CAPE TOWN DAY ITINERARY - FRANSCHHOEK TOUR
23 Feb, 2023: This is one of the most popular day trips from Cape Town and connects two important historical towns each with a great variety of historical and natural tourist attractions.
1. HISTORICAL STELLENBOSCH
The Fat Butcher, a restuarant housed in a Victorianised Cape Dutch building - typical of the blen of history with fine quisine. Begin your day with breakfast in Dorp Street, Bird Street or Drostdy Street at one of the many niche restaurants. This is your opportunity to photograph the heart of this significant historical town...the first to be established by the settlers after the establishment of the Cape Colony itself.
Dorp street in Stellenbosch. A road lined with heritage buildings built over 300 years ago in Cape Dutch and Georgian styles.
Map of the Stellenbosch to Franschhoek tour itinerary.
2. MOEDERKERK
The "Moederkerk" was built in the 1800's and has seen 4 generations of pastors buried in its heavenly gardens. Click here for GLITZYMAGAZINE another site with tour itineraries on it.
The small cemetry in the church gardens.
3. THE RUPERT MUSEUM
While you are in Stellenbosch, you may want to visit the Rupert Museum which is guardian to a vast collection of antique and modern paintings and sculptures.
4. RUSTENSBERG FARM
On your way out of Stellenbosch stop at the farm called Rustenberg and be amazed by the postard perfect Cape Dutch House in the Peninsula Style that is has Simonsberg Mountain as its backdrop. Visit the wine cellar and immaculate historical gardens. This is a hidden gem. For more parks and gardens visit GLITZYMAGAZINE/a> and see breathtaking natural beauty in the region.
5. LANZERAC HOTEL
Another perfect photo moment is waiting for you at the Lanzerac hotel which has the two peaks as its mounatain backdrop. Have lunch at the fine restaurant, or if its too early, stop at one of the next entries on the itinerary. See this highlighted link for GLITZYMAGAZINE more top sightseeing attractions.
6. JONKERSHOEK NATURE RESERVE
This is a stunning natural attraction and not to be missed. The road to reach it goes passed the Lanzerac hotel and is a scenic drive in and of itself. Autumn and spring are the best seasons to travel this road. When you have more time, dedicate an entire day to seeing this beautiful place and hiking the many trails.
7.TOKARA WINERY
This modern building was designed by the firm that was known as Van Biljon Visser at the time. The stunning views, immaculate gardens and fine dining and wine tasting, make this a top class destination on your itinerary. Click here for GLITZYMAGAZINE another page with other kid friendly attractions.
8.DELAIRE GRAFF
Just opposite Tokary Windey, lies Delaire Graffe Wine Estate, which has a very popular restaurant with many excellent chefs working to bring you delicious meals while you enjoy the unsurpassed views over the Banghoek Valley. View, art, sculptures, and luxury boutique clothing and Jewellery stores while you are there. This photo was taken during December when the Agapanthus flowers are in full bloom with their white and lavender blossoms.
9.ZORGVLIET
A little further into the Bangkoek valley, lies nestled this beautiful historical Cape Dutch home with an unusually simplified gable and two main doors. The views of Simonsberg mountain, restaurant and gardens will leave you in a great mood. Visit here at GLITZYMAGAZINE for other ideas about how to spend the weekend for the whole family.
10.BOSCHENDAL
Most people that come to the Cape want to see the classic scenes of a Cape Dutch farmhouse that is surrounded by Cape fold mountains and rolling vineyards, and that is exactly what you will find at this significant historical location.
11.LA MOTTE
This fountain was created in modern times to provide a unique icon to this farm with its top class restaurant and art museum. The success is phenomonal as the piece has become a tourist attraction in its own right.
12.HUGUENOT MEMORIAL FRANSCHHOEK
Saving the best for last... this itinerary ends in Franschhoek at the famous huguenot memorial. A place of deep spiritual and historical signigicance as well as undeniable natural beauty. Get your ticket at the musueum entrance just opposite the park where the memorial stands.
MORE IN STELLENBOSCH
Built around 1824, in the Neoclassical style, the Rhenish parsonage burnt down completely in 1909, but was rebuilt and fully restored. It now houses a toy museum, but originally it was the abode of the clergy as part of the Rhenish church complex. It is one of the fine Cape Dutch buildings that enjoys a backdrop of unhindered mountain views and is very photogenic.
The Theology Building in Stellenbosch, is a noteable building to see that is in a French Colonial style.
BLETTERMANHUIS
Built in 1789 by Hendrik Lodewijk Bletterman, the house has been beautifully restored and its baroque gable is exquisite. Inside is a museum where visitors gain a rare opportunity to see the inside of a Cape Dutch Home, furnished just as it was by its wealthy inhabitants over 200 years ago.
With gable dated 1840, the Rhenish church lies in the heart of Stellenbosch and is a sturdy L-shaped building that overlooks the central park. As a working church, the architecture is enjoyed by the inhabitants of the town until this day.
RUSTENSBERG GARDENS
While at Rustenberg farm, be sure to walk through the long established gardens that are a mix of exotic and indigenous plants as is often the case alongside historical Cape Dutch Manor Homes.
MORE AT TOKARA
At Tokara Winery... view the colourful blend of modern architecture with contemporary art and scuptures. These colourful cats brighten up the scene and make for plenty of talking points as you enjoy your delicious lunch or tea at the DeliCatEssen as it is affectionately called.
The white horse looks splendidly clean as it grazed on the immaculately kept lawn. Plenty to see for art lovers at this winery!
MORE AT DELAIRE GRAFF
The restaurant enjoys panoramic views over Simonsberg and the Hottentots Holland range, while close up one can see the sophisticted metal sculptures that dot the landscape.
MORE AT BOSCHENDAL
The front gable is one of the finest examples of the Neoclassical style. What makes the building so special is that it is open to the public so that you can views it from every angle and see the furnishings inside. The outbuildings contain the wine tasting centre, shops and a restaurant making it a wonderful stop on your sightseeing itinerary.
MORE AT LA MOTTE
Some of the Cape Dutch buildings are historical while others have been built in recent times using a complimentary style, with some modern twists... such as the seamless glass doors. Enjoy the shaded areas as well as the restaurant and Pierneef art museum, or play a game of chess on the giant outdoor board.
MORE AT THE HUGUENOT MEMORIAL
The huguenot memorial includes a group of interacting buildings in the Georgian style and are as much a postcard picture as the triple arches themselves. Purchase your ticket at the museum opposite.
ALSO IN STELLENBOSCH TOWN
The VOC Kruithuis was a gunpowder storage unit built be the original VOC company that first established the Cape Colony. This memorable piece of architecture is located next to the Burgerhuis, also an important historical building, alongside the public park called "Die Braak."
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ALSO AT TORKARA WINERY
This state of the art childrens playground compliments the fine dining, wine tasting, and spectacular views at one of Stellenbosches most famous and well established winery.
OTHER ITINERARY MAPS
If you enjoyed this Itinerary of the Stellenbosch to Franschhoek Tour, you will most likely be interested in the many other maps available at CAPETOWNSPLENDOUR. Presented here: Map of the Botelary Day Trip route indicating wine farms and other places of interest.
