South Africa, Architecture, nature, culture and design

From November 29th to December 8th 2024

SOUTH AFRICA, AN UNFORGETTABLE DESTINATION OF CONTRAST AND DIVERSITY

Artchitectours presents a complete trip of 10 days + 3 days of optional extension to discover one of the most interesting countries in terms of culture and architecture of the African continent: South Africa.

Besides visiting Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, full of life and relevant architectural projects, the participants will get to know the most representative natural parks of the West region of South Africa. Afterwards, they will travel to the Winelands, where they will enjoy 2 days in the pleasant town of Stellenbosch, renowned for its gastronomy and vineyards. After the trip, there is the possibility to join 1 of 3 different optional travel extensions: for example a safari in the savannahs of the Northeast of South Africa, sailing in Southern point of the African continent  or relaxing in a houseboat in the West Coast Natural Park.

Undoubtedly, one of the highlights of the trip will be the wonderful, vibrant and bustling city of Cape Town. Nestled between oceans – the Atlantic and the Indian oceans- and surrounded by majestic mountains, is among the world’s most beautiful cities. It emanates a unique energy, shadowed by Table Mountain and brushed by the ocean, offering a distinct lifestyle and unparalleled ambiance. Whether referred to as “Kaapstad” in Afrikaans or “Cape Town” in English, the city, founded in 1652, is considered one of the most atractive cities to visit in Africa, selected by the New York Times as the best city to be visited in the world in 2014. Cape Town embodies multiple cultures and identities.With a rich history with strong European influences since 1652, the city has also established itself as a prime cultural destination in Africa with the rise of new designers, the opening of the continent’s largest contemporary art museum in 2017 (Zeitz MOCAA), and a plethora of art galleries.

Cape town, jewel at the farthest South, always leaves us with an irresistible urge to return…

DAY 1- FRIDAY 29/11/24 -OVERVIEW OF THE CITY

15:00h  Meeting at the hotel with the guide-architect, beginning of the architectural tours.
Tour in the city center with an introduction to the history and development of Cape Town. Walk in the Company gardens, created in the 1650´s, the oldest garden in South Africa.
17:00 h  Ascension of ‘Table Mountain’ by cable car (tickets included).
Drink (included) on top of Table Mountain, enjoying the spectacular landscape

19.30h- Welcome dinner for the group (included).
Return to the hotel by private bus.
Overnight stay at the Cape Town Holllow Boutique Hotel 4****, Cape Town or similar

DAY 2- SATURDAY 30/11/24- CAPE TOWN – WATERFRONT DISTRICT

Breakfast at the hotel (included). 9:00 Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception.
Architectural walking tours:

9:45 am Vist of the V&A Waterfront

10:15 am Zeitz MOCAA & Silo’s Buildings. Visit with the local architect (VDMMA).
13:00 h  Lunch on the “Roof-top of Silo’s hotel” (included).
14:30 h  Visit of the urban project :“BATTERY PARK”, presented by the architecture firm DHK.
15:45 h  Visit of the Watershed, designed by Wolff architects, a beautiful and vibrant space with unique products of arts and crafts.

16:30 h  Visit of the ‘Guild gallery’, Art & Design.
17.30 h End of tour. Free evening and dinner (not included).
Overnight at the Cape Town Holllow Boutique Hotel 4****.

DAY 3- SUNDAY 1/12/24- WOODSTOCK, SALT RIVER, OBSERVATORY DISTRICTS

8:45 am Bus pick up at the hotel.

9:15 am Visit of  ZIPZAP CIRCUS Academy presented by the Tsai architects.
11:00 am Visit of ‘Bijou’, an Art deco building and meeting with Conran Hicks, a South African blacksmith artist-designer.
Visit of the Observatory (exterior), a new housing project.
13:15 h Lunch in a restaurant located in a lovely area (included).

