Stay Local Longer in Cape Town

Arrive in Cape Town and meet your local guide at the airport. On your way to the hotel, get your bearings with a brief orientation drive through the streets of the city. Check in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Rooms are available from 2:00pm. Your hotel is just a short walk from the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town’s popular shopping and entertainment district. It’s a great place to rub elbows with the locals and get your first taste of local life. Dinner is on your own tonight and the waterfront district is brimming with great options.

Enjoy the morning and early afternoon at your leisure. Afterwards, regroup for a journey to the Cape Winelands, home to fragrant vineyards and some of the most breathtaking scenery in South Africa. Start your exploration with a visit to the Cheetah Outreach Project. Learn how these committed conservationists are working to promote the survival of the South African Cheetah. Next, it’s off to the Vredenheim Estate to experience two great collections—local craft gins and vintage cars. Enjoy a tasting of the first, while marveling at the latter. Later, enjoy an authentic winelands dinner at the renowned Monneaux Restaurant.

After breakfast, set out into Cape Town. Pass The Company’s Gardens, established in 1652 to provide fresh produce and vegetables to seamen during their long voyages. The day’s highlight is a visit to the Bo-Kaap, a neighborhood of brightly painted homes that once house Cape Malays—the name given to slaves brought from Malaysia in the 18th century. Learn about the area’s history and visit with some of the descendants in their homes. Sit down for lunch and fascinating conversation sure to provide insight few outsiders ever experience. Later, your cultural immersion continues with a fun-filled Djembe drumming session followed by an authentic dinner of Cape Malay and African dishes.

Enjoy the morning at your leisure before heading to the port to board your Azamara cruise ship.