PORTUGAL
Esparto Weaving in the Algarve
October 11-16, 2026
$4,250 USD per person, SHARED ROOM
$5,650 usd per person private room
Join us for an intimate journey to Portugal’s Algarve region. Here we’ll stay at a small boutique hotel nestled on an active vineyard. Our craft focus features two days of esparto and palm weaving workshops led by local elder artisans, preserving traditions rooted deeply in the region’s cultural heritage.
Guided by a team of local experts, guests will also explore the region’s rugged beaches, fragrant orange groves, a tranquil river cruise, a working ceramic studio, and the timeless charm of traditional villages and farms that define the Algarve’s soulful landscape.
This trip is one of our slower-paced trips, allowing guests the spaciousness to truly relax in the setting of our rural accommodation and the natural landscapes and small towns of the Algarve.
Esparto + Palm Weaving Workshop
Spend 3 days learning the basics of weaving with native esparto grass and palm fronds. Our students will be guided by a group of elder artisan instructors.
After learning the basics, we’ll be able to focus on working on individual projects, finishing our weaving projects during a visit to a scenic cork forest.
This workshop can accommodate all skill levels.
Food experiences
Indulge in dishes that embody the region: fresh fish, olives, and other mediterranean delights. We’ll visit both an orange and olive grove to learn about the produce of the region, and we’ll experience a range of farm-to-table meals, from quaint town eateries to fine dining, allowing guests to experience the culinary richness of the region.
other craft + Nature experiences
Take a guided walk through the craft town of Loulé, visiting the small community of artists and artisans.
Work on your weaving projects in the unique setting of cork forest.
Later, visit local ceramicist Madalena in her home studio.
boutique vineyard accommodation
Enjoy the traquility of the Morgado do Quintão vineyard, in villas surrounded by grapes and olive trees.
Here, our group will be spread out amongst the villas, each with it’s own private pool and scenic areas to relax.
Trip ITINERARY
-
Arrival in Faro, and transfer to hotel our hotel, Morgado do Quintão. Settle in at the private villas. Welcome dinner paired with wine from the hotel’s vineyard, and trip orientation.
-
Spend the morning visiting an orange farm, picking oranges and tasting delicious orange cakes.
Fresh tapas lunch in the town of Silves.
Spend the afternoon on a relaxing eco boat tour in the Arade river. Travel from Morgado Quintão to the charming town of Ferragudo. Once here, enjoy exploring the town by foot, and a fresh grilled fish dinner. -
In the morning, visit the small craft town of Loulé to meet the town’s artisans and visit craft shops.
Group lunch inside Loulé’s Market.
In the afternoon, venture to the nearby town of Sarnadas to begin our palm and esparto weaving workshop.
Group dinner in at a favorite restaurant in town.
-
In the morning, continue our esparto and palm weaving workshop.
Picnic lunch in Sarnadas.In the afternoon, spend time taking a nature walk in the nearby cork woods, bringing weaving projects along. Here, find a nice sitting area and finish weaving projects together in the forest.
Group dinner.
-
In the morning, visit ceramicist Madalena in her studio in Monchique.
Group lunch and olive oil tasting at an olive farm.Spend our final full afternoon enjoying a scenic Mediterranean beach.
Farewell dinner and trip reflections at our hotel.
-
Final group breakfast at our hotel.
Farewells and departures. Private transfers to the Faro airport.
TRIP
DETAILS
GROUP
This trip is limited to 10 guests, who will accompanied by Thread Caravan hosts.
PRICING + PAYMENT
Pricing for this trip is $4,250 USD per person in a shared room, and $5,650 USD per person for a private room. The shared rooms have separate beds, so it is not required to book with someone that you know.
A $1,750 non-refundable deposit is required in order to reserve your space on this trip. The remaining payment is due at least 60 days prior to the trip start date.
Custom payment plans are available upon request. Please contact us if this is something you'd like to set up.
When making a reservation, there is the option to Pay it Forward. These contributions are directed exclusively towards our Artisan Exchange Program.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation will be at the Morgado do Quintão vineyard in the Algarve region of Portugal. The vineyard’s boutique hotel consists of 4 villas with various rooms, and each with their own pool. The property is expansive and tranquil. During free time in the late afternoons and evenings, guests will have the opportunity to relax on the rural property.
GETTING TO the Algarve
This trip takes place in the Algarve region of Portugal. Guests should fly in and out of the Faro Airport. If guests choose to spend time in Lisboa or Porto before or after the trip, we are happy to share a custom suggestion list.
COST INCLUDES
Artisan Experiences: This trip includes a two esparto and palm weaving workshop as well as a visit to a craft town and a ceramics studio.
In-Country Transportation: Private car service for our schedule itinerary activities, starting and ending in Faro.
All Meals: All meals are included and will offer a range of home-cooked to fine dining experiences with emphasis on Portuguese cuisine and local ingredients.
Accommodation: In a beautiful country home, Morgado do Quintão.
Support: One Thread Caravan trip hosts will be working in collaboration with two local hosts and trip collaborators. Additionally, the Thread Caravan team will be available in the months leading up to the trip to help you prepare.
Carbon Emissions Offset: We’ve partnered with Trees for the Future to plant 50 tress on your behalf in order to offset the carbon emissions of your travel to Mallorca.
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES
Alcoholic Drinks: Thread Caravan does not cover the cost of alcoholic beverages unless mentioned in the itinerary. During this trip, there will be a complementary wine tasting on our first night at the vineyard.
Airfare: To and from the Faro airport.
Personal Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance is required for this trip. Please find an insurance that covers medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations.
Extra Excursions: During our scheduled free time, guests will be responsible for all incurred expenses.
Personal Expenses: Shopping, medicine, snacks, etc.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFO
Visa: Please make sure to review Portugal’s visa requirements with your country’s embassy beforehand. Please contact us if you have any questions or need support.
Passport Validity: Passport must have at least 6 months validity at time of entry as well as at least one empty page.
Trip Preparation: We will send a trip preparation packet to you one month before the trip. This packet will include our exact itinerary, a suggested pack list, useful country information and more.
QUESTIONS? CONTACT US.
