South Africa: Architecture, Nature and Design

From November 29th to December 8th 2024

 

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SOUTH AFRICA, AN UNFORGETTABLE DESTINATION OF CONTRASTS AND DIVERSITY

Artchitectours presents a complete 10-day trip + 3-day optional extension to discover one of the most interesting countries in terms of culture and architecture on the African continent: South Africa. As well as visiting Cape Town, a beautiful city full of life and relevant architectural projects, we will visit the most representative natural parks in the western region of South Africa. Then we’ll head to the Winelands, where we’ll spend two days in the pleasant town of Stellenbosch, renowned for its gastronomy and vineyards. Finally, an optional three-day extension is on offer to discover the most characteristic African flora and fauna on a 3-day, 3-night Safari to the Aquila Game Reserve in Touwsrivier, one of the leading wildlife conservation and restocking centers in Eastern South Africa.

One of the highlights of the trip will undoubtedly be the wonderful, vibrant and bustling City of Cape Town. Nestling between two oceans – the Atlantic and the Indian – and surrounded by majestic mountains, it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It exudes a unique energy, shaded by Table Mountain and fringed by the ocean, offering a distinct lifestyle and atmosphere like no other. Whether called “Kaapstad” in Afrikaans or “Cape Town” in English, the city, founded in 1652, is considered one of the most attractive cities to visit in Africa.

Cape Town embodies multiple cultures and identities. With a rich history of strong European influences since 1652, the city has also established itself as one of Africa’s leading cultural destinations, with the rise of new designers, the opening of the continent’s largest museum of contemporary art in 2017 (Zeitz MOCAA), and a plethora of art galleries. Cape Town, a jewel in the far south, always leaves us with an irresistible urge to return…

TRAVEL PROGRAM

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

15:00h Meeting at the hotel with the architect-guide to begin the architectural tour. Tour of the city center with an introduction to the history and development of Cape Town. Walk through the Company Gardens, created in the 1650s and the oldest garden in South Africa.
17:00 h Trip to the Table Mountain by cable car (tickets included) and enjoy sparkling wine or a drink (included) at the top of Table Mountain to admire the spectacular scenery from this vantage point.
20.00h-Welcome dinner at the Bungalow Restaurant or similar (3-course dinner included).
Night at Cape Town Hollow Boutique Hotel 4****, Cape Town.

DAY 2-  SATURDAY 30/11/24 – CAPE TOWN – BOKAAP AND WATERKANT DISTRICTS

Breakfast at the hotel (included). Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception and transfer to the private bus.
Architectural  visits :

9:00 h Visit to two of the most interesting historic districts: Bokaap and Waterkant.
11:00 h Visit to the 250 Buitengracht House, designed by Team Architect.

13:00 h Lunch at La Parada, in the Timeout Market on the seafront (included) or similar.
14:00 h Walking tour of the city center, focusing on the Art Deco style of many of the district’s buildings.
16:30 h Meeting and explanation with an urban planner to find out more about the city and its current urban development projects.
Free time to wander the neighborhood and dinner (not included). Overnight at Cape Town Hollow Boutique Hotel 4****, Cape Town

DAY 3- SUNDAY 1/12/24- CAPE PENINSULA, A SUNDAY IN NATURE

Breakfast at the hotel (included) 8:30 h Meet the guide and take private bus in front of the hotel.
Panoramic bus tour along the Cape Peninsula through its magnificent landscapes and coastline.
Visit to the most striking natural sites:
Entrance to Cape Point National Park (included)

• UNESCO sites: Cape of Good Hope and Boulders beach (home of the African penguin).
• Simons Town

13:00h Lunch at the Black Marlin restaurant or similar (included).

• Castle Rock House by Jo Noero (external visit).

