ÉVORA, PORTUGAL
Contemporary Embroidery Art with Han Cao
October 20 - 27, 2025
Travel to Évora, Portugal with renowned Contemporary Embroidery Artist, Han Cao. In a multi-day workshop, you’ll be inspired by Han’s unique approach to color, composition and texture, combined with her sense of humor and style. Han will start by introducing you to the world of contemporary embroidery on paper and fabric. You’ll start by learning a range of embroidery stitches, including how to work with embellishments. Then you’ll have the opportunity to develop a larger project, such as a vintage postcard or textile piece.
A trip to the Évora—the largest city in the Alentejo region of Portugal—would not be complete without exploring some of the region’s small towns. In Arraiolos, known for it’s stunning circular castle, you’ll learn about one of Portugal’s oldest handicrafts—rug embroidery. You’ll visit the local museum to learn about the rich history, visit local studios to see the intricate designs, and have a chance to try this centuries-old technique in a hands-on workshop. Then, on a day trip to Estremoz, we’ll visit one of Portugal’s best Saturday markets and visit the Museu Berardo—one of the largest private tile collections in Portugal.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and set to be the European cultural capital of 2027, Évora has a rich history. The Romans began inhabiting the city in the 2nd century BC and many ruins remain in the historic city center. In the 15th century, the city was occupied by Portuguese royalty, who built stunning palaces and gorgeous churches. You’ll be staying in a 15th century mansion, featuring original fresco paintings, and our workshop will be hosted in the Tower of the Palácio Duques de Cadaval with spectacular views of the Aletenjo countryside.
This workshop is open to all skill levels. Trip Itinerary, Details + Important Trip Notes below.
DATES
October 20 - 27, 2025 ∙ 8 Days, 7 Nights
PRICE
Shared Twin Suite $4,595 USD
Shared Double Suite $4,795 USD
Partial Private Suite $5,195 USD
Private Suite $5,495 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
This Ace Camps Travel trip opens for booking February 25, 2025 at 1:00pm Pacific Standard Time
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
Multi-day contemporary embroidery workshop with Han learning a variety of stitches and embellishments, as well as techniques for stitching on fabric and paper.
Guided tour of Évora’s Roman ruins, historic churches, and palaces.
Day trip to Arraiolos, where you’ll spend the day learning about one of Portugal’s oldest handicrafts—rug embroidery—including a guided tour of the Centro Interpretativo do Tapete de Arraiolos and a hands-on rug embroidery workshop with a local artisan.
Day trip to Estremoz, where you’ll wander one of Porgugal’s largest outdoor Saturday markets, visit the Museu Berardo, one of Porgual’s largest and most important private tile collections, and enjoy a guided tour of the town.
Boutique hotel accommodations in Évora at Antiga Casa dos Senhores do Morgado do Esporão, a 15th century mansion, located inside the oldest part of the city center—the Roman district.
Transport during included activities.
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip.
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions.
Travel + Learn with Han Cao
Han Cao is a self-taught fiber artist specializing in hand-embroidery. Her love for flea markets, where she finds most of her vintage photographs and postcards, paved the way for her artistic endeavors. She currently lives in Dallas, TX and her artwork is held in private collections worldwide.
Han uses embroidery to create modern narratives for long-forgotten photographs and postcards, connecting the people of the past to those of the present. Han loves the unexpected texture created from needle and thread and how it makes people become more intimate with the work when they discover this subtle dimension. This sudden intimacy invites viewers to create their own dialogue with these distant strangers, as they engage with the artwork up close. The varied stories captured in her work reflect personal views on gender, relationships, and societal roles, explorations in connection in disconnection, and also her delightful sense of humor.
Learn more about Han at hanwriting.com or follow her @hanwriting on Instagram.
Day by Day Itinerary
Nota Bene: this is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, new opportunities, and the desires of the group.
Day 1
Monday, October 20, 2025
Arrival Day: Welcome to Lisbon! Make your way to our hotel in the Príncipe Real neighborhood of Lisbon. Please plan to arrive at the hotel no later that 4pm so you have time to get checked in and settled before dinner.
If you can, we encourage you to arrive early, as the neighborhood is filled with incredible boutiques and restaurants.
