This tour can be modified  in many ways  to meet your needs, and it has  not set date that it departs.It can go on request.

We  can change the  lodging to  meet  any standard hotel you request.

A  modification that blends nicly with   this tour is our  Eastern Cape Cultural tours as  you can watch rural women weave baskets, and or learn to bead your self, and  or our  Venda Tours  that  take you to pottery villagers,woodworkers, drummakers, markets, and a Kruger National Park Safari is  a easy add on, as they are very close to each other.

  SOUTH AFRICA BEAD & CRAFT TOUR
 

                                          As with all our tours, this tour can be changed to meet your needs.Tour Code DT

DAY 1:  ARRIVAL – CAPE TOWN

Arrive Cape Town International Airport where you will board a luxury air-conditioned coach.  En route to Spring Tide Inn sit back and enjoy a scenic City Tour passing Rhodes Memorial, the Houses of Parliament, City Hall, Cape of Good Hope Castle, Slave Lodge, Bo-Kaap area, Cape Malay District, etc.  

The Spring Tide Inn is an intimate guesthouse situated in the heart of Sea Point, with the Atlantic Ocean literally within a minute's walk.  The V&A Waterfront and city centre are a five-minute drive away. [Transfer time from airport to Spring Tide = 20 mins, but with sightseeing along the way, approximately one hour]    Rest of the day at leisure.  An option to consider is exploring the V & A Waterfront where you can also enjoy lunch.  Of particular interest would be the Red Shed Craft Workshop and the Waterfront Craft Market. The Red Shed Craft Workshop is filled with an eclectic, colourful and unique mix of handmade merchandise and art.

 Hand painted fabrics, hand woven wire bowls, handcrafted wood pieces, township art, exquisite mosaics and pottery…these are just some of the wondrous wares on offer at this open plan style workshop.      The Waterfront Craft Market is the flagship of entrepreneurship and micro business development in the Waterfront.  The vibrant indoor market represents the cream of local craftsmanship and is the proud recipient of a Mayoral Award for Tourism Development.  The variety of craft is divers, ranging from innovative design to traditional handcrafts of old.

 Giftware, jewellery, home furnishings, ceramics, painted fabric, woodcarving, fashion and leisurewear are just a few of the items on offer. This afternoon, transfer to Table Mountain (weather permitting) where a unique revolving cable car will take you to the summit for sundowners while experiencing the breathtaking sweeping views of the Cape Peninsula. [Transfer time to Table Mountain = 15 mins]  

 Overnight Spring Tide Inn, Sea Point                     [Meal plan = None]

 DAY 2:  CAPE TOWNAfter breakfast depart for a morning township tour where you will visit a successful township empowerment project creating innovative items which are a fusion of traditional craft techniques with contemporary resources.  The tour also offers an insight into and interaction with cultures, communities and individuals living in our colourful society.  Witness every day life in a demanding environment and share in their hopes & achievements. [Transfer time to township = 20 - 30 mins]  After lunch in the township, visit the South African National Gallery and Ethnic Beading Exhibition.   Evening at leisure. Overnight Spring Tide Inn                                                                 [Meal plan = B & L]

DAY 3:  CAPE TOWNAfter breakfast depart on a full day scenic Peninsula Tour.  En route, travel via the popular Chapman’s Peak Drive, view the African penguins at Boulders Beach, visit Simon’s Town and Kalk Bay to explore antiques, arts, crafts and book shops, visit the African Experience and numerous other craft shops in Noordhoek, enjoy the splendour of the Good Hope Nature Reserve, admire the view from the top of Cape Point, and time permitting, visit the Two Oceans Craft and Culture Centre near Fish Hoek as well as the internationally renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden.

 [Transfer time to Cape Point with stops = 2 hrs]    Allow some time at Noordhoek for a visit to the Farm Village where a variety of local arts and craft shops including hand blown glass and unique artworks produced by local artists can be viewed.

  Situated along the popular scenic route to Cape Point and Scarborough, the Two Oceans Craft and Culture Centre is a community project engaging the skills and talents of the people of Masiphumelele, Ocean View and Red Hill. The craft market includes beadwork, leatherwork, ceramics, woodwork, grass weave work, clothing & candles. Lunch to be enjoyed at the popular Black Marlin Restaurant in Simon’s Town. This historical building, once a whaling station, ensures the perfect setting for an idyllic lunch or evening experience.

