How much does it cost?

From £4,199 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $5,672 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is the train travel included?

Yes, all train rides, transfers, excursions, and admissions are included, covering the six-day vintage train voyage through the Cape Province and the day trip to Elgin Railway Market.

Is this tour escorted?

Yes, with an experienced Tour Manager throughout.

Which trains do we ride?

A vintage train from Cape Town to Swellendam, Mossel Bay, and Montagu and back, a steam-hauled excursion from Mossel Bay to Great Brak River, and a train to the Elgin Railway Market.

Are flights included?

No. This is the Ground Only package; international flights to and from South Africa are not included, and you make your own arrangements to meet the group in Cape Town.

What hotels are used?

The AC Marriott Waterfront Hotel in Cape Town; hotels in Swellendam, Mossel Bay, and Montagu are still to be confirmed.

What meals are included?

11 nights of bed and breakfast plus 5 evening meals and 7 lunches; other meals are at your own expense.

Railtrail Tours · Rail Tour (Ground Only)

Cape & Coast Vintage Explorer (Ground Only) 2027

12-day ground-only vintage-rail tour through South Africa's Cape

Railtrail Tours operates this 12-day Ground Only rail tour in South Africa; travellers make their own way to Cape Town to join the group at the AC Marriott Waterfront Hotel. On day 2, the group boards a vintage train right outside the hotel for a six-day rail voyage through the Cape Province, travelling through Swellendam, over the Gouritz River Bridge, and into Mossel Bay, where steam traction is attached. A full day is spent at leisure in Mossel Bay, followed by a steam-hauled excursion to Great Brak River and the return journey via Montagu, with an onboard wine tasting on the way back to Cape Town. City days include a cableway ascent of Table Mountain, a guided Cape Peninsula tour along Chapman's Peak Drive, the Franschhoek Wine Tram, and a 160km day trip to the Elgin Railway Market. An experienced Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, and Railtrail Tours rates the activity level as Active. It suits travellers who prefer to arrange their own flights and want heritage rail nostalgia paired with South African scenery.

