Welcome to Step Out Tours
Step Out into the World – Curated Tours for Women Travellers
Step Out Tours curates authentic, women-centered travel experiences that blend culture, connection and adventure.
From South Africa to Europe and beyond, we create joyful journeys at an easy pace for solo and group travellers.
Join small groups or gather your own troop and choose from the journeys we have curated.
Our International Tours
Lesvos Kayaking Adventures
This six‑day kayaking adventure along the northeastern coastline of Lesvos, Greece, offers an enriching blend of gentle activity, natural beauty, and meaningful connection.
Travelling in small groups of no more than six, guests paddle across glass‑calm aquamarine waters, explore ancient cobblestoned towns, unwind in mineral‑rich natural hot springs, and enjoy warm Greek hospitality at traditional seaside tavernas. The rhythm of each day is unhurried and restorative, with time to swim, rest, snorkel, and simply savour the rugged coastline and bright Aegean light.
Suitable for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike, this trip, offered in collaboration with Teach a Girl to fish invites travellers to reconnect with themselves and with nature in a slow, spacious, and deeply rejuvenating way.
Contact Step Out Tours to book a kayak tour in June or July 2026 and to add on additional days in Levos and Athens.
Champagne Tour
Indulge in the sparkling elegance of France’s legendary Champagne region on this joyful and immersive getaway crafted especially for gay travellers.
Your journey begins in the historic city of Reims, where grand cathedrals, charming boulevards, and centuries of champagne heritage set the scene for an unforgettable escape. Explore iconic maisons, wander through atmospheric cellars carved deep beneath the earth, and taste some of the world’s finest cuvées as you learn about the region’s rich traditions and vibrant queer‑friendly culture.
Beyond the bubbles, this leisurely holiday invites you to slow down, savour the beauty of rolling vineyards, and connect with fellow travellers in a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere. From vineyard lunches in picturesque villages to sunset strolls along the Avenue de Champagne, each moment is designed to celebrate pleasure, community, and discovery. Whether you’re toasting new friendships or simply delighting in the serene French countryside, this Champagne adventure offers the perfect blend of indulgence, culture, and queer‑affirming fun.
Bermuda and Caribbean Cruise
Watch this space for more details on a Bermuda and Caribbean Cruise November 2027 in association with Queer Nomads.
Our South African Tours
Cape Town City Centre Tour
We start this tour with a brunch at a local’s home. An overview of the City’s history and key geographical features will be presented while snacking on local snacks. Some folklore with interesting tales will fill in the literary gaps. This is followed by a walk-through St Georges mall into Company’s Garden with exposure to centuries and decades gone by in this phenomenal city. It is a perfect introduction to understanding different cultures and their complex integration into the “modern” world.
Winelands Tour
Find the grape that suits your palate by exploring Franschhoek, Paarl and Stellenbosch with us. Choose an experience from Wine tasting and Pairing, Cellar Tours, Vineyard Tours and Safaris, Wine Blending or a Picnic at a Winery. The Wineries are unique and offer a phenomenal array of activities and beauty.
Overberg Tour
We leave Cape Town, pass through Gordan’s Bay and wind through Clarens Drive along many sensational curves following the dramatic coastline to Stony Point. A haven for the delightful Penguins presents an unobscured view of these cautious walking birds. A stop at an intimate wine farm for a tasting and a platter to whet your appetite for the rest of the tour. On through to Hermanus – for whales, walks, lunch and quaint seaside etiquette. We stop en route home at a world-class wine farm with a full view of the Botrivier. Then homeward bound and a visit to a Botanical Garden near Bettys Bay. Suggested over 2 days with an overnight in Hermanus.
V&A Waterfront Tour
The tide changes with time, seasons and geographical timelines. From reclaimed land to new docks and harbours to a world class shopping mall. There’s something here for everyone to enjoy, a truly liberating experience amidst boats, restaurants, entertainment and ultimately some retail therapy. We will take you through art, marine education, the market and the tracks of time.
West Coast Tour
“Go West – life is peaceful there.”
Salute the steps of the San in their measured contemplation of land and sea. Consider the Daisies, Sporries and Magriets found in Spring on the West Coast National Park Flower Route. Loll in the beauty of the Saltwater Langebaan Lagoon, formed by the rising and falling of sea levels during pre-historic times. Delight in the Darlings of Darling – pretty little town with a Brewery, Winery and the local favourite – Tannie Evita.
Mini Peninsular Tour
Take a road trip around the base of Table Mountain. Admire the splendour of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens juxtaposed against the beauty of our ancient mountain. Step into the 1st Wine farm in South Africa placing us on the Universal Wine Production stage. Follow the route down to Hout Bay to glimpse seals frolicking on an island. Pass the majesty of the 12 Apostles winding along to Camps Bay to round your day off with a sundowner and dinner.
Cap Classique Super Tour
(For the lovers of South African Champagne styled Bubbly) – 3 Days
Drive to Franschoek to start off your exquisite bubble tutored expedition. 4 magnificent farms have been selected with tasting, safari and lunch on the map. Stay overnight at a Boutique Hotel or Wellness Retreat.
Day 2 – set off to the Robertson/ Bonnievale region for winning Cap Classique and a fun short course in blending. Overnight accommodation in the Klein Karoo.
Day 3 – end this tour with a visit to a French inspired Boutique estate, followed by a meander in the Hemel & Aarde region with a highlighted stop at the perfect location facing river and ocean. Catch your breath and visually pause before the homeward bound lap.
Adventures & Safaris
We partner with a host of Adventure and Safari companies to add high energy thrills to your vacation:
Skydiving, Paragliding, Kelp Forest and Shark Cage diving, Kayaking, Helicopter Rides, Hot Air balloon rides. All provided with Cape Town’s licensed and reputable Adventure Companies.
Aquila Private game Reserve is a day trip out of the city with an impressive safari to view the Big 5.
Wine Safaris on Wine farms are a phenomenal way of combing 2 crucial elements of a solid South African trip.
Social Scene and Events
Learn how to cook and taste like the locals. Watch interactive shows to feel the beats of Africa with culinary tastes.
Explore the Art Scene with a Professional Artist – from Art Galleries in the City, on Wine Estates, Focussed Sculpture Parks, & Sip and Paint events.
Visit a Fossil Park, stay on a houseboat in a spectacular Saltwater Lagoon, enjoy an Eco Lodge in a reserve with long hikes and beautiful swims.
Theatre, Drag performers, Gay Pride – we have it all. Let me help curate your relaxed time with key gastronomy and show stopping events.
The adventure begins once your bags are packed
Wine Tasting
Scenic Walks
High Teas
Penguins
About Lee-Ann Chain
I grew up on the north coast of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province – and from a young age all I wanted to do was travel. Every trip to Durban, Cape Town or Joburg was a huge adventure. As a young adult I explored further, visiting Europe and the USA and living in Cape Cod for six months, immersed in the international hospitality sector (and the local party scene!).
Back in South Africa my career took me into education, where I owned a Maths and Science Centre for 20 years in the country’s biggest city, Johannesburg. In 2022, I moved to Cape Town and founded Step Out Tours, reconnecting with my love of travel and tourism.
As a qualified guide I curate bespoke experiences for women Travellers. I focus on unique, authentic experiences of Cape Town and the Western Cape that meet all your needs. I work to create seamless, joyful experiences at a pace that works for you as a solo Traveller or in a group.
You can hear more about Lee-Ann and Step Out Tours in a podcast interview here.