Portuguese Patchwork Retreat
Before quilting begins in earnest, you’ll enjoy a 2-night stay in the beautiful city of Oporto including a full day’s sightseeing tour with a cruise on the River Douro and tasting of the famous port wine. Portugal’s famous azulejo tiles and a visit to one of Oporto’s leading quilt shops are sure to provide inspiration for your stitching under the expert guidance of Karin.
Your Tour Includes
- Return international flights from London Gatwick to Oporto with 1 piece of hold luggage
- 2 nights' bed & breakfast accommodation
- 5 nights' half board accommodation
- 4 full day workshops with Karin Hellaby including book and use of a Bernina sewing machine
- Visit to local patchwork and fabric shop
- Full day guided sightseeing tour of Porto with a cruise on the River Douro and visit to the cellars for port wine tasting
- Services of an experienced Tour manager
Karin Hellaby
Karin Hellaby is an internationally known quilt teacher and author of 11 quilting books and numerous patterns. She is a regular teacher at the Houston International Quilt Show and has also been invited to teach at quilting symposiums in New Zealand, Dubai, Paducah and the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show in Oregon.
Her teaching travels have taken her all over North America, the Middle East and several European countries. Her style is very much multi technique always finding ways to make patchwork simple, quick and fun to learn. Karin started Quilters Haven in 1993. It became one of the largest quilt shops in the UK and she sold it in 2016. This has given her more time to teach and travel, especially in SE Asia where two of her sons are based.
Itinerary
A message from our expert: I am delighted to be returning to a beautiful hotel on the Portuguese coast, ideal for a quilting retreat. The main project will be a quilt (lap or cot size) which when not in use becomes a wraparound pillow. A complimentary copy of my book, ‘Magic Pillows, Hidden Quilts’ is included. We will also be spending time in the ancient city of Porto, famous for port wine production and visit the charming walled town of Obidos, a favourite with our quilters! A week of sewing, cultural and historical visits, good food and wine, and shopping in beautiful Portugal. What more could you ask for?
Meet Karin Hellaby and your Arena Tour Manager at London’s Gatwick airport for the flight to Porto. On arrival we’ll transfer to our hotel and check-in for a 2-night stay. The evening is at leisure and a chance to try one of the many excellent restaurants close by.
Today’s full day guided tour is a chance to get acquainted with Portugal’s second city. We’ll see the stunning Sé Cathedral and explore the narrow, cobbled streets of the characterful Ribeira District. In São Bento Railway station, we have a chance to admire the famous azulejo tiles. Also included is a leisurely cruise on the River Douro taking us under some of the city’s magnificent bridges, and a visit to the wine cellars to taste the port wine. During the day there’ll be some time at leisure so you can enjoy lunch and a little independent exploration.
Includes Breakfast
Included Highlights
This morning we visit PanopraMantas, a popular quilting store in Porto. Having enjoyed a little retail therapy, we’ll leave Porto and drive to the historical, riverfront city of Coimbra. Here you’ll have time at leisure to soak up the unique atmosphere and take lunch in one of Coimbra’s many restaurants. Our journey continues to Obidos where we check-in to our hotel for a 5-night stay. Dinner is served in the restaurant each evening.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Four fantastic days during which you’ll enjoy both morning and afternoon workshops with Karin Hellaby in a private room at the hotel. Using Bernina sewing machines and with Karin’s expert guidance, you have the chance to learn new techniques, hone your stitching skills and create a wonderful memento of your Portuguese holiday. Around the workshops there is plenty of time to enjoy the fantastic facilities at the resort too!
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
After a leisurely morning at the resort we’ll return to Porto for our flight to London.
Includes Breakfast
Single Room Supplement from £540.00 (8 days).
Perfect for Textile Lovers
Uniquely created for textile lovers, this Stitchtopia textile holiday is the perfect way to discover fascinating fabrics and cultures, whilst travelling to some of the world’s most inspiring places. Our talented stitching expert will be on hand throughout the holiday and host creative workshops with beautifully designed projects inspired by your travels.
Accommodation
You will stay for two nights at the Hotel Premium Porto Downtown and five nights at the Praia D’El Rey Golf & Beach Resort.