Art Retreat | Embroidery in Italy

Painting with Thread - Embroidery + Beadwork on Tulle with Kathrin Marchenko

Puglia, Italy | May 6 - May 13, 2026

Journey to Puglia with renowned embroidery artist Kathrin Marchenko, to bask in Italy's sun-drenched heel, where ancient olive groves meet crystalline Adriatic waters and centuries-old traditions thrive in whitewashed hill towns. This is the place to slow down and experience Italy away from the crowds, eating home-cooked meals and sipping your caffé with the locals. On this unique, immersive trip we’ll soak in the beauty of our surroundings while letting our creativity flow.

Our adventure starts oceanside in Bari before traveling south to our 16th century palazzo. From here Kathrin will share her signature techniques, layering thread and beads on tulle to create artistic, dimensional pieces. Known for “painting with thread,” her style has a fluidity and ease that fits in perfectly with the Italian way of life. Kathrin will guide you through her carefully developed process from sketching and planning to stitching and finishing. You’ll learn the intricacies of working with tulle and beads starting with foundational steps and then progressing to more complex skills with strategic color placement and varying thread weight. With group and one-on-one instruction, you’ll learn to bring depth and emotion to your work.

As our creative journey unfolds in our workshops, we’ll also be exploring southern Puglia’s Salento region. You’ll join local women for traditional pasta making, discover Ostuni’s maze-like streets and hilltop views, visit a historic estate for an olive oil tasting, take in the history and Baroque architecture in Lecce and soak in the sun as you dip your toes in the turquoise waters of Otranto. Of course, no trip to Italy would be complete without sampling the local cuisine and traditional dishes so we’ll feast on the most delicious food Puglia has to offer. We’ll take advantage of la dolce vita, finding time to lounge by the pool or stitch under an arbor shaded by fruit trees. You’ll bridge the best of both worlds, indulging in the rich Italian culture while deepening your artistic skills and expression.

This Ace Camps Travel trip is open to all skill levels. Trip Itinerary, Details and Important Notes below.

DATES

May 6 - May 13, 2026
8 Days + 7 Nights

PRICING

Shared Room - $4,999 USD
Private Rooms - $5,495 - $6,495 USD

Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below

ART RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS

  • Multi-day workshop led by Kathrin Marchenko focusing on embroidery on tulle, including design creation, stitching and beading techniques.

  • Guided walking tour of the white-walled town of Ostuni

  • Guided Olive oil tasting at a historic family-run olive farm

  • Visit to the seaside village of Otranto

  • Guided walking tour of historic Lecce with free time to explore the shops and architecture

  • Pasta making workshop lead by local Italian women

  • Visit to a local Textile Collective, complete with weaving demonstration

  • Accommodations in a 16th-century, Italian palazzo

  • Transportation to and from included activities and meals

  • Return transport from Bari

  • 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 Kathrin Marchenko

Kathrin Marchenko is an embroidery artist based between Argentina and France. Known for her delicate work on tulle, she creates expressive, hand-embroidered portraits and textile objects that merge emotion, fragility, and strength. Kathrin has collaborated with global fashion brands and magazines such as V Magazine and Gigi Hadid, and her embroidery has been exhibited internationally. She is passionate about using thread as a means of storytelling and is currently focused on teaching others to find creative freedom through needlework.

Follow Kathrin on Instagram @kathrin_marchenko.

Day by Day Itinerary

Nota Bene: This is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, partner schedules, unexpected opportunities and the desires of the group.

Day 1

Wednesday, May 6

Welcome to Italy!

Make your own way to our arrival hotel in central Bari. Have a rest or explore Bari Vecchia - the historic center of Bari. We encourage you to wander the tiny streets, watch women making pasta on orecchiette street or grab some gelato before checking out the castle. Please plan to arrive at our Bari hotel no later that 4:30pm so you have time to settle in before our group dinner.

This evening we have a welcome dinner together to get to know your group and Kathrin and to sample some of the typical Barese cuisine.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2

Thursday, May 7

As we begin our journey towards southern Puglia and the Salento region, we’ll visit and tour the charming town of Ostuni—a picturesque town often referred to as the "White City" due to its stunning whitewashed buildings that gleam under the sun. Situated on a hill, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding olive groves, rolling countryside, and the Adriatic Sea in the distance. The town’s historical center is a maze of narrow, winding streets, steep stairways, and alleys, which make it a delight to explore. Ostuni’s architecture is a blend of Roman, Byzantine, and medieval influences, with white limestone buildings, arches, and courtyards creating a distinct and cohesive look.

