Cape Town Central Tours
Full-Day Franschhoek Hop On Hop Off Wine Tram Tour from Cape Town
4.5
Full-Day Franschhoek Hop On Hop Off Wine Tram Tour from Cape Town
By City Sightseeing South Africa
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About
With three centuries of wine-growing heritage, the Franschhoek Valley is one of the Cape’s top wine areas—and the Franschhoek Wine Tram, a vintage-style tram, is the perfect way to explore. Travel in air-conditioned comfort from downtown Cape Town, then choose between the purple and orange lines. Besides an onboard wine tasting and narration, you have time to visit multiple estates on one of two lines.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 4-99, max of 64 per group
Duration: 8h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Explore the vineyards of the Franschhoek Valley on a retro double-decker tram
- Hop on and hop off at will, choosing between two lines with eight stops each
- Get your wine adventure started with a tasting session as you travel
- Skip the stress of public buses with transfers via comfy air-conditioned coach
- Return transport by luxury coach from Cape Town to the Franschhoek valley to connect with the tram
- Spacious, safe and comfortable tour coach with ample leg room and Free Wifi on the tour coac
- The Tram reserves their right to change lines for operational reasons
- 08h15 Departure: NAVY Line
- Entry/Admission - Cape Town Central
- Entry/Admission - Cape Town Central
What's not included- Gratuities
- Wine tasting fees at the chosen wine estates
- Cost of lunch
- Start:Multiple meeting point options.
- Option 1City Sightseeing Cape Town Visitor Center, Ticket Office, Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town, 8005, South AfricaTour office: Outside the 2 Oceans Aquarium, V&A Waterfront . Tour departs this stop at 08h30. Please be on time.
- Option 269 Victoria Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town, 8040, South AfricaMeet us at the bus stop opposite the entrance of the Bay hotel on Victoria Road NB: Tour departs this stop at 07h55. Please arrive on time
- Option 3Queens Road & Alexander Road, Queens Rd & Alexander Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8060, South AfricaLook out for the City Sightseeing Bus Stop on the cnr of Alexander & Queens Road NB: Tour departs this stop at 08h05. Please arrive on time
- Option 4City Sightseeing, M6 St Johns Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8060, South AfricaLook out for the City Sightseeing Bus Stop on the cnr of St Johns & Beach Road NB: Tour departs this stop at 08h10. Please arrive on time
- Option 5Green Point Lighthouse, 100 Beach Rd, Mouille Point, Cape Town, 8005, South AfricaLook out for the City Sightseeing Bus Stop just past the Red & White Lighthouse on Beach Road NB: Tour departs this stop at 08h16. Please arrive on time
- Option 6The Winchester Boutique Hotel Cape Town, 221 Beach Rd, Sea Point, Cape Town, 8005, South AfricaLook out for the City Sightseeing Bus Stop opposite the Winchester Mansion Hotel on Beach Road NB: Tour departs this stop at 08h12. Please arrive on time
- Option 7City Sightseeing Downtown Tour Office, 81 Long St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South AfricaLook out for the City Sightseeing Tour office, 81 Long Street (cnr Long and Shortmarket Street) NB: Tour departs this stop at 08h00. Please arrive on time
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 58181P12- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Dress code is casual / semi casual
- Wine tasting minimum age is 18
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 64 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 58181P12
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$44.27
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- limk9030 contributionsA beautiful hikeUnderrated for sure. I would wish for less time at cape point and more time on the hike/penguins definitely. But we'll planned nonetheless. Ostriches, seals, baboons, antelopes, entlion (didn't spot it but apparently it was there). If u on the wrong side of the bus, u won't be able to see the seals, antelope or entlion.Written October 3, 2024
- bev_i_is0 contributionsBrahm was the best tour guide we have ever had!This is such a great way of seeing so much in a day, but it was made truly memorable by the team, led by Brahm. Brahm has been doing this for over 20 years and yet he bounced with the energy and enthusiasm of a man in his first week on the job. He was genuinely interested in getting to know his passengers and his stories, insights and patter were superb. We still laugh ay some of his jokes, a month later and thousands of miles away. Take this tour BUT make sure you ask for Brahm!Written October 2, 2024
- 177rituk0 contributionsCharmingLouis was absolutely the most charming guide! I liked his selection of pit stops and he was on point with his itinerary and sense of humor. Would want him as my guide for all trips!!Written October 1, 2024
- ivang_130 contributionsgreat experience and informative tourwe took the red and blue loop - for our family the first time on the hop on hop off, but is was a great experience and informative tourWritten October 1, 2024
- Egeria70 contributionsUnforgettableLouis and Robbie took me to hermanus to see whales!!!! The departure was on time, the views during the trip were beautiful and the guides were kind and friendly, sharing a lot of information and making sure everyone had a good time.Written October 1, 2024
