Itinerary: Viana do Castelo | Barcelos | Guimarães | Lixa | Covilhã | Seia | Gouveia | Manteigas | Castelo Branco | Almalaguês | Tibaldinho | Nisa | Arraiolos

Join us on a journey dedicated to embroidery and textiles, from intricate regional embroidery to the weaves of traditional fabrics. Discover the work of artisans who, for generations, have left their mark on the patterns and textures that adorn clothing, scarves, and interiors. Prepare to unveil the richness of colors, patterns, and stories that make up the cultural and artistic fabric of the country.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TRIP:

• Discover the diversity and richness of Portuguese fabrics and embroidery, from the wool of Serra da Estrela to the embroidery of Nisa and the silk stitch of Castelo Branco.

• Discover the rich history behind Portuguese embroidery by exploring museums and historical sites that preserve and tell the story of this art.

• Visit the workshops of skilled artisans and have the opportunity to acquire unique pieces.

PROGRAM:

Day 1: Viana do Castelo | Barcelos

Walking tour of the historic center of Viana do Castelo. Santa Luzia Hill and Sanctuary. Guided tour of the Costume and Portuguese Filigree Museum. Stroll through the historic center of Barcelos. Visit to the Barcelos artisan center. Visit to craft galleries of your choice for meetings and conversations with local artisans.

Day 2: Guimarães | Lixa

Discover Guimarães and its historic center on foot: Castle, Oliveira Square and Santiago Square. Free time to visit local fabric and embroidery shops. Visit Lixa, an important center for Portuguese embroidery. Meeting with local artisans and visits to workshops and shops.

Day 3: Tibaldinho | Seia | Manteigas

Discover Tibaldinho, an important center for genuine Portuguese embroidery. Meet local artisans. Discover Seia and Gouveia, two towns located in the Serra da Estrela mountain range, for a visit and a meeting with local wool and cheese producers.

Day 4: Covilhã | Castelo Branco

Discovery of Covilhã, an important woolen production center in Portugal. Guided tour of the Woolen Museum and Royal Cloth Factory + Royal Veiga Factory/Wool Interpretation Center. Discovery of Castelo Branco. Guided tour of the Castelo Branco Embroidery Interpretation Center and the Silk Museum.

Day 5: Coimbra | Almalaguês

Discover the historic center of Coimbra and visit craft shops. Visit the town of Almalaguês, an important center for hand weaving in Portugal. Meet local artisans and visit workshops producing Almalaguês embroidery.

Day 6: Nisa | Arraiolos

Visit to the village of Nisa, stroll through the streets to discover the cobblestone pottery and its original embroidery. Visit to the Pottery and Embroidery Museum. Discovery of Arraiolos. Guided tour of the Arraiolos Carpet Interpretation Centre. Meeting with local artisans.

Day 7: Lisbon

Free day in Lisbon for individual exploration.