Stitching adventures in Calabria
TEXTILES, CULTURE AND GASTRONOMY
with Nadia Albertini
June 20-26, 2025
Dive into the heart of Calabria’s textile heritage with this exclusive 7-day journey designed for lovers of Italian culture and food, textile arts, weaving, embroidery, and more. Calabria’s textile traditions are a treasure trove of diversity, craftsmanship, and innovation. Renowned for its exquisite silk, this region’s artistry reflects centuries of cultural influences, from the Greeks and Arabs to the Spanish and French.
Curated by Nadia Albertini, a celebrated textile designer and lecturer with over 20 years of experience in the luxury fashion industry, this immersive experience blends craft, culture, art, and gastronomy into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Drawing on her extensive travels and deep connections within Italy’s textile communities, Nadia has created a unique itinerary that unveils the rich history, artistry, and cultural significance of the textiles of Calabria, one of Italy's most captivating yet underexplored regions. Immerse yourself in hands-on experiences, from natural dyeing with local plants to crafting your own embroidery inspired by Calabria’s stunning Byzantine motifs.
Let Nadia guide you through the vibrant tapestry of Calabria, where every thread connects past and present, culture and craft.
I T I N E R A R Y
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MORNING
Our journey begins with a short two-hour flight from Rome to Lamezia Terme, the charming capital of Calabria. Upon arrival, we’ll be greeted by our private, air-conditioned minibus, ensuring a comfortable ride throughout the day.AFTERNOON
We’ll start with a warm welcome and a traditional Calabrian lunch in a picturesque countryside setting. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce ourselves, connect with fellow travelers, and set the tone for an unforgettable experience.
Next, we’ll explore two exceptional fabric manufacturers that seamlessly blend the rich heritage of Italian craftsmanship with modern design and creativity. Witness firsthand how tradition and innovation come together in these unique workshops.EVENING
Around 6:30 PM, we’ll check in at our charming four-star agriturismo in Maida, conveniently located near our main destinations and which will be our home for the first half of this journey. This award-winning olive farm, renowned for its dedication to sustainable practices and community support, offers a serene and authentic Calabrian experience.
Surrounded by 10,000 ancient olive trees, you’ll enjoy a peaceful atmosphere complemented by hearty, locally sourced meals that celebrate the region’s culinary traditions. Spend the night immersed in nature, enjoying the perfect balance of comfort and simplicity.— —
INCLUDED FOR THE DAY:
Flight from Rome to Lamezia Terme
Private local transportation
Welcome lunch in the countryside
Guided visits to fabric manufacturers
Dinner featuring local specialties
Overnight stay at a four-star agriturismo
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MORNING
Start your day with a classic Italian breakfast featuring freshly brewed coffee and delightful pastries. By 10:00 AM, our private driver will whisk us away to a hidden gem: Calabria’s last working silkworm farm Nido di Set. Run by a passionate team of young agrientrepreneurs, this farm is a testament to tradition and innovation.
During our visit, we’ll explore their enchanting orchard, home to 300 mulberry trees, and dive into the fascinating process of silk thread production. With expert guidance, you’ll witness each step of this centuries-old craft, from the delicate care of silkworms to the creation of luxurious silk threads.AFTERNOON
The silkworm farm doubles as an agriturismo, renowned for its farm-to-table cuisine. We’ll enjoy a hearty lunch made from fresh, locally grown ingredients, shared with the inspiring team behind this initiative.
After lunch, we’ll head to the nearby village of Cortale, a picturesque haven celebrated for its thriving community of artisans. Stroll through its charming streets, visit workshops, and experience the timeless artistry of local craftspeople.EVENING
We’ll return to our agriturismo in the early evening, giving you time to unwind and soak in the serene atmosphere of its lush gardens. At 8:00 PM, join the group for a delightful dinner featuring authentic Italian dishes lovingly prepared by our hosts. It’s the perfect way to end a fulfilling day of discovery and connection.— —
INCLUDED FOR THE DAY:
Buffet breakfast
Farm-to-table lunch at the silk farm
Authentic Italian dinner at the agriturismo
Private transportation throughout the day
Guided silk farm tour and hands-on silk activities
Exploration of Cortale and its artisan workshops
Overnight stay at a four-star agriturismo
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MORNING
After a rejuvenating night and a hearty breakfast, prepare to immerse yourself in the enchanting world of natural dyes. Today, you’ll work alongside Nadia and the talented Verónica Santamaría Querubín, a rising star in the textile world.
Born in Colombia, Verónica graduated Magna Cum Laude in design from Los Andes University in Bogotá. She was a finalist for the prestigious Dorothy Waxman International Textile Prize in 2021 and she is currently pursuing her MA in Textiles at Polimoda in Florence, Italy.