This afternoon’s experience is about so much more than an olive oil tasting—it is a step into the lifeblood of the region, its natural beauty, the people, and the traditions. The olive trees in Puglia are incredibly special, many dating back well over a thousand years in age. You will visit a family-owned, historic estate where you’ll be inspired by the immense passion this region has for olive oil. Enjoy an in-depth tour and taste the extra virgin olive oil with our guide.

We’ll have lunch at the olive farm before we begin our journey south to our villa in Southern Puglia. You’ll have some time to settle into the property before we enjoy dinner at the house together.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Friday, May 8

Today we have our first full-day session with Kathrin. We’ll start with an introduction to Kathrin’s work and then dive deep into materials and techniques. Kathrin will share her process for creating depth and dimension in her work; a playful approach layering thread and color to give a painted effect. She’ll teach the intricacies of embroidery on tulle as well as thread layering and beadwork.

This afternoon we move from theory to practice as you select your own motif and start creating your first thread painting. With Kathrin’s insights and guidance you’ll gain skill and confidence in your stitches as you complete your first piece.

This evening we dine together, enjoying home-cooked, local cuisine and wine from the Salento region.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

Saturday, May 9

Continuing with our learnings from yesterday, we’ll spend today exploring more advanced techniques in both design and stitching. Kathrin will discuss how she creates her original designs, from her sketching to her planning process so you can see how she visualizes and approaches her artwork. We’ll practice making our own sketches and motifs which we’ll use as the basis for our second, more complex project on tulle.
We’ll go indepth on strategic color placement and varied thread weights to create a more artistic, painted effect. We’ll learn about layering beads and threads to create richness and luminosity in our pieces.

Later this afternoon we’ll welcome local women for an authentic pasta-making experience. You’ll learn time-honored techniques that have been passed down through generations as you work along side these ladies to create pasta for our dinner that evening.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

Sunday, May 10

Let’s explore more of Southern Puglia! This morning we’ll stop by the workshop of a local weaving and fabric cooperative. Their weavings reach from family dinner tables in Puglia to the runways of the most famous designers. We’ll learn their history, watch a demonstration and hear about their approach to honoring the beautiful, artisanal traditions of the region.
Next, we’ll arrive at the idyllic seaside town of Otranto with some time to wander. Pressed against clear Adriatic waters at Italy’s easternmost point, Otranto is famous for it’s sandy beaches and turquoise waters. We recommend a dip in the ocean or a stop by their cathedral to view the 12th century mosaics. Whether you’re charmed by the old buildings, relaxed with a seaside beverage or immersed in the history of the castle, you’ll find Otranto to be a hidden gem of Puglia.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Monday, May 11

Today is our final workshop with Kathrin. We’ll continue working on our second piece, adding details and finishing touches. It’s a great day to take your project to one of the many nooks and alcoves in the palazzo. Maybe you stitch by the pool today or under the shade of a fruit tree. You might even take your needle and thread on the go, sitting at the cafe outside the church drinking one of the region coffee specialities, Caffé Shakerato, Leccese or al Ghiaccio.

Kathrin will work with each guest throughout the day to offer guidance. She’ll offer some of her best tips and tricks for your future projects and will explain how to finish your pieces. We’ll end our workshop with a mini group exhibition and show off the great work we’ve made throughout the week!

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7

Tuesday, May 12

Today we venture to the beautiful town of Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South” due to its rich artistic and cultural heritage. You’ll enjoy a guided tour filled with the history and Baroque architecture of this famous city. This afternoon, we’ll share a local lunch and then you’re free to take in the city on your own. You might peruse some of the locally owned boutiques, visit one of the more than 100 churches, palaces and museums or just stroll the cobblestone streets, winding your way between the limestone buildings, piazzas and fountains.

Tonight we return to our palazzo to share a final group dinner and celebrate our time together.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8

Wednesday, May 13

After breakfast, we’ll pack our bags and say our farewells. Our transport will take us back to the Bari airport. If you’re flying out today, please arrange your flights for late afternoon as we’ll have an approximately a 2-hour drive.

Thank you for joining us on this journey through Puglia - Ciao!

Meals included: Breakfast

Where We’re Staying

Our 16th century property is located in a small town in Southern Puglia. The palazzo was renovated by architect Federico Pace, with refined character while still embracing the roots of a traditional country house. The front of the property faces onto a beautiful town square, its location makes it easily walkable to local bakeries, churches and quiet piazzas. The back of the house features gardens, terraces and a private pool.

