Franschhoek Wine Tram Xplorer Tour

Depart from Cape Town in a luxury air-conditioned coach and head directly to the Franschhoek valley to join the Franschhoek hop-on hop-off wine tram and bus. The Franschhoek Wine Tram offers two hop-on hop-off lines (clockwise & anti-clockwise), each visiting various wine estates in the Franschhoek Valley. Enjoy transportation to each wine estate every hour by a combination of tram and tram-buses around the loop. Each stop is at a different wine estate, allowing you to hop on and hop off at any of the estates. The tram or tram-buses pass each stop once an hour, so you can explore at your convenience to move from one estate to the next. Head back to the Franschhoek Wine Tram station for your transfer back to Cape Town. You are welcome to purchase wine at any of the estates and leave your purchase with one of the tram drivers, who will ensure you are re-united with your purchase at the time of boarding the motor-coach back home!

The Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of the Franschhoek Valley – picturesque vineyards, breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, fine wines and a 300-year history.

Passengers aboard the hop-on hop-off tour will experience a unique and leisurely way to see the Franschhoek Valley as they journey through rolling vineyards in a vintage style railway tram and open-air tram-bus stopping in at some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates. A combination of tram and tram-bus transports passengers around a loop of stops allowing them to hop-off at each stop and experience the activities on offer, be it wine tasting, a cellar tour, lunch or simply a stroll through the vineyards and when they are ready, hop-on to continue the tour. The tour takes passengers through the Franschhoek Valley, with a narration focusing on the history of Franschhoek and wine cultivation in the valley and unparalleled views of the valley and vineyards. Breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine and fine wines: These are the hallmarks of the beautiful Franschhoek Valley in the heart of the Cape Winelands. When the Huguenots first settled in this spectacular valley over 300 years ago they brought with them their traditions and knowledge in winemaking and viticulture from their native France and transformed the wilderness around them into one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. This proud heritage can be seen and felt today on the wine farms.

There are a variety of cellars, from small boutique wineries that cater for those in search of something unique, to large cellars that offer organised tours and conducted tastings. Award-winning wines range from plump reds to elegant whites and delicious sparkling wines. This longstanding tradition of winemaking is a perfect complement to the excellent food that is served. The Franschhoek Valley is known as the Wine & Gourmet Capital of South Africa and has among its truly talented chefs several who have been awarded the highest national and international culinary honors.

Tickets are only valid for the stipulated day of booking and booking for this tour is essential.

FAQs

What is the Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour?

The Franschhoek Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour is a scenic way to explore the Franschhoek Valley using a vintage-style railway tram and open-air tram-bus. The tour stops at historic wine estates and includes narrated insights into the valley’s 300-year history and winemaking traditions introduced by the Huguenots. Guests can hop off to enjoy wine tastings, cellar tours, dining, or walks through the vineyards before continuing the journey.

What is included in the Franschhoek Wine Tram tour?

The tour includes transport on the vintage tram and tram-bus along a circular route through the Franschhoek Valley, with stops at selected wine estates. Narrated commentary is provided, and the ticket allows hop-on hop-off access so guests can explore wine tastings, cellar tours, gourmet dining, and scenic walks at their own pace.

Do I need to book in advance for the Franschhoek Wine Tram tour?

Yes. Advance booking is essential, as tickets are only valid for the specific date selected and availability is limited, especially during peak seasons. Booking ahead ensures your place on the tram and allows you to plan which wine estates you would like to visit.

What can I expect to see and do on the Franschhoek Wine Tram tour?

You can expect sweeping views of vineyards and mountains, stops at some of South Africa’s most renowned wine estates, and opportunities for wine tastings, cellar tours, and gourmet meals. The narrated journey adds historical context, while the flexible format lets you relax on the tram or explore the estates on foot.

Are there different types of wine estates included in the Franschhoek Wine Tram tour?

Yes. The tour includes a mix of boutique wineries offering intimate tastings and larger estates with structured tours and conducted tastings. This variety allows visitors to experience different winemaking styles and a wide range of wines, from rare vintages to well-known award-winning labels.