Prepare to unlock your creativity and immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Madrid with Liesl Gibson, the designer and founder of Oliver + S and Liesl + Co. Having lived in Madrid for nearly a decade, Liesl offers a passionate insider's view of the city’s artistic soul through the lens of a seasoned designer. From world-renowned art museums and talented local artisans to quirky, one-of-a-kind shops, you'll experience Madrid like never before. This is your opportunity to explore the city’s creative heartbeat in a way that's both intimate and inspiring, guided by a creative insider. 

Spend your days discovering Madrid and its charming surroundings while building connections with Liesl and her community. In addition to enjoying a week full of artistic exploration, crafts, and unforgettable experiences, you'll also receive individual attention as you shop for exquisite fabrics and trims with Liesl.

Highlights of the tour:

- Workshops with local artisans

- Shopping opportunities at Liesl's favorite shops

- An insider's view into creative Madrid

- Tours of some of Madrid's best museums

- Flamenco evening

- Day in Toledo

- Personal time with Liesl, a Madrid resident

- Accommodation in a lovely centrally located Madrid hotel

Liesl Gibson is the designer behind Liesl + Co, Oliver + S, Straight Stitch Society, and Lisette for Butterick sewing patterns. After working in publishing and finance early in her career, Gibson returned to school and earned a degree in fashion design from New York's Fashion Institute of Technology. She worked as a designer for such high-profile fashion brands as Geoffrey Beene, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ralph Lauren before starting her company in 2008.

In addition to writing sewing patterns, she has also authored two books, taught in-person and on-line sewing classes and workshops, and designed several collections of printed fabric.

Liesl Gibson lived in Manhattan for 25 years and moved to Madrid nine years ago. She lives and works in the center of the city, where she enjoys immersing herself in Spanish culture. She dances tango, reads, and stay active in her spare time.

Arrive in Madrid, the energetic capital of Madrid. Once you make your way to your lovely hotel home for the week, check in to the hotel and explore a little of your neighborhood. We will meet up in mid afternoon for a tour around Madrid to orient you to the city and see some of the major sites. We will make a few planned stops along the way.

In the evening, share a drink and light bites with Liesl and your new traveling companions at the welcome dinner!

We can set up private transfers to the hotel for additional cost. 

Experience the Prado Museum, a jewel of Madrid and one of the most esteemed art institutions in the world. This visit allows you to skip the lines and immediately delve into an exceptional collection of European art on a private guided tour. The museum is home to masterpieces by iconic artists such as Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, each showcasing the richness of their unique styles and contributions to art history. We'll also learn about the museum's spectacular collection of works by Titian, whose paintings influenced Spanish art.

We will have lunch together in the neighborhood near the museum then will possibly walk through Retiro Park or explore Centro in the afternoon. 

In the evening, we will experience flamenco, the captivating and emotive dance of Spain. Listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, flamenco is a cornerstone of Spanish culture. It represents the most emblematic national folklore and is celebrated as one of the most renowned forms of artistic expression in Spain.

Immerse yourself in the ancient art of Toledo damascening with this unique participatory workshop, hosted in a specially reserved space.

The experience begins with an insightful explanation of the traditional damascene craftsmanship, where you'll learn about the history and techniques used to inlay precious metals like gold and silver into steel to create intricate designs. 

Following the introduction, enjoy a master class led by a skilled artisan. During this live demonstration, you'll witness the meticulous process of damascening firsthand, gaining a deeper understanding of this remarkable technique.

Next, it's your turn to get hands-on! Under the guidance of the master artisan, you'll have the opportunity to create your own damascened piece. Whether you're a beginner or more experienced, this is a chance to test your creativity and craftsmanship in a fun and supportive environment.

At the end of the workshop, you'll leave with a special souvenir — the damascened piece you personally created.  This workshop is the perfect combination of culture, creativity, and tradition, making it a memorable experience for all participants.

The rest of the afternoon is yours free for lunch and to explore more of Toledo!

Today, we explore some of Liesl's favorite creative shops in Madrid! Get a creative insider's tour of some secret gems that only a local would know about. Liesl will be there to lend any creative assistance you need or want!

In between all the delightful shops, you will be stopping at a lovely cafe for chocolate and churros!

After lunch on your own, you will have time to fabric shop or explore other shops. Liesl will drive a list of all of her favorites and can help with fabric shopping if you would like.

You will head to Granja de San Ildefonso where you will start with a guided tour of Real Fabrica de Cristales, a glass factory with a museum. Following the tour, you will participate in a sand casting and glass etching workshop and have the chance to see glassblowers at work.

Enjoy lunch with your travel companions at Casa Zuca.

Following lunch, you will take a tour through the Royal Palace La Granja de San Ildefonso using audioguides on a smart phone.

Since its founding, Real Fábrica de Tapices has played a vital role in preserving Spain’s textile heritage, particularly the historical pieces associated with the Spanish Crown.

During your visit, you'll explore the factory where tapestries, carpets, and wall hangings are still produced entirely by hand, preserving the deep rooted tradition of Spanish textile craftsmanship.

The tour provides a fascinating insight into how the factory has evolved,embracing high-quality and 100% sustainable production methods. This visit will allow you to witness master weavers at work, observing the meticulous process that goes into each piece.

Following that visit, explore the fascinating world of fashion and culture with a self-guided visit with Liesl to the Museo del Traje.

With a collection exceeding 160,000 pieces and documents, this unique museum showcases an extensive collection of clothing and accessories that span centuries, from traditional garments to contemporary fashion.

As you explore the exhibits, you’ll discover how fashion has evolved over time and how it reflects the social, cultural, and historical context of each era.

Whether you're passionate about fashion history or simply curious to see iconic styles from different periods, the Museo del Traje offers a rich and immersive experience. You can take your time exploring at your own pace, delving into the stories behind each piece. Or you can spend some time with Liesl and see the history of fashion through her eyes.

Free afternoon to explore more of Madrid on your own.

You are in for a treat today with a morning embroidery workshop with a local artisan. She is a friend of Liesl's and a master at her craft!

Lunch at your leisure.

The afternoon will be spent at Liesl's co-working space with a chance to ask questions and hear more about her creative life.

To end our wonderful time in Madrid, we will gather with our new friends once more for a wonderful farewell dinner!

Today we will say goodbye and catch our departure flights home or begin your next adventure!

We can set up private transfers to the airport for additional cost.