This evening we have a casual welcome dinner so you can meet Han and the rest of the group.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
After breakfast, we’ll depart Lisbon and head to Évora, the center of the Alentejo region of Portugal. We’ll head straight to our hotel, a 15th century mansion in the city center known in the archeological record as Antiga Casa dos Senhores do Morgado do Esporão. We’ll enjoy lunch together while admiring hand-painted frescos, then join Han for an introductory workshop.
This afternoon Han will guide you on an introduction to contemporary embroidery. She will share her journey to becoming an embroidery artist and you will begin learning different approaches, stitch techniques, and methods that you will be able to apply and adapt to different materials and projects.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Today we’ll have another workshop with Han where she will continue to demonstrate a variety of different stitches. You’ll have a chance to work with vintage fabrics then explore using different embroidery stitches to accentuate texture. Han will also share how to add embellishments.
Our workshop will be hosted inside the Tower Room of the Palácio Duques de Cadaval, the ancestral home and property of the Dukes of Cadaval family, dating back to the 14th century. In addition to our time with Han, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Palácio Duques de Cadaval and we’ll have a special lunch hosted by members Cadaval family.
Later this afternoon, you’ll have some free time to wander the cobblestone streets of Évora and check out some of the local shops. Dinner tonight is on your own or with other members of the group.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Today is another full-day workshop with Han at the Palácio Duques de Cadaval where you will explore how to work on paper and card, while being inspired by the views of the rolling hills and Roman ruins of Évora.
Han will start the day by sharing how she selects vintage postcards and photographs, including what she looks for. Then she’ll share her sketching and planning process so you can see how she visualizes and approaches her artwork. Then you’ll dive into the differences of working on paper and photos, and Han will share her sketching and planning process. You’ll have time to try out techniques on a variety of paper materials.
Later this afternoon, a local guide will take us on a walking tour of Évora so we can learn about the history of the city and be inspired by some of the landmarks. Dinner tonight is as a group at one of our favorite restaurants so we can enjoy some of the local cuisine together.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Friday, October 24, 2025
Today we’ll visit the Alentejo village of Arraiolos, which is known for two things—the 14th century Castle of Arraiolos (Paço dos Alcaides) and Arraiolos carpets, which are embroidered by hand and considered to be one of the oldest handcrafts in Portugal.
We’ll start by wandering through the circular castle, then heading to the Centro Interpretativo do Tapete de Arraiolos, where a local guide will give us a in-depth tour of the museum and share the rich history of rug embroidery in the area. After visiting the museum, you’ll have some free time to wander the local shops and studios to admire the work of this incredible community. After lunch, you’ll have a chance to learn the process and technique of rug embroidery with a short, hands-on workshop with a local artisan.
Later this afternoon we’ll return to Évora, where you’ll have the evening to relax and enjoy dinner on your own or with others from the group.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Today we’ll visit the village of Estremoz—home to one of the largest outdoor Saturday markets. Stallholders sell everything from antiques, paintings, memorabilia, books, tools, ceramics, produce, and local meats an cheeses. With any luck, we’ll find some vintage postcards or photos to inspire on our final projects.
After lunch, we’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Estremoz where we’ll learn about the town’s rich history. We’ll also visit the Museu Berardo, one of Porgtual’s largest and most important private tile collections.
Later this afternoon we’ll return to Évora, where you’ll have the evening to relax and enjoy dinner on your own or with others from the group.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7
Sunday, October 26
Today we’ll have our final, full-day workshop with Han. Han will show some additional specialty stitches and you’ll have a chance to spend the day working on your own projects—you can choose to embroider vintage postcards, photos, or vintage textiles. Han will work with each guest throughout the day to offer guidance and explain how to finish your pieces for framing. We’ll end our workshop with a mini group exhibition and show off the great work we’ve made throughout the week!
Tonight we’ll gather for a goodbye dinner as a group to celebrate our time together.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Monday, October 27
Departure Day: After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll pack our bags and say our farewells. Our transport will take us back to the Lisbon airport and a pre-determined location in central Lisbon. If you’re flying out today, please arrange your flights for late afternoon.
Thank you for joining us on this journey to Évora, Portugal!