With a deep connection to her Colombian and Latin American roots, Verónica regularly collaborates with artisan communities to promote slow, meaningful, and locally inspired textile production. Her workshop begins with an engaging introduction to natural dyes, including materials, techniques, and the initial steps of this fascinating process.AFTERNOON
Enjoy a delicious lunch overlooking the serene gardens of the agriturismo. Refreshed, we’ll return to the workshop, delving deeper into hands-on natural dyeing techniques. You’ll experiment with locally sourced silk yarns and other exquisite fibers, including cotton, silk blends, and linens, all thoughtfully curated by Verónica.EVENING
Take the early evening to unwind at your leisure. Reflect on the skills you’ve learned, relax in the peaceful gardens, or curl up with a good book. At 8:00 PM, we’ll gather for our final dinner at the agriturismo, sharing stories and savoring the flavors of Calabria.— —
INCLUDED FOR THE DAY:
Buffet breakfast
Lunch featuring local and seasonal ingredients
Dinner featuring local and seasonal ingredients
Full-day natural dyes workshop with Verónica Santamaría Querubín
Materials for dyeing, including locally sourced fibers
Overnight stay at a four-star agriturismo Costantino
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MORNING
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we’ll check out of our rooms and dive into the final session of Verónica’s inspiring natural dyes workshop. Today, she’ll guide us through her favorite techniques, known for producing some of the most vibrant and colorful results. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have crafted at least three stunning silk yarns in different shades and four beautifully dyed fabric pieces, featuring both even hues and striking patterns.AFTERNOON
Following a memorable lunch, we’ll bid farewell to Verónica and the wonderful agriturismo team who have made our stay so special. At 3:00 PM, our driver will take us on a scenic journey to the charming village of Longobucco. There, we will visit a fabulous weaving workshop, nestled in the heart of Calabria’s mountains.
Longobucco is steeped in textile history, celebrated by poets like Padula, De Giacomo, and Corso for its distinctive weaving traditions. These unique designs and colors have earned global recognition, including their feature on Fendi’s iconic Baguette bag in a special artisanal edition released in 2024.EVENING
After our visit, we’ll arrive at our stunning home for the remainder of the trip: an elegant 18th-century historic residence surrounded by untouched natural beauty and fragrant citrus groves. This lovingly restored estate boasts spacious rooms that preserve the charm of the original farmhouse, complete with stone arches, the historic olive oil mill’s millstone, a private chapel, and a library housing over 5,000 rare books and manuscripts.
Settle in, explore the residence’s many treasures, and soak in the serene atmosphere. We will share our first dinner in this magical place, as we prepare for the next chapter of our stitching adventure.— —
INCLUDED FOR THE DAY:
Buffet breakfast
Lunch featuring local delicacies
Dinner featuring local delicacies
Final natural dyes workshop with Verónica
Scenic transportation to Longobucco
Visits to explore the rich textile heritage of Longobucco
Lodging at a historic 18th-century residence
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MORNING
Today marks the halfway point of our journey—a perfect time to slow down and savor the tranquil charm of our 18th-century residence. Spend the morning however you wish: relax by the pool, wander through the lush gardens, or explore the serene surroundings.
As midday approaches, our driver will pick us up to take us to a nearby town for the next leg of our adventure.AFTERNOON
We’ll start with lunch at a delightful local restaurant, indulging in the rich flavors of Calabrian cuisine. Afterward, we’ll make our way to Rossano, a picturesque town nestled between the Sila mountains and the Ionian coast. Rossano’s history shines brightest during its Byzantine period (540–1059), and today we’ll dive into its cultural treasures.
Our visit includes the famous Codex Purpureus Rossanensis, an exquisite illuminated manuscript known for its vivid colors and intricate patterns. Inspired by these timeless designs, we’ll begin drafting an embroidery pattern of our own, blending traditional silk and cotton yarns to bring our creations to life.EVENING
We’ll return to our hotel in the late afternoon, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s inspirations. Dinner will be served al fresco in the charming courtyard, a perfect setting to enjoy the best of traditional Calabrian dishes under the evening sky.— —
INCLUDED FOR THE DAY:
Breakfast at the residence
Lunch at a local restaurant
Dinner in the residence’s enchanting courtyard
Visits to Rossano and its Byzantine treasures
Lodging at the 18th-century residence
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MORNING
Begin your day with a nice breakfast in the tranquil garden of our stunning 18th-century residence. Today, we dedicate ourselves to completing our Byzantine-inspired embroidery project.
We’ll start with a fascinating introduction to the most iconic patterns of Byzantine Italy, exploring how these timeless designs have been preserved and interpreted in material culture. Drawing inspiration from this rich heritage, we’ll delve into traditional embroidery techniques, including intricate stitches and goldwork, to bring shimmering detail and depth to our patterns.AFTERNOON
After enjoying a delightful lunch at a nearby restaurant, take a moment to relax and recharge with an hour of free time by the garden or pool.
