Compare Cycling the Cape & Winelands by Exodus Travels vs Walking Ireland’s Coastal Northwest by Road Scholar

Day 1 Start Cape Town; free day to explore

We arrive in Cape Town. The day is free to relax, shop, catch a few rays or explore the endless activities in and around the city. The guide can advise and assist, but here are a few recommended options: a cable car ride up Table Mountain for fantastic views over Cape Town and the coast; a visit to the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens; or a half-day trip to Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela and other members of the ANC served long prison sentences (this trip can be done on Day 12, depending on the weather on Table Mountain). Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (or similar)

Day 2 Ride over Hellshoogte, passing vineyards; to Stellenbosch

This morning, we have a short transfer from our lodge to the harbour and then we cycle to Bloubergstrand, where the iconic pictures of Cape Town with Table Mountain as a backdrop are taken. After taking the obligatory photos, we have a short transfer into the centre of the winelands. In the afternoon, we cycle over Hellshoogte (Hell's Heights) and then freewheel the rest of the way to the Boschendal vineyards where we stop for a well-earned drink (optional) before transferring to our accommodation in Stellenbosch. Accommodation: San Gabriel Homestead (or similar)

Day 3 Ride the Franschhoek Pass

In the morning, we have a short transfer before cycling through Franschhoek and up the Franschhoek Pass (2,425ft/739m) for some of the most breath-taking views in the region. We then continue to cycle to Villiersdorp. After lunch, we cycle towards Nuy Valley and then take a short transfer to Montague. Accommodation: Montague Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Ride through the semi-arid desert of Great Karoo

Today we head east, cycling from our accommodation in Montague to our accommodation in Barrydale. Along the way, the landscape changes to the semi-arid desert of the Great Karoo, a huge ancient plateau making up almost a third of South Africa's landmass and littered with remains of ancient indigenous cultures. We cycle a scenic backroad traversing a more fertile region known as the Little Karoo, a short climb brings us to the Tradouws Plateau before arriving in Barrydale, our base for the night. This quiet old Dutch village is in a fertile valley surrounded by a colourful mix of vines, fruits and wildflowers (in season). While here, we visit a local co-op cellar and have an opportunity to taste their produce, including the well-respected local chardonnay. Accommodation: Karoo Art Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Ride through Langeberg Mountains to Bontebok National Park

After breakfast, a short climb takes us up and over the spectacular Tradouws Pass. Near the top are the remains of a prison camp once home to the convicts that constructed the pass in 1873. From here, the route is mainly downhill through the Langeberg Mountains to the small town of Suurbrak. Built by the London Missionary Society in 1812, many of the buildings have been restored and now the town has the feel of a living museum. Moving on, we reach our base for the night, Swellendam. From here, we drive to the Bontebok National Park, home to rare antelope, mountain zebras and endangered crane species. The park has two 1.2mi (2km) self-guided nature trails, which can be explored independently. Accommodation: Aanhuizen Guest House (or similar)

Day 6 Ride and transfer to Cape Agulhas National Park, the southernmost point in Africa

A short transfer (12mi/20km) brings us into the Overberg district, and we cycle through the cultivated farmlands of the Western Cape to Bredasdorp. The road gently rolls through neat wheat fields and remote fishing villages facing the Indian Ocean, arriving at Cape Agulhas. This is the southernmost point in Africa, and the newest national park in the country, encompassing vast wetlands, coastline and extending some kilometres out to sea. Whales and other sea life that frequent the warm Indian Ocean here enjoy the protection. It also provides a home to thousands of sea birds and seals that can be seen along the rugged beaches. Accommodation: Cape Agulhas Guest House (or similar)

Day 7 Cycle towards Hermanus; sample local beer at Birkenhead

This morning, we cycle through the picturesque hamlet of Elim and past 34mi (55km) of undulating farmlands to the coastal town of Kleinbaai. Following lunch, we take a short transfer into Stanford where we can sample local beer at the Birkenhead Brewery. We finish our day in the town of Hermanus, famous for the very close sightings of the southern right whale, which come into the secluded bay to mate and calf each year from June to November. In the afternoon, we have the option of cycling from one of the local viewpoints of Walker Bay along the Hermanus coastal road to our accommodation, offering the best chance of spotting the whales. Accommodation: Windsor Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Free day to relax in Hermanus

