Creative Textiles + Tutor Tours

 Creative Textiles + Tutor Tours

Working with textiles has always been central to how we travel. We spend time in artisan workshops, learning directly from makers and supporting the local creative communities we visit.

Inviting talented tutors to travel with us felt like a natural extension of this approach.

Each journey includes a tutor-led project or method, carefully curated within the wider cultural textile experiences of travel, workshops, and time with artisans.

These are small-group, fully hosted tours,

carefully paced to allow time to learn, explore, and make.

We take care of the details - you simply enjoy the journey.


  • Istanbul - Textile Adventures with Gillian Travis

    Embark on a fabulous trip - Textile Adventures with Gillian Travis.


    Our Istanbul tour includes a magical highlight: a visit to Cappadocia with the option of a breathtaking hot air balloon ride over its surreal landscape.


    Capture your journey in photos and transform them into a unique textile travel journal, guided by Gillian’s expert eye and creative flair.


    Enjoy fabulous sightseeing curated to spark your imagination and fuel artistic inspiration.


    There is a great blend of sighseeing, creative workshops and fun - don’t miss out, secure your spot today!

    Join us now!
  • Vietnam - Creative Textiles with Pauline Franklyn

    Join us for a vibrant textile adventure in Vietnam! Immerse yourself in the excitement of discovering textile treasures in bustling markets and artisan workshops while enjoying the creative joy of making and crafting your own pieces.


    Under the expert guidance of textile artist Pauline Franklyn, you'll engage in immersive workshops that celebrate your market finds.


    2025 is full - 2026 is planned - get ready to join us!

    Join us now!
  • Ghana - Textile & Culture with Victoria Findlay Wolfe

    Join the vibrant and inspiring Victoria Findlay Wolfe on a fully hosted adventure through Ghana’s thriving textile and art scene.


    Enjoy a hands-on batik workshop, an upcycling-focused creative session, and explore the beautiful Volta Region, including the stunning Tagbo Waterfall.


    There’s so much to see, experience, and create - including the opportunity to work on a unique Memory Quilt with Victoria’s guidance and tuition.

    Find out more
  • Vietnam - Textile Adventures with Gillian Travis

    Join us to hunt for textiles to craft into a stunning jacket, stroll through charming country villages, and capture inspiring moments for your Textile Travel Journal.


     Experience the breathtaking landscapes, mouthwatering cuisine, and warm hospitality of North Vietnam with Gillian Travis as your tutor.

    Find out more.
  • Istanbul - Laced Up with Maggie Hensel-Brown

    Join contemporary artist Maggie Hensel-Brown on an inspiring journey through Istanbul, where you’ll explore the city’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere while transforming your experiences into delicate lace art. 


    Experience the sights, sounds, and stories of this fascinating city, spending time in charming cafés and serene parks as you work on your project under Maggie’s expert guidance.  


    Journey to one of The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and visit Ephuses, take a dip in the otherworldly Thermal Pools of Pamukkale.


    This is a hint of our plans - Join The LIST and we will keep in informed.

  • India - Print & Pattern with Esté MacLeod

    Join us on an inspiring journey through the vibrant heart of North India with renowned artist Esté MacLeod. 



    This unique tour combines the opportunity for hands-on creativity as we explore majestic palaces, artisan studios, and Rajasthani Indian Culture.



    Get inspired by visits to a papermaking factory that transforms cotton waste into beautiful handmade sheets. 


    Design your own wooden printing block—it will be expertly carved and ready for you to use. 


    With Esté’s expert guidance, you’ll delve into pattern making and creative practices that reflect the rich textures of India.


    Block print your own scarf, then visit our indigo expert to experiment with mud-resist techniques before dipping your fabric into the deep blue of the indigo vat. 


    This is a rich, immersive experience of colour, culture, and creativity – absolutely wonderful for those who love to make, explore, and be inspired.


    Stay tuned for more details.


    Register your interest today!

    I'm interested
  • Vietnam - Textiles & Culture with Victoria Findlay Wolfe

    Join the vibrant and inspiring Victoria Findlay Wolfe on a fully hosted journey through Vietnam's beautiful countryside and vibrant textile and crafts culture.


    H'mong culture- indigo, batik, embroidery, and amazing markets to explore. 


    Lots to see and experience and work on a Memory Quilt with Victoria's help and tuition.

    I'm interested!
  • India - Namaste & Notebooks with Jennifer Perkins

    Namaste and Notebooks: A Creative Adventure Through India with Jennifer Perkins



    Pack your glue sticks and your wanderlust - because we’re going on a crafty adventure to India. Join maximalist crafter Jennifer Perkins for Namaste and Notebooks, a one-of-a-kind retreat where every market treasure, vintage book page, and vibrant textile becomes part of your handmade junk journal.


    From the buzzing bazaars of Delhi to the pink-hued magic of Jaipur you'll explore India's rich culture with an artist's eye and a crafter's heart.

    AKA lot’s of fun market shopping as well as visits to the Taj Mahal, a tiger safari and so much more to keep you inspired the entire trip.  Along the way we will be creating our own travel themed junk journal with the items we collect. As well as Jennifer teaching daily techniques and tricks we’ll dive into hands-on workshops with local artisans—block printing (stamps for your journal), The Stitching Project (textiles and sari remnants for journal covers), and traditional paper-making (pages for you book). 