- Kittycoocat0 contributionsFrom rain to sunshine to enjoy the vineyard experience.It poured down with rain at V&A Harbour at the start but it’s been an excellent day out with Louis and driver. Three vineyards - Blaauwklippen, Franschhoek and Rhebokskloof each with an array of local wines. Some cheese and nibbles at the first and beautiful chocolates at the third. We really couldn’t have enjoyed it any more than we did, being fully fledged wine drinkers. Beautiful scenery and safe travels… what more could you ask for in scenic South Africa.Written September 30, 2024
- clarissaannad0 contributionsAn epic South African experienceAmazing experience. Going through the wine lands with this company has been incredible. Louis, the guide, was really entertaining and keen to give loads of infos about South African history, the wine regions and the wineries we visited. Lots of wine tasting, all included in the price!Written September 30, 2024
- jeaneutau20150 contributionsGreat service and experience 👏.The service was amazing at Long str. The weather was not good so the lady suggested we go the blue route and come back for the red route for the cable car at Table mountain. Although we took a wrong bus coming back going to camps bay instead of Long, it woould help if they could be marked by the next stop. The food prices at the cafe are quite steep, not everyone uses dollars and euros. None of the shop had a chage for R5 to use at the telescopes, what a pity. The views were amazing despite the cold 🥶 weather. We had a great time and the kids enjoyed it.Written September 29, 2024
- Passenger379044056960 contributionsMy first wonderful Cape Town tripThis was a wonderful experience, starting from a clean bus with the friendly driver that arrived on time. Our tour guide was superb. Wine farms were accommodative even for the non drinkers. We had a great time!Written September 29, 2024
- Pendle440 contributionsRed bus good but give their walking tours a missThe red bus hop on/hop off was a good way to cover the sights and certainly worth hopping off at the botanical gardens. However, I would give their walking tours a miss, the guides are not well informed and gave only cursory information. There are much better options i.e. ‘free walking tours in Cape Town’ from Motherland Coffee, St. George’s Mall.Written September 29, 2024
- Jiwa N0 contributionsWorld class wine region on the Cape districtWe stayed at Mont Rochelle hotel which is fabulously luxurious. This beautiful place is owned by #richardbranson and virgin group. Franschhoek area is very pretty with tons to do if you like wine. The general area driving [ with guide] is easy. Wineries around the region is world class including Paarl, StollenborgWritten September 28, 2024
- teek12040 contributionsGreat funGreat tour, highly recommended, very engaging.the pick up was on time and everything was as described in the tour plan. Our guide and driver were very knowledgeable and ensured that we had the best experience. Highly recommend this tour.Written September 28, 2024
- Explore413051059630 contributions3 Farm wine tripVery well informed trip. Excellent driver Vuyo and enjoyed our tour guide Louis. Loved ever minute of the wine tasting and company 😋Written September 28, 2024
- 625brendans0 contributionsGreat time!Great experience! Got to visit three wineries, receive a tour of Stellenbosch, and see the prison in which Nilson Mandella was freed from. I had an amazing time, especially for the cost :)Written September 28, 2024
- Curious131557888770 contributionsA brilliant way to see a brilliant city!Brilliant! We would definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to see Cape Town from a different angle. The staff are friendly and helpful. The audio that goes along with the bus is informative and entertaining and we learnt so much. There are lots of stops, and the fact that the buses keep coming every 20-30 minutes allows you to spend time at each place, but also know that you can get back to your hotel. It’s a brilliant and fun way to see the city, and an awesome way to spend the day. Thanks for the brilliant service. 100/10 would recommend!Written September 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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ashvparker
Cape Town, South Africa6 contributions
Apr 2022
Using City sightseeing service for the wine tour has both positive and negative aspects. The bus collects you from the waterfront (or other locations) at 9 am which allows everyone to drink and enjoy the day in franchoek. there is also really interesting information on the bus on the way up to Franchoek. The disadvantage is that you don't have to full day in Franchoek as you would if you drove yourself. We managed 3 wine farms, but doing 4 is possible. I have done the wine tram independently in the past and we did 6 wine farms in one day, but stayed the night in franschoek. All in all I would say it was worth it that no one had to drive and we still had a fantastic time at the three wine farms
Written April 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nobantu Z
Johannesburg, South Africa9 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
The best way to see the Winelands. The scenery. The experience was magnificent. I am definitely doing this again. And thank you to Mandla our tram guide. He is brilliant! Also, I really suggest using a shuttle as you will probably be singing all the way back to CPT😜
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colleen O
Greater Johannesburg, South Africa14 contributions
Totally disappointing experience. The only reason we booked was to go on the tram but when our bus arrived in Franschoek they informed us that the tram had broken down so they would be using busses. If they had told us that before we left we would have canceled.
