GEORGE NEWS - The Garden Route has some interesting and off-the-beaten-track attractions that are just waiting to be explored.
One such place is the former missionary village Friemersheim situated to the north of Great Brak River.
Those that attend the annual Fragrance Route Festival in February will know that this is a scenic and quaint little village that offers diverse attractions.
Joint venture
A tour of Friemersheim with its sweeping views over the coast is now offered as an extended service by Diaz Express who, in conjunction with a local bus service, takes tourists to this little beauty spot. Twenty tourism role players were given a glimpse of its allure last week Thursday, during the launch of the new service offered as a package deal in conjunction with Diaz Express railcars.
The recently completed Bellevue Restaurant and lodge - opened by Botlierskop Private Game Reserve as part of their attractions - offers sizeable steaks and vistas over a grassy terrace where zebra and bontebok graze.
This is just one of the sophisticated new tourism attractions. Other diversions are a coffee tasting at Brother's Coffee Roastery; a walk to the lions at Hakuna Matata; a visit to Santa Bonné Protea farm; cultural walk and traditional food tasting at Friemersheim; beer and gin tastings at Bellevue Village; chocolate tasting and pairing at Rococo Chocolaterie; herbal teas and a bouquet garni at Hough's Herbal Hub, and oyster and sparkling wine pairings.
The newly completed Bellevue Restaurant.
Package
A complete custom tourism package can be arranged by Diaz Express, said MD Pierre Poolman at the launch. The Diaz Express has been operational for many years and consists of three restored Wickhamrail cars (circa 1960) that operate on the existing Transnet Freight Rail infrastructure between George, Great Brak River, Hartenbos and Mossel Bay.
For more information contact info@diazexpress.co.za.
Zebras add to the lodge and game reserve atmosphere of Bellevue Restaurant.
At Brothers Coffee Roastery in The Pink House en route to Friemersheim, Sharon Grundvig explains what tourists can look forward to.
At Skimmelkrans railway siding, guesthouse owners and other tourism role players wait for the Diaz Express to transport them to Great Brak River. MD Pierre Poolman explains that the railway car (seen in the background), in collaboration with a local bus company, offers a smooth touring experience. Photos: Pauline Lourens
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