Italy Knitting Experience: Style in the Making

A knitting tour that explores Italy’s wool heritage and evolving style

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Style in the Making traces the living thread of Italian creativity. Drawn from enduring tradition and guided by boundless imagination, it’s a journey into the artistry that connects Italy’s past with its ever-evolving sense of style.

Italy

Knit in Italy!

Tour Dates and Pricing

Northern Italy

2026 Apr 16 - 26

Sold Out!

Join Waitlist

Northern Italy

2026 Oct 1 - 11

10 Days

from $5,395

By Invitation

Tour Details

Hosted by textile artist and designer Simone Villa, this knitting journey invites you into the living world of Italian creativity. Over ten days, you’ll meet the people who keep Italy’s wool traditions alive while reimagining them for today — from artists and designers to the makers and manufacturers whose work bridges heritage and innovation.

At the heart of the experience is an exclusive Mystery Knit Along, designed by Simone especially for this journey. Inspired by the textures, colors, and stories encountered along the way, it grows with each new place, connecting travelers through the shared rhythm of making and discovery.

You’ll find yourself in spaces where wool transforms: wool mills alive with movement, artisan studios filled with color, and creative workshops where ideas take shape in your own hands. Experience how natural fibers become the textiles that fill daily life, balancing beauty, purpose, and the enduring influence of Italian design.

Between moments of exploration, share long tables, laughter, and the easy pace of Italian life. As you wander, knit, and reflect, creativity takes on new meaning — continually evolving and shared through every connection, every meal, and every moment of inspiration along the way.

Tour Highlights

The Italy Knitting Experience

Knit in breathtaking locations while immersing yourself in Italy’s rich culture and fiber traditions.
Discover how Italians have transformed wool into fashion for centuries.
Journey through the foothills of the Alps, in Piedmont, Lombardy and Veneto.
Visit historic wool mills and renowned textile producers.
Experience hands-on workshops that bring Italy’s craftsmanship to life.
Savor exquisite Italian cuisine in carefully chosen local restaurants.
Enjoy the perfect mix of cultural exploration, knitting inspiration, and relaxation.
Connect with like-minded travelers and create lasting knitting friendships.

Tips for Travelers

Companions welcome! Non-knitters can join as observers or enjoy free time exploring.
Save room in your suitcase—you’ll want to bring home yarny treasures!
We handle the details so you can focus on knitting, culture, and connection.
Every skill level is welcome—whether you’re a seasoned knitter or just learning.
Please note: The April 2026 tour will start in MILANO. The October 2026 tour will start in VARESE.

Meet Your Hosts

Simone Villa

Simone Villa is a burst of color in motion — a textile artist, designer, and educator from Verona who turns the act of making into an art of living. With roots in fashion design and a growing practice in art therapy, he bridges style, sustainability, and self-expression through every thread he touches.

Simone teaches knitting, embroidery, crochet, visible mending, and Japanese repair techniques, but his classes are never just about technique. They’re about curiosity, play, and learning to see fabric as something full of potential. Whether guiding beginners through their first stitches or helping experienced makers rediscover their spark, Simone brings warmth, humor, and contagious enthusiasm to every workshop.

His use of color is fearless, with vivid tones, bold contrasts, and a pop sensibility that feels both modern and deeply human. What he offers isn’t just instruction but a creative recharge: a reminder that slowing down doesn’t mean standing still. For Simone, each stitch is a spark — a small act of beauty that keeps imagination and joy alive in the everyday.

Resonate Tours

Alex Hay and William Kyle in straw fedoras and sunglasses, with the sea in the distance.

William Kyle and Alex Hay founded Resonate Tours based on their shared passion for European culture and travel.

William lived in Florence, Italy while studying architecture in college. He fell in love with the urban lifestyle steeped in history, a contrast with his life growing up in the suburbs of Los Angeles. Over the two years he lived in Florence, he learned to speak fluent Italian and developed deep friendships that he's maintained ever since. He has since visited Italy dozens of times, and has other favorite haunts across Europe. In addition to his Italian, William does quite well in Portuguese and not as well in Spanish.

Similarly, Alex studied abroad in Spain not once, but twice! Adapting to a foreign culture and learning a new language fascinated him and he developed a lifelong passion for travel and exploring new cultures. He's visited more than 20 countries across Europe, Latin America and Asia. He speaks Portuguese and Spanish, decent Italian and about thirty words of Mandarin Chinese.

