ÉVORA, PORTUGAL
Fiber Collage | Weaving, Embroidery + Beading
with Jen Ann Handmade
May 26 - June 2, 2025
Travel to Évora with Fiber Artist, Jen Smith of Jen Ann Handmade. In a multi-day workshop—inside a 14th century palace no less!—you’ll learn Jen’s multi-layered, color-forward approach to fiber collage. You’ll start by learning small-scale weaving, embroidery, and beading to create a series of fiber pieces. You’ll experiment with different weights, textures, and colors of yarn, thread, and beads to create unique shapes and patterns. Then, you’ll work with Jen to create your own multi-layered collage full of rich textures and intricate details. Throughout our time with Jen, you’ll learn her unique approach to color theory, composition, and how to use fiber as a mark-making medium to create movement, depth, and visual interest in your work.
A trip to the Alentejo would not be complete without exploring the region’s long history of fiber arts. In Monsaraz, we’ll visit a textile mill that dates back to the 1930s where you’ll see the traditional, artisanal manufacturing methods and learn about the region’s merino sheep wool. On a day trip to Arraiolos, known for it’s stunning circular castle, you’ll learn about one of Portugal’s oldest handicrafts—rug embroidery. You’ll have a chance to try this centuries-old technique in a hands-on workshop.
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 workshops with Jen will be hosted in the Tower of the Palácio Duques de Cadaval with spectacular views.
This workshop is open to all skill levels. Trip Itinerary, Details + Important Trip Notes below.
DATES
May 26 - June 2 ∙ 8 Days, 7 Nights
PRICE
Shared Twin Room $4,595 USD
Shared Double Room $4,795 USD
Partial Private Suite $5,195 USD
Private Room $5,495 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
Multi-day fiber art workshop with Jen, learning small-scale weaving, embroidery, beading, and pomming to create your own fiber collage, hosted inside the Tower of the Palácio Duques de Cadaval with spectacular views of Évora and the surrounding area.
Guided tour of Évora’s Roman ruins, historic churches, and palaces
Day trip to Monsaraz, including a tour of working a textile mill where you can learn about the rich history of merino wool and weaving in the Alentejo region
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
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
Travel + Learn with Jen Ann Handmade
Originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, Jen Smith currently resides in Monterey, California and is the creative force behind Jen Ann Handmade. Raised by a mom who is a maker and a dad who is a photographer, Jen’s artistic side came naturally.
Heavily inspired by nature, Jen’s work is dominated by rich, bold colors; striking multi-layered compositions; and a unique approach to mark-making with a variety of fibers. Jen’s work has been featured in multiple publications, such as Love Embroidery, Mollie Makes, Be Creative with Workbox, and tinyStudio and she has done collaborations with Doubleday Books and Michaels. Jen’s creativity is deep and ever-changing, due to a constant desire and commitment to continuous experimentation in her work.
When she’s not in the middle of a creative pursuit, Jen can be found exploring the sights and sounds of Big Sur with her boyfriend and their mini schnauzer, Disco.
Learn more about Jen at jenannhandmade.com or follow her @jenannhandmade on Instagram.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
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 (before you arrive, we’ll share our #shopportunity guide!).
This evening we have a casual welcome dinner so you can meet everyone in the group.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
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 Jen for a half-day workshop.
In today’s half-day workshop you’ll learn about Jen’s journey to becoming a fiber artist, as well as her overall approach to her artwork. Jen will share an overview of the fiber collage you’ll be building towards over the coming days. She will outline the key techniques you’ll learn and provide an overview of the materials and tools you’ll be using. In addition, Jen will share the fundamentals of color theory, including how she uses color as a core component of her work.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Today we’ll have a full-day workshop with Jen. After breakfast, we’ll head to our workshop space 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. You’ll learn the fundamentals of weaving to create a series of small, woven pieces. You’ll learn about different types of looms, how to warp a loom, as well as key weaving techniques, such as plain weave and tabby. You’ll experiment with a variety of yarns using weight and color to create depth and playfulness in your work. Jen will share her process for getting past the fear of a blank page using her intuition as a guide.
