CAPE TOWN RACING & CRICKET TOUR
1st January - 11th January 2027
CAPE TOWN RACING & CRICKET TOUR
Featuring The Kings Plate & England Cricket Test vs South Africa
Flights available from UK and Ireland. Talk to us at time of booking for flight options.
Cape Town, South Africa
January 2027
We are delighted to introduce an unforgettable South African tour, combining world class horse racing with iconic sightseeing and the unique opportunity to enjoy Test Match cricket in one of the most spectacular settings on earth.
The tour is based in Cape Town, a city famed for its dramatic coastline, mountain backdrops and vibrant atmosphere. This journey blends elite sport with unforgettable travel experiences, offering you the chance to enjoy the very best of the Western Cape both on and off the racecourse.
Racing takes centre stage with exclusive behind the scenes access to the Cape Town equine world. Highlights include a visit to Milnerton Stables to meet leading trainers and watch their horses on the gallops, along with a breathtaking morning on the beach where top racehorses are exercised along the shoreline. The racing pinnacle comes at the prestigious King’s Plate, South Africa’s most stylish and celebrated raceday, where guests will enjoy full hospitality in a private box overlooking the finishing straight.
Beyond the track, the itinerary showcases the region’s standout experiences. From visiting Drakenstein Stud and exploring the winelands of Franschhoek and Constantia, to seeing the African penguins at Boulders Bay and driving along the spectacular Chapman’s Peak, this tour offers a wonderful balance of racing and sightseeing.
Cricket lovers will also have reserved seats for each day of the Test Match at Newlands, one of the most picturesque grounds in the world, while alternative sightseeing options in Cape Town are available for those who wish to explore more of the city.
With flights, transfers, hotel accommodation, daily breakfast, exclusive racing access, cricket tickets, sightseeing tours and hosted dinners included, this tour is a standout addition to the programme.
Optional extensions, including New Year in Cape Town or a three night luxury safari, are also available for those looking to make the journey even more memorable.
Friday 1 January
• Flight from the UK to Cape Town on an overnight journey
Saturday 2 January
• Arrive in Cape Town and transfer to your chosen hotel
• Check in and time to relax after your journey
• Welcome drinks in the evening
• Hosted welcome dinner with the group
Sunday 3 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• First day of the Test Match at Newlands Cricket Ground, one of the most picturesque venues in the world
Monday 4 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Second day of the Test Match at Newlands
• Alternative option: Guided visit to the V and A Waterfront followed by a boat trip to Robben Island for a fascinating historical tour
Tuesday 5 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Third day of the Test Match at Newlands
• Alternative option: V and A Waterfront visit and Robben Island tour for those not attending the cricket
Wednesday 6 January
• Early morning visit to Milnerton Stables to meet leading trainers
• Watch racehorses exercise on the gallops
• Return to the hotel for breakfast
• Fourth day of the Test Match at Newlands
• Alternative option: Trip up Table Mountain for panoramic views over Cape Town
Thursday 7 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Final scheduled day of the Test Match at Newlands
• Alternative option: Free day with optional excursions available, including Camps Bay, Cape of Good Hope, or a scenic coastal tour via Muizenberg, Hout Bay and Simon’s Town
Friday 8 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Early morning beach visit to watch top racehorses train along the shoreline with a leading trainer
• Visit to Boulders Bay to see the famous African penguin colony
• Hosted dinner in the evening with special racing guest
Saturday 9 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Attend the prestigious King’s Plate raceday
• Private hospitality box overlooking the finishing straight
• All food and drink included throughout the raceday
• Post racing entertainment with live music and a vibrant social atmosphere
Sunday 10 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Full day tour of the Constantia Winelands
• Visits to two wine estates with tastings
• Lunch included at one of the estates
• Scenic drive along Chapman’s Peak with photo stops
Monday 11 January
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Check out of the hotel
• Visit to Drakenstein Stud to view some of South Africa’s leading stallions
• Free time in the town of Franschhoek for sightseeing, shopping or lunch
• Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or onward flight to Port Elizabeth for your safari extension
PLEASE NOTE THIS ITINERARY IS ONLY PROVISIONAL.
If you wish to start New Year with a bang, arriving a few day's early means you get to enjoy the city at it's best! You will get to enjoy a welcome drinks and dinner evening, followed by a day out on the Franschoek Wine Tram. New Year's Eve is spent with a special dinner on the V&A Waterfront, giving everyone a brilliant start to the year before the main itinerary kicks in!
