Hermanus Art, Whales & Wine

South Africa

10 Days

3 Great Location/s

From:

USD 3450.00

per person

Nett price, excluding international flights

Experience the breathtaking natural wonder of Hermanus, renowned as one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Nestled between towering mountains and the Indian Ocean, this quaint seaside settlement offers a diverse experience with seasonal whale sightings, rich art and culture, and world-class wineries in the nearby Stanford and Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

Visit between June and November to catch a glimpse of the majestic Southern Right Whales, along with vibrant local art galleries and vineyards producing some of the country’s finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

This 10-day self-drive itinerary combines breathtaking natural spectacles with luxury and artistic discovery, offering the best of Hermanus at the height of whale watching season.

Highlights

Cliff Path Whale Watching
Whale-Watching Boat Tour
Whale and Old Harbour Museums
Lembu Gallery & Studio
Walker Bay Art Gallery
Hemel-en-Aarde Wine Valley
Whale Coast Art and Wine Route

Included

Accommodation
Daily breakfast
Car rental for for the duration of this tour with premium insurance cover and unlimited mileage
24/7 On-call local support

Excluded

Flights
Entry Fees
Visa processing fees
Insurance
Tips, gratuities and porterage
All items of a personal nature
All items not explicitly stated

Itinerary Overview

Day 1

Hermanus, South Africa

The Marine Hotel

Arrive at Cape Town International Airport
Upon arrival at Cape Town International Airport, collect your vehicle at the designated car hire company and set off on the two-hour drive to Hermanus. This scenic journey offers incredible views of the South African coastline and is one of the most spectacular in the world.

Check into The Marine, an iconic luxury hotel located right on the clifftops with unbeatable views of Walker Bay. Known for its world-class service and elegance, this hotel offers the perfect start to your Hermanus adventure.

Day 2

Hermanus, South Africa

The Marine Hotel

Cliff Path Whale Watching
Take a morning walk along the Hermanus Cliff Path (start around 9-10 a.m. for the best lighting). This 12-kilometer path is renowned for whale sightings, offering several vantage points. Bring binoculars for closer views and keep an ear out for the Whale Crier’s horn, which signals whale sightings!

Old Harbour Museum
Visit this historic museum to learn about the fishing heritage of Hermanus. It’s also located near some of the best whale-watching spots.

Recommended Dining Experience
The Marine's Restaurant: Seasonal ingredients meet refined flavours to ensure a fine dining experience.

Day 3

Hermanus, South Africa

The Marine Hotel

Whale Museum and Art Galleries
Visit the Whale Museum for more insights into the local marine life, followed by the Lembu Gallery and Studio, which displays a variety of South African artists' work, from ceramics to sculpture and paintings. Another gem is the Walker Bay Art Gallery known for eclectic pieces ranging from abstract paintings to impressive sculptures. Take a guided tour of the gallery and gain insights into the thriving local art scene.

Recommended Dining Experience
Burgundy: Taste the delicious fresh offerings of the ocean while watching a spectacular sunset.

Day 4

Hermanus, South Africa

The Marine Hotel

Whale Watching Boat Tour Museum
Head out on a boat tour (around 9 a.m.) for a closer look at the majestic southern right whales. There are various operators with knowledgeable guides providing whale behaviour insights.

Recommended Dining Experience
SkyBar Hermanus: The best spot to sit back and sip on delicious cocktails while admiring the breathtaking view.

Day 5

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Garden Lodge

Drive to Gansbaai
Check in to Grootbos Private Game Reserve. This exclusive, eco-luxury retreat offers unforgettable natural surroundings and luxurious amenities.

Afternoon at leisure
Grootbos offers a marine safari that combines whale watching, dolphin sightings, and more shark sightings, all in one boat tour.

Day 6

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Garden Lodge

Guided Nature Walk
Discover the unique flora of the Cape Floral Kingdom with a guided walk. Grootbos is known for its biodiversity, especially during the spring flower season.

Art and Photography
Explore the Hannarie Wenhold Botanical Art Gallery at Grootbos that showcases more than 120 unique botanical art works. Or take part in a photography tour to capture the stunning landscapes.

Recommended Dining Experience
Dinner is a candle-lit affair amid the reserve’s lush terrain.

Day 7

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Garden Lodge

For leisure:
Explore more of the lodge at your leisure.

For adventure:
Depart early for Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai, known as one of the best spots for shark cage diving. Several companies offer tours, with great chances to see great white sharks as well as other marine species.

Recommended Dining Experience
Sit down to dinner at Grootbos’ Garden Restaurant, which serves farm-to-table dishes with local ingredients.

Day 8

Stanford, South Africa

AfriCamps at Stanford Hills

Drive to Stanford
Check in to AfriCamps at the Stanford Hills Estate. These luxury tents combine nature’s beauty with modern comforts, for the ultimate glamping experience.

Recommended Dining Experience
Madre: Overlooking the Madre veggie garden, the restaurant offers true fine dining in a country setting.

Day 9

Stanford, South Africa

AfriCamps at Stanford Hills

Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Wine Tasting
Spookfontein Wine Farm: Head to Spookfontein Wine Estate for a wine tasting paired with local cheeses.

Ataraxia Wines: This modern winery offers a chapel-like tasting room with stunning views and a selection of expressive wines. It’s a peaceful stop to admire both wines and art installations.

Newton Johnson Vineyards: Experience another tasting at this unique venue with its award-winning pinot noir, and scenic views over the valley.

Creation Wines: End the day with a wine and food pairing experience at this beautiful vineyard views.

Recommended Dining Experience
Manor House: This eatery is regularly cited as one of South Africa's top restaurants.

Day 10

Stanford, South Africa

AfriCamps at Stanford Hills

Drive to Cape Town International Airport
After breakfast, drive back to Cape Town to catch your flight home. Be sure to refuel the rental car before returning it.