Meals included: Breakfast
Where We’re Staying
In Lisbon, we’ll be staying at an urban boutique hotel in the Príncipe Real neighborhood, which is filled with incredible boutiques and yummy restaurants. In the Évora, we’ll be staying at Antiga Casa dos Senhores do Morgado do Esporão, a 15th century mansion, located inside the oldest part of the city center—the Roman district. Since being acquired in 2015, the property has gone through an extensive and sympathetic conservation and renovation. In the words of an architect, the house represents "a folly of times and styles; roman axes, arches, baroque frescoes, nineteenth-century ceilings and naïf landscapes, bonding peacefully together."
ROOMING OPTIONS
Please read below carefully and make your rooming selection on the booking page
Group Size: Minimum 8 guests and maximum 12 guests. All Prices are in USD.
This Ace Camps Travel trip opens for booking
February 25, 2025 at 1:00pm Pacific Standard Time
OPTION 1 - SHARED TWIN SUITE
The fee for this trip is $4,595 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Your stay will include:
-1 night in Lisbon urban boutique hotel in a shared twin room with an en suite bathroom (each guest has their own twin bed).
-6 nights in Évora boutique hotel in a shared twin suite. Each guest has their own twin bed. This suite features a large bathroom, living area, and kitchenette, which will be shared with one other guest.
Initial Payment due immediately: $1,995
Final Payment due May 20, 2025: $2,600
OPTION 2 - SHARED DOUBLE SUITE
The fee for this trip is $4,795 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Your stay will include:
-1 night in Lisbon boutique hotel in a a shared twin room with an en suite bathroom (each guest has their own twin bed).
-6 nights in Évora boutique hotel in a shared double suite. Each guest has their own double bed. This suite features a large bathroom, living area, and kitchenette, which will be shared with one other guest.
Initial Payment due immediately: $1,995
Final Payment due May 20, 2025: $2,800
OPTION 3 - PARTIAL PRIVATE SUITE
The fee for this trip is $5,195 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Your stay will include:
-1 night in Lisbon boutique hotel in a private room with a double bed and an en suite bathroom.
-6 nights in Évora boutique hotel in a partial private suite. Each guest has their own room with a double bed and their own private en suite bathroom. This suite features a shared living area and kitchenette, which will be shared with one other guest.
Initial Payment due immediately: $1,995
Final Payment due May 20, 2025: $3,200
OPTION 4 - PRIVATE SUITE
The fee for this trip is $5,495 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Your stay will include:
-1 night in Lisbon boutique hotel in a private room with a double bed and an en suite bathroom.
-6 nights in Évora boutique hotel in a private suite. This suite features a double bed with en suite bathroom, a living area, and a kitchenette.
Initial Payment due immediately: $1,995
Final Payment due May 20, 2025: $3,500
Important Trip Notes + Details
Accessibility
Please note this tour includes walking tours where the ground may be uneven such as cobblestones, gravel, or unpaved roads. You may also be on your feet for a couple of hours at a time during workshops. You should be comfortable walking or standing for long periods.
Culinary Notes
Portugal has a rich culinary culture. While we will try our best to manage allergies, we cannot guarantee or accommodate vegan, gluten-free, egg-free, or dairy-free options and some severe allergies.
If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, you will need to submit those on your booking request form. We cannot accommodate any allergies or dietary restrictions if you do not advise us when you submit your initial booking request.
Please contact us before booking if you have any questions.
Supplies
Essential supplies for your workshop will be provided. In addition to the supplies we provide, you’ll need to bring a few of your own things. Closer to your departure date, we’ll send more information about supplies you’ll want to bring with you.
Who is this Trip for?
This trip is for the open minded and patient traveler. You should be eager to learn and work hands-on with a local community of skilled artisans and be curious about regional culture and cuisine.
This is an immersive adventure and best suited for those who enjoy traveling as a part of a small group.
Travel Health
We recommend consulting a doctor, nurse, health care provider, or travel health clinic once we confirm your booking on this Ace Camps Travel trip so you know what may be required based on your individual circumstances and based on the locations you’ll be traveling to. If you have any health concerns, contact your health care provider for advice prior to booking this Ace Camps Travel trip.
Trip Start + End Locations
This trip starts and finishes in Lisbon, Portugal. Drop off on the last day will be the Lisbon Airport.