Rooming Options

Please read below carefully and make your rooming selection on the Booking Request form.
The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.

Note: If you are two guests traveling together and would like to share one bed, please contact us for details about a shared room option.

Group Size: Minimum 9 guests, Maximum 12 guests.

All prices are in USD.

OPTION 1 - DOUBLE SHARED ROOM
with en suite bathroom

$4,995 per person, paid in two separate installments.

Rooming Details:

In Bari, you will have a twin shared room and en suite bathroom. In Southern Puglia you’ll have a double shared room and en suite bathroom. Shared rooms have two guests total and have two individual beds and you’ll share the bathroom with one other guest. Your room may be up a flight of stairs, without access to an elevator.

Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495

Final Payment due November 7, 2025: $2,500

SOLD OUT OPTION 2 - SMALL PRIVATE ROOM
with separate, shared bathroom

$5,495 per person, paid in two separate installments.

Rooming Details:

In Bari you will have a private room + en suite bathroom for 1 night. In Southern Puglia, you will have a private room + separate SHARED bathroom with one other guest. At the house in Puglia, your shared bathroom will be located a few steps away or down the hall from your bedroom. Your room may be up a flight of stairs, without access to an elevator.

Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495

Final Payment due November 7, 2025: $3,000

OPTION 3 - LARGE PRIVATE ROOM
with separate, shared bathroom

$5,695 per person, paid in two separate installments.

Rooming Details:

In Bari you will have a private room + en suite bathroon for 1 night. In Southern Puglia, you will have a private room + separte SHARED bathroom with one other guest. At the house in Puglia, your shared bathroom will be located a few steps away or down the hall from your bedroom. Your room may be up a flight of stairs, without access to an elevator.

Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495

Final Payment due November 7, 2025: $3,200

OPTION 4 - PRIVATE ROOM
with separate, private bathroom

$5,995 per person, paid in two separate installments.

Rooming Details:

In Bari you will have a private room + en suite bathroom for 1 night. In Southern Puglia, ou will have a private room + separate private bathroom. At the house in Puglia, your private bathroom will be located a few steps away or down the hall from your bedroom. Your room may be up a flight of stairs, without access to an elevator.

Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495

Final Payment due November 7, 2025: $3,500

OPTION 5 - PRIVATE ROOM
with en suite bathroom

$6,195 per person, paid in two separate installments.

Rooming Details:

You will have a private room + en suite bathroom for the duration of the trip. Your room may be up a flight of stairs, without access to an elevator.

Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495

Final Payment due November 7, 2025: $3,700

OPTION 6 - PRIVATE SUITE
with en suite bathroom

$6,495 per person, paid in two separate installments.

Rooming Details:

In Bari you will have a private room + en suite bathroom for 1 night. In Southern Puglia, you will have a large private suite, seating area + en suite bathroom for the duration of the trip. This suite is located on the ground floor, and may have a few steps to access the rooms.

Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495

Final Payment due November 7, 2025: $4,000

Important Trip Details

Culinary Notes

Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate vegan, gluten-free or dairy/egg-free requirements, and some specific allergies on this trip.

Italy has a very seafood, dairy + gluten focused culinary culture. The majority of our meals will be prepared and served at the house family style and there will not be alternate options. This trip is best suited for those open and eager to enjoy and experience a variety of regional ingredients and flavors.

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.

Accessibility

Please note this trip includes several walking tours where the ground may be uneven such as cobblestones, trails, hills, and stairs. You may be on your feet for several of hours at a time and should be comfortable walking 2 - 5kms. Our property and workshop space have several sets of stairs to reach the rooms and no elevator.

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 during your workshop session 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 ends in Bari, Italy.

Bari is serviced by an international airport, also known as Bari International Airport-Karol Wojtyla, located 8 kilometres (4.9 mi) from the city center. If you arrive in another part of Italy you can also take the train to Bari to meet the group here.

On May 13th, there will be one group transfer from our villa in Southern Puglia to the Bari Airport, which is about a two-hour drive. If you plan to depart from Bari on May 13, we strong recommend your flight not leave before 2:00pm or your train not leave before 1:00pm

Weather

Early May is a lovely time of year to visit Puglia. You’ll find warm daytime highs in the mid to high 70s F (22-24°C) and pleasant evenings in the mid to high 50s F (13-15°C). We recommend packing layered clothes for your stay and a light jacket and umbrella to prepare for the chance of showers.

Included in this Trip

  • Multi-day workshop led by Kathrin Marchenko focusing on embroidery on tulle, including design creation, stitching and beading techniques.

