a rider on her for the last couple kilometers. So, Kelly jumped on the horse that Louise was riding and Lou walked beside Princess the rest of the way back. It would have been easy for someone to cared less about the health of the animal to force the horse through the soreness. This is what you want to see from someone who works with animals! (Louise updated us and Princess was checked by the Vet the next day, and had no major injury - just soreness and will be off work until healed). Note that we rode in English saddles and I suspect that she puts everyone on an English saddle. So it's not the cushy/comfy western saddle that some people would be used to on many commercial "trail rides". But what you get with this ride is not a commercial "trail ride". It is far beyond that. It is the best way to see the beautiful wine country for horse people and I can't recommend it enough.
4. Private: Full-Day Aquila Safari Game Reserve Tour in Cape Town
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Trade the urban jungle of Cape Town for a safari amidst real wild animals during this 9-hour private safari excursion. Travel by private vehicle to a game reserve to search for ‘Big 5’ animals like rhinos, lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo, plus other creatures like giraffes, hippos and cheetahs, observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. On the way home, stop by a winery for a tasting and cheese pairing.
Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water, Wine tasting at 1 wine estate on the way back to Cape Town, Private transfers to and from the game reserve
Exclusions: Drinks, Gratuities, Entry/Admission - Aquila Private Game Reserve.
5. Beer and Brandy Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
For those that are not so much into wine, or perhaps want to experience something a little different from just doing a wine tour! 3 Microbreweries and one distillery in and around Stellenbosch/Franschhoek/Paarl. Lunch is possible at a few venues (for own account), and usually includes casual light fare such as pizzas, burgers, nachos etc. Distilleries are not just restricted to brandy, as there are a few gin and grappa distilleries around as well!
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, 3 craft beer tastings and 1 spirit tasting (brandy, gin or grappa) included as part of the tour, Bottled water, Light lunch (e.g. burgers, pizzas, nachos, boerewors rolls or a braai) for own account
Exclusions: Breakfast, Coffee and/or Tea, Dinner, Soda/Pop
Reviewed By Hevsy
We didn’t actually do a tour so I ticked the. ‘Other’ button. We specifically wanted to go to lunch at the De Grendel Winery but although we are not big drinkers we both wanted a drink of wine so couldn’t use our hire car to drive there. We were staying in Stellenbosch and Jake was very punctual in picking us up. He took us there and left us for our lunch. He hung around the area and was there to pick us up when we needed him. On the way back he took a different, more scenic route and told us a lot about the area on the way. It was all very efficient and friendly. If I was to return and want to do a wine tour, I would choose this company.
6. Craft Tours - Cape Town
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
It is a day to discover what Cape Town, Winelands and surroundings have to over. From all styles of craft beers to crafted gin to beautiful and well-balanced wines. We take you on a tasting experience where your taste buds linger for more. On our journey, we look into how a wine cellar works, get to meet a brewmaster(when available), taste a few styles of gin, meet locals and see some breathtaking views. Join us where we can meet people and be a tasting family for the day.
Inclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Lunch, Snacks, Air-conditioned vehicle, Tasting fees
Exclusions: Breakfast
Reviewed By Karra143
Absolutely loved the tour with Terence and friends at Spice Route! We were so well taken care of and did not have to plan anything. Terence took care of all of the arrangements and we could just enjoy the day. This was my second tour with him and I will never use anyone else. Thank you for keeping us safe and allowing us to just enjoy!
7. Private Full-Day Stellenbosch Wine Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 233 reviews
This tour is designed to introduce guests to one of South Africa's finest and most famous wine producing regions. Tours and Tastings are conducted by specialist wine tour guides, to give in-depth insight and information about the wines tasted and the region. It is a tour that can be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys wine, no matter their wine knowledge.
