A long weekend in Cape Town? Is it possible? 

Barcelona, Rome and Venice, watch out, we think Cape Town is the new mini-break destination. 

Take a Thursday night overnight flight from the United Kingdom and arrive on the Friday morning, depart on the Sunday evening and arrive into the UK ready for work on Monday morning. We believe its possible and here is how we do it. 

Your First Day

12h00 
Most flights arrive in Cape Town in the morning, first prize is to get us to book and confirm an early check in, however failing that we suggest you head to the Waterfront for a bite to eat.

You can blow away the cobwebs of your flight and catch some sun by heading to Harbour House in the Waterfront. They offer the freshest fish and seafood, and the waiters explain the menus and help pair the wine. A bottle of South African Sauvignon Blanc such as Iona is a great place to start.  

Cape Town has some fantastic food options, from funky street food to fine dining there is something for everyone.

15h00
Take a trip to Robben Island on the ferry, it is steeped in history, but furthermore the view as you look back of Table Mountain is fantastic. A real sense of place and to think, less than 24 hours ago you were getting on a plane! 

18h00
Return to the Waterfront which opens until late. Perhaps enjoy a spot of shopping and a cocktail at the Silo Hotel. Our favourite craft shops are found in the Watershed in the V&A Waterfront where you can find items that have a modern, funky twist on African Art.

20h00 
There are lots of places to eat in Cape Town. The Eatout Magazine is usually a great guide to fantastic restaurants. Top of many people's lists is the Test Kitchen, is one of the best restaurants in the World. The one thing we will say for certain about the Cape Town Food Scene is that it is constantly changing. We love Fyn on Parliament Street, its the latest Kaiseki Style offering by well known Cape Town Chef, Peter Tempelhoff. Or head to Janse & Co on Kloof Street for a more relaxed dining experience.

Cape Town is only 1 – 2 hours time difference to the UK, but even still, our guess is that you might be ready for bed by now.

Your Second Day

06h00
A salutation to the sun? Watch the sunrise over Cape Town, Seapoint and Camps Bay. Take a sunrise walk up Lions Head with your private guide.   

08h30              
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting off on your Cape Point Tour with a private adventure guide. We like to do things slightly differently and take the route less travelled. Our adventure vehicles are fitted with wetsuits, inflatable SUPs (stand up paddleboards), a trailer with mountain bikes, fridge and gourmet pantry, surfboards, a guide and your dedicated driver. 

Yes you will see the penguins, Cape Point, Cape Good of Hope and much more en route, but with our team you are able to stop off for surfing lessons in Muizenberg, visit the penguins away from the tourist crowds, take a dip in a tidal pool in Cape Point, ride a bike, before perhaps stopping off on Chapmans Peak drive for sunset or sundowners at False Bay Vineyard. Our guides don’t wear watches, their time is your time, they can mix things up and do as much, or little as you want.

If adventure is not necessarily your thing, then travel with our luxury guide and vehicle. Kitted out with wifi, its own espresso machine and a huge selection of single malt whiskys. They have the inside scoop on the best wines, restaurants and art collections in Cape Town.  

18h00
Return to your hotel to freshen up before enjoying dinner. Tonight, why not head to Constantia for a change of scene for dinner? A number of fantastic restaurants have been established in this area (about 20 minutes from Cape Town). We love La Colombe (Cape Town stalwarts will remember this as Constantia Uitsig's signature restaurant) has now moved to Silvermist Wine Estate on Constantia Nek. Chefs Warehouse next door at Beau Constantia comes from Liam Tomlinson's collection of great restaurants, but its the chic interiors and panoramic vistas that we love.

Your Final Day

08h00         
Take a brisk walk along the Promenade from where you might see seals, dolphins and whales depending on the time of year. This is where Cape Town does their power walking on the well-paved promenade. Our top tip - stop at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market Day in Granger Bay for some great coffee, great people watching opportunities and a lovely inclusive Cape Town atmosphere. Its only there on Saturday and Sunday mornings. 

10h00
Return to your hotel for breakfast. Spend the morning exploring central Cape Town. The Parliament Buildings, Company Gardens, Long Street and Loop Street. Perhaps stopping of at Skinny Laminx for fabric shopping on Bree Street. The old slave area of Bo Kaap is culturally alive and the colourful buildings are really lovely to photograph. 

13h00
A quick whistle stop tour of Cape Town wouldn’t be complete without a trip to see some Winelands. The winelands of Constantia are only about 25 minutes from the centre of Cape Town. Stop on route at Kirstenbosch Gardens to see the protea and walk on their new Sky Platform. Continue on to Groot Constantia - a fantastic example of Cape Dutch Architecture. We think they do a fantastic cellar tour. Have a long lazy lunch - bistro cuisine style (we love their Charcuterie platters) before heading to the airport for your flight home.