ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Storytelling and Connection through Intuitive Embroidery with
with Victoria Villasana
October 12 - 19, 2025
Journey to Istanbul with artist Victoria Villasana as we discover a city where history, culture, and modern life collide in the best possible ways. As the only city in the world that spans two continents, discover a layered history of Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman empires. This is a place with electric and eclectic energy—bazaars, street food, cool cafés, designer boutiques, contemporary art, stunning stone hamams, and call to prayers echoing over the rooftops.
As we immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture of Istanbul, Victoria will guide us on our artistic exploration. Known for her captivating cross-cultural textile imagery and her use of embroidery as a powerful language for female empowerment and the expression of human resilience, Victoria will share her techniques for connecting with our inherent artistic abilities and bringing the stories held within us to life through intuitive embroidery, collage and mark-making. Inspired by Victoria’s signature portraiture style, you’ll create two unique pieces during your workshop time, one focused on a portrait of your younger self, the other on conveying an emotion or a message.
We’re fortunate to be visiting during the Istanbul Biennial and will be exploring a variety of galleries and exhibitions. Founded in 1987, this is the most prestigious contemporary art event in Turkey. Held every two years, it brings together artists from around the world to showcase innovative and thought-provoking works in a variety of mediums, including visual arts, installation, video, and performance.
No trip to Istanbul would be complete without indulging in the culinary scene, so we’ll enjoy local dishes like simit (a Turkish style sesame bagel), köfte, donner, balik ekmek (a fish sandwich best eaten by the water!), sweet baklava and Turkish coffee.
This Ace Camps Travel trip is open to all creative skill levels. Trip Itinerary, Details + Important Trip Notes below.
DATES
October 12 - 19, 2025 ∙ 8 Days, 7 Nights
PRICE
Shared Room $5,995 USD
Private Room $6,895 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
Multi-day workshop with Victoria Villasana focused on learning her techniques for intuitive embroidery, creating 2 unique pieces of your own.
Guided cultural + historical tour of Istanbul, featuring a visit to the Grand Bazaar & Blue Mosque
Guided Turkish culinary tour
Curated + Guided exploration of Contemporary Istanbul Biennial Art + Design
Guided boat cruise down the Bosphorus Straight
Arrival transfer from Istanbul Airport to our hotel (on specified day)
Historic boutique hotel accomodation
Transportation to and from included activities and meals
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 Victoria Villasana
Victoria Villasana was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. After studying design at ITESO University in Mexico, she moved to London. There she worked as a florist and in the fashion industry.
She began making embroidery collages with pictures as a hobby and putting them up on the streets of London. After spending more than a decade in London, she became known in the street art community for her cross-culture textile imagery. The use of embroidery is her language to female empowerment. Through textile, patterns, and color she shares stories that express the resiliency of the human spirit.
Victoria is interested in history, social causes, culture and the human spirit. The dynamism in her work stems from the way the thread is left uncut, far below the frame, giving an unfinished aesthetic that reflects on our evolution, imperfection and the acceptance of change. For her it’s important to use creativity as an empowering tool for healing and building bridges.
Victoria has worked with: Nike, History Channel, Netflix, Hulu, Sephora, Times Magazine, New York Times, Harpers Bazar, Academy Awards, Rihanna, Fall Out Boy, Don Julio, Golden Goose etc.
Her work has been exhibited at: Saatchi Gallery, Philiph Museum, Headquarters ONU, Long Island Museum, Zona Maco, Museo de Arte Popular, Museo Diablos Rojos.
You can learn more about Victoria by following her on instagram here.
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
Sunday, October 12
Welcome to Istanbul!
Arriving at Istanbul Airport you will be picked up and driven to our hotel in the city center. The drive from the airport is approximately 1 hour, depending on traffic.
Relax at the rooftop bar or go for a stroll. In the evening, we will gather for a welcome dinner with Victoria. Please plan to arrive at our Istanbul hotel no later than 4:30pm so you have time to settle in before dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Monday, October 13
Today we begin our full day workshop with Victoria, focusing on shedding our inhibitions and connecting with our intuition. Victoria will lead us in a variety of exercises to get you out of your analytical mind and start tapping into your inherent creativity. You’ll embrace the joy of play and experimentation, diving into a vibrant exploration of materials, stitches, and approaches. Through guided group and individual activities, you’ll immerse yourself in colors and textures and allow the materials to inspire you.
