ThreadWritten Cultural Textile Tour: MADRID, TOLEDO, and LAGARTERA
SPAIN
June 1 - June 8, 2026
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.
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-star hotels in Madrid (2), Toledo (2), and Oropesa (3)
Stitching together with a glass of wine and a castle view
Madrid on foot and private transportation for the week outside of the city
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
Monday, June 1
1:00 Meet at the hotel to drop off bags.
Introduction to Madrid.
Small group tour of the Prado led by an art historian: fashion
and textile-focused highlights.
Tuesday, June 2
Tour of the Royal Tapestry Factory and visit a private foundation museum
in the home of a prominent 19th-century businessman and collector.
Visit the Museo del Traje, National Costume Museum.
Wednesday, June 3
Morning departure for Toledo by private bus.
Exp.lore 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, June 4
Corpus Christi festivities in Toledo.
Meals together and free time on your own in the afternoon.
Friday, June 5
Visit the Lagartera museum.
Embroidery workshop part I in Lagartera.
Visit UNESCO World Heritage pottery studios in El Puente.
Saturday, June 6
Embroidery workshop part II in Lagartera.
Village exploration in Lagartera and Oropesa with meals together.
Sunday, June 7
Corpus Christi festivities in Lagartera with meals together.
Monday, June 8
Breakfast at the hotel.
Bus 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/
Please note:
Toledo is on a hill. Bring good shoes and prepare to get some exercise! The weather should be very pleasant at the end of May.
Itinerary is subject to small changes due to weather, scheduling, opportunities, and the desires of the group.
Toledo, Spain.
Details:
Ground transportation upon meeting in Madrid and all meals are included. We will walk together and take public transport in Madrid and travel by private bus from Madrid to Toledo onward.
Accommodation in four-star hotels: 2 nights in Madrid, 2 nights in Toledo, and 3 nights in Oropesa, a short drive from Lagartera.
Group size: 6 - 10 participants.
All embroidery supplies are included. You are welcome to bring favorite tools or a project for evening free time.
Fees: Pricing and registration will be available in Fall 2025.
Email me to join the early notification list.
Single Room with double bed:
Space in Shared Room with two twin beds:
Deposit: $1000 Nonrefundable.
Questions? Please email me!