Portugal Knitting Experience: Wool Works

A knitting tour exploring Portugal’s mountains, mills, and fiber traditions

Wool art made of point-cut pieces of wool arranged in overlapping concentric circles.

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Church covered in Portuguese tile murals.

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Artistic photo of the sun coming through a sculpture of a wooden canopy made of an undulating series of angular arches.

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Unravel Portugal’s wool heritage on this immersive journey beyond the ordinary. From Lisbon’s creative energy to Covilhã’s wool legacy and Caldas da Rainha’s artistic spirit, each stop connects you to centuries-old traditions. Learn Portuguese knitting techniques, meet artisans, and transform fleece into fiber through hands-on workshops that bring you into the heart of local craftsmanship.

Portugal

Knit in Portugal!

Tour Dates and Pricing

Highlands & Lowlands

2026 May 4 - 11

8 days

from $3,495

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.

Lisbon blends vibrant culture with deep-rooted textile traditions. Kick off with a Mystery Knit Along, then master Portuguese Style Knitting in a hands-on workshop. A visit to a beloved yarn shop brimming with locally sourced wool sets the stage for an adventure in fiber artistry.

Covilhã, Portugal’s wool capital, reveals the path from fleece to fabric. A shearing demonstration leads into a trio of immersive workshops—working the looms in a traditional weaving session, shaping wool in a felting studio, and stitching colorful punch needle embroidery.

In the Serra da Estrela mountains, Manteigas offers a deeper connection to the land. Walk with a shepherd and his flock, then step inside innovative mills where raw fleece transforms into Portugal’s signature woolen fabrics.

Caldas da Rainha hums with artistic energy. Browse an eclectic antiques market, explore medieval Óbidos, and visit local yarn shops filled with exquisite fibers. A special workshop with our knitting guru unlocks new design techniques to spark creativity long after the journey ends.

This is Portugal off the beaten path—seen, felt, and experienced through the threads of its rich wool heritage.

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 Wool Works Tour:

Escape to the less-traveled mountain region of Portugal, rich in textile history.
Walk with a shepherd and his flock in the Serra da Estrela mountains.
Visit historic wool mills, where raw fleece transforms into Portugal’s signature textiles.
Take part in an exclusive workshop at Dorothy’s home studio, learning from a master knitwear designer.
Journey with a welcoming group of 16-24 travelers.

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 speaks passable Portuguese and some 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, some 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

8 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 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 start/end hotels

Available Extras (additional cost)

Airport/hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Transport from Caldas da Rainha after the tour.
Single room supplement.
Additional meals and drinks.

Other Information

All prices are in US Dollars
The tour begins in Lisbon and ends in Caldas da Rainha
Group size: minimum 16, maximum 24
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 Gathering and Knitting Kickoff

Check in at your hotel in Lisbon before joining a combined Kickoff Meeting and Cast-On session for the MKAL. Meet fellow travelers and begin your project, setting the stage for a creative journey. Afterward, enjoy a hands-on Portuguese Style Knitting workshop with a local artisan at Depozito, a shop specializing in Portuguese handicraft. End the day with a vibrant group dinner, celebrating Lisbon's flavors.

Day 2

A colonial style church in Covilhã, with the facade covered in blue and white tile murals.

Lisbon to Covilhã

Discovering Portugal's Wool Legacy

Before departing Lisbon, enjoy a visit to Rosa Pomar, a renowned shop known for its vibrant collection of locally sourced yarns, where you’ll immerse yourself in Portugal's wool culture. On your way to Covilhã, stop by the factory of one of Portugal’s largest yarn producers. Arrive at your destination, check into your hotel, and relax before enjoying dinner at the hotel, featuring delicious regional cuisine.

Day 3

A group of sheep with white fleece, with knitters greeting them.

Covilhã

Exploring Wool Heritage and Craftsmanship

Start the day with a shearing demonstration, where you’ll observe the process of wool harvesting in action. Visit the Woolcraft Museum to dive deeper into the region’s wool heritage. Then, participate in a weaving workshop, where you’ll experience traditional techniques passed down through generations. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon exploring the town at your leisure, with dinner on your own.

Day 4

An industrial loom in a factory, with yellow and red yarn arranged in the warp, awaiting weaving.