New Year's 3 Night Extension
If you wish to finish the trip on a real high, the Safari Extension is the one for you! After the buzz of Cape Town, you swap the city for three nights of proper safari living. A perfect way to round off your holiday and something that is guaranteed to live long in your memory.
Safari Extension
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Return economy flights from the UK to Cape Town
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Return airport transfers in Cape Town
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Nine night stay at your chosen hotel
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Breakfast each morning
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Welcome drinks on arrival
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Hosted welcome dinner
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Reserved seat for each day of the Test Match at Newlands
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Return transfers to Newlands Cricket Ground on match days
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Behind the scenes stable visit to Milnerton
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Morning on the beach to watch top trainers exercise their horses
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Visit to Boulders Bay to see the African penguins
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Hosted dinner on Friday evening with a special racing guest
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Return racecourse transfers on King’s Plate day with full hospitality including food and drink
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Tour of the Constantia Winelands with wine tasting and lunch
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Visit to the stunning Drakenstein Stud
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• Visit to the charming town of Franschhoek
KING'S PLATE
ABOUT THE EVENT:
The L’Ormarins King’s Plate is South Africa’s most distinguished horse race and a cornerstone of the Cape Town summer racing calendar. First run in 1861 after Queen Victoria donated a silver plate and prize money for the inaugural contest, the event blends a rich sporting heritage with stylish social flair and has been staged annually at Kenilworth Racecourse ever since.
Run over 1600 metres as a Grade 1 weight-for-age contest, the King’s Plate attracts the finest thoroughbreds from across the country, with the winner earning prestige as well as an invitation to compete on the international stage. The atmosphere on the day is electrifying, with the racing matched by elegant fashion, live music and lively after-race celebrations that make it one of the Cape’s most anticipated events each January.
ENGLAND V SOUTH AFRICA TEST MATCH
ABOUT THE EVENT:
The England men’s cricket team’s tour of South Africa in December 2026 to January 2027 features a series of three five-day Test matches, forming one of the most eagerly anticipated global cricket contests of the season. As part of this tour, Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town will host one of the Test matches in early January 2027.
Newlands is widely regarded as one of the most picturesque Test venues in the world, set against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain and offering fans an unforgettable setting to enjoy the traditional format of the game. Test cricket demands tactical nuance and stamina as both sides compete over five days to outscore and outlast each other, with every session bringing the potential for standout individual performances and gripping team battles.
DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT.
Andy H,
November 2025
Absolutely amazing, from start to finish!
The actual trip was just phenomenal. We met some lovely people, we learnt so much and we experienced the most wonderful weekend. The organisation was second to none; the hotel was perfect and the location was right opposite the Hippodrome.
From Marc’s knowledge and contacts, we got to spend a day at Nicolas Clement’s stables, we had wonderful seats for the races along with another stables tour, something we would not have experienced if I hadn’t booked with Venatour. The trip was the right mix of activities and leisure time and we both thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jon S,
September 2025
Lovely trip meeting old and new friends.
Fantastic trip to Bruges and Waregem with Venatour Racing Social. This was our first visit to Bruges so Marc and Simon definitely looked after all of us with recommendations for bars and restaurants and places to see.
Wonderful choice of hotel in the centre of Bruges and a nice touch on day 1 to meet up for drinks together and get to know the group. The racing on day 2 was a spectacle not to be missed and with superb hospitality. On the last evening, Marc arranged a meet up at a lovely place by the Canal. Thanks for a lovely trip, meeting old and new friends and being well looked after.
Carol S,
February 2025
We are still buzzing from
our trip.
Firstly, we are still buzzing from our trip to the White Turf Event in St Moritz with Marc & Simon from Venatour. We were with our family on our return and loved relating many of the 'one of a kind' highlights!
We felt very well looked after with all the attention to details, updates and changes of exciting events which they both masterminded. We've now signed up for the Cape Town event plus the add on Safari - we know it will be a superb experience and something we couldn't do without the expertise of Venatour.
Graham H,
November 2025
Very skilled in tailoring the experience.
Our first guided tour of any description (being averse to any set itinerary and having the spirit of a cat, like a caged Lion…😁). However Marc was an excellent herder of cats!
Very skilful in tailoring the experience to the individual; we did our own thing but was always kept in the loop and joined the group and events as we wanted. And when Gatwick threw a curveball by cancelling a bunch of flights, Marc and the team juggled all the chaos like pros. Hats off to them - it was purr-fectly handled! Thanks guys loved it.