Architecture and art visits:
14:30 h Visit to 2 converted industrial buildings: The Old Biscuit Mill, & The Tramway
16:00 h Visit of the Woodstock foundry and the studio of Stanislaw Trzebinski (artist sculptor).
17:15 h End of tour and return to the hotel with the private bus.
19.00 – 22.30 h Group dinner and cultural optional event: Show in Artscape Theatre Centre or similar (to confirm, not included).
Free return to the hotel and overnight at the hotel in Cape Town.

DAY 4- MONDAY 2/12/24- ARTY PENINSULA

Breakfast at the hotel (included). 8:15 am Meeting with the guide and pick up with the private bus next to the hotel.

9:00 am Visit of the “DENIS GOLDBERG HOUSE OF GOOD HOPE’’ in Hout bay, a community project designed and presented by an architect from  Jo Noero’s Studio.
11:00 am Meeting with the south african designer Ronel Jordaan in her workshop, in Muizenberg.
12:00 h Exclusive open shop (Ronel Jordaan and other designers) or free time for a stroll in the area.
13:00 h  Lunch in a restaurant in Muizenberg, next to the beach.
15:00h Visit of Norval Foundation Museum, contemporary African Art (exhibition and sculpture- garden).
17:00 h End of tour, return to the hotel in Cape Town.
Free evening and dinner (not included). Overnight in Cape Town.

DAY 5- TUESDAY 3/12/24- BOKAAP DISTRICT- ART DECO STYLE DISTRICT

Architectural walking tours:
Breakfast.at the hotel (included). Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception
9:00 am Tour at two of the most interesting historical districts: Bokaap and Waterkant.
11:00 am Visit of House-studio 250 BUITENGRACHT HOUSE, designed by Team Architect.

13:00 h Lunch in a traditional restaurant located in the center, or similar (included).
14:00 h Walking tour in the city center, focused on the Art Deco style of many of the buildings in the area.
16:30 h Meeting and explanation with an urban planner to learn about the city and its current urban development projects.
Free time for strolling in the district and having dinner (not included). Overnight at the hotel in Cape Town.

DAY 6-WEDNESDAY 4/12/24-  LANGA TOWNSHIP- CLIFTON SEASIDE DISTRICT

Breakfast at the hotel (included), 9:00 h Meeting with the architect guide and pick up with private bus in front of the hotel.

Architectural tour: 9:30 am Visit of the Bridge Music Academy by Tsai architects 

10:30 Visit of Guga S’thebe Cultural by Carin Smuts architects, theatre designed and built by students from the architecture university with recycled  containers.
12:00 h: Tour in the Township of LANGA with a local guide.
13:00 h Lunch in a traditional restaurant in Langa (included).

14:30 h Walk along the beautiful beaches and contemporary houses in CLIFTON, an amazing Seaside District of Cape Town.
17:00 h End of tour and return to the hotel with the private bus.
Free evening and dinner (not included). Overnight stay at the hotel, in Cape Town.

DAY 7 -THURSDAY 5/12/24- CAPE PENINSULA, A SUNDAY IN THE NATURE

Breakfast at the hotel (included).
8:30 am Pick up with private bus in front of the hotel.
Panoramic tour with the bus along Cape Peninsula through its stunning sceneries and coast.
13:00 h Fish and Chip´s in Simons Town or similar (included).

14:00 h Tour with the following highlights:
UNESCO world sites: the Cape of good Hope and the Boulders beach (home of African penguins).
Simons Town.
Castle Rock House by Jo Noero (external visit).
Drive back to Cape Town, through the coastal towns and the majestic Chapman’s Peak Drive.
17:00 h End of tour, arrival and overnight stay in Cape Town. Free evening and dinner (not included).

DAY 8-FRIDAY 6/12/24–  WEST COAST

Breakfast at the hotel (included) and check-out.
8:30 am Pick up with private bus in front of the hotel (with luggage).
9:15 am Visit of Rallim School designed by Studio Mas.
11:30 am Visit of the West Coast National Park, Langebaan: area that stands out for its stunning landscapes and nature, and also for the vernacular & contemporary architecture of the area.