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.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4
Today is another full-day workshop with Jen at the Palácio Duques de Cadaval. You’ll start the day learning the key types of embroidery—running stitch, satin stitch, french knots—as well as how to embellish fabrics with threads and beads. Later this afternoon, we’ll move onto pomming—the art of creating pom poms! You’ll learn what to expect from different types of yarn; how to add color to add depth and detail; and when and how to approach trimming to create different textures.
Throughout the day Jen will share her approach to embracing happy accidents to add visual interest in her work. Tonight you’ll have the evening to relax and enjoy dinner on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Today we’ll take a scenic drive to the municipality of Reguengos de Monsaraz, which is known for the Mantas De Reguengos (reguengos blankets). For generations, wool handcraft has played an essential role in the region’s history, dating back to Portuguese royalty in the 16th century. Our first stop will be to Fabricaal, a working textile mill that dates back to the early 1930s, where you’ll take a tour of the workshop to see the traditional, artisanal manufacturing methods and learn about the wool used from the merino sheep of the region.
Next we’ll head to the medieval village of Monsaraz where you’ll have lunch, enjoy the views of Alqueva Lake from Monsaraz Castle, and visit the shops filled featuring local goods from the region. Later this afternoon we’ll return to Évora so you can enjoy some free time to wander explore the city, shop and have dinner on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
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 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. You’ll also have a chance to wander the local shops to see 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. Late this afternoon we’ll return to Évora, where you’ll have the evening to relax and enjoy dinner on your own.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7
Today is our last full-day workshop with Jen where you’ll take all the techniques you’ve learned and bring them together to create a fiber collage. Throughout the day, Jen will share how she finds a balance between planning the layout and using intuition to influence and inform the final composition. Jen will also share techniques for securely attaching your various fiber elements to a fabric-wrapped canvas.
Tonight we’ll gather together for a final dinner to celebrate our time together in Évora.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Departure Day
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we pack our bags and say our farewells.
Your transport will take all guests to the Lisbon airport. Please arrange your flights for late afternoon.
Thank you for joining us on this incredible and inspiring journey to Évora, Portugal!
Meals included: Breakfast
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.
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.
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 January 16, 2025: $2,500
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 private room with a double bed and an en suite bathroom.
-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 January 16, 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 January 16, 2025: $3,000
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 January 16, 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
Consult a doctor, nurse or health care provider, or travel health clinic as soon as we confirm your booking on the Trip so you know what may be required, based on your individual circumstances. If you have any health concerns you should 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
Late May + Early June is a nice time of year to visit Portugal, it’s spring and the flowers are in bloom. Days are usually warm with balmy evenings. Daytimes temperatures usually range from 70°F to 85°F, which means you should pack layered clothes for your stay and a light jacket + umbrella to prepare for the chance of showers.
Included in this Trip
One night at a boutique hotel in Lisbon + six nights at a boutique apartment hotel in Évora
Seven breakfasts, six lunches, and four dinners
Multi-day fiber art and collage workshop with Jen Smith of Jen Ann Handmade
Guided tour of Évora’s Roman ruins, historic churches and palaces
Day trip to Monsaraz, including a tour of working a textile mill
Day trip to Arraiolos, including a guided tour of the Centro Interpretativo do Tapete de Arraiolos and a hands-on rug embroidery workshop
Workshop supplies
Transport during included activities
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout the trip
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 email you when it is time to make your travel arrangements. This email will be sent approximately 90 prior to your trip start date unless you book within 90 before the start of the trip. We will also send you an Ace Camps Travel preparation document prior to your trip. It will include a detailed itinerary, 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 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 various Covid-19 related requirements, providing proof of vaccination, testing before or after entry, masking, etc.
During our 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 there may be a need to mask, distance, self isolate, or remove yourself completely from the trip which will be determined by the Ace Camps Travel Host with the best interests of the group health and safety as the main priority. This is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance.
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.