The Riebeek Valley lies at the foot of the Kasteelberg (‘Castle Mountain’), about an hour’s drive north of Cape Town. The Valley is covered in vineyards and olive groves. These two industries support the twin towns of Riebeek West and Riebeek Kasteel, located in the Valley. The towns and valley falls within the Swartland Region.
The Valley is named after the first Commander that established the Refreshment station for the Dutch East Indies Company at the location of present-day Cape Town, where he landed in 1652. Five years later Jan Van Riebeek initiated an inland discovery expedition under Pieter Cruythoff. When the expedition party arrived in the valley they were enthralled and decided to name it after Commander Van Riebeek.
Most visitors head to the Valley for pure leisure time, but amongst other things, you may treat yourself to some wine tasting and/or visiting some of the wine and olive farms in the Valley.
This tour gives you the opportunity to visit the Cape Winelands, taste some of our best estate wines and experience the special kind of West Coast hospitality and cuisine. Visit two factories at Clanwilliam producing two quintessential South African products: velskoene and rooibos tea. Overnight at the quaint Paternoster. Visit Saldanha Bay harbour and the West Coast National Park. In season you might enjoy vast expanses of indigenous flowers.
Highlights:
Cape Winelands
,
Riebeek Valley
,
Paternoster
,
The West Coast
,
Cederberg Mountains & Wilderness Area
,
Bird Island Nature Reserve
.
The town Riebeek-Kasteel is situated in the picturesque Riebeek Valley, approximately 80 km northwest of Cape Town. In 2009 it was voted one of the three most beautiful towns in the Western Cape. The attraction for tourists lies in the beauty and tranquility of the town and its surroundings.
Riebeek West, situated in the beautiful scenic Riebeek Valley, is only an hours drive from Cape Town. It is the twin of Riebeek Kasteel, situated in the same valley. The charm of this village lies in the beauty of the valley, the impressive Riebeek Kasteel Mountain, the rolling hills and the play of vineyards and olive orchards.
Wellington is situated in the Western heart of the Cape Winelands, approximately 150 km northeast of Cape Town. The Hawequas Mountains form a magnificent backdrop to the town. The economy is centred around agriculture, the production of wine, table grapes, deciduous fruit and brandy. The town is also a centre of education with a number of colleges and schools.