A life of living in various cities in multiple countries has led William and Alex to reside in Lisbon, Portugal, a 21st-century intersection of world cultures.

What's Included

Our tours offer the perfect mix of guided activities and free time to explore at your own pace. Some days are busier than others, but most include at least one group activity and a shared meal to bring everyone together.

Price Includes

10 nights in 4-star accommodations (cozy enough for knitting after hours!)
Knitting workshops and fiber arts activities to spark your creativity.
Cultural tours that bring Italy's rich history to life.
European breakfast at the hotel to start each day right.
A curated lunch or dinner daily to savor local flavors.
Seamless transportation for group activities—when we’re not enjoying a scenic walk.
All group activity entrance fees —just enjoy the experience!

Not Included

Airfare to/from Italy.
Transfers to/from the hotel.

Available Extras (additional cost)

Airport/hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Upgrade to Single Occupancy.
Additional meals and drinks.

Other Information

All prices are in US Dollars.
Group size: minimum 12, maximum 18
The tour begins in Varese and ends in Treviso.
Best arrival airport is Milano Malpensa (MXP).
Best departure airport is Venice Marco Polo (VCE) or Treviso (TSF).
Standard price is based on two people sharing a room.

Typical Itinerary

This itinerary gives you a great snapshot of what’s in store, but a few details might shuffle as we lock in bookings. If your tour ends up a day longer or shorter, we’ll tweak things to keep the adventure seamless. Whatever changes come, you can count on the same level of amazing experiences and unforgettable vibes!

Day 1

Varese

Welcome & Cast On

Arrive in Varese, a welcoming town north of Milan, easily reached from Malpensa Airport. Meet your fellow travelers, settle in, and cast on the Mystery Knit Along that will accompany the journey. The evening’s welcome dinner brings conversation, connection, and the first spark of creativity that will guide the days ahead.

Day 2

Varese to Biella

Yarns & Sustainability

Begin the day with a visit to Sesia, where sustainable Italian yarns are produced with precision and care. Learn how traditional methods evolve to meet contemporary design, then enjoy lunch in the countryside. Continue on to Biella, the heart of Italy’s wool heritage, and check in to your hotel surrounded by gentle alpine landscapes.

Day 3

Biella

Heritage & Innovation

Explore Biella’s centro storico on a morning walking tour that reveals the city’s deep textile roots. Continue to Miagliano to learn how the region’s mills shaped generations of wool artisans. In the afternoon, visit Zegna, including the Fondazione Zegna, where innovation, artistry, and heritage come together in a celebration of Italian design.

Day 4

Biella

Craft & Culture

Spend the day immersed in color and texture during a wool workshop at Kilo Yarns, where creativity and experimentation meet. The afternoon offers time to explore Biella at your own pace, whether browsing local shops or relaxing with your knitting. In the evening, gather for a relaxed Knitting Happy Hour with Simone, blending conversation and hands-on inspiration.

Day 5

Biella to Verona

Hilltowns & Harmony

Check out and travel toward Verona with a stop in Bergamo for lunch and a stroll through the medieval Città Alta, one of Lombardy’s most beautiful hill towns. Take in stone streets, city views, and a bit of everyday Italian life before continuing on to Verona. Arrive, check in, and settle into a city made for slow exploring and good knitting.

Day 6

Verona

Art & Color

Discover Verona on a guided walking tour through its historic streets, squares, and riverside views. The afternoon is flexible, with optional cultural meetups or time to explore on your own. Later, the group alternates between a Knitting Happy Hour with Simone and a visit to Jenny Klaer, where Italian yarns and color stories take center stage.

Day 7

Verona

Fibers & Natural Dyeing

Travel into the hills to Lana al Pascolo, where Cristina raises alpacas and sheep devoted to natural fibers. Visit the farm, enjoy lunch in a nearby mountain village, then meet Cristina again in her studio for a workshop on natural dyeing and fiber processing. Pause for sunset along Lake Garda before returning to Verona for a free evening.

Day 8

Verona to Treviso

Unravel & Explore

Enjoy a flexible morning in Verona, with the option to join a leather or design-focused activity, or simply explore on your own. In the afternoon, travel to Treviso and check in. A guided walk through its canals, frescoed façades, and lively squares introduces a quieter, elegant side of the Veneto, perfect for the final days of the journey.

