Port: Cape Town
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Cape Town
Often regarded as one of the world's most beautiful cities because of its geography, Cape Town is one of the most popular South African destinations. Cape Town was home to many leaders of the anti-apartheid movement, despite many of the group's leaders' internment on Robben Island, a penitentiary island where many famous political prisoners were held for many years. One of the most famous moments marking the end of apartheid occurred in Cape Town, when Nelson Mandela made his first public speech in decades hours after being released.
The following Shore Excursions are available for this port on this cruise, and may be reserved beginning 180 days before the cruise begins.
Experience the scenic beauty and flavors of South Africa during this full-day tour of its splendid wine-producing region.
Depart the pier for the drive on the N1 National Road en route to Paarl, known as the Pearl of the Berg River Valley. This romantic town is built on both sides of a 6.2-mile-long main street shaded by oak trees and jacarandas. Upon arrival, you will visit the Paarl Monument and unique Taal Monument, erected in honor of the Afrikaans language. You will then continue on to a wine estate for a guided cellar tour, and an opportunity to taste some of the local wines.
Next, you will drive to the village of Franschhoek. Its rich culture, historical heritage and viniculture traditions date back to 1688, when some 200 French Huguenots were apportioned land in the district. Time permitting, a brief visit will be made to the Huguenot Monument. Situated at the foot of the Franschhoek Pass, this monument commemorates the arrival of the Huguenots in South Africa, and the adjoining Huguenot Memorial Museum focuses on the genealogy of the Huguenot families.
Leaving Franschhoek, you will proceed for a gourmet picnic or buffet lunch under the beautiful oak trees of a leading wine estate before continuing on to Stellenbosch, a university town and the second-oldest town in South Africa after Cape Town. Stellenbosch has become known as the Town of Oaks; some of the oaks here have been proclaimed national monuments. Stellenbosch is also famous for the typical Cape Dutch-style architecture seen on Dorp Street, the main thoroughfare lined with houses, cottages and shops.
Your tour will conclude with an orientation tour of Stellenbosch, followed by an hour at your leisure to explore the town independently. Along the way, you can visit the Stellenbosch Museum, which is comprised of 4 different houses depicting different eras: the 1709 Schreuder House, 1788 Bletterman House, early-19th-century Grosvenor House and 1850 O.M. Bergh House.
Following your visit, you will re-board your coach for the return drive to the pier along the N2 National Highway.
Please note: This tour includes considerable uphill and downhill walking, along with some steps. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility or guests who utilize a wheelchair. Guests must be at least 21 years of age to participate in tastings of alcoholic beverages.
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Terms & Conditions:
Free Unlimited Shore Excursions are for full fare guests only, capacity controlled and subject to availability. Requested excursions may not be available at time of booking. Supplement will apply on Regent Choice excursions (indicated by the 
above) and excludes Private Arrangements and all Adventures Ashore programs. In order to ensure quality guides and sufficient transportation, we must provide the tour operator with passenger counts at least 36 hours in advance. Therefore no refunds will be given within 36 hours of tour departure for cancellations or no-shows. Please pay special attention to scheduling and tour lengths when booking your shore excursions. In many cases, it is not possible to participate in more than one tour per day in a given port. Tours operate rain or shine. Tours require minimum participation levels to operate so please sign up as early as possible. Tours may be cancelled if minimum participation levels are not met. Prices, Itineraries and General Information shore excursion prices are subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases or currency fluctuations. Please consult the Destination Services Desk onboard for information. During local or national holidays, access to certain facilities (such as museums or archaeological sites) may be limited or denied. In such instances, adjustments will be made to minimize inconvenience to guests. Some tours have limited availability. Tours are generally available for reserving 180 days prior to the beginning of a cruise. Please sign up early to avoid disappointment. Regent Seven Seas Cruises reserves the right to require guests to complete a liability waiver for select shore excursions. For more information, please visit the Destination Services Desk onboard.