By Lynn Pearce
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February 8, 2026
From the Douro Valley, Porto, to the Cape Winelands – A Cross-Continental Friendship Through Travel. In the world of private tours and personalized travel, the best connections are often forged not just with places, but with people. Over a year and a half ago, Cape Town-based tour operator Ian Renecle, founder of African Moon Adventures, was on holiday in Portugal with his partner Chantelle when they booked a guided tour through the breathtaking Douro Valley. Their guide? Hugo da Nóbrega Dias, a fellow tour operator based in Porto, who brought Portugal’s wine region to life with charm, history, and deep local knowledge. Fast forward to just a few weeks ago, and that connection came full circle — this time in Cape Town, South Africa. Hugo and his partner Verena (also a professional tour guide) visited Cape Town, and Ian was thrilled to return the favour. Together, the two couples explored the Swartland Wine Route, one of the Western Cape’s best-kept secrets, known for its independent winemakers, warm hospitality, and rugged beauty. They sipped Chenin Blanc among the vines, shared stories from both hemispheres, and continued a friendship that began with a shared appreciation for storytelling and terroir. Though Verena wasn’t feeling her best that day, the spirit of connection — and great wine — remained strong. As Ian later shared: “We met Hugo during a Douro wine tour while travelling through Portugal. We connected over our mutual love for local travel experiences, and I said, ‘One day, you’ll visit Cape Town, and I’ll show you our wine country.’ A year later, here we are — Swartland wines in our hands and friends from two continents.” This isn’t just a story about tour operators reuniting. It’s about how meaningful travel experiences can create lasting global friendships, built around shared values, mutual respect, and a deep love for local culture. Experience African Moon Adventures for Yourself! We still have availability for the 2026 summer season – come join us! Whether you're coming from Europe, North America, or right here in South Africa, African Moon Adventures offers unforgettable private tours for groups up to 7 — crafted with heart, humour, and an insider’s knowledge of the Western Cape. Book your private tour today at https:// www.africanmoonadventures.com #CapeTownTours #SwartlandWines #TourOperatorsUnite #WineRouteSouthAfrica #PrivateToursCapeTown #InternationalTourism #AfricanMoonAdventures #CapePointAdventures #GardenRouteSouthAfrica #TravelWithHeart #LuxuryTravelCapeTown #Franschhoek #CapeWinelands #CapeTownTours #WineTastingSouthAfrica #LuxuryDayTours #AfricanMoonAdventures