Return to Cape Town via coastal towns and the majestic Chapman’s Peak Road.
End of the tour, arrival in Cape Town. Evening free and overnight in Cape Town Hollow Boutique Hotel 4****

DAY 4 – MONDAY 2/12/24 –  CAPE TOWN, WATERFRONT DISTRICT

Breakfast at the hotel (included) 8:30 h Meeting with the guide at the hotel reception. Tour by private bus.
Architectural visit:
9:00 h Visit to the V&A Waterfront
10:00 h Zeitz MOCAA & Silo’s Buildings. Visit with local architect (VDMMA)

13:00 h Light lunch with a splendid view of the city at the Roof Top Bar of the Hotel SILO or similar (included)
14:30 h Visit to the urban project: “Battery Park”, presented by the architectural firm DHK
16:00 h Visit to the Watershed, designed by Wolff architects, a magnificent and lively space with unique arts and crafts products.
16:30 h Tour of the Waterfront district to see various buildings and urban interventions
17.30 h End of the tour
Evening free and dinner (not included). Overnight Cape Town Hollow Boutique Hotel 4****

DAY 5-  TUESDAY 3/12/24- WOODSTOCK, SALT RIVER, OBSERVATORY DISTRICTS

Breakfast at the hotel (included)
8:45 h Pick-up at the hotel by private bus.
Architectural tour:
9:15 h Zipzap Circus Academy, presented by architect Tsai
11:00 h Visit to ‘Bijou‘, a former Art Deco cinema in the Observatory district and meeting with Conran Hicks, a South African blacksmith and designer. Visit to a new housing project in the neighborhood.

DAY 6- WEDNESDAY 4 /12/24 –  WEST COAST

Breakfast at the hotel (included). 9:30 h Departure by private bus.

Arrival and visit to Durbanville. Visit to Curro Durbanville Highschool designed by BPAS Architects
Visit to Le Rallim School designed by Studio Mas.
Visit to the !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre, designed by KLG.

13:00 h Light lunch at the !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre museum restaurant-bar (included).
14:30 h Visit to the West Coast National Park, Langebaan (entrance included): a region distinguished by its spectacular landscapes and natural spaces, but also by the interesting vernacular and contemporary architecture to be found in the area.
17:00 h Return to Cape Town
18:00 h Arrival at the hotel. Evening at leisure and dinner (not included). Overnight in Cape Town Hollow Boutique Hotel 4****

DAY 7- THURSDAY 5 /12/24 –  LANGA TOWNSHIP AND THE ART PENINSULA

Breakfast at the hotel (included) 8:30 am Meeting with the guide and pick-up by private bus next to the hotel
Departure to Langa Township via Chapman’s Peak. Visit Langa Township with a local guide.
10:00 h Visit to the Bridge Music Academy by Tsai architecture and the Guga S’thebe Cultural by Carin Smuts architecture, a theatre designed and built by students at the University of Architecture using recycled containers.

11:00 h Visit to the “Denis Goldberg House of Good Hope” in Hout bay, a community project designed and presented by an architect from Studio Jo Noero.
13:00 h Lunch in the Dunes Restaurant in Hout Bay, with a spectacular view of the beach (included)
14:30 h Visit to Muizenberg, a pleasant seaside resort considered to be the main surfing spot in South Africa Cape Town.

15:00 h Visit to the Norval Foundation Museum, dedicated to contemporary African art (exhibition and sculpture garden).
17:00 h End of the visit, return to the hotel in Cape Town.
Evening at leisure and dinner (not included). Overnight in Cape Town Hollow Boutique Hotel 4****

DAY 8- FRIDAY 6 /12/24 – WINELANDS, THE WINE REGION

Breakfast at the hotel (included) and check-out (with luggage).

8:30 h Meeting with the architect-guide and departure with the private coach next to the hotel.
Departure for Paarl to visit the Taal Monument, situated on a beautiful hill, dedicated to the Afrikaans language, designed by Jan Van Wijk and inaugurated in 1975.
Depart for Simonion, to visit Babylonstoren, an elegant landscape and architectural project linked to orchards, vineyards and wine cellars, designed by Cape Dutch Architecture.
13:00 h Lunch and wine tasting at Babylonstoren (included)

Departure for Stellenbosch, the oldest town in the Winelands and the second European settlement in South Africa. Visit and walking tour of Stellenbosch to discover its colonial architecture.
17:00 h End of the tour. Arrival at the Krige Hotel with private bus and check-in.
Free time for dinner and to enjoy the lively atmosphere of Stellenbosch town center (not included). Overnight at Hotel Krige Stellenbosch 4*.