In the afternoon, we’ll resume our embroidery work, refining our techniques and adding final touches to our creations. By 7:00 PM, you’ll have a beautiful, handcrafted piece that reflects the artistry and elegance of Byzantine traditions.EVENING
To celebrate the culmination of our creative journey, we’ll dine at one of the region’s most exceptional restaurants, a short taxi ride from our hotel. Run by a passionate local couple, this gem offers an unforgettable dining experience, blending authentic Calabrian flavors with heartfelt hospitality and an excellent wine choice.— —
INCLUDED FOR THE DAY:
Breakfast in the peaceful garden of our residence
Lunch at a nearby restaurant with local specialties
Byzantine-inspired embroidery workshop with materials provided
Dinner at a renowned regional restaurant
Overnight stay at our charming 18th-century lodging
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MORNING
Start the day with one last delightful breakfast in the serene surroundings of our historic residence before checking out. At 9:30 AM, our driver will whisk us away for an enchanting journey to Mendicino’s renowned Silk Museum.
The scenic drive winds through the majestic Sila mountains, offering breathtaking views as we make our way back to Calabria’s picturesque west coast. Upon arrival at the museum, our expert guide will unveil the fascinating secrets of Calabria’s silk industry, sharing its rich history and demonstrating the intricate techniques and processes that have been passed down through generations.AFTERNOON
For our farewell lunch, we’ll dine at a beloved osteria in Cosenza, perfectly situated along the riverbank with stunning views of the monastery perched on the hillside. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the menu features genuine local ingredients and time-honored recipes, a true celebration of Calabrian culinary tradition.
Cosenza, a city steeped in history, sits at the confluence of the Busento and Crati rivers. Surrounded by dramatic mountain ranges and standing 238 meters above sea level, it’s a fitting backdrop for our final moments together.
After our meal, we’ll bid farewell to this beautiful region and the friendships we’ve made over the past week. Our driver will take us to Lamezia Terme airport, where we’ll catch our flight back to Rome.— —
INCLUDED FOR THE DAY:
Breakfast at our historic residence
Scenic transportation to Mendicino
Guided visit to Mendicino’s Silk MuseuM
Farewell lunch at a charming osteria in Cosenza
Transportation to the airport
Return flight to Rome
JOIN NADIA IN ITALY THIS SUMMER
June 20 to 26, 2025
7 days — 6 nights
Capped at 10 participants
English-spoken
€4,900 per participant when you pay your deposit by or before February 28;
single-occupancy room with ensuite bathroom
€5,300 per participant, single-occupancy room with ensuite bathroom, if you pay after February 28
Secure your spot with a non-refundable deposit of €1,000
Maida: June 20 to 23. Enjoy your stay in Maida in charming four-star Agriturismo Costantino, immersed in nature surrounded by 10,000 ancient olive trees. Each participant will have a single-occupancy room with ensuite bathroom.
Longobucco: June 24 to 26. Surrounded by untouched natural beauty and fragrant citrus groves in Longobucco, Tenuta Ciminata Greco is a beautiful 18th-century historic farmhouse renovated to make your stay a very special one. Each participant will have a single-occupancy room with ensuite bathroom.
Questions about the accommodations? Please contact us directly before signing up.
Included in this experiential learning opportunity:
Lodging for 6 nights
All breakfasts, except on day 1
All lunches
All dinners, except on day 7
Round trip airfare: Rome-Lamezia Terme; Lamezia Terme-Rome
Transportation in Calabria from June 20 to June 26
Admission fees to all paid-for activities (such as museums and ateliers)
Basic embroidery kit: Embroidery hoop, fabric, embroidery needles, thread snips and all tools and materials for the natural dyes class (this includes the embroidery thread that will be used during the embroidery sessions).
The focus of our program is around the topic of silk and the revival of textile traditions in Calabria and their use in contemporary Italian fashion. It will be packed with many unique and fascinating visits, therefore, it is important to mention this experiential learning opportunity is designed to nurture your interest and curiosity in embroidery and fashion for both personal and professional advancement as it will be filled with bespoke workshops, lectures, research and practice.
Unfortunately, our schedule won’t allow for the more traditional sightseeing of Calabria nor shopping unrelated to the learning outcomes. We invite you to plan personal-interest visits and activities at your own leisure, either a few days before or after our programme ends, or in the evenings.
Don’t hesitate to reach out before signing up if you have any questions.
More scheduling details will be provided closer to the start of the program.
Thinking of booking alongside a friend? Both of you would be eligible to a friend’s discount.
Please reach out so we may send more details about this special promotion.Please note that some activities in the program may be subject to change.
Not included:
Airfare/transportation to and from Rome for your personal arrival and departure
Travel, medical and cancellation insurance (for which you must provide proof of acquisition before attending the workshop)
Any art supplies other than those included in the basic embroidery kit
Breakfast on day 1
Dinner on day 7
Any additional expenses guests may incur on their own outside of what has already been stipulated, such as groceries, spa days/evenings, and certainly any supplies acquired during our visits to specialized stores.