Early evening we’ll take a private cruise along the Bosphorus Straight where we’ll see both the European and Asian coasts of Istanbul. For many Istanbulites, the Bosphorus is simply the most beautiful place in the world and there’s no better way to see it than by boat. This important waterway is such a defining feature of Istanbul and a cruise along it gives visitors a chance to delve into the city’s history. Lined with extravagant palaces, crumbling wooden mansions, lush gardens, tiny fishing villages, and an unparalleled array of spots to watch the boats go by, the Bosphorus offers something for everyone. This private Bosphorus cruise offers the perfect blend of history, nature and culture.
After our boat cruise, we’ll return to the port and enjoy a casual dinner in the nearby neighborhood of Karaköy.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Tuesday, October 14
Today we’ll visit the most important and fascinating sights of historical Istanbul in the Sultanahmet neighborhood. Sultanahmet is not only the historic heart of the city, it is one of the most iconic and culturally rich areas in the world. Nestled on the peninsula between the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara, this neighborhood is essentially an open-air museum, layered with centuries of history from the Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman empires. In a carefully curated day, we’ll enjoy the perfect introduction to this bewildering imperial city and its thousands of years of history.
From the soaring grandeur of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque to the world’s largest covered markets, this tour takes in Istanbul’s most spectacular sights and goes beyond them to show you the bustling energy of the city’s coffee houses, tea gardens, bazaars, and traditional workshops. Take a journey through one of the world’s greatest cities with our expert local guide, who will bring its secrets to life.
Dinner this evening is on your own to explore all the amazing flavors of Istanbul.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Wednesday, October 15
Today we explore the powerful language of emotion and personal history as we craft portraits of our younger selves. One of Victoria’s specialties is her unique approach to portraits—she goes beyond the simple picture, and, instead, seeks to express the spirit, emotions and sense of self coming from her subjects.
During our full-day workshop with Victoria, you’ll connect with the emotions and essence of the person in your photograph, translating that self-reflection into a textile portrait. For Victoria, color and texture are vital elements in conveying emotion in her pieces, adding warm and intimacy along with strength and vulnerability. Guided by Victoria’s insights and techniques in both group and one-on-one instruction, we’ll layer embroidery, collage, and simple mark-making to give new dimension and power to our existing photograph.
We’ll gather this evening for dinner together, sampling the unique culinary traditions of Istanbul.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Thursday, October 16
This morning we embark on a culinary walking tour as we discover the enchanting and complex food scene of Istanbul. We’ll take to the backstreets in search of the shops and small restaurants that Istanbulites themselves cross town to visit.
We’ll set off through atmospheric, and lesser-explored market streets, pressing on, deeper into untouristed neighborhoods. We might visit a district that has been selling weights and measures since Ottoman times, where we’ll pop by a local confectionary where Turkish delight has been made and sold for four generations and meet the family upholding this tradition. Discover unforgettable, freshly baked pide before taking in a perfect kebab and a spread of seasonal, vegetarian mezes. We will drink tea and Turkish coffee in out-of-the-way places, and end with a delicious milk-soaked cake that made its way from Albania.
If you aren’t full from your culinary explorations, dinner tonight is on your own. Never at a loss for delicious offerings, we encourage you to take in a view and a meal at one of Istanbul’s many rooftop restaurants
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
Friday, October 17
Today we have a guided tour with a focus on contemporary art. We will visit a variety of curated gallery spaces exploring the 18th Annual Istanbul Biennial. The exhibition will spread to the city with multiple extraordinary venues under the title of The title of Three-Legged Cat.
Curated by Christine Tohmé, this year’s event attempts to reclaim ‘time’, a necessary ingredient for transformative artistic processes, by stretching its timeframe and generating different strides. Tohmé is known for her curatorial efforts globally, including key initiatives, such as the tuition-free study program, Home Workspace Program (2011–present), and online platforms Perpetual Postponement and aashra. Her work has been recognized with the UNESCO-Sharjah Prize for Arab Culture (2018), the CCS Bard Audrey Irmas Award for Curatorial Excellence (2015), and the Prince Claus Award (2006).
We’ll also stroll through Çukurcuma and Galata neighborhoods. Visiting Faik Paşa Street in Çukurcuma, a charming area filled with antique shops, furniture and design boutiques, as well as workshops from local carpenters, frame makers, and other independent artisans.
Dinner this evening is on your own to explore all the amazing flavors of Istanbul.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7
Saturday, October 18
Today is our final full-day workshop with Victoria, where she will deep dive into story-telling expressed through textile art. Known for her pieces that share the power, resilience and vulnerability of the human condition, she uses embroidery as a way to connect with stories, histories and social causes.