  • Guided walking tour of the white walled town of Ostuni

  • Guided Olive oil tasting at a historic family-run olive farm

  • Visit to the seaside village of Otranto

  • Guided walking tour of historic Lecce with free time to explore the shops and architecture

  • Pasta making workshop lead by local Italian women

  • Visit to a local Textile Collective, complete with weaving demonstration

  • 1 night accommodation in Bari

  • 6 nights accommodation in in a 16th-century, Italian palazzo in Muro Leccese

  • Transportation to and from included activities and meals

  • Return transport from Bari

  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners

  • Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip

  • Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions

Ace Camps Travel Host

An Ace Camps Travel Host will be with you through 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. This Host is not a local guide but will work with our local partners to insure 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; alcoholic drinks; activities and food and beverages not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including but not limited to room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; and all expenses during free time.

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.

Supplies

Most supplies for your workshop will be provided but you should bring a couple of items with you.

Closer to your departure date, we’ll send more information about the supplies you’ll want to bring with you. All items will be easy to travel with.

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.

Questions + FAQs

If you have any questions about this Ace Camps travel Trip, please feel free to contact us.

You can also read our FAQs here.

Hear from Our Past Guests

  • What an amazing 10 days!!! Truly life changing...Thank you, thank you, thank you

    - Sarah H.

  • Marrakesh! I just enjoyed one week in this extraordinary city with Ace Camps Travel and the outrageously talented fiber artist Maryanne Moodie whose weaving workshop in Marrakesh was the perfect vehicle to enlighten and inspire me to see the city with an enhanced appreciation of color, texture, and traditional craft. I highly recommend the Ace Camp Travel experience- a supported and curated weeklong adventure with a workshop focus - as a way to deep dive into a cultural travel experience. Many thanks to the Ace Camp travel team. All details small and large were executed with exceptional precision and grace.

    - Alexandra B.

  • This, my first ACE Camp, surpassed all expectations. I was delighted and engaged with all of the programming.

    - Cris J.

  • My stay in Oaxaca was amazing. It was the perfect balance of activities and exploration. Thank you for being so gracious, informed, flexible, and fun!

    - Gail H.

  • I wanted to, again, thank you for the trip & tour to Mexico City. As a totally inexperienced traveller you extended to me every courtesy, insuring that I had a terrific time. It is easy to understand why so many of the women are repeat members of your tours. - Trish S.

    - Trish S.

  • Thank-you so much for arranging such a wonderful experience, in a beautiful location, with amazing teacher's and helpful hosts! You are surely making a difference in the lives of many women, including myself. I felt so good after this trip, more than any other workshop or trip I have taken, ever! I've been to Greece, London, etc, but this trip was just *magical*! I thank you from the bottom of my heart and will forever remember this journey and hope to one day join in again on another Ace Camp's life-changing adventure!

    - Lia K.

  • It was simply the best trip of my life. It was a coming together of like minded women in a perfect setting and it was truly magical.

    - Karen D.

  • Just want you to know that the week spent in the Baja with your ACE Camp was truly one of the best weeks of my life! So much fun, so incredibly organized, fabulous food and perfect comfort in all the places we stayed. You worked so hard yet never stressed , always upbeat and fun! It was also a great mix of interesting activity and time to relax. I also believe that the friendships I made in that week will last a life time. The decision I made to go on that trip was the best one I made all year!

    Marty R.

  • THANK YOU for an amazing, amazing experience. It was so wonderful in every way

    - Anna H.

  • Ace Camp took me to a part of the world I never would have visited, and allowed me to learn from an artist I never would have dreamed of meeting otherwise. A fantastic concept, exquisitely executed by all parties involved. I was enamored by our accommodations, satiated by the specially prepared meals, and thoroughly charmed by our gifted instructor. This was my first experience with ACE Camps but I'm sure it won't be my last.

    - Irene S.

  • I can’t believe how much I loved the trip with Ace Camps to Swaziland. I felt so *myself* on this trip, and expanded in the best way. Thank you so so much for actually bringing this to life.

    - Karen P.

  • My week in Iceland with Angela, and the amazing group she gathered, was absolutely the highlight of my year. And that's saying something since I already travel for a living! The organization was flawless, the food fabulous and the feeling sublime. I learned a lot, and had a great balance of relaxing and adventure. And, honestly, I haven't laughed so much in, well, forever. I would absolutely recommend an ACE Adventure - you won't regret it! I can't wait for my next opportunity to join another!

    - Martina C.