Stitching adventures in Tuscany

MEDICI GARDENS:

patterns, embroidery AND GASTRONOMY

October 24-31, 2025

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Join us on an unforgettable embroidery journey through the enchanting landscapes of Tuscany! Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Medici gardens and villas as haute couture embroidery and textile designer Nadia Albertini guides you through this unique creative retreat.

Nadia, now a lecturer at the prestigious Polimoda, has spent years experiencing Tuscany firsthand, discovering the perfect setting for an Italian-inspired embroidery and textile design adventure. In her signature style, Nadia will unveil the fascinating connection between the Medici gardens and the French embroidery genius, Réné Bégué, also known as Rébé.

Why Join Us?
Experience Florence and Tuscany like never before—through the eyes and stitches of a master embroiderer! Explore iconic sites, sketch your own patterns, and craft beautiful textile designs inspired by the region’s lush gardens and rich history. Our journey takes you from vibrant Florence to the serene countryside, where creativity flourishes at the stunning agriturismo Ebbio near Monteriggioni.

D E T A I L E D I T I N E R A R Y

  • Day 1: Florence - Orientation & Uffizi Galleries Visit

    Arrive at the charming Hotel Executive in Florence, meet fellow participants, and join us for an introduction to our inspiring program. We’ll then head to the iconic Uffizi Galleries to admire breathtaking masterpieces and sketch floral motifs to spark our creative journey.


    📝 Included:

    Welcome dinner, sketching kit, gallery entry fees, lodging at Hotel Executive

  • Day 2: Florence - Gardens, Museums & Embroidery History

    Start the day exploring the historic Giardini di Boboli and the majestic Palazzo Pitti, drawing inspiration from the Medici family's visionary artistry. After a delightful lunch, we’ll return to the hotel for an embroidery history session, immersing ourselves in the region’s textile heritage.


    🍽️ Included:

    Breakfast, lunch, entry fees, embroidery kit, lodging at Hotel Executive.

  • Day 3: Discovering Tuscany’s Textile Treasures

    Travel to Pistoia to explore the hidden gem that is the Embroidery Museum, showcasing an incredible 17th-century textile treasure. Enjoy a delicious lunch in Prato before visiting the stunning Villa Petraia and Villa Castello, marveling at the Medici’s architectural legacy. End the day with a warm welcome at Ebbio and a farm-to-table dinner.


    🚐 Included:

    Breakfast, lunch, entry fees, transportation, dinner, lodging at Ebbio.

    Our day will end by 6:30pm

  • Day 4: Ebbio - Patterns from the Garden

    Kick off our creative retreat with a tour of Ebbio’s magnificent vegetable garden, drawing inspiration for our pattern design class. Print your unique motifs on natural fabrics, and end the day with a relaxed al fresco dinner surrounded by the Tuscan hills.

    🎨 Included:

    Breakfast, lunch, dinner, pattern design and printing kit, lodging at Ebbio.

  • Day 5: Monteriggioni - A Medieval Gem

    Take the morning to relax, wander, or simply soak up the serene atmosphere. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the charming walled village of Monteriggioni before heading back to Ebbio for an embroidery session inspired by Tuscan villas.


    🌅 Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, lodging at Ebbio.

  • Day 6: Siena - History & Botanical Beauty

    Discover the captivating city of Siena, known for its vibrant culture and stunning architecture. Visit the botanical garden and a richly decorated library, then enjoy free time to explore the city’s hidden corners before returning to Ebbio for a cozy dinner.


    🌿 Included: Breakfast, visits, dinner, lodging at Ebbio.

  • Day 7: Mastering Haute Couture Techniques

    Dive into advanced embroidery with a morning session on threadwork and an afternoon dedicated to 3D beading techniques. Learn to combine these intricate methods to elevate your printed textiles into one-of-a-kind pieces.


    ✂️ Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, lodging at Ebbio.

  • Day 8: Farewell to Tuscany

    Wrap up our week of creative exploration with a final embroidery class at Ebbio. We’ll then head to Fiesole for a celebratory lunch on a sunlit terrace with breathtaking views of Florence. After a farewell gelato, we’ll arrange drop-offs at the airport and train station.


    💫 Included:

    Breakfast, lunch, transportation back to Florence.

JOIN NADIA IN ITALY THIS FALL

October 24 to 31, 2025

  • 8 days — 7 nights

  • Capped at 10 participants

  • English-spoken

  • Early-bird rate €6,800 per participant in single-occupancy room if you enroll before June 1st.

  • €7,300 per participant in single-occupancy room both after June 1st.

  • Secure your spot with a non-refundable deposit of €1,000

Florence: October 24 and 25. Each participant will enjoy the occupancy of a single room with ensuite bathroom in Hotel Executive, very close to great restaurants, gelaterie and caffès.

Ebbio: October 25-31. Our embroidery getaway in beautiful Ebbio, an hour and a half drive from Florence; prepare to experience a stitching retreat like no other.

Questions about the accommodations? Please contact us directly, we will be happy to help.

Included in this experiential learning opportunity:

  • Lodging for 7 nights

  • All breakfasts, except on day 1

  • Most lunches, except on days 1 (Florence) and 6 (Siena)

  • Most dinners (with either two glasses of house wine or beer to accompany these meals) except on days 2 and 8

  • Transportation on days 3, 6 and 8

  • Drop-off at airport or city center with the group and at mentioned times on day 8.

  • Admission fees to all paid-for activities (such as museums, galleries and ateliers)

  • Basic sketch, printing and embroidery kits (fabrics, carving and printing tools, pre-printed sampler, embroidery hoop, embroidery needles, thread snips and embroidery floss)

Not included:

  • Airfare/transportation to and from Florence for 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

  • Lunch on days 1 and 6

  • Dinners on days 2 and 8

  • Drop-offs to airport and/or city center without the group/outside the group hours.

  • 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 supply stores.

The focus of our program is around the topic of Italian gardens and villas and their influence in embroidery, textiles and 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 Tuscany nor shopping unrelated to the learning outcomes. We invite you to plan these visits at your own leisure, either a few days before or after our programme, or in the evenings when we are in Florence.

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.