It was very confusing from then on and we were
dropped off at wine farms having no idea of what we could expect there besides just a wine tasting. We didn't get to see any wine being made and just sat around waiting to be picked up before repeating the process.
At Allee Blu the wine tasting was very well done but at Boschendal it was very rushed and the guy just put all the wines in front of us and quickly ran through what they were then left us to taste them on our own.
On our ticket it said it included one free wine tasting but when I asked about it later in the day they said it could only be done on the tram. No offer to give us a voucher for a wine tasting and no explanation until I asked.
We paid R700 per person and it would have been far better if we had driven there ourselves.
Though all the staff were very friendly and tried to be helpful it was extremely unprofessional and a total waste of time and money. They should have offered to refund us instead of taking us out there.
It was very confusing from then on and we were
dropped off at wine farms having no idea of what we could expect there besides just a wine tasting. We didn't get to see any wine being made and just sat around waiting to be picked up before repeating the process.
At Allee Blu the wine tasting was very well done but at Boschendal it was very rushed and the guy just put all the wines in front of us and quickly ran through what they were then left us to taste them on our own.
On our ticket it said it included one free wine tasting but when I asked about it later in the day they said it could only be done on the tram. No offer to give us a voucher for a wine tasting and no explanation until I asked.
We paid R700 per person and it would have been far better if we had driven there ourselves.
Though all the staff were very friendly and tried to be helpful it was extremely unprofessional and a total waste of time and money. They should have offered to refund us instead of taking us out there.
Written February 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Colleen.
We don't operate the tram. We sell a tour that includes the wine tram operated by a third party. You travelled on Friday 10/2. The tram broke down that same morning at short notice, without giving any warning. This happened whilst you were on our coach on the way to Franschhoek. So accept our apology for not letting you know any earlier.
You may also remember the tram staff coming onto our bus and announcing a few things. One was that the tram was regrettably out of action. Another was that they offered you an alternative line (Pink/Grey) which still had an operational tram. Several of our guests opted to change line (different wine estates, same concept). You and others decided to remain on the Burgundy/Navy line, which operated as normal on the open tram buses, but without the leg on the actual tram. Let’s remember that the tram service consists of a hop on hop off circular service stopping at up to 8 Wine estates. Only the leg from the tram station to the first estate is by tram. The rest is on tram buses anyway, as many estates are not located on the railway line.
With regards to the missed Wine tasting. The tour is sold as including: "Taste some wine on the tram". This is true and includes 1 sample size glass whilst on the tram. They were unable to supply this as neither their station nor their buses are licensed to serve alcohol. This 1 sample glass is not equivalent to an estate tasting and given the short notice between the tram breaking and your arrival, likely left little time for them to arrange any alternative.
I will happily pass all your wine estate related comments on to the tram team for them to discuss with their partners.
All things considered I actually thought they did incredibly well to save the day and short of the 1 tram leg, you got what you paid for. I am not sure how you would have handled things any better given the circumstances.
I am sorry we could not meet your expectations on this day, but rest assured, it was not for a lack of trying.
I hope we can get another opportunity to take you on another tour that perhaps its more to your liking.
Written February 13, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike P
Wendover, UK80 contributions
Feb 2020
A vey enjoyable day out although it was longer than we expected. After the fourth Winery it all becomes a little bit the same. Plus the air temperature keeps building and building to a point where you don't want to be exposed to the sun. The coach trip to and from the wineries was also enjoyable as the views are amazing and the commentry was very informative. Take plenty of water and a hat.
Written February 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mick1Rose
Coventry, UK34 contributions
Fantastic day from start to finish. The whole experience is very well organised and with the choice of which vineyards to visit with the hop on hop off tram. There was 8 to choose from and we managed to do 4. The wines tasted were all very nice, with a few bottles purchased during the day.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hilda K
7 contributions
This was the highlight of my holiday. I booked this trip with my two sisters whom I have not seen for two years. The farms we visited were beautiful, full of history and character. We had breakfast on Vrede and Rus farm. We visited three more farms, Boschendal being the biggest and oldest farm. We had wine tasting on each of the remaining three farms. It is affordable and I would recommend you do wine tasting on all the farms. The tram is a familiar site in that area and all the staff make sure that all visitors are well informed about tram times and the history of the wine lands. Don't forget to drink water between the wine tasting sessions.