Victoria will share her unique approach to layering thread and image and as a method for storytelling. She’ll guide you as you connect to your experiences, expression and voice to create a piece that is not only beautiful, but also shares a deeper message.
Using your existing photograph, you’ll learn how to imbue your creation with feeling and narrative using a variety of expressive stitches, layered textures, and symbolic elements.
On our final evening, we’ll gather for a special, farewell dinner to celebrate our time together in the magical city of Istanbul.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Sunday, October 19
This morning we pack our bags, say our farewells, and ready ourselves to depart from Istanbul. Thank you for joining us on this curious and creative journey!
Meals included: Breakfast
Where We’re Staying
Located in Karaköy—one of the most prominent and creative neighborhoods of Istanbul—this area is also known for its beautiful, historical buildings. Our hotel was constructed in 1876 by Antoine Tedeschi in the Neo-Renaissance style and portrays a perfect reflection of the eclectic architectural style of the 19th century. Karaköy welcomes its guests with views of Turkey's world-famous historical peninsula. Its relaxing interiors and quiet, comfortable rooms in neutral tones make it the perfect retreat in this lively city.
Listed as the one the best rooftop bars by Condé Nast Traveler, our hotel bar offers an unforgettable experience with magnificent views of old Istanbul. There are similar views in the serene restaurant, where the menu has been informed by food historian Özge Samancı to reflect the flavors of the Silk Road.
ROOMING OPTIONS
Please read the room options and notes below carefully and make your rooming selection on the booking page
Group Size: Minimum 9 guests, Maximum 12 guests. All Prices are in USD.
Note: If you are two guests traveling together and would like to share one room, each of you need to book “Option 1 - Shared Room” and be sure to indicate your bed preference on your booking request forms. You can also contact us to discuss the room layout further.
OPTION 1 - SHARED TWIN ROOM
The fee for this trip is $5,995 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Initial Payment due immediately: $1,995
Final Payment due June 9, 2025: $4,000
Room Notes: You will share a room and ensuite bathroom with one other guest, each guest will have a twin bed. Rooms in Istanbul are located in a historic property and the room sizes may be smaller than typical North American rooms. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
OPTION 2 - PRIVATE ROOM
The fee for this trip is $6,895 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Initial Payment due immediately: $1,995
Final Payment due June 9, 2025: $4,900
Room Notes: You will have a private room and ensuite bathroom for the duration of the trip. Rooms in Istanbul are located in a historic property and the room sizes may be smaller than typical North American rooms. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Important Trip Notes + Details
Culinary Notes
Turkey has a very seafood, gluten, dairy & meat focused culinary culture. While we will try our best to manage allergies, we cannot guarantee to accommodate vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, egg free or dairy free options. This trip is best suited for those open and eager to enjoy and experience a variety of regional flavors and textures.
Please contact us in advance of booking if you have any dietary questions to ensure we can accomodate them.
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.
Accessibility
Please note this tour includes walking tours where the ground may be uneven such as cobblestones, steep hills and stairs. To reach our workshop space involves walking up a steep city hill. Many locations only have stairs. You should be comfortable sitting, standing and walking for several hours at a time.
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 art, 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 Istanbul, Turkey.
The Istanbul International Airport (IST) is about 30 kilometers east of central Istanbul. Servicing both international and domestic flights, the impressive Istanbul International Airport serves flights from over 350 global destinations. It is well-connected to a number of cities in Turkey as well as European, Asian and intercontinental destinations.
Weather
October is a pleasant time of year to travel to Istanbul. Daytime temperatures average around 20°C (68°F) with evenings around 14°C (58°F). Skies are mostly sunny with the chance of showers as the rainy season starts creeping in with the fall colours.
* Please note that should the weather prove challenging, some activities may be altered from the posted itinerary.
Included in this Trip
Multi-day workshop with Victoria Villasana focused on learning her techniques for intuitive embroidery, creating 2 unique pieces of your own.
Guided cultural + historical tour of Istanbul, featuring a visit to the Grand Bazaar & Blue Mosque
Guided Turkish culinary tour
Curated + Guided exploration of Contemporary Istanbul Biennial Art + Design
Guided boat cruise down the Bosphorus Straight
Arrival transfer from Istanbul Airport to our hotel (on specified day)
Historic boutique hotel accomodation
Transportation to and from included activities and meals
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 will need to bring a couple of things of your own including a few personal photos that you will use as part of your primary project. A small workshop supply list will be sent to you prior to your departure with full details. All items will be easy to travel with.
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.