What to know before you look closer

Hotels in Swellendam, Mossel Bay, and Montagu are listed as "Hotel TBC" (to be confirmed), so specific accommodation names are not yet published for those three stops.
A Single Traveller Supplement of £999 applies.
Only one departure is currently listed, for May 2027.
This is the Ground Only package: international flights to and from South Africa are not included, and you make your own way to Cape Town to join the group and back home at the end.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: AC Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Cape Town
Arrive Cape Town (own arrangements)
After making your own flight arrangements to Cape Town, you will meet the group at the AC Marriott Waterfront Hotel for our overnight stay and, after check-in, we enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before dining at leisure.
Day 2railovernight: Hotel TBC, Swellendam
Vintage train to Swellendam
This morning, we board our vintage train from the platform right outside the hotel for the start of an exciting six-day voyage through the Cape Province. After leaving the suburbs, we can relax in the observation lounge and bar as the train travels through Bellville, Wellington, and Worcester, with a light breakfast and our lunch served on board. We continue through Robertson and Bonnievale, enjoying views of the majestic Langeberg Mountains and the winding Breede River, before arriving in the small town of Swellendam. Here, we transfer to our overnight accommodation (Hotel TBC) and enjoy our evening meal together at a local restaurant.
Day 3railovernight: Hotel TBC, Mossel Bay
Gouritz River Bridge to Mossel Bay
After breakfast, we re-board our train to travel via Heidelberg and Riversdale to Albertinia, where steam traction is attached. A highlight of our journey includes a photo stop at the spectacular Gouritz River Bridge on the famous Garden Route before our steam-hauled arrival into Mossel Bay. We transfer to our accommodation (Hotel TBC) and check-in for our three-night stay, enjoying our evening meal together.
Day 4overnight: Hotel TBC, Mossel Bay
Mossel Bay at leisure
Today, we enjoy a full day at leisure to relax and enjoy this delightful coastal resort of Mossel Bay at our own pace. You can discover the pristine beaches, visit the Post Office Tree Museum, or explore the local entertainment and dining options for lunch. This evening, we will reconvene at the hotel in time for our evening meal together.
Day 5overnight: Hotel TBC, Mossel Bay
Steam to Great Brak River
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we are treated to a fantastic steam-hauled journey along the coastline to the beautiful coastal village of Great Brak River, where we enjoy a buffet lunch at the Oppi-Stasie Restaurant. Afterwards, we make the return journey by steam to Mossel Bay and enjoy our evening meal together.
Day 6railovernight: Hotel TBC, Montagu
Return towards Cape Town via Montagu
After breakfast this morning, we board the train and bid farewell to Mossel Bay as we begin our scenic journey back through Cape's landscapes towards Cape Town, with a light lunch served on board. Enjoy a day of nostalgia, relaxing on board, and taking advantage of the panoramic observation car before our arrival in Ashton where we transfer to Montagu and our overnight accommodation (Hotel TBC) to enjoy our evening meal together.
Day 7railovernight: AC Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Cape Town
Wine tasting to Cape Town
Today, we reboard our train for the relaxed journey to Cape Town and indulge in an onboard wine tasting experience sourced from local vineyards as we travel via Worcester, arriving in Cape Town in the early evening. Here, we return to the AC Marriott Waterfront Hotel for our five-night stay enjoying an evening at leisure.
Day 8overnight: AC Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Cape Town
Table Mountain
This morning, we enjoy a private half-day panoramic tour of Cape Town, and a highlight of the day is the ascent of the iconic Table Mountain via the Aerial Cableway. Rising smoothly to the summit, we will take in the sweeping views across the city, coastline, and surrounding peaks. On arrival at the upper station, we enjoy time to explore the walking paths, admire the dramatic scenery, or visit the restaurant before retracing our steps to the city for an evening at leisure.
Day 9overnight: AC Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Cape Town
Cape Peninsula
Today, we enjoy a guided tour of the magnificent Cape Peninsula, travelling with both an English-speaking driver and guide. Our scenic adventure begins with the world-famous Chapman's Peak Drive, a thrilling coastal route carved into steep cliffs above the Atlantic, offering truly unforgettable views. We continue to the Cape of Good Hope, a spectacular nature reserve rich in wildlife and dramatic ocean scenery where we can ride the Flying Dutchman Funicular to the historic lighthouse, enjoying effortless access to the panoramic viewpoints that mark the most south-westerly point of the African continent. Afterwards, we travel onward to beautiful Boulders Beach, home to the beloved African Penguin Colony, before sitting down to an included meal at a local restaurant.
Day 10overnight: AC Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Cape Town
Franschhoek Wine Tram
After breakfast this morning, we board the celebrated Franschhoek Wine Tram for a charming experience that showcases three renowned wine estates nestled within the picturesque Franschhoek Valley, each offering superb views, distinctive character, and award-winning wines. Travelling in the iconic double-decker tram, we are transported between the estates where a selection of wine tastings is available at each stop, and we take lunch together at a local restaurant. Our relaxing day in this world-famous region concludes back in Cape Town where we enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day 11railovernight: AC Marriott Waterfront Hotel, Cape Town
Elgin Railway Market
Today, we embark on a captivating train journey for a full day, 160km, round-trip to the vibrant Elgin Railway Market. This scenic journey takes us through stunning Cape landscapes including the iconic climb over Sir Lowry's Pass offering wonderful views over False Bay and Table Mountain and we will relax in vintage comfort enjoying snacks and drinks from the onboard services. On arrival in Elgin, we will have ample time to explore the lively Art Deco Railway Market packed with local crafts, food, and entertainment before returning to Cape Town for our final evening at leisure.
Day 12
Depart Cape Town (own arrangements)
After our fantastic South African adventure, you will make your way independently to the airport for your chosen flight home.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2The group boards the vintage train from a platform right outside the Cape Town hotel, the start of a six-day voyage through the Cape Province with an observation lounge and bar on board.
Day 3A photo stop at the spectacular Gouritz River Bridge on the Garden Route precedes a steam-hauled arrival into Mossel Bay.
Day 5A steam-hauled journey follows the coastline to Great Brak River for a buffet lunch at the Oppi-Stasie Restaurant, then returns to Mossel Bay by steam.
Day 8The tour ascends Table Mountain by Aerial Cableway, with views across the city, coastline, and surrounding peaks and time to explore the summit's walking paths.
Day 11A full day, 160km round trip by train to the Elgin Railway Market climbs Sir Lowry's Pass, with views over False Bay and Table Mountain.

Included

11 nights bed & breakfast plus 5 evening meals and 7 lunches
All train rides, transfers, excursions & admissions as detailed
Services of experienced Tour Manager

Not included

International flights to/from South Africa

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From £4,199 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $5,672 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is the train travel included?: Yes, all train rides, transfers, excursions, and admissions are included, covering the six-day vintage train voyage through the Cape Province and the day trip to Elgin Railway Market.
Is this tour escorted?: Yes, with an experienced Tour Manager throughout.
Which trains do we ride?: A vintage train from Cape Town to Swellendam, Mossel Bay, and Montagu and back, a steam-hauled excursion from Mossel Bay to Great Brak River, and a train to the Elgin Railway Market.
Are flights included?: No. This is the Ground Only package; international flights to and from South Africa are not included, and you make your own arrangements to meet the group in Cape Town.
What hotels are used?: The AC Marriott Waterfront Hotel in Cape Town; hotels in Swellendam, Mossel Bay, and Montagu are still to be confirmed.
What meals are included?: 11 nights of bed and breakfast plus 5 evening meals and 7 lunches; other meals are at your own expense.