We took the bus from Cape Town to Franschoek which is about an hour's drive.
We were delayed on one of the farms but the staff made sure we would have a ride to the next farm. The tram bus driver also gave us extra time on the last farm before he picked us up. It was quite an enjoyable day.
We took the bus from Cape Town to Franschoek which is about an hour's drive.
We were delayed on one of the farms but the staff made sure we would have a ride to the next farm. The tram bus driver also gave us extra time on the last farm before he picked us up. It was quite an enjoyable day.
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mattie
1 contribution
Mar 2020
I am South African and I really felt so proud of our country when I did this trip. Not only do we have breathtakingly beautiful scenery, but we really offer professionalism and service of word class quality. I was extremely impressed and thoroughly enjoyed the trip!
Written March 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
juneann116
Swartz Creek, MI457 contributions
What a fun day! There is more vineyards and wine tasting opportunities than time will allow so read ahead and select your top choices. We started with wine tasting at 2 different vineyards, had lunch at a 3rd and returned to one for their gin tasting- which was also excellent.
We also enjoyed the company of several other couples we me through the day. It was a beautiful day and a well organized tour of the beautiful wine country.
You will pay for your wine sampling’s at each stop but it is still very affordable and a fun day.
We also enjoyed the company of several other couples we me through the day. It was a beautiful day and a well organized tour of the beautiful wine country.
You will pay for your wine sampling’s at each stop but it is still very affordable and a fun day.
Written April 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aaron O
Coventry, UK5 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Brilliant experience amazing customer care. Brilliantly coordinated, strong pastoral care by teams and magically atmospheric. Handled a personal incident of a party of 8 blocking out access to the top of the tram superbly, and reacted swiftly and with care to the verbal abuse bestowed by them on me when I challenged their attempts to reserve out a full section of the tram for others yet to board. Janene in particular is amazing. You made my day memorable and didn't allow bullies to ruin it for me!
Written February 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle V
2 contributions
Dec 2023 • Friends
Beautiful wine farms, but wine tasting is not included.
Boschendal was fully booked and couldn't help anyone on our tour with lunch. Guests should be advised to go there first as it's really busy.
Also know, that for South Africans this is a very expensive wine farm, with most items severely overpriced.
The tour is fun and takes about 9 hours so prepare for that.
Boschendal was fully booked and couldn't help anyone on our tour with lunch. Guests should be advised to go there first as it's really busy.
Also know, that for South Africans this is a very expensive wine farm, with most items severely overpriced.
The tour is fun and takes about 9 hours so prepare for that.
Written January 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your feedback, which we will pass on the tram operator.
It takes 1h to drive from Cape Town to Franschhoek and the same to get back, yes it is a full day tour, as advertised.
If you feel that the tastings are expensive, May I suggest you try our 3 regions wine tour next time, which we operate with our own staff start to finish and includes 3 curated wine experiences
Written January 24, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Is it possible to return to Cape Town earlier? For Example right after lunch or does everyone go back at the same time?
Written March 4, 2024
On the organised trip we was on everyone returned on the same bus at 4.45.
You can get an Uber but cost is about £45
Written March 5, 2024
What is offered for non alcoholic drinkers to also enjoy the trip
Written July 3, 2022
Most wine farms on the trips have full restaurants so they offer anything from coffee to cool drinks
Written July 5, 2022
We are at aha harbour hotel, we wanted to know if it’s possible to be fetched at the hotel for the tour.
Written May 26, 2022
You can catch an Uber to the V&A Waterfront or walk there as it’s not far from where you are, then the City Sight Seeing bus will take you to Franschoek. Just be sure to purchase the correct tickets (The ones that include transport to and from Franschoek).
Written May 27, 2022
Good day.
does it include the wine tasting?
Written February 2, 2021
Hi Guys!
I booked and paid for this tour in October - the date is for the 20th of December 2020. I booked for my husband and I and I can't find any tickets or bookings or anything but have proof of payment from My FNB account.
Can someone help me or track my booking? I paid through TripAdvisor.
Kind Regards
Candice
Written December 11, 2020
When is the typical departure et return time?
Written January 30, 2020
Think we were picked up 8.30 ish and back by 5pm but not absolutely sure of times.
Written January 31, 2020
Hi how would you make reservations for lunch etc if you book with this tour? Would you be given the colour route beforehand and then plan from then? Are you also told how long to spend in each vineyard or do you just have a time to be back for?
Written October 22, 2019
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