Portugal Knitting Experience: Artisan Journeys

A knitting tour that brings tradition to life through craft and creativity

Basket of raw white wool, looking fluffy and soft.

Alentejo Basket of Wool 4_5

Dorothy Bulac-Eriksen knitting on a bench in Ericeira.

Public Knitting 4_5

Our knitting tour group posing with a the beautiful blue sky and ocean in the background.

Ericeira Group Pic 4_5.jpg

Alentejo Basket of Wool 4_5

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Immerse yourself in Portugal’s rich textile heritage, where every stitch connects you to tradition. From Lisbon’s vibrant streets to Évora’s layered history, and Cascais’s creative pulse and coastal beauty, this knitting tour blends craft, culture, and connection. Learn Portuguese knitting, explore artisan traditions, and knit by the Atlantic’s edge with Dorothy Bulac-Eriksen as your host.

Portugal

Knit in Portugal!

Tour Dates and Pricing

Two Spots Left!

2026 Sep 5 - 15

11 days

from $4,595

Tour Details

The Portugal Knitting Experience is where craft, culture, and community intertwine. With Knitting Guru Dorothy Bulac-Eriksen sparking creativity and hosts William & Alex making everything effortless, you’ll dive into Portugal’s fiber arts traditions—meeting artisans, exploring local heritage, and knitting in unforgettable places.

Begin your journey in Lisbon, where colorful tiles glimmer in the sunlight and cobblestone streets hum with creativity. Kick off the experience with a Mystery Knit Along, then dive into a hands-on class to learn the Portuguese knitting style, a technique deeply rooted in the country’s textile traditions.

Step back in time in the Évora region, a land where Portugal’s deep history and rural traditions remain strong. Wander the medieval streets of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site where whitewashed houses, ancient aqueducts, and Roman ruins tell stories of centuries past. Beyond the city walls, encounter artisans whose work bridges tradition and reinvention—visit a weaving studio preserving centuries-old techniques, experience wool processing and spinning rooted in shepherding life, and explore Portugal’s iconic tile traditions through the work of contemporary makers and historic workshops.

Settle into the rhythm of the sea during your final days together on Portugal’s Atlantic coast in Cascais. In this corner of Portugal, generations of artists and makers have drawn inspiration from the light, the ocean, and the creative spirit that still shapes the town today. Wander historic streets, gather with fellow knitters in seaside cafés, and spend time with artisans who continue traditions while forging new creative paths. Follow the coastline through fishing villages and sweeping ocean views, then linger over long lunches overlooking the Atlantic—with time to relax by the sea.

Portugal’s craft heritage isn’t something you simply observe—it’s something you experience. Through the stories of the artisans you meet, the techniques you try with your own hands, and the friendships formed along the way, each stitch becomes part of a larger journey through Portugal’s living creative traditions.

Tour Highlights

The Portugal Knitting Experience:

Knit in stunning locations and master Portuguese knitting techniques.
Discover Portugal’s textile traditions through hands-on experiences.
Venture off the beaten path to uncover Portugal’s hidden creative hubs.
Savor incredible Portuguese cuisine at handpicked restaurants.
Craft a unique memento for yourself with our Mystery Knit-A-Long.
Enjoy the perfect mix of cultural immersion and knitting relaxation.
Build knitting friendships for life.

The Artisan Journeys Tour:

Delve into Portugal’s fiber heritage, observing traditional crafts where they’ve been practiced for generations.
Visit a working weaving studio and try your hand at wool processing and spinning.
Take part in an exclusives workshop with Dorothy, a master knitwear designer.
Wander through historic towns and markets, filled with one-of-a-kind handmade treasures.
Travel with a cozy group of travelers, perfect for camaraderie.

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!
No need to overpack—Portugal’s relaxed style makes for easy travel.
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.

Meet Your Hosts

Dorothy Bulac-Eriksen

Dorothy Bulac-Eriksen has created costumes for ﬁlm and television for 40 years. She has made superheroes, spacesuits and creatures for companies such as Marvel, DC and the Star Trek franchise (Thor, Baby Groot, Batman, Spock, Worf, and the Borg Queen), and with a specialization in fabric manipulation, her skills appear in costumes that range from Muppets to Romulans to Lady Gaga.

Having now retired from the Entertainment Industry, Dorothy gives her full focus to her knitwear. She approaches her knitting designs with the aspect of her previous profession, enjoying the mixing of textures, colors and techniques. Many of her designs draw inspiration from characters of her past. Her upcoming shawl “I’m Batman” with its dramatic wingspan is reminiscent of the caped crusader.

Now living in Portugal, she is eager to have everyone experience all that the country oﬀers, which is rich in the ﬁberarts.

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- and 5-star accommodations.
Knitting workshops and fiber arts activities to spark your creativity.
Cultural tours that bring Portugal’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 Portugal.
Transfers to/from the hotel.

Available Extras (additional cost)

Airport/hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Single room supplement.
Additional meals and drinks.

Other Information

All prices are in US Dollars
The tour begins in Lisbon and ends in Cascais
Group size: minimum 14, maximum 18
Best arrival and departure airport is Lisbon
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

Travelers in a knitting class learning the Portuguese knitting method.

