Tuscan Textiles

Medieval to modern textiles

  April 25 - May 2, 2010
  US$2,750 per person, double occupancy
 Last minute openings! 2 spots at only US$2,000 per person

T ake advantage of this great chance to discover medieval and modern textiles in Florence and beyond. The Tactile Travelers meet at Pisa’s Gal Galilei airport. We’ll stop at Pisa’s most famous tower before continuing to Florence. The family‑run inn is our base during the next four days. Take time for a stroll along the river, watching the sun set over the Ponte Vecchio before dinner. The heart of Florence beats around us! You are really here!

Over the table that first night, we’ll enjoy getting to know each other and learning about Italian current hot topics.

Our first morning in Florence begins at the National Artisans Fair, highlighting contemporary Italian craft. We’ll also visit the workshops of Florentine artisans, the Costume Gallery, Capucci’s gown/sculptures and the iconic sculpture, Michelangelo’s "David" at the Accademia. You’ll have time to explore the city on your own as well. Opportunities for shopping, museums, gardens, walks, sitting and knitting, sketching and photography are endless. Don’t worry, we’ll share hints and highlights to help you choose.

You may not want to leave Florence after four days, but the rolling Tuscan hills are equally charming.  We’ll visit the Fabric History Museum in Prato and stop by fabric outlet stores on the way to our country inn between Lucca and Montecatini Terme.

The tapestries and fabric of Lucca were already famous in the 13th Century. Anyone who completed their apprenticeship held closely guarded secrets. We’ll visit Palazzo Mansi in Lucca to see these treasures. You may also choose to spend the day at the Montecatini Terme spas.  There will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy before our transfer returns us to the Pisa airport.