    We will spend our days transforming each memory and moment into mixed-media magic.


    This is a trip where your suitcase fills with crafty treasures, your junk journal becomes a travel notebook and a scrapbook, and every stop is a story waiting to be preserved in paper and paint. Prepare to come home with your creative well overflowing with inspiration.

    Sounds Fun!

Testimnonials

What our travellers
say about
Creative Arts Safaris... 

stars

I recently embarked on the “Gujarat – forgotten kingdoms, stepwells, tribal embroidery and more” 15-day magical escapade meticulously organised by Fiona. This marked my first venture into organised group travel with 15 incredible women – a departure from my usual solo impromtu explorations. Fiona's tour has completely won me over, experiencing a shared and humbling journey with a group of delightful, inspiring women holds a uniquely beautiful depth.This experience was nothing short of extraordinary, picture this, 15 amazing women, a bunch of laughs, shared stories, and a boatload of inspiration. Fiona's mantra of "Live, Laugh & Learn" hit home in the best way possible.
And let's talk about Fiona herself – a walking encyclopedia of Indian culture, textiles, ethical fashion, cuisine, handicrafts and basically everything incredible about the country (and I'm Indian, a native! I was impressed!). The woman's got connections like no other – with local communities, tribes, artists, artisans, and the royals. It's like having a backstage pass to the heart and soul of Gujarat.
From finest heritage stays to offbeat spots, Fiona's planning was spot-on. Ahmedabad, Sayla, Bhuj, Rann of Kutch, Mandvi, Ajrakpur, Gandhidham, Zainabad, Patan, Poshina – we covered it all. But what stole the show were those hidden tribal villages. Imagine getting up close and personal with artisans, witnessing generations of skill, and falling in love with the craft. That's the Fiona touch!
Fiona and Parveen – the dynamic duo leading the charge – are not just guides; they're your travel buddies. Friendly, kind, curious, and generous – they're the folks you want showing you the ropes.
I highly recommend touring Gujarat with Fiona for an unparalleled and enriching experience. If you're looking for a well-researched, impeccably planned, and fun exploration of Gujarat, Fiona's tour is the one for you.
Thank you, Fiona, for a memorable adventure! I eagerly anticipate my next tour with you and now understand why people keep returning to your tours. I'm officially hooked – can't wait to dive into another adventure with you again. Here's to more laughs, more learning, and more unforgettable journeys. Until next time, Fiona!

Reeti
Jan 2024
stars

For me traveling to Vietnam was the trip of a lifetime. I can't say enough about the supportive space provided, as well as the encouragement and kindness from the tour leader, Fiona and our teacher, Gillian.
 
I am a sewer and maker and love seeing textiles and dyeing in local environments. There was plenty of opportunity for hands-on workshops in batik, indigo dyeing and sewing/stitching. Local markets and sight seeing in out of the way places made the trip that much more memorable.
 
The trip planners are genius at knowing what to see and do focused on locally made and sold woven, stitched and dyed textiles. I loved visiting local markets and workshops. Our trip was very well paced with activities, meals, and downtime. Our hotels and sleeping arrangements were clean and comfortable. There were moments when I felt in awe of where we were, the people, the food, and the opportunity to experience the lives of women in Vietnam. It was a very special journey. I will travel again with Creative Arts Safaris and recommend the trips to all who enjoy textile focused vacations.

Libby Stephenson

March 2024
stars

I travelled with Creative Arts Safaris recently on the trip to Gujarat. What an amazing experience. The "choreography" of the tour; timing, range of accommodation, textile experiences, cultural immersion, meals and back stories was fabulous. Thanks for your obvious attention to this detail Fiona and Praveen, as it makes a huge difference to the quality of an adventure in a country with such a different culture to our own. Fiona provided great pre trip info too, cultural and practical. Definitely a bonus for me.
This is my second trip with Creative Arts Safaris. I will be back!!!
Thankyou again Fiona

Libby Trembath

Jan 2024
stars

A memorable and inspiring behind the scenes glimpse of the handwork of artisans using tools and methods of
many generations. Fiona's insightful itinerary left you feeling so grateful and humbled in being able to share experiences with the wonderfully warm Indian people we interacted with. I would highly recommend Creative Arts Safari for your next artistic inspiration journey.

 

Diana

Jan 2024






stars

Fiona's "Travel Sketching Vietnam" 2023 was a wonderful tour and good value. Everything was well organised and a great experience. Our accommodation, transport and meals were all of a high standard. We also had great input from our art tutor, Leonie Norton and our interpreter/local guide, Vang. All of our sightseeing and sketching experiences were all well-chosen and relevant whilst catering to a range of interests, with sufficient free time to relax or explore further. I was impressed with how Fiona and Vang were able to meet the needs of everyone on the tour, including three participants with physical disabilities. This required some creative thinking at times! Fiona was personally present for almost all meals, tours, sketching, and / or sightseeing experiences and was very approachable and friendly. Fiona had contacts available in Hanoi who were available 24 hours a day if we had a problem, and they were able to sort it out very quickly.
 
I highly recommend Creative Arts Safaris, and Fiona Wright in particular. I will probably participate in further tours with her.

Sue Gee

May 2023