Inclusions: All Tasting and Cellar tour fees at Wine Tasting stops, Private transportation, In the vehicle
Exclusions: Lunch, Wine purchases, Wine enjoyed with lunch, Enjoyed with lunch
Reviewed By 579julianf
We had a great time with John and also a lot of wine. The region is beautiful and well worth the trip.
8. Private Wine Tour with Wine Expert to Stellenbosch-Franschhoek Wine Regions
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 549 reviews
For wine lovers who want to get insider knowledge of the South African wine industry or just enjoy the amazing Cape Winelands. This is a private day tour with a specialist wine guide that you can design by choosing four wine estates in the Stellenbosch/Franschhoek/Paarl area for wine tastings, or we provide a customised itinerary to you.
Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, All wine tastings are included. Alcoholic beverages for lunch are excluded., Bottled water
Exclusions: The restaurant can be chosen upfront by client or recommended by us.
Reviewed By Timothy S
We had a fantastic day out with Marlene on the Cape of Good Hope and Constantia tour. She is a really interesting guide, a careful driver, and a whole lot of fun.We loved the rugged beauty of the Cape and the fantastic wineries of Constantia. Marlene is a very considerate guide and went out of her way to show us the ostrich farm when my wife missed spotting one on the way the the Cape of Good Hope lighthouse! We hope one day to return to the beautiful city of Cape Town when this terrible situation in the world has passed and we would love to spend time again with Marlene.
9. Cape Town City Pass including Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Transport
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 16 reviews
Enjoy free entry to more than 90 of Cape Town's Top attractions and experiences. It's a flexible pass that allows you to create your own itinerary and visit the sites that interest you the most. Take advantage of skip-the-line entry many attractions, and make the most of your free transport on the City Sightseeing Hop On - Hop Off bus which takes you to over 80% of the attractions and is valid for the duration of your pass. Choose from a 2, 3, or 5 day pass; alternatively opt for a Premium Pass which provides free entry to one of over 8 additional attractions like Shark Cage Diving, Paragliding, Safari Big 5 Tour and a Helicopter flight. - Free City Sightseeing Transport for the duration of the pass - Skip-the-line at a number of attractions - No need to collect your pass, simply scan the barcode on your voucher - Complimentary pocket guidebook - 3 in-destination info and help centres
Inclusions: Free comprehensive guidebook, Free transport on Hop on - Hop off bus valid for the duration of the pass, Free entry to over 90 top attractions, Three in-destination info and help centres
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities, Personal expenses, Guide
Reviewed By Z9080MTjohans
There is so much more than what is shown on the tour. More than half of the areas are locked. I think they could really make more of an effort to show the entire castle even if they charge more.
10. Full-day Winelands Explore Private Tour of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 79 reviews
Oenophiles and nature lovers alike are in for a treat on this private exploration of the Cape Winelands. Not only do you visit three esteemed wine farms for fine wine tastings and phenomenal pairings with cheese and chocolate in the Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek regions; the extraordinary scenery along the way will transport you back to yesteryear to reminisce among white gabled buildings and impressive manor houses flanked by soaring mountain ranges. Firstly you'll visit the cheese haven of Fairview for a master tasting of their wine with local produce. Continue to the historically rich La Motte wine estate for another tasting and insider view of their maturation cellar. Visit the self-proclaimed culinary capital of South Africa, Franschhoek for a lunch stop and end your meander along the Winelands with sweet port-style wine and chocolate pairing at the heritage-rich Muratie wine farm before heading back to Cape Town late afternoon.
Inclusions: Local guide, Flexible private tour. Inform us after booking of your special requests., Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Hotel pickup and drop-off, 1x Bottled water, Fairview Master Cheese & Wine Tasting, La Motte Wine Tasting or similar, Muratie Port & Chocolate Pairing
Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities
Reviewed By AlbertoVanzetto
Great trip! TK was so helpful and always available to help. The hostels we stayed in were amazing and the activities even better, I strongly suggest the elephant walk, bungee jumping and sandboarding.
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