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Solo Travelling Through Franschhoek
There are many travellers who claim that travelling alone is the best way to experience a destination. Solo travelling allows you to discover new experiences based on your own tastes and preferences. It is also a great way to meet new people and is without a doubt a voyage of self-discovery.
Already a global phenomenon, solo travelling, and in particular female solo travelling, is becoming a growing trend in South Africa, and what better place to embark on your first solo adventure than in the beautiful Franschhoek Wine Valley. Solo travellers are guaranteed to uncover a myriad of gems, ranging from world-class wines, five-star cuisine and luxurious accommodation. Throughout the years Franschhoek has established itself as one of South Africa’s premier wine producing destinations as well as the country’s Culinary Capital.
With National Women’s Day around the corner why not mark the historic occasion on 9 August with a solo adventure to Franschhoek? This year the public holiday falls on a Thursday, so this would be the perfect excuse to make a long weekend of your Franschhoek travels.
For the outdoor enthusiast a leisurely hike through the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve will not only uncover a plethora of fauna and flora, but you’ll also be treated to amazing panoramic views of the valley.
Solo travelling can be delightfully self-indulgent. Spend the day doing nothing but sitting quietly in one of the restaurants dotted along Franschhoek’s Main Road, sipping on a glass of wine or bubbly, as you lose yourself in a book, or similar admire the passers-by. Or get completely absorbed in the smells of the Kumanov Perfumery as you admire the gorgeous perfumes through the ages on display.
This is also the perfect opportunity to indulge in a luxurious spa treatment or indulgent High Tea. Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa, Leeu Estates and Babylonstoren are some of the places to visit relaxing spa treatment. Whether it’s a quick head, neck and shoulder massage or full day spa splurge, you’ll leave feeling revitalized. A spa treatment is the perfect prelude to an indulgent High Tea. Enjoy La Motte’s Winelands High Tea on the restaurant veranda with the majestic trees offering welcome shade on a Summer’s Day. High Tea at Anthonij Rupert Wyne is certainly an experience with a view. Sample the delicate delights with the splendid Drakenstein Mountains as your backdrop.
Practice your culinary skills at Leopard’s Leap where Executive Chef, Pieter de Jager hosts intimate, fun and interactive cooking demonstrations. Perfectly suited to all levels. Add to your culinary creating experience with a hands on bread making demonstration at Môreson’s Bread & Wine, with the highly entertaining Tina Jewell.
The popular Franschhoek Wine Tram, which operates on a hop on hop off is the ideal way to treat your taste buds to award-winning wines without having to worry about a designated driver. The tram offers a range of routes which allows you to experience the majority of the valley’s wine farms, which range from the larger more well-known producers to boutique estates.
This is a fraction of what you’re bound to discover when visiting the Franschhoek Wine Valley. For a detailed list of things to do in one of SA’s most loved regions visit www.franschhoek.org.za.