 Established as a restaurant for the past 27 years, the Black Marlin has earned a reputation for its stunning seafood, award-winning wine list, attentive service and incredible views. Evening at leisure. Overnight Spring Tide Inn                                                                          [Meal plan = B & L]

 DAY 4:  CAPE TOWN/DARLINGAfter breakfast, depart on your full day excursion to Darling situated on the West Coast.  Enjoy your journey to Darling and Evita se Perron where lunch, a Pieter Dirk Uys show and a visit to his fascinating craft market can be enjoyed. Pieter-Dirk Uys is one of South Africa’s most popular characters and a very well known actor, comedian, writer and director.  In Darling, he has converted the old railway station into a cabaret venue called 'Evita se Perron' (Perron is Afrikaans for 'station platform').

It has two theatres, a restaurant/bar, arts and craft market and a satirical garden called Boerassic Park. In contrast to other craft markets, Evita’s Arts and Crafts features mainly West Coast and Swartland crafts. Here you will find handmade candlesticks, local handmade paper and olive soap, driftwood mirrors and frames, flying fish mobiles, tin windmills and many other delightful items.  A visit to Margie Gough, beader extraordinaire, to follow. [Transfer time to Darling = 2 hrs]   Evening at leisure. Overnight Spring Tide Inn                                                                          [Meal plan = B & L] 

DAY 5:  CAPE TOWNAfter breakfast, enjoy a visit to Daniella’s workshop, followed by a visit to Nova Constantia where you will meet Margie Garrett and enjoy an exclusive tour of the privately owned Cape Dutch manor house.  Here a magnificent art and furniture collection can be viewed.  Lunch and workshop to follow at Nova Constantia. [Transfer time = 30 mins]

 After the workshop, enjoy a visit to Streetwires, Monkeybiz, Carrol Boyes and the very interesting and popular Long Street in Cape Town. Streetwires create and market the very best contemporary wire and bead craft art, blending First World resources with traditional Third World craft skills to the benefit of everyone involved.      Monkeybiz is a non-profitable organization where 300 disadvantaged women are involved in    producing exquisite hand beaded artworks - each a unique one off creation. Carrol Boyes’ products transform the mundane into the extraordinary.  Utilitarian pieces of cutlery, homeware and office ware become sensual sculptural forms reflecting the metallic essence of each beautifully hand crafted item.

 Pewter, stainless steel and aluminium find new expression in a fusion of function and fantasy, where everyday objects are conduits for fluid female figures, mythical fish and abstracted African pastiche.  Although the collection can be found throughout Southern Africa and as far afield as the outlets of Dubai, London and New York, its inspiration remains firmly rooted in Africa.    Evening at leisure. Overnight Spring Tide Inn                                                                          [Meal plan = B & L]       

     DAY 6:  STELLENBOSCH/WINELANDSAfter breakfast, check-out and depart for Stellenbosch, stopping en route at the beautiful Zevenwacht Wine Estate where you can enjoy a tasteful selection of cheese and wines as well as a cellar and vineyard tour. While literally meaning Seven Expectations, the name Zevenwacht exemplifies the abundant delights which await visitors to the Farm. [Transfer time to Zevenwacht = 30 mins] 

  A visit to the Alpaca Industry to follow where guests will be provided with information on the history of alpacas and hands-on demos of fleece and its products. After checking in at The Stellenbosch Hotel, guests will have the rest of the afternoon at leisure to relax or take stroll into the historical town of Stellenbosch, situated literally on the hotel’s doorstep. 

At this hotel, enjoy old world charm with air-conditioned modern comforts and friendly, attentive hospitality in the historic centre of Stellenbosch - capital of South Africa`s most famous wine route.

Guest rooms have extra length King, Queen, Double or Twin beds with en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, bar fridge, television, clock radio, hair dryer, room safe and telephones. Their famous Jan Cats Restaurant serves fine local and foreign dishes, and their sidewalk tables are ideal for a pub lunch or a visit with friends. Museums, Art galleries and Curio shops are all within safe walking distance.  The Hotel was built on land granted by Governor Simon van der Stel between 1692 and 1701. The building was restored in 1987 and has been declared a national monument.  Depart early evening for the Village at Spier where a spectacular dinner at Moyo awaits the group. Unlike any other restaurant, Moyo is set in Spier’s gardens.