We have a free day today to rest our legs in Hermanus. In the 1920s, the town was known as a place to convalesce and was being recommended from as far afield as London. Grand hotels were built and its reputation as a holiday resort was established. It still manages a delightful balance between the two industries of fishing and tourism. In addition to this, the World Wildlife Foundation recognises Hermanus as among the best places in the world for whale watching. Our September to October departures give the best opportunity to see whales swimming off the coast. Accommodation: Windsor Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Ride the Whale Coast to Gordon's Bay

Today we cycle the Whale Coast, from Hermaus to Gordon's Bay, one of the most scenic rides in the world. The road follows the rugged coastline, passing through fishing villages with dramatic views over False Bay and the Cape of Good Hope. Along the route, there is a good chance our efforts will be encouraged by numerous troops of Cape baboon. Today is the longest cycle day, but those preferring a shorter ride can catch a lift in the support bus for part of the journey. We transfer at the end of the day from Gordon's Bay to Simonstown. Accommodation: Quayside Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Cape Peninsula ride; visit penguin colony

After breakfast, an 18mi (30km) transfer brings us to the Cape Point Nature Reserve. We then walk from the Cape of Good Hope to the old lighthouse at Cape Point. From here, we cycle through the Cape Point Nature Reserve and then along the very scenic coastal road to the historic village of Simonstown, downhill for most of the way, with panoramic views over False Bay. After a rest stop and lunch at Boulders Beach, we visit the local penguin colony (optional). We then continue our cycle along the coastal road to our overnight accommodation. Accommodation: Quayside Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Cycle to Cape Town via Chapman's Peak, Hout Bay and Camps Bay

The ride today follows part of the annual Cape Argus route, one of the largest cycling events in the world, and is arguably the most scenic route in South Africa. We complete our circuit by cycling from Glencairn over the Red Hill pass along an old navy road to Scarborough and then along the Atlantic coast via the stunning Chapman's Peak drive into Hout Bay. After lunch in Hout Bay, we cycle up Suikerbos Ridge past Llandudno and then onto Cape Town via Camp's Bay and the 12 Apostles all the way to our accommodation in Seapoint. We celebrate the end of the cycling at one of the many venues at the Waterfront. Accommodation: City Lodge Hotel Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (or similar)

Day 12 Optional morning visit to Robben Island; end Cape Town

The day is free for last-minute shopping, catching a few last rays of sunshine or taking the half-day trip to Robben Island before the trip ends.

Day 1
In Transit to Program
In Flight

Day 2
Arrive, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Letterkenny D Station House Hotel
Activity note: Approximate transfer time is 3 hours. Hotel check-in is at 2:00 PM.

Afternoon: Transfers will take approximately 3 hours. On the way to the hotel, enjoy an overview of Ireland and its history. Attend an orientation at the hotel. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. Indicated times are approximate. Program activities, schedules and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: Welcome dinner at the hotel. Water is included in the program cost at all meals. Unless otherwise noted, dinners on this program are typically a three course set menu.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 3
National Parks of Glenveagh
Letterkenny B,D Station House Hotel
Activity note: Up to 9 miles of walking, split into 2 parts, for 3.5 hours on mixed terrain and natural trails. The morning walk is 5 miles with an optional extra castle loop (1 mile) on your own before the Garden lecture.

Breakfast: At the hotel. On this program, breakfasts will offer a typical European style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold-cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea and water

Morning: This morning, explore the National Parks of Glenveagh. Between fuchsias and rhododendrons our way leads over a small hill down to Lough Beagh. The 9 mile walk will be split between the morning and the afternoon.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own at Glenveagh Castle.

Afternoon: Surrounded by forest, Glenveagh Castle is located with its interesting botanical gardens. It's incredible what in this wilderness far from civilization everything prospers. Explore the castle and botanical garden and learn about local flora and fauna during a field lecture.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4
Horn Head
Donegal B,D Central Hotel
Activity note: Up to 3.5 miles of walking for 2-3 hours on mixed terrain and natural trails.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Leaving Letterkenny, you have a beautiful drive northwest to reach the small town of Dunfanaghy (approx. 45 minutes). From there, you continue to the northwest tip of this region to reach Horn Head (approx. 20 minutes). With glorious views across Sheephaven Bay & Tory Island, you enjoy a lovely coastal walk around Horn Head. Some of this is through bogland with high heather & uneven underfoot conditions with some impressive cliff trails.

