Welcome to the Bolandcycletour and Tourdeboland! The route changes every year, and this is our itinerary for 2025. If you were wondering about the various accommodation options while on tour, here they are, in chronological order. Bolandcycletour starts from Stellenbosch. And Tourdeboland starts from Cape Town, Melkbosstrand later on.
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Arrive in STELLENBOSCH
De Haas Luxury living, hosted by Dewald and his team, right here in Die Laan (The Avenue) in Stellenbosch, is perfectly situated opposite the Coetzenburg sports fields, along the Eerste River, and within easy walking distance from bike shops and coffee shops and restaurants along Dorp street. With a lovely swimming pool and breakfast included.
Transfer to WELLINGTON
After our loop around Stellenbosch the day before, our first transfer day (by bicycle, off course) takes us from Stellenbosch through the winelands to Wellington, where we will stay on the VDC wines Val du Charron wine estate. And enjoy both dinner and breakfast the next morning. Below the Bainskloof pass that looms above.
Valley to SLANGHOEK
Over Bainskloof and through the Slanghoek valley to arrive at Goudini Spa – only to pedal all the way right to the very top and see whole can remain balanced on their bicycle during this optional stint to the top. Enjoy the spa, go for a swim, have some wine on the deck and see the sun fade over the vineyards below, while the braai is going in the background.
Up to KLONDYKE
The cherry farm will be our most spartan accommodation on the trip, with reason. It is in a stunning and remote area. We all stay in the farmhouse and enjoy each other’s company. Braai for dinner and we make our own breakfast in the morning – before a short stint down towards our Big Five game drive and safari experience.
Big five at AQUILA
Acclaimed for service excellence, renewable energy, social responsibility efforts and wildlife conservation, Aquila is more than just an unforgettable Western Cape game reserve experience, it’s an experience in luxurious African hospitality, traditional culinary delights, service excellence and you get an all-inclusive stay with all meals and activities.
1234 to MONTAGU
Mimosa lodge comes at the end of a long down hill section all the way from 1234m above sea level for over 40kms down to Montagu. And there we can relax next to the pool and until dinner. The Grill Room is renowned for its superb cuisine for both non- and meat lovers alike. With breakfast the next morning.
Rollers to SWELLENDAM
Gaikou Lodge is on the outskirts of town, next to the reserve, and a perfect place to spend the next 2 days (and is one of the few towns on tour which we stay over for consecutive nights). Join us on the optional cycling trip over Tradouws pass to Barrydale or make it a rest day and do your own thing. Breakfast included, as well as group dinner on the final evening.
Down to STRUISBAAI
Now this is something different. Tonight we keep it ‘local-is-lekker’ and stay in a family holiday house close to the beach, where you get to experience what we do during the December holidays. Braai outside on the deck if the weather allows or dine at a restaurant if we feel like it. With time to visit the Southernmost tip of Africa.
Up to CALEDON
What came down (to the coast) must go up again (on this climb through the Canola fields) towards The Caledon Hotel & Casino. After this longer day in the saddle, you may want to rest poolside before the restaurant dinner. Or see if you can turn your gaming voucher into enough cash to fund this or your next cycling holiday!
Wine route to HERMANUS
After descending (read: rolling hills) the spectacular Hemel en Aarde Valley (which means heaven & earth) and trying to memorize all the different wine estates along the route, we arrive in Hermanus and stay over at the Whale Coast Hotel Apartments near the harbor. Can you spot a whale? Dinner reservation is inside a cave…
Coastal drive CAPE TOWN
On the last day before our intimate Bolandcycletour group joins the larger Tourdeboland pack, we take the most scenic coastal road in Clarence drive and finish at the harbour in Gordon’s Bay. After a bite to eat and a drink we get picked up for transfers to the Mother City and stay in the City Lodge inside the V&A Waterfront. Where some other international riders might join you.
Tourdeboland to MELKBOS
Welcome to the Tourdeboland 2025. International guests join us on a bicycle for the short stint from CPT via Blouberg for that iconic Table Mountain photo, then on to the Atlantic Beach Resort for the night. Walk on the beach, play a quick round of golf. Or get to the Damhuis early, for dinner and drinks and jersey presentations.
Favourite RIEBEEK
The Riebeek Valley Hotel remains one of my favourite hotels of the Tourdeboland, for various reasons. Afternoon olive or wine tasting and then a group dinner in the hotel. With breakfast the following morning, before we set sail over Bainskloof pass to Tulbagh.
Cape Dutch in TULBAGH
Step back in time with a stroll down historic Church Street and admire its 32 architectural gems and three museums. We reside in the Cape Dutch Quarters, which is a portfolio of heritage properties in the heart of the old Tulbagh village. Tulbagh is also famous for its wine, and the earthquake that put this little town on the map.
Back to GOUDINI
For our Bolandcycletour participants this will be a now-familiar setting. While our Tourdboland customers get to enjoy the sunset glow over the vineyards below while lounging on the deck for the perfect end to another cycling day. These units lend themselves towards self-catering breakfasts, or we can stop for coffee en route.
Winetram in FRANSCHHOEK
The LAB in consists of 4 different properties, of which we occupy more than one, but they are directly across from one another. And opposite The Huguenot Memorial Museum, in Franschhoek, South Africa. Swimming pool. And breakfast included. And keeping in touch with our French theme for the day we dine at The French Connection in the main road.
Weekend in CAPE TOWN
City Lodge at the V&A Waterfront is as convenient as it gets for the pending Cape Town Cycle Tour, as you are right in between the action. Walking distance to the amenities and restaurants and attractions around you in the Waterfront. And perfectly situated for both the start and finish on cycle tour Sunday. Breakfasts included.