DAY 9- SATURDAY 7 /12/24 – WINELANDS AND BOSJES

Breakfast (included) and meeting with the architect-guide at the hotel reception.
8:30 h Pick-up by private coach in front of the hotel. Departure for Bosjes Farm
Architectural visits:

9:30 h Visit to the Bosjes Chapel designed by Steyn Studio, the garden and the farm. Coetzee Steyn is a renowned South African architect based in London.

13:00 h Lunch at Kombuis, a modern restaurant serving delicious seasonal cuisine using vegetables and fruit from its own farm (included). Departure for Dylan Lewis Sculpture Park.
15:00 h Visit to the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden, a balanced blend of art, modern architecture and landscaping, featuring over 60 works by the artist. Dylan Lewis is now one of South Africa’s most renowned artists for his impressive large-scale sculptures of animals and human figures. 17:00 End of the tour and departure for the hotel.
20:30 Farewell dinner at an excellent Stellenbosch restaurant, Helena’s Kitchen (included).
Overnight at Hotel Krige, Stellenbosch

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

Breakfast (included) and check-out at the Hotel Krige. 8:30am Departure by private bus from in front of the hotel.
Architectural visits:
9:00 h Stop at Delaire Graf Estate, a winery, restaurant, accommodation and spa designed by Cape Town-based architectural practice DHK.
10:00 h Arrival at Boschendal, a small wine center, where several buildings have been rebuilt to house hotels, homes and a renowned contemporary art gallery, which will be visited.

12:00 -13:30 h Return by private bus to Cape Town International Airport.
13:30 h Arrival at Cape Town airport. End of the trip. Those who include the Safari extension of the trip will be met by private transport at 15:00 at the airport to travel to Aquila Private Game Reserve (transfer included in the extension). Private transfers are also available for those wishing to return to Cape Town (on request).

End of the trip in South Africa and beginning of optional safari trip extension

*Variations may occur in the travel program or in the visits selected for reasons beyond the company’s control.
**In the case that Artchitectours is forced to change hotels for reasons beyond its control, a similar hotel of the same category will be contracted.

SOUTH AFRICA : KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS DESTINATION

• • • Picturesque landscapes, impressive views of mountains and oceans, well-preserved natural areas, rich flora and fauna
    • Towns and villages with a very special heritage and history, and a vibrant cultural scene
    • Quality wines and gastronomy
    • No time difference with Europe (no JETLAG)
    • It’s summer when it’s winter in Europe and North America.
    • Very advantageous exchange rates for € and $.
    • Cape Town was recently named one of the world’s most atractive cities by New York Times!

OPTIONAL TRIP EXTENSION –  SAFARI IN AQUILA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE (Subject to availability)

DECEMBER 8th to 11th -2024

 

After the trip to Cape Town and Stellenbosch, Artchitectours offers a 3-day, 3-night safari to the Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa****, in the Touwsrivier region, to integrate into the African wilderness. The experience offers an intimate encounter with nature and wildlife, as well as exclusive accommodation in the Karoo Cottages at the Aquila Hotel, Lodges & Spa complex, which features several swimming pools, a restaurant, a Spa and all desirable amenities, in a comfortable country house for 2 people. Included are 2 full safaris in the private reserve where guests can expect to encounter a wide variety of animals, including the so-called “Big Five“, it is possible to see lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalo. Aquila is also one of South Africa’s leading wildlife conservation and rehabilitation centers in the Western Cape, preserving Africa’s increasingly endangered wildlife and developing wildlife conservation programs.

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SOUTH AFRICA TRIP PRICES DEPENDING ON THE FINAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS:

PRICE-$3.510/3.295 € p/pax in a double room, on a base of minimum 16 participants
PRICE– $4.050/3.795 € p/pax in a double room, on a base of minimum 12 participants

OPTIONAL EXTENSION TRIP (SAFARI) – Subject to availability:

PRICE– $1.180/1.090 € p 7pax in a double room, on a base of minimum 6 pax

REGISTRATION FORM