Weaving Through Italy: A Journey from Rome to Florence
$5,995
per person, twin share (land tour only).
$1,350 supplement for single room.
Tour Leader
Tour Info
OVERVIEW
Discover the rich beauty of Italian textile artistry on this 12-day journey through Rome, Umbria, and Florence. From ancient cashmere mills tucked into Umbrian hillsides to Florence's storied silk workshops, you'll go behind the scenes at family-run weaving studios and heritage manufacturers that have kept traditional techniques alive for generations. Along the way, you'll experience hands-on encounters with artisans who still work at historic looms, taste wine among olive groves, and savor farm-fresh cheese from a working sheep dairy.
Between textile inspirations, you'll wander through medieval hill towns, stand beneath Michelangelo's David, marvel at the Sistine Chapel, and explore the cobblestone streets of Arezzo and Perugia. Each day weaves together the rich fabric of Italian culture with special access to the textile traditions that have shaped this region for centuries, creating a tour that's both culturally enriching and deeply inspiring for anyone who loves the fiber arts.
HIGHLIGHTS
Hands-On Textile Experiences:
Participate in a weaving workshop at a historic textile studio in Umbria and witness Florence, gaining insight into traditional techniques still practiced today.
historic textile centers & artisan mills
Visit renowned weaving mills, linen workshops, and silk studios, including centuries-old operations that continue to produce luxury textiles using traditional looms and methods.
Museums & Masterpieces
Explore world-class museum collections from the Vatican Museums and the Uffizi Gallery to specialized textile museums dedicated to embroidery, weaving, and the preservation of handcrafted traditions.
Fiber, farm & field traditions
Connect the full story of fiber with visits to a sheep dairy and wool producers, alongside tastings that highlight how agriculture, craft, and regional identity are deeply intertwined.
Iconic Cities & Hill towns
Experience the grandeur of Rome and Florence alongside the quieter beauty of Umbrian hill towns such as Todi, Perugia, and Arezzo, each offering a distinct sense of history and place.
Italian Culture Beyond the Studio
Balance textile-focused days with a cooking class, wine and olive oil tasting, historic piazzas, and time to wander cobblestone streets, markets, and artisan shops at a relaxed pace.
START & FINISH
The tour starts with dinner on Thurs, Sept 10 in Rome.
The tour ends after breakfast at your leisure on Mon, Sept 21 in Florence.
Shared arrival and departure transfers from airport to hotel are NOT included.
Itinerary
DETAILED ITINERARY
Please contact our office for more information
Opulent Quilt Journeys
Phone: 877 235 3767
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tour Leader
Sara Bixler
Sara Bixler is the owner and resident instructor of Red Stone Glen Fiber Arts Center in York Haven, Pennsylvania. Her love of travel and different cultures inspire her work and the curriculum offered at Red Stone Glen, set on an idyllic 50-acre property in south central Pennsylvania. There, students enjoy a unique opportunity to study a diverse range of fiber-arts courses, ranging from weaving to tatting. The center also presents informative lectures on relevant topics. Sara has devoted years to experimenting with color in weaving. She has focused on how color relationships are affected by yarn size, luster, sett, and weave structure. She is known for her ability to guide students through the challenging world of color theory, specifically as it relates to weaving. She is passionate about sustainability and the natural world, and that dedication is reflected in her work.
Inclusions
TOUR INCLUSIONS
What is included in the tour price?
- 11 nights twin-share accommodation at well-appointed hotels with breakfast daily
- 6 dinners, 1 lunch, workshops and entrance fees as stated in the itinerary
- Transportation throughout the tour by private coaches
- An English-speaking local guide to enhance your experience throughout the journey
What is not included in the tour price?
- International airfares to Italy
- Arrival and departures transfers
- Travel insurance
- Porterage at hotels & personal expenses
- Gratuities, as desired
- Anything not mentioned
Hotels
HOTELS
Please contact our office for more information
Opulent Quilt Journeys
Phone: 877 235 3767
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tour Details
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Next Departure
If these dates don’t work for you, register to hear about future journeys to this region with similar itineraries.