 It is a magical dining experience to be savoured under a starlit sky – a sensory extravaganza!  The tree-lined garden is filled with Bedouin tents and gazebos made from wrought iron, and tree houses clad with beautiful hand crafted copper water features.   Overnight The Stellenbosch Hotel, Stellenbosch                                               [Meal plan = B & D]

 DAY 7:  STELLENBOSCHAfter an early breakfast, enjoy a historical tour through the village, incorporating stops at the popular Oom Samie se Winkel and the nearby Black Horse Centre combining historic old style with contemporary flavour and offering various exhibitions, specialist wine shops and Africa Silks with its fabrics hand spun and woven on the premises. Picnic lunch and wine tasting to follow at the historic Boschendal Wine Estate, set in one of the most scenic areas of the Winelands. [Transfer time to Boschendal = 20 mins]   Rest of the afternoon at leisure.                                                  Overnight The Stellenbosch Hotel                                                                        [Meal plan = B & L] 

DAY 8:  SWELLENDAM/KNYSNAAfter an early breakfast, depart for Swellendam where you will experience a mini guided tour of the third oldest town in South Africa as well as a light lunch.  Swellendam is situated approximately 2.5 hours from Cape Town and approximately 3.5 hours from Knysna.experience ure to relax or take stroll into the historical town of Stellenbosch, situated55   Depart Swellendam for Knysna where you will check in to your accommodation, Protea Hotel Knysna Quays. 

Situated on one of the best hotel sites in Southern Africa, the Protea Hotel Knysna Quays enjoys a stunning outlook.Located on the banks of the famous Knysna Lagoon and facing the sea through the Knysna Heads, this exciting hotel development is also an integral part of the vibrant Knysna Quays Waterfront. All rooms are decorated in light nautical hues and feature deluxe en-suite bathroom with separate shower, satellite TV and air-conditioning. Most rooms offer magnificent views of the lagoon and yacht basin.   For the rest of the afternoon, explore the quaint arts and craft shops along Knysna’s main road as well as the Knysna Waterfront, a Development that boasts fine vintage wine, fresh seafood, curios and a magical indoor market, guaranteed to provide that extra special gift.

Here dinner can be enjoyed at the very popular 34 Degrees South, a wine shop, craft shop and restaurant all in one. Vibrant and abuzz with creativity and energy, Knysna is a place where old and new talented artists mix with new age hippies and Rastafarians.  Overnight Protea Hotel Knysna Quays                                                                [Meal plan = B & D]

 DAY 9:  KNYNSA/PLETTENBERG BAYEnjoy a day ambling through Plettenberg Bay and the interesting arts and crafts, antiques and curio shops it has to offer.  Visits will include:·         Jill’s Antiques (an 8 room treasure trove of excellent antique furniture, silver, plateware, glassware, sculptures, collectables, etc.); ·         Langulapu Fabrics (unique hand dyed fabrics designed with natural forms, unusual gifts, handicrafts, clothing, African fabrics, weaving, pottery, etc.); ·         Old Nick Village (The Creative Gathering Place - where master craftsmen make and sell their work - batik, furniture, pottery, working weaving museum, garden shop, exclusive galleries, quality textiles, ceramics, etc. set in historic 19th century settlement); ·         Global Village (a peaceful, rustic village in the Piesang Valley offering a variety of unique and functional creations) And to end off the day, a visit to the Porcupine Studio. Porcupine “Art out of Africa” has created a unique and sophisticated Euro/Afrocentric range of contemporary ethnic  “raku-pit-fired” ceramics, which project a new and exciting art dimension whilst retaining the spirit of Africa.  

   Inspired by the art of the very diverse ethnic cultures of the Southern Hemisphere and Africa; the studio produces a range of decorative art pieces with crackled glaze, flashed metallic and blackened carbon surfaces. The firing process ensures that each fired piece is totally unique, and no two pieces are ever identical. [Transfer time between Knysna and Plett = 30 mins]Return to Knysna where you will have some leisure time before boarding the Knysna Paddle Cruiser (the first paddle-driven cruiser to have been built in South Africa) for a sundowner dinner cruise towards the famous Knysna Heads.  Overnight Protea Hotel Knysna Quays                                                                [Meal plan = B & D]

 DAY 10:  KNYSNA/CAPE TOWNAfter breakfast, proceed to Knysna Train Station situated just opposite the hotel and board the Outeniqua Choo Tjoo for your train journey to George.  This is the last steam hauled scheduled passenger train operating in Southern Africa. The route encompasses some of the most spectacular scenery in South Africa. As part of the experience, a visit to the Railway Museum upon your arrival in George can be enjoyed. From here, transfer to George Airport and your flight to Cape Town.

Upon arrival in Cape Town you will be met and transferred to your accommodation, the Spring Tide Inn where you will have some leisure time to freshen up before departing for the Radisson where a scrumptious buffet dinner can be enjoyed.Overnight The Spring Tide Inn                                                                               [Meal plan = B & D]

 DAY 11:  DEPARTEarly departure for Cape Town International Airport and your day flight back home. BON VOYAGE!