Day 9

Treviso

Art & Indulgence

Visit La Colombina, a weaving studio that has carried a family tradition forward since the late 19th century, and see how historic techniques live in a modern context. After lunch, head into the nearby Prosecco hills for a tasting surrounded by vineyards. Return to Treviso for flexible time to wander, knit, or enjoy an aperitivo in the piazza.

Day 10

Treviso

Sweet Memories & Grand Finale

Spend the morning on a playful tiramisu treasure hunt, celebrating the dessert that was born here. Enjoy a private shopping visit to Prezzemolo for fine Italian yarns, then join optional cultural meetups or time to finish your project. In the evening, gather for the MKAL finale and farewell dinner, a warm celebration of the journey and the friendships it inspired.

Departures

Treviso

Departures in Style

Check out and continue your travels at your own pace. Treviso is perfectly located for easy connections — just 30 minutes by train to Venice, with onward routes across Italy and beyond. Whether you extend your stay or begin your journey home, you’ll carry with you the spirit of creativity, connection, and Style in the Making.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Should I arrive in Varese early?

We always recommend arriving in Italy at least one day before the tour to recover from jet lag and allow for any travel delays. If you spend that extra time in Varese, you’ll find a lovely northern Italian town with plenty to explore on foot: shops, cafes, pedestrian streets, churches, museums, and parks. Nearby, you can visit Sacro Monte di Varese, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or take an easy day trip to Milan or Lugano, both less than an hour away by train.

How do I easily get to Varese for the start of the tour?

You can reach Varese directly by train from Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) in just under an hour, with departures roughly every half hour. Trains from Milano Centrale Station also take about an hour, with frequent service throughout the day (Varese is the final stop on one of the suburban S-Lines). We can also arrange a private transfer from either location for added convenience.

Are transfers available to and from the airport at the start and end of the tour?

Yes! We can arrange transfers to and from the airport from our starting and ending hotels. The current prices appear on the registration page. Transfers can added or removed up to 30 days before the start of the tour, so no need to decide right away.

How many people will be on this tour?

The tour has a minimum number of 12 participants and a maximum of 18.

Do I need to bring knitting needles or supplies?

We’ll provide all materials and tools needed for the Mystery Knit Along (MKAL). If you plan to work on your own projects during the trip, we recommend bringing any supplies you'll want for those. You’ll also have opportunities to pick up beautiful yarns and tools from local shops once you're here.

How much walking and physical activity is required?

Our tours are active and immersive—exploring this country's rich textile heritage means being on your feet! Here’s what to expect:

• Walking on uneven terrain, including cobblestone streets, hills, and some stairs
• Standing/walking for up to three hours during workshops, guided tours, and artisan visits
• Handling your own luggage, including rolling/carrying it over short distances

While we move at a comfortable pace, travelers should be prepared for moderate physical activity and varied weather conditions. If you have concerns about mobility, let us know—we’re happy to help you determine if this tour is a good fit!

What is the itinerary for the trip? How close is the listed itinerary to what we'll actually do?

This tour page includes the general itinerary for the tour. This itinerary will be pretty close to the experience of the actual tour. Of course, since the tours are months away, it's possible some of the details will need to be adjusted or reordered since not all of the activities can be booked so far in advance. So, the general itinerary should give you a very good idea of what kind of experience you can expect, but we cannot guarantee that all of the individual experiences will be as listed or occur on the indicated day. We strive to ensure that if we adjust the itinerary, everything will still be of the same character and quality.

What level of knitter do I have to be to participate? Will it be over my head?

All knitters are welcome—whether you’ve just picked up your first pair of needles or you’ve been knitting for decades. These tours are about connecting with other knitters and enjoying the creative world of fiber arts, not about measuring skill levels. While this is a knitting-focused tour, many of our activities explore fiber arts and cultural traditions more broadly, so there’s plenty to enjoy even when you’re not holding needles.

The only activities that specifically require knitting are our Mystery Knit-Along (MKAL) and the workshop. Both are designed to be approachable. The MKAL can be done at your own pace, with guidance from our tour knitting leader if you’d like extra help. During the workshop, the instructor will be there to support you—or you’re welcome to simply watch, learn, and take the materials home to finish later.

No pressure, no prerequisites—just inspiration, community, and creativity at whatever pace feels right for you.

I don't have a roommate, is it possible to share a room with someone else on the tour?

We typically have travelers looking to share rooms and are happy to introduce potential roommates. Once we have all of the registrations in, we can put you in touch with others that are looking to share, so you can be sure that you'll enjoy your time together. We understand it's a challenge spending so much time with someone you haven't met before!