ThreadWritten Cultural Textile Tour: MADRID, TOLEDO, and LAGARTERA

SPAIN

May 23 - 31, 2027

 

Discover the textiles, art, and culture of the Spanish capital Madrid, the UNESCO World Heritage city Toledo, and the lesser-known village of Lagartera whose living, hand-stitched, folk traditions amaze and delight! Take a fashion and textile-focused tour of the Prado, visit the Museo del Traje, the Royal Tapestry Factory, and selected shops. Enjoy local wine, tapas, or a horchata in the park cafe on a warm evening. Wander Toledo’s narrow streets, surrounded by the legacy of the city’s Roman, Visigothic, Jewish, Muslim, and Christian past.

Our trip this year is timed to enjoy the festivities for Corpus Christi, one of the three most important Christian feast days celebrated with elaborate street processions and people in traditional dress.

Dates, itinerary, and pricing will be finalized in September 2026. Email me to join the early notification list.

 
 

Toledo, Spain.

 
 

Learn, create, and experience:

  • Curated sightseeing and shopping in Madrid

  • The Costume Museum in Madrid and a fashion-focused tour of the Prado led by an art historian

  • 6 hours of embroidery instruction in Lagartera with a family of textile restorers who are continuing the local traditions

  • The Corpus Christi processions and festivities in both Toledo and Lagartera

  • How Muslims, Jews, and Christians lived peacefully together in medieval times and see how their decorative traditions intermingled

  • Masterworks by Goya, Velasquez, El Greco, and more.

  • 7 nights in beautiful 4- and 3- star hotels in Madrid (2), Toledo (5)

  • Stitching together with a glass of wine and a castle view

  • Madrid and Toledo on foot and private van transport outside of the cities

 
 
 

The textiles of Lagartera encompass so many techniques from free embroidery and counted threadwork, to cut felt and filet lace. In our two-part workshop, you’ll create embroidery inspired by the blackwork in the gorguera garment above or a festive floral ribbon.

 
 
 

ITINERARY

(Tentative schedule to be finalized)

Sunday

Meet in the late afternoon to check into our Madrid hotel.

Welcome dinner in the city center.

Monday

Breakfast in the hotel.

Introduction to Madrid.

Small group tour of the Prado led by an art historian: fashion and textile-focused highlights.

City walking tour and free time to explore: Reina Sofia or Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza.

Dinner together.

Tuesday

Tour of the Royal Tapestry Factory.

Optional: Museo del Traje, National Costume Museum.

Wednesday

Morning departure for Toledo by private van.

Explore Toledo museums and monuments together
or on your own, meeting for lunch and dinner.
Highlights include: the Toledo Cathedral, Santo Tomé chapel,
the El Greco Museum, the Tránsito Synagogue.

Stroll, have a drink, relax.

Thursday

Corpus Christi festivities in Toledo.

Free time on your own to explore.


Friday

Embroidery workshop part I in Lagartera.

Visit UNESCO World Heritage pottery studios in El Puente and Talavera.

Visit the Lagartera museum.

Travel to Oropesa, our accommodation for the rest of the trip.

Saturday

Embroidery workshop part II in Lagartera.

Explore the castle in Oropesa.

Free time to relax.

Sunday

Corpus Christi festivities in Lagartera.

Free time to relax, take a swim, stitch.

Closing dinner in town.

Monday

Breakfast at the hotel.

Drive back to Madrid in the morning.

Say goodbye and continue your stay on your own or return home.

 

Corpus Christi in Lagartera via http://en.www.turismocastillalamancha.es/

 

Women of Lagartera. Photographs by Corina Gertz, https://www.corinagertz.com/

 

Please note:
Toledo is on a hill. Bring good shoes and prepare to get some exercise on steep, uneven ground and cobblestones! You must be able to walk up and down hills at a reasonable pace.

Itinerary is subject to small changes due to weather, scheduling, opportunities, and the desires of the group.

 
 

Toledo, Spain.

Details:

Ground transportation leaving Madrid and most meals are included. We will walk together and take public transport in Madrid and travel by private van from Madrid to Toledo onward.

Accommodation in four-star hotels: 2 nights in Madrid, 5 nights in Toledo.

Group size: 5 - 6 participants.

All embroidery supplies are included. You are welcome to bring favorite tools or a project for evening free time.

Pricing:

$ To be released in Fall 2026 Single Room with double bed. Payment is available in your currency.

$ Space in Shared Room with two twin beds. Payment is available in your currency.

Deposit: $1000 Nonrefundable.

Pay with ACH (US), credit card, or bank transfer in your currency.

Questions? Please email me!