Humberto Delgado Airport, also known simply as Lisbon Airport, is an international airport located 7 km northeast from the city centre of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. The airport is the main international gateway to Portugal with many direct flights from all over North America + Europe.
Weather
October is a nice time of year to visit Portugal, it’s fall, but still warm and sunny most days. Daytimes temperatures usually range from 65°F to 75°F, with evening temperatures dipping to 55°F to 65°F, which means you should pack layered clothes and a jacket for the evenings. And, just in case, be sure to pack a light rain jacket or umbrella in case of showers.
Included in this Trip
Multi-day contemporary embroidery workshop with Han Cao
Guided tour of Évora’s Roman ruins, historic churches and palaces
One night at a boutique hotel in Lisbon + six nights at a boutique apartment hotel in Évora
Day trip to Arraiolos, including a guided tour of the Centro Interpretativo do Tapete de Arraiolos and a hands-on rug embroidery workshop
Day trip to Estremoz, including a visit to one Porgugal’s largest outdoor Saturday markets, a guided tour of the town, and a visit to the Museu Berardo, one of Porgual’s largest and most important private tile collections.
Seven breakfasts, six lunches, and four dinners
Workshop supplies
Transport during included activities
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout the trip
Trip Prep call to meet your fellow travelers, walk through how to approach designing and submitting your block design, share recommendations, and answer questions you may have.
Ace Camps Travel Host
An Ace Camps Travel Host will be with you throughout your trip, dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible experience. Your Host is there for any questions or concerns, to look out for the health and safety of the group and to help resolve any issues that might arise. The Ace Camps Travel Host is not a local guide but will work with our local partners to ensure the right combination of pace, information, and duration. Our local partners are deeply knowledgable in the culture and customs of the area and will be there to share their knowledge and passion with the group.
Not Included in this Trip
International roundtrip airfare; required Travel Insurance; airport transfer on Day 1; alcoholic drinks; activities, food, and beverages not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals, including room service, spa services, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; expenses during free time; and a few workshop supplies we’ll ask you bring closer to departure date.
Travel Arrangements
Ace Camps Travel will send you detailed Trip Planning information when it’s time to make your travel arrangements. We usually send this information once we’ve reached the minimum number of guests required to run the trip. We’ll also send you an Ace Camps Travel “Preparing for your Journey” document prior to your trip, which will include arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information, and more.
Questions + FAQ’s
If you have any questions about this Ace Camps Travel trip, please feel free to contact us.
You can also read our FAQ’s here.
Travel Insurance
As stated in our Terms and Conditions, we require all guests to have Travel Insurance that at minimum covers both medical emergencies and trip cancellations. Cancellations 180 days or fewer prior to the trip start date will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy which is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance.
For full details on our Travel Insurance requirements, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Health + Safety
Our goal is for each of our guests to enjoy the amazing trip we’ve put together. To ensure that happens, we put the health and safety of the group as our top priority. Individual guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all destination and layover country requirements and laws, including any Covid-19 related requirements, providing proof of vaccination, testing before or after entry, masking, etc.
During the trip, if you feel unwell, exhibit signs of, or test positive for an illness, you should be prepared to follow the advice of local health authorities as well as the Ace Camps Travel Host to ensure the health and safety of the entire group. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and/or viral nature of your illness the Ace Camps Travel Host may determine you need to mask, distance, self isolate, or depart the trip early. You are responsible for any expenses incurred from an illness, injury, or early departure including testing, treatment, isolation, accommodation, transportation, etc. and you will not be issued a refund for any unused portion of the trip. This is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance, as outlined in our Terms and Conditions.
For full details on our Health and Safety Policies, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
If you choose to cancel your trip for any reason, you must do so via email to hello@acecampstravel.com. If we receive written notice 181 or more days prior to the Trip start date, we will refund your initial payment, less a $1,000 cancellation fee. If we receive written notice 180 days or fewer prior to the Trip start date you will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the Trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy, including for reasons related to weather, terrorism, civil strife, pandemics, illness, personal, family or medical emergencies, or any other circumstances beyond our control. For this and other reasons, we require you to purchase Travel Insurance.
Be sure to read our Terms and Conditions for full details on Booking and Payment, Cancellation by You and Trip Changes and Cancellations.