Ceres Rail Company - Overnight in the Overberg - Train to Houwhoek Hotel

Activity Description

Ceres Rail Company presents an exclusive overnight rail journey to the Houwhoek Hotel – 10 to 11 May 2025

Step aboard our historic passenger train for a truly unforgettable weekend escape to the beautiful Houwhoek Hotel, nestled in the heart of the Overberg. This unique overnight experience blends classic rail travel, heritage hospitality, and a touch of old-world charm.

The journey begins at 08h05 from the platform alongside the AC Hotel by Marriott, Dockrail Road, Foreshore, Cape Town. Once aboard, guests enjoy a scenic journey through the Cape landscape, with a stop at Van Der Stel Station in Somerset West (between 09h40 and 10h20) before continuing up the majestic Sir Lowry’s Pass.

Around 11h15, we arrive at Elgin Railway Market for a lunch stop (meals not included in ticket price). The market features live music, a wide variety of food stalls, local wines, gins, and craft goods—perfect for stretching your legs and sampling the Elgin Valley’s finest. Departure from Elgin is at 14h30, and we reach Houwhoek Hotel at approximately 15h30.

At the hotel, guests will check into their accommodation (included in your package). You’ll enjoy a relaxed late afternoon before the famous Saturday Dinner Dance—a Houwhoek tradition held in their charming Barn venue. A three-course set dinner is served at 19h30, followed by live music and dancing from 21h30. (Please note: no children under 12 are permitted at the Dinner Dance. However, families with younger children can dine at the on-site restaurant, and professional babysitting services are available through the hotel on request for parents wanting to attend the Dinner Dance.)

The next morning, after a full breakfast buffet, guests rejoin the train and depart from Houwhoek at 10h30. Arrival at Van Der Stel Station is expected around 12h30, and we return to Cape Town by approximately 15h00.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard for this nostalgic overnight escape to the countryside!

Arrangements

Duration31 hours 55 minutes

When10 and 11 May 2025

WhereAC Hotel by Marriot, Dockrail Rd, Foreshore, Cape Town

WeatherThis service runs in all weather conditions.

What to WearComfortable clothing.

Things to BringTo ensure a comfortable and enjoyable overnight experience, we recommend guests bring the following: - Smart casual or semi-formal attire for the Dinner Dance - A light jacket or warm layer, as evenings in the Overberg can be cool—even in May - Comfortable walking shoes for exploring Elgin Railway Market and the hotel grounds - Swimwear if you’d like to make use of the hotel pool or spa facilities - Personal toiletries (basic hotel amenities are provided) - Any necessary medication - A book or camera if you'd like to relax or capture memories during your journey - Cash or card for purchases at the Elgin Railway Market (cashless), hotel extras, or onboard bar/snacks

Guests or Spectators-

Requirements

Minimum Age0 years

Minimum Height0.0 m

Maximum Height0.0 m

Fitness LevelNo Fitness Requirement

Maximum Weight0.0 kg

CertificationNot Applicable

Experience LevelNo Experience Requirement

Inclusions and Exclusions

Inclusions

Return journey aboard our vintage passenger train
Breakfast on 10 May aboard the train
Lunch stop at Elgin Railway Market (lunch not included)
Overnight accommodation at Houwhoek Hotel
3-course Dinner Dance on 10 May (ages 12+), or Restaurant Dinner (Under 12’s)
Full breakfast buffet on 11 May

Exclusions

Lunch at Elgin Railway Market.
Drinks (We do have a card machine on board.)

Notes

1. For information regarding wheelchair access, please email bookings@ceresrail.co.za
2. We do not permit own food or drinks on board, but we do allow baby foods and items related to health conditions
3. No smoking is permitted.
4. We cannot control the actions of communities alongside the rail line, although we do out best to. We do have sporadic incidents of stones that are thrown at the train through certain areas; we undertake to do our best to monitor the known hotspots to ensure passengers are protected, and communities are engaged. We have patrollers on duty at various points along the railway line.