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 more than 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 and tours 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 and an afternoon in Segovia

- 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 over ten 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.

CONFIRMATION & CANCELLATION OF SERVICES:

To confirm your spot, we will require a 1500 EUR non-refundable deposit. The balance will be due 30 days prior to the departure.

We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance. Please reach out if you need help!

The cancellation policy:

Between 29 days and 22 days before arrival, 50 % of total cost.

21 days before arrival, 75 % of charge.

15 days before arrival 100 % of charge.

Please note: cancellation charges will also apply to any additional services we have booked for you pre- and post- tour.

All aspects of the itinerary are subject to change.

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, gather for a welcome dinner and toast the start of your Spanish adventure. Enjoy a selection of traditional dishes in a warm, relaxed setting, and get to know your travel companions before the days ahead.

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

Meals: D

We will start the day at the Prado Museum where we will enjoy a private guided visit

Skip the lines and discover one of the world’s greatest art institutions with your private

guide. Explore masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya and El Greco, and learn about the stories, the artists and the royal collections behind them. Duration: 2h approx.

For lunch, savor one of Spain’s most beloved culinary traditions at a local arrocería. Rice dishes are slowly cooked and served to share, offering a delicious taste of Spanish gastronomy.

In the afternoon, we will try our hand at flamenco in a Flamenco Masterclass. Step into the rhythm of flamenco, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage

of Humanity. With a professional instructor, you will learn the basic steps, the palmas (hand clapping) and the compás that define this passionate art form. No experience is needed, just the desire to have fun. Duration: 1h approx.

Close the day with an authentic flamenco performance. Guitar, song, dance and percussion come together in an intimate setting, where every stomp, clap and cry conveys the emotion and soul of Spain. After your masterclass, you will watch the experts with a whole new appreciation.

Meals: B, L

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!

As a real highlight on these tours, you will take a unique behind-the-scenes tour to a famous and historic notions and trims shop,.

In between all the delightful shops, you may stop at a lovely cafe for chocolate and churros!

This week, you will have time to fabric shop or explore other shops. Liesl will provide a list of all of her favorites and can help with fabric shopping if you would like.

Meals: B

Today, we will travel to the foothills of the Sierra de Guadarrama to discover the Royal Glass Factory of La Granja. Admire the history and exquisite craftsmanship of glassmaking and watch master artisans at work. Duration: 2 hours approx.

Next, unleash your creativity in a hands-on workshop and decorate your own glass piece, a unique, personalized souvenir of your visit.

Enjoy lunch at a traditional local restaurant, tasting the hearty flavors of Castilian cuisine.

In the afternoon, visit the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso. Visit this stunning 18th-century palace, built as a royal retreat and inspired by Versailles. Wander through its richly decorated rooms, filled with tapestries, art and historical artifacts, and stroll through the beautiful gardens that surround it.

Meals: B, L

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 workshop 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 (the fashion museum).

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.

Meals: B

Immerse yourself in the ancient art of Toledo damascening with this unique participatory workshop, hosted in a specially reserved space. Enroute, you will take a panoramic tour around the city with some photo opportunities.

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 free for lunch and to explore more of Toledo!

Meals: B

Step into the workshop of a traditional luthier (guitar maker) and discover how Spanish guitars and other string instruments are crafted by hand. Learn about the woods, tools and techniques that give each instrument its unique sound, and perhaps hear it played.

Lunch at your leisure.

In the afternoon, we will discover the art of Spanish tailoring in a traditional sastrería. See how garments are cut, fitted and finished by skilled hands, and learn about the craft behind a made-to-measure piece.

In the evening, celebrate the end of your journey with a farewell dinner. Share your favorite moments and raise a final toast to Spain.

Meals: B, D

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. 

Meals: B