Lisbon

Welcome & Knitting Kickoff

Arrive and check in at our hotel in Lisbon. Gather for a Kickoff Meeting before taking a scenic walk to visit Rosa Pomar, a key figure in Portugal’s textile revival, known for her dedication to preserving traditional wool and knitting techniques. Join a Cast On session for the MKAL, setting the stage for our mystery project. End the day with a vibrant group dinner, celebrating Portuguese flavors.

Day 2

William showing a pillow made with the unique stitched fabric made in Arraiolos.

Lisbon to Évora

Portuguese Knitting & Historic Threads

Begin the morning with a Portuguese Knitting Style Workshop at a local handicraft shop, followed by a lively group lunch. On the way to Évora, stop in Arraiolos to explore its renowned rug-making traditions. Upon arrival, check in at our hotel, then unwind with free time to explore or relax before enjoying dinner at your own pace.

Day 3

Évora

Knit-on-Location & Walking Tour

Start the day with a Knit-on-Location session in the serene Jardim Público. Then, embark on a walking tour of Évora with Elza, discovering its medieval streets and rich history. Enjoy free time for lunch before an evening Knit-on-Location at Jardim Diana, progressing on the MKAL project. Conclude the day with a group dinner, savoring the regional cuisine of Alentejo.

Day 4

Knitters around baskets on the floor full of wool and wool processing tools.

Alentejo

Wool Craft & Stargazing

Visit Fabrica Alentejana de Lanifícios to see master weavers at work. Then, meet Paula Neves and her flock, learning about wool production from sheep to fiber. After lunch in a countryside eatery and a visit to Monsaraz’s medieval streets, participate in a hands-on woolcraft workshop. Enjoy a light dinner before an awe-inspiring night of stargazing at the Dark Sky Observatory.

Day 5

Estremoz

Tile Inspiration & Knitting Patterns

Savor a group lunch at a celebrated restaurant in Estremoz after exploring the Berardo Collection Tile Museum, home to Portugal’s intricate tile artistry. Spend the afternoon exploring a local cork farm and sampling local olive oil. Return to Évora for a relaxed evening with free time and an opportunity to enjoy dinner independently.

Day 6

A narrow street in Óbidos, with pink geraniums growing on a wall in the foreground.

Évora to Caldas da Rainha

Wine & Walled Towns

Depart Évora and visit a picturesque winery in the Alentejo hills for a guided tour and a delicious wine-paired lunch. Travel north to Óbidos, where you’ll have time to explore the walled village and join a Knit-on-Location session. Continue to Caldas da Rainha, check in at our hotel, and enjoy a relaxed evening with free time to explore or dine on your own.

Day 7

Closeup of knitting guru Dorothy Bulac-Ericksen showing a knitter a new technique.

Caldas da Rainha

Workshops & Yarn Exploration

Begin with an engaging workshop at Dorothy’s studio, where she shares her expertise in knitting design and fiber arts. Then, visit two beloved yarn shops, Coolchetes and Traça Trapos, for a morning of fiber inspiration. After free time for lunch, gather for a group dinner at a well-loved restaurant, reflecting on the creative discoveries made throughout the day.

Day 8

Closeup of colorful Bordalo Pinheiro tiles featuring flowers and frogs.

Caldas da Rainha

Ceramics, Knitting, and Stitch & Bitch

Start the morning at the bustling fruit market before visiting a renowned ceramics shop, known for its whimsical designs. After a group lunch, enjoy a Knit-on-Location session in the beautiful Parque Dom Carlos I, progressing further on the MKAL project. In the evening, unwind with an optional Stitch & Bitch session at Dorothy’s studio or enjoy a relaxed dinner on your own.

Day 9

Mafra Palace Basilica from the front, with the sun hidden behind one of the campanile towers.

Caldas da Rainha to Ericeira

Antiques, Royal Heritage & Coastal Escape

Spend the morning browsing the Antiques Market before enjoying lunch on your own. Travel to Mafra to explore its grand palace and gardens, followed by a unique carillon concert. Continue to Ericeira, a charming seaside town, where we check in at our hotel. End the day with freshly made Italian pizza, crafted by our friend Maurizio, bringing a taste of Italy to the Portuguese coast.

Day 10

Ericeira

Final MKAL Reveal & Coastal Farewell

Spend the morning exploring Ericeira at your own pace—join a group walkabout to sample the town’s signature pastry, the 'sea urchin,' or simply relax by the sea. Enjoy lunch independently before gathering for the MKAL Finale, where the completed mystery project is revealed. Celebrate the journey with a final group dinner at a waterfront restaurant, reminiscing by the Atlantic.

Day 11

A group of knitters with big hats, leaning forward to peer through the window of a closed yarn store.

Farewell from Ericeira

Departures & Até à Próxima!

Check out and choose your next adventure. Whether you extend your stay on the Silver Coast to explore its stunning coastline, charming villages, and vibrant culture, set off for another exotic destination, or transfer back to Lisbon to catch your flight home, the warmth of Portugal’s culture and craftsmanship will stay with you long after the journey ends, leaving you with cherished memories and inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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.

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!

How many people will be on this tour?

The tour has a minimum number of 14 participants and a maximum of 18.