ThreadWritten Cultural Textile Tour: LISBON, SINTRA + ÉVORA, PORTUGAL
September 24 - October 4, 2025
A 10-day tour and creative retreat in the interior of Portugal to discover the hidden gems the Alentejo, tapestries of Portalegre, and the blankets of Reguengos. Begin with an introduction to Lisbon, visit the palaces and gardens of Sintra, and spend a week stitching at an artist's residency property, a former quinta, in the Alentejo countryside near Évora. Create a contemporary textile artwork inspired by the place, culture and ThreadWritten founder Sarah Pedlow's art practice. Explore UNESCO World Heritage city Évora, learn to stitch Arraiolos in its namesake village; meet weavers, visit an incredible tapestry museum, and shop the local antique/food market.
Relax in your own small apartment with plenty of space to stitch and create on a new project inspired by your surroundings. Enjoy family-style meals, swim in the pool, and hike amongst the cork oaks with a view of castle ruins on the horizon line.
The town of Arraiolos in the Alentejo region of Portugal.
Learn, create, and experience:
Visit Sintra palaces and gardens and a gorgeous palace in Lisbon
6 hours of Arraiolos instruction with an artisan family where the tradition began + additional time with local artisans and stitching time together with my guidance throughout the week.
Finish your Arraiolos with your new skills or create a contemporary textile work while we’re together.
2-hour weaving workshop/visit at a weaver and architect couple’s home studio and farm.
Visit Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon, an incredible local studio and museum devoted to tapestry-making and collaboration with contemporary artists, the Arraiolos Carpet Interpretive Center, and an incredible private tile museum in the Alentejo.
Évora sightseeing, insights, and history from retreat co-leader, Évora native, and landscape architect, António
Visit the historic medieval village Monsaraz and a well-known, local, weaving factory
Make a creative embroidery piece inspired by our visits and the landscape.
1 night in Lisbon at a 4-star hotel and 8 nights with an herdade (farm)-turned artist’s residency property all to ourselves
Guidance on what to see in Lisbon with my favorite textile, craft, and design shops
Shop for antiques, textiles, and the perfect souvenir at small weekly market
Private transportation for the week in a small group of up to 6 participants
Our accommodations for 8 nights at a private artist’s residency property in the countryside near Évora.
Explore the Arraiolos stitch further or create an embroidered piece inspired by the rich patterns and textures of the region! Beginning embroiderers, makers, and non-stitching partners are also welcome.
The trip is equally about textiles and culture with incredible food, wine tasting, and time with locals. My partner, landscape architect and Évora native, António, will share his insights on Portuguese culture, favorite places, and the history of the region and country.
“I highly recommend traveling with Sarah and Antonio. The experience was immersive and rewarding. Meeting and learning from local people about textiles was an invaluable experience. ”
António and Sarah, your hosts in Portugal.
Tuesday, September 30
Travel to Monsaraz, a castle town near the Spanish border. Visit a blanket and rug weaving factory.
Lunch and stop in a village known for its local pottery.
Wine tasting at a local winery.
Dinner at the herdade.
Wednesday, October 1
Weaving studio and farm visit at the home of a local artist and architect.
Lunch in a nearby village.
Visit Évora, UNESCO World Heritage City.
Dinner at the quinta.
Thursday, October 2
Visit to an incredible tapestry museum.
Return to the herdade for lunch.
Free time in the afternoon to stitch or relax.
Friday, October 3
Project work and free time.
Closing dinner. Share your work and impressions from the week.
Saturday, October 4
Breakfast at the quinta.
Drive back to Lisbon in the morning.
Say goodbye and continue your stay on your own or return home.
ITINERARY
Wednesday, September 24
Meet in Lisbon in the morning.
Sintra: Quinta da Regaleira and Palácio da Pena
Dinner in Lisbon.
Thursday, September 25
Visit Palácio de Fronteira and the Gulbenkian Museum.
Dinner in Lisbon.
Pack up to leave in the morning for the Alentejo.
Friday, September 26
Early morning drive to Arraiolos.
Embroidery workshop part I and lunch in Arraiolos.
Visit Interpretive Center for Arraiolos Rugs.
Arrive and settle in at the herdade. Family-style dinner.
Saturday, September 27
Special market visit, local tile museum, and lunch.
Free time in the afternoon at the herdade.
Dinner at the herdade.
Sunday, September 28
Natural dyeing workshop.
Free afternoon at the herdade.
Monday, September 29
Arraiolos workshop part II and lunch.
Free time in the afternoon.
Dinner together at the herdade.
Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city with roots in Roman times.
Please note:
There is a lot of walking on cobblestones and uneven terrain on this trip. The weather should still be warm enough to enjoy the pool and evening walks, voltinhas.
Itinerary is subject to small changes due to weather, scheduling, opportunities, and the desires of the group.
Streetcar in Lisbon.
Details:
Ground transportation upon meeting in Lisbon and all meals are included.
One night in a four-star hotel in Lisbon followed by the herdade, rustic artist’s residency, with your own apartment.
Group size: 4 - 6 participants.
All Arraiolos embroidery supplies are included. Additional materials will be available to supplement your work on an open, creative project.
You are welcome to bring favorite tools, threads, and fabric for your personal project.
Fees:
Single Room with double bed: $4595
Space in Shared Room with two twin beds: $4195
Deposit: $1000 Nonrefundable.
Registration:
Please make sure you have agreed to the Terms and Conditions. Pay with ACH (US), credit card, or bank transfer in your currency.
Questions? Please email me!
