Ten days and nine nights of knitting and amazing sights with friends old and new. Barcelona Knits is Europe's largest fiber festival. Join Battenkill Textile Tours to take advantage of exclusive access to classes and more at the festival. While in Barcelona we'll also have a private knit class for just our group with with instructor Carol Feller. There will be plenty of time to explore the natural beauty of the Catalonia region and its historic architecture. Our time in Madrid will include behind the scenes visits to a centuries-old tapestry and carpet weaving workshop and Wool Dreamers yarn mill and shop. On top of all that, we're planning a Paella Passion cooking class! Note: for flights you will need to book arriving in Barcelona and departing from Madrid.
Mary Jeanne Packer, the founder of Battenkill Textile Tours LLC, has been leading groups of knitters and fiber enthusiasts on trips around the world (and around the corner) since 2006 when she put a small ad in the national knitting magazines to see if anyone might want to come and spend a few days knitting, wine tasting, and visiting fiber farms in the Finger Lakes; and 20 people signed up! Those first 20 said they would "like to go to Ireland sometime"; and the rest is history. Mary Jeanne is the founder and co-owner of Battenkill Fibers Carding and Spinning Mill in Greenwich, NY.
Price per person for two people sharing one room with two standard beds and private bathroom
One room with one bed and private bathroom.
One extra night plus breakfast for early arrivals. Price per person for a double room with two beds. No other tour services are offered this day. Please make your own arrangements for activities.
One extra night in a single room with private bath, includes breakfast. No other tour services are offered - please make your own arrangements for activities.
Day 1
• Arrive at Barcelona El Prat Airport (prior to 11.00am GMT+1/ Central European Standard Time) for a private transfer to your hotel.
• Meet your fellow knitters and guide for tour induction before starting to explore Barcelona.
• Take a guided tour of the most recognisable of all Barcelona’s architecture and one of Gaudí's most famous works - La Sagrada Família. This giant Basilica has been under construction since 1882 (yes you read that correctly!) and it is not expected to be completed for some time yet.
• Finish the day with a Welcome Drinks Reception and Tapas dinner at your hotel.
Day 2
• Breakfast
• Take a scenic train and cable car day trip to Montserrat - a spectacularly beautiful Benedictine monk mountain retreat located North West of Barcelona city. Not only is Montserrat Monastery of significant religious importance but the natural beauty surrounding the monastery is simply breath taking. Many come just to see the statue of the Black Madonna, patron saint of Catalonia.
• Return to Barcelona in late afternoon to continue exploring Barcelona, shopping and enjoying local food, or just relax and knit at the hotel.
• This evening is at your leisure to enjoy dinner at one of Barcelona’s fabulous restaurants while soaking in the local culture and vibrant atmosphere.
Day 3
• Breakfast
• Enjoy knitting workshop with Designer and Tutor Carol Feller of Stolen Stitches. Yarn will be provided just bring your needles!
• After some free time to relax and have lunch (not included), visit Lalanalu yarn shop to meet the hosts of Barcelona Knits and receive your event wrist band.
• This evening enjoy the El Tablao De Carmen experience, in homage to the legendary Bailaora Carmen Amaya. Tablao de Carmen was created to offer a place where people can experience Andalusian and flamenco history, which has always had close ties with Barcelona. This purpose has remained until today, where you enter a warm and special place that centres around flamenco singing, dancing, and guitar playing, while dining on Tapas of traditional Spanish cuisine.
Day 4
• Breakfast
• Join your coach after breakfast and travel the short distance to the Barcelona Knits Festival located right on the Barcelona waterfront, overlooking the Balearic Sea. Partake in the many activities and classes on offer throughout the day and make the most of all the stalls!
We recommend that you book your festival class as early as possible to avoid disappointment, as classes fill up quickly. We will advise once classes are available to be booked on Barcelona Knits festival website.
Day 5
• After a leisurely Sunday breakfast, you may join your shuttle coach for a return to the water’s edge and Barcelona Knits Festival. More of the same wonderful learning, shopping and socialising can be had in this fun and lively festival!
• This evening, experience a nocturnal guided tour of Casa Mila, Gaudi’s masterpiece at La Pedrera and discover its connection to nature. As you wander the iconic landmark, your senses will be immersed in a magic show of light and sound. The Warrior Rooftop will take your breath away before you finish the evening with a glass of cava!
Day 6
• After breakfast, depart your hotel and journey to Zaragoza, the capital city of the province of Zaragoza, famous for its two majestic cathedrals, a fortified Islamic palace in the city centre, monumental remains of the Roman Caesar Augusta and one of the most diverse gastronomic scenes in Spain. There will be free time in the afternoon to explore this beautiful city.
• On the way to Zaragoza, we will have a comfort stop and lunch (not included) in one of the oldest towns in Catalonia region - Lleida, famous for its natural beauty, the Lleida Musuem and Seu Vella de Lleida cathedral.
• Dinner will be served at your hotel
Day 7
• After breakfast, depart your hotel and continue your journey to Madrid.
• Stop in Medinaceli to admire the Roman triumphal arch (Arco de Medinaceli), dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries. It is the only triple arch still preserved in Spain. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
• Arrive to your city centre hotel in Madrid. Remainder of the day is at leisure to explore, dine, relax and knit.
Day 8
• Breakfast
• Travel into the La Mancha region and visit WoolDreamers. Experience a comprehensive guided tour that gives you complete insight into the yarn making process and receive a little gift!
• Visit Castillo De Belmonte, a medieval castle on the hill of San Cristobal. Like a fairy-tale, the castle is in the form of a six-pointed star with a turret at the top of each point.
• Enjoy lunch before a tour and tasting of Mont Reaga winery.
• Finish the day trip with the spectacular views of Mota del Cuervo Mills and the La Mancha plains.
Day 9
• Breakfast
• This morning is at leisure to continue exploring Madrid and shopping. In addition to its famous museums (Royal Palace of Madrid, Reina Sofia National Art Centre and La Almudena Cathedral to name just vew), busy streets dotted with all kinds of shops, restaurants with world cuisine and unbeatable nightlife, Madrid will surprise you with its tranquil historic spots that charm everyone walking by. In the afternoon, meet your guide and fellow knitters for a visit to Museo de Traje or Tapestry Museum.
• Visit Miss Kits, a fabulous Madrid yarn store.
• Finish your Spain tour with an experience to remember - Paella Passion Cooking class. The in-house professional chef will guide you step-by-step through some of Spain’s most iconic paella recipes. You will be welcomed with a glass of Cava and shown to your personalized cooking stations where you will work in pairs or small groups of three to make a traditional Spanish dish! The chef is also your host, making each guest feel at home, and, of course, keeping your wine glasses full!
Day 10
• Breakfast and private transfer to Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport for your return flight home.