ThreadWritten Cultural Textile Tour: MADRID, TOLEDO, and LAGARTERA
SPAIN
May 24 - 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.
Toledo, Spain.
Learn, create, and experience:
Curated sightseeing and shopping in Madrid
A masterworks and 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
See how Muslims, Jews, and Christians lived peacefully together in medieval times and how their decorative traditions intermingled
Shop for UNESCO world heritage pottery in the Castilla-La Mancha region
7 nights in beautiful hotels in Madrid (2), Toledo (2), and Oropesa (3) where we’ll relax in a 14th century palace next to and 11th century castle
Stitching together with a glass of wine and a castle view
Madrid and Toledo on foot and private van or bus transport outside of the cities
A woman dressed for Corpus Christi in Lagartera.
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.
The itinerary is best read on a computer rather than a phone.
ITINERARY
Monday
Meet at the hotel in Madrid city center in the early afternoon.
Small group tour of the Prado led by an art historian: masterworks and fashion-focused highlights.
City walking tour introduction.
Dinner together.
Tuesday
Tour of the Royal Tapestry Factory.
Optional: Museo del Traje, National Costume Museum, Sorolla Museum, or free time for another museum, the palace, or shopping.
Dinner together. Pack up to move to Toledo where we’ll stay for two nights.
Wednesday
Morning departure for Toledo by private van or bus.
Guided walking tour of Toledo.
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.
Dinner together.
Pack up to move to Oropesa in the morning.
Friday
Embroidery workshop part I in Lagartera.
Visit UNESCO World Heritage pottery studios in El Puente del Arzobispo.
Visit the Lagartera museum.
Short drive to Oropesa and our 15th century castle accommodation, now a four-star hotel, for the rest of the trip.
Saturday
Embroidery workshop part II in Lagartera.
Explore the castle in Oropesa.
Free time to relax, take a swim, stitch.
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 with airport drop-off.
Say goodbye and continue your stay on your own or return home.
Take a look a photos from the 2026 tour HERE.
Corpus Christi in Lagartera via http://en.www.turismocastillalamancha.es/
“Well-curated is the thought that comes to mind for our ThreadWritten tour of Spain in Spring 2026. Sarah and António provided the best hotels and restaurants we could imagine. The visit to the home of our embroidery instructors, accomplished embroiderers and hosts, was immersive. We gained an appreciation for the craft and artistry of Lagartera first hand.” -Susan P.
The Cathedral in Toledo with decorations for Corpus Christi.
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 and carry your luggage up stairs.
Itinerary is subject to small changes due to weather, scheduling, opportunities, and the desires of the group.
Our palace accommodations in Oropesa with neighboring castle.
Details:
Ground transportation leaving Madrid and most meals are included. We will walk together and take public transport in Madrid and travel by private bus or van from Madrid to Toledo onward.
Accommodation: 2 nights in Madrid, 2 nights in Toledo, and 3 nights in Oropesa in three-(Toledo only) and four-star hotels.
Group size: 6 - 10 participants.
All embroidery supplies are included. You are welcome to bring favorite tools or a project for evening free time.
Pricing:
$6,395 Space in Shared Room with two twin beds.
$7,095 Single Room with double bed.
Deposit: $1000 USD Nonrefundable.
Pay with ACH (US), credit card, or bank transfer in your currency.
Click here to register:
Questions? Please email me!