13.00 h Group lunch (included).
14:00 h Visit of the San Museum Khwattu San Culture Museum, designed by KLG.
17.30 h Taal Monument, Afrikaans language monument in Paarl (70’s)
18:30 h Arrival to the hotel in Stellenbosch. Check-in.
Free evening to discover the town and have dinner (not included). Overnight at the Oude Werf Hotel 4*in Stellenbosch.

DAY 9-SATURDAY 7/12/24–  WINELANDS

Breakfast at the hotel (included). 9:00h Meeting with the guide and the private  coach next to the hotel.
Tour and walking route in Stellenbosch, the oldest city in the Winelands, and the second European settlement in South Africa. 
Architecture and landscape design visits:
Cape Dutch architecture, landscape Wine & Art : Babylon Storeen, garden and vineyard.

13:00 h Wine tasting and lunch in Tokara (included)
Visit of Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden, featuring more than 60 works by the artist
17:00 h Return to the hotel with the private coach.
Optional farewell dinner in Helena’s Kitchen, one of the best restaurants of Stellenbosch (to confirm)
Overnight stay at the Oude Werf Hotel in Stellenbosch 4*.

DAY 10 – SUNDAY 8/12/24- WINELANDS – CAPE TOWN

Breakfast (included) and check-out from the hotel in Stellenbosch.
8:00 am Pick up with private coach in front of the hotel.
Architectural visits:
9:30 am Visit Bosjes Chapel designed by Stein Studio, garden and farm.
12:00 -13:30 h Return with the private bus to Cape Town International Airport.
13:30 h Arrival to Cape Town Airport. Transfers to Cape Town/ Transfers for travel program extensions are offered (under demand).

End of the architecture trip in South Africa.

*Visits program will be definitively established at the time of the confirmation of the trip.
**Variations may occur in the selected visits or in the travel program for reasons beyond the company’s control.

SOUTH AFRICA: ADVANTAGES TO POINT OUT FOR THIS DESTINATION

• One of the most advanced countries in Africa, which is said to be the continent of the future
• Scenic landscape, impressing views of mountains and oceans, well preserved natural spaces, rich fauna & flora
• Cities and towns with great dynamism and cultural life
• Excellent wine and gastronomy
• NO jetlag from Europe.
• It’s summer when it’s winter in Europe and North America
• Very good rates change
• Cape town has been recently awarded one of the greatest city in the world!

SAFARI TRAVEL EXTENSION

SAFARI IN TOUWSRIVIER 8-11 DECEMBER

Feel the most authentic Africa under your feet on a 3-day Safari in Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa ****. The experience offers an intimate encounter with nature and wildlife as well as exclusive accommodation, in a exclusive resort with all the desirable amenities, as outdoor and indoor pools, restaurant, bars, and a very complete Spa. To achieve a high degree of relaxation and intimacy, accomodation is propsed in the Karoo cottages, private independent country houses for two guests. The extension includes 2 complete safaris in the private game reserve guided by expert rangers . Guests can expect to encounter a wide variety of animals, among them the so-called “Big Five”: you can watch lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes in their living environment. Aquila is also one of South Africa’s leading wildlife conservation and rehabilitation centers in the Western Cape area, preserving endangered wild animals in Africa, developing anti-poaching programs and promoting local development.

INFORMATION AND PRICE: UPON REQUEST

PRICES DEPENDING ON THE FINAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS:

PRICE-$3.510/3.295 € P/PAX IN  DOUBLE ROOM, ON A BASE OF MINIMUM 16 PARTICIPANTS

PRICE– $4.050/3.795 € P/PAX IN  DOUBLE ROOM, ON A BASE OF MINIMUM 12 PARTICIPANTS