How much does it cost?

From A$8,398 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $6,024 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is this tour escorted or independent?

It is fully escorted, guided locally by Rail Mates Tours - Railtrail Tours.

A vintage steam-hauled heritage train with a panoramic observation car, running on lines seldom experienced by the public, with steam haulage on select days.

What are the highlights beyond the train ride?

The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway with a fast-track pass, the cliffside Chapman's Peak Drive, Franschhoek Wine Tram tastings at three estates, a photo stop at the Gouritz River Bridge, and the coastal charm of Mossel Bay.

When does this tour depart?

One departure is currently scheduled, in May 2027.

Railway Adventures · Escorted tour

Cape & Coast Vintage Explorer

Escorted 12-day vintage steam rail loop through South Africa's Cape

Railway Adventures operates this fully-escorted 12-day rail tour through South Africa's Cape Province, with Rail Mates Tours - Railtrail Tours leading the group locally. The journey uses beautifully restored vintage carriages, including a panoramic observation car, with steam haulage on select days, on lines the operator describes as seldom experienced by the public. The loop runs from Cape Town through Swellendam, Mossel Bay, Montagu, Cape of Good Hope, Franschhoek, and Elgin. Along the way, the tour climbs over Sir Lowry's Pass, stops for photos at the Gouritz River Bridge, and includes a full-day steam-hauled journey to the Elgin Railway Market. Off the train, travelers ride the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway with a fast-track pass, drive the cliffside Chapman's Peak Drive, and join the Franschhoek Wine Tram for tastings at three estates. The route also takes in the coastal charm of Mossel Bay. The trip suits travelers who enjoy heritage rail, coastal and mountain scenery, and wine, and who want a fully guided way to see the Cape.

What to know before you look closer

Railway Adventures does not publish a day-by-day itinerary for this tour; confirm the daily schedule with the operator before booking.
Steam haulage happens on select days rather than the whole route, so not every leg of the journey is behind a steam locomotive.
Only one departure is currently scheduled, for May 2027, so travel dates are fixed rather than flexible.

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From A$8,398 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $6,024 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is this tour escorted or independent?: It is fully escorted, guided locally by Rail Mates Tours - Railtrail Tours.
What train is used?: A vintage steam-hauled heritage train with a panoramic observation car, running on lines seldom experienced by the public, with steam haulage on select days.
What are the highlights beyond the train ride?: The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway with a fast-track pass, the cliffside Chapman's Peak Drive, Franschhoek Wine Tram tastings at three estates, a photo stop at the Gouritz River Bridge, and the coastal charm of Mossel Bay.
When does this tour depart?: One departure is currently scheduled, in May 2027.
Where does the tour start and finish?: It starts in Cape Town and loops through Swellendam, Mossel Bay, Montagu, Cape of Good Hope, Franschhoek, and Elgin.