With so much to see along the way, the 3-hour drive to Barrydale along Route 62 will take a bit longer. In a good way!  Stops will include a can’t-miss destination for artisanal food and drink and lunch at a spectacularly chic dining hotspot.  

STOPOVER                 

Spice Route Village: Wander through this brilliant mix of shops, brewery, chocolatier and more

LUNCH                       

Bluvines Restaurant: Dine surrounded by wow-worthy views with a menu to match

ARRIVAL                     

Karoo Art Hotel, Barrydale:  Check in and get settled, you’re here!

WELCOME                  

Hotel Map Room: Meet your mentors Graham Abbot and Alicia Rodriguez over cocktails and appetizers                      

DINNER                      

Hotel Dining Room:  Relax and enjoy Chef’s locally sourced specialties

It’s a choose your adventure day with more options than you’ll have time to accomplish. One must-do is a treasure hunt through town to gather props in preparation for your personal portrait session with Graham Abbot. Beyond that, a wonderous range of activities await

SUNRISE SWIM         

Tradouw Pass: Hop in the jeep and head out for a cool morning splash

BREAKFAST               

Hotel Dining Room: Ease into your day with whatever treats make you happiest

MORNING MEET-UP   

Set intentions, process your experience, and document your journey at the first of our wild and wonderful creative gatherings guided by Alicia Rodriguez.

LUNCH                       

Diesel and Creme: Order up a classic favorite at Barrydale’s see-it-to-believe-it vintage country diner

STUDIO TOUR             

The Studio Barn: Learn all about Graham Abbot’s wet plate photographic process and develop a vision for your personal portrait session with Graham   

CHOICE OF ONE ACTIVITY

ARTISAN VISIT           

Barrydale Hand Weavers: Go behind the scenes to watch and listen to the rhythms of these dedicated craftspeople at work.

SILENT HIKE               

Langeberg Mountains: Follow Francois Beer for an exquisitely quiet, mindful trek through the gentle surrounding wilderness of the Little Karoo

HISTORY WALK         

Barrydale: Learn about the area’s history and the daily lives of locals on a walk around town with long-time resident Doris Day.

DINNER                      

Mez Karoo Kitchen:  Share tapas among the happy vibes of this rustic chic family home restaurant

STARGAZING             

Melt into a lush night sky that has inspired South African folklore for centuries

By now, you’ve completely fallen in with the Barrydale vibe, so today is your day to explore a bit more. In the evening you’ll experience the emotional highlight of the trip– dinner and a fireside celebration as guests of indigenous Khoisan families and the eclectic Barrydale community.

SUNRISE SWIM         

Tradouw Pass: A second chance for a BRRYDALE morning dip!

BREAKFAST               

Hotel Dining Room:  Another easy morning meal, followed by a creative session with Alicia

ACTIVITIES                 

Meet Graham for your photoshoot and/or join in on any of the experiences from yesterday that you missed or would like to experience again

LUNCH                       

Joubert-Tradouw Wine Farm: Pair bistro-style bites with wines from this standout vineyard along the Klein Karoo Wine Route.            

SUN SET DINNER         

Khoisan Community Farm: Tour the farm and the programs of non-profit Net Vir Pret. Meet the kids. Join in a planting session, learn to cook in traditional potjie pots and come together for an after-dinner sunset campfire celebration of music, storytelling and true connection with the Barrydale families.

This is a relaxed transition day offering an immersion in fine art, award-winning wines, an idyllic village lifestyle - and your newfound friendships.

BREAKFAST               

Karoo Art Hotel: Your final breakfast here – maybe poolside this morning? Then departure for the village of Franschoek

WINE TASTING          

Grande Province Winery: Tour world-class art galleries with a glass of wine in your hand

LUNCH                       

Franschhoek Village: Choose your favorite spot from the many downtown options

WANDER                    

Franschhoek Village: Visit the open-air craft market, shops and galleries.

VINEYARDS                         

Franschhoek Valley: Or get serious about wine with tastings at nearby vineyards            

DINNER                      

Chefs Warehouse: Join the entire group for an exquisite four-course meal en plein air surrounded by the restaurant’s wineyard. 

OVERNIGHT                

The Lavender Farm Guest Houses: Retire to luxurious accommodations set in endless purple rows of lavender

Sit with a cup of tea in your private courtyard before joining us in the Lavender Farm patio for breakfast. There will be plenty of time for a stroll through the grounds before we depart for the short drive back to Cape Town. You’ll be in Kalk Bay before lunchtime!

EVERY FIELDTRIP NEEDS A SCAVENGER HUNT

Can you meet them all?

We have some amazing “bonsellas” (prizes) for the winners.

  • The Newspaper Editor

  • The Bookseller

  • A Head Chef

  • A Famous Fashion Designer

  • Any Employee of Ronnie’s Sex Shop

  • Two Antique Dealers

  • Two Self- Described Artists or Artisans

  • The Owner of the Shop where “ Rococco chandeliers are created from bottle tops and colored plastic sourced from rubbish dumps.”