Manteigas

Immersion in Eco-Friendly Wool Production

Take a day trip in the heart of the Serra da Estrela mountains where the town of Manteigas awaits. Explore the vibrant wool industry with visits to EcoLã and Burel. After a picnic lunch, walk with a local shepherd to bond with his flock. Learn about the wool process, from fleece to finished fabric, and gain insight into the care of the sheep that provide the raw materials for these exquisite products.

Day 5

A mural painted on a building, mostly blue, showing a traditional couple around their cross-dressing son in a pink vinyl dress with puffy sleeves.

Covilhã

Art, Culture, and Wool Craft Fusion

Start your day with an Urban Art Walking Tour, discovering creative murals throughout Covilhã, each telling a unique story of the town’s cultural richness. In the afternoon, enjoy a felting workshop at New Hand Lab, where you’ll learn new techniques and let your creativity flow. Wrap up the day with free time to explore or relax, followed by a relaxed group dinner, sharing stories and reflections from the day.

Day 6

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

Covilhã to Caldas da Rainha

Traditional Crafts and Artistic Workshops

Begin the day with a punch needle embroidery workshop. Then travel to Caldas da Rainha for our next sojourn. After checking into the hotel, prepare for an interactive workshop with Knitting Guru Dorothy in her attic studio. Here, you'll get a firsthand look at her design process, from intricate shawls to creative knits, and be amazed by her creativity. Enjoy a peaceful evening to knit and unwind.

Day 7

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

Caldas da Rainha and Óbidos

Market Adventures and Historic Town Exploration

Start the day at the antiques market, then enjoy free time in the nearby charming medieval town of Óbidos, where you can explore cobblestone streets, visit the castle, or relax in a local café. Whether you choose to immerse yourself in history or simply enjoy the scenery, this day offers a perfect mix of culture and leisure. End the day with a group dinner, reminiscing about the adventures of the day.

Day 8

Knitters at a yarn store shopping for buttons.

Caldas da Rainha

Yarn Discoveries and Creative Celebrations

Set off on an exciting yarn crawl around Caldas, exploring local yarn shops brimming with luxurious fibers, inspiring textures, and unique colors that spark your creativity. After a day of shopping, gather for the finale dinner, celebrating the completion of your MKAL project and reflecting on your creative journey. Savor the satisfaction of your accomplishments and the memories and friendships you’ve made.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is an arrival transfer available in Lisbon?

Yes! A transfer from Lisbon airport to the starting location is available for $35 per person (subject to change).

What are the transportation options at the end of the tour?

At the end of the tour, travelers have several transportation options (prices are approximate and subject to change):

Return to Lisbon:
- Regional bus (~$10 per ticket) – Budget-friendly but less convenient with luggage.
- Private car transfer (starting at ~$150 per car)
- Shared van transfer (starting at ~$200 per van, up to 6 passengers)
- Shared coach transfer – If there’s enough interest, we’ll arrange a coach for a group transfer to Lisbon, arriving around midday.

Alternative Destinations:
Some travelers may choose to extend their stay in Caldas da Rainha, return to Óbidos, or visit destinations like Nazaré or Tomar.

Traveling to Porto?
If there’s enough interest, we may arrange a group transfer to Porto with curated stops along the way, possibly including a wine tasting. Pricing will depend on group size and itinerary.

How much walking and physical activity is required?

Our tours are active and immersive—exploring Portugal’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!

How many people will be on this tour?

The tour has a minimum number of 16 participants and a maximum of 24.

How much is the Single Supplement?

The additional cost to have your own private accommodations for this tour is $800.

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

The tour page includes a link to a typical itinerary. This itinerary will be pretty close to the experience of the actual tour (often, it's based on the actual itinerary of a prior similar 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 typical 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?

We've structured the tour so that it's accessible to knitters of all levels. Since the knitting workshops are casual and many of the immersive activities include other fiber arts and not knitting instruction, it should be a good balance of information and hands-on time, but not just with needles! Also, once we can gauge everyone's levels, Dorothy (our knitting guru) will be able to customize the tour to better meet the needs and levels of all participants. That's the beauty of a smaller, intimate, conversational experience like this.

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. Once we have all of the registrations in, we can suggest roommates and put you in touch 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!