Lunch: Picnic on your own.

Afternoon: Return to your coach & drive to Donegal town, stopping on the way to discover ancient Dolmens. (Drive time from Dunfanaghy to Kilclooney is approx. 1.5 hours and from Kilclooney to Donegal town is approx. 45 minutes). Today, you will discover ancient dolmens, see a small exhibition on the history and geology of the area in Kilclooney. Take in a field lecture about history and geology. Transfer to the hotel.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5
Slieve League Cliffs
Donegal B,D Central Hotel
Activity note: Up to 4.5 miles of walking for 4.5 hours on mixed terrain and natural trails.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Transfer from Donegal to Slieve League (about 1 hour), on a private coach. Visit the highest sea cliffs in Europe, Slieve League in Teelin. The roaring Atlantic waves up to 2000 foot high cliffs and the ever-changing cloud formations are a dramatic spectacle. For hours one could gaze out over the rugged coastline and watching the flight of birds.

Lunch: Picnic on your own.

Afternoon: Travel from Slieve League back to the hotel in Donegal.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6
Table Mountain Benbulben Sligo
Galway B,D The Galmont Hotel and Spa
Activity note: Up to 2.5 miles of walking for 1.5 hours on mixed terrain and natural trails.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Transfer from Donegal to Sligo (about 1.5 hours), on a private coach. In Drumcliff, visit the final resting place of W.B. Yeats. Learn about the majestic Table Mountain Benbulben. Sligo is the largest city in the northwest of the island. South of the city climb to Knocknarea where we enjoy a magnificent view over the Bay of Donegal. Take in a field lecture about geology.

Lunch: Group Picnic. Explore local fare on your own overlooking the Table Mountain Benbulben.

Afternoon: Continue the transfer to Galway (about 3 hours). Check in to the hotel.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7
Connemara
Galway B The Galmont Hotel and Spa
Activity note: Up to 5 miles of walking for 2.5 hours on natural trails.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Transfer to Connemara on a private coach (about 1 hour). Upon arrival, walk along the Killary Harbor, a 10.5 mile-long fjord, which is an ideal place for fish or shellfish farming. Learn about local farming and fishing during a field lecture.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own during a picnic lunch.

Afternoon: Explore the Kylemore Abbey and Victorian Walled Garden. The abbey is an impressive Benedictine monastery that was a safe haven for Belgium nuns who fled from World War I. Return to Galway.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own in Galway.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8
Galway City
Ennis B,D Auburn Lodge Hotel
Activity note: Up to 2 miles of walking on pavement, cobblestones, and uneven pavement.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Galway City is a thriving, bohemian, cultural city on the western coast of Ireland. Along with being a popular seaside destination with beautiful beaches and a long winding promenade, it also has a buzzing cosmopolitan city center. The city is a joy to explore with its labyrinthine cobbled streets, colorful shop facades and busy café and bar culture. Explore the old city during an expert-led walk.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own in Galway City.

Afternoon: Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions. Meet in the late afternoon for the transfer to Ennis (about 2 hours).

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9
Aran Islands
Ennis B,D Auburn Lodge Hotel
Activity note: Up to 7 miles of walking for 3.5 hours on stony paths and mixed terrain.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: This morning, transfer to the port of Doolin (about 1 hour), and then embark a boat to Inisheer, one of the Aran Islands towns. On these stony islands, explore the prehistoric forts and 3000 foot-long ornate walls. You can still hear Gaelic being spoken here. Enjoy a walk through the primitive and magical landscape while taking in a field lecture about history and nature.

Lunch: After your hike around the island with a local guide, return to a typical Irish Pub where you can enjoy lunch on your own.

Afternoon: Return to Doolin by boat. Admire the Cliffs of Moher, one of the natural wonders of the world en route from the boat. Transfer back to the hotel in Ennis via coach.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 10
Departures
In Flight B
Breakfast: At the hotel. This concludes our program.

Morning: Private coach transfer to the Shannon Airport (about 30 minutes). Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures.