CRAFT, CULTURE + CONNECTION RETREAT
BLOCK PRINTING | MUD RESIST | NATURAL DYEING | APPLIQUE
Jaipur, India | January 29th- February 7th 2027
Join me in Jaipur!
Offering this trip has been a dream of mine for many years, and I’m so excited to finally bring together my passions—travel planning, workshops, community, and art—into one unforgettable experience. I first fell in love with India in 2006, and although I didn’t return until 2023, the colors, food, people, and craftsmanship stayed with me all that time.In early 2026, I planned a trip with the goal of building more local connections in Jaipur for this experience. But before I even left, a huge snowstorm disrupted everything—my flight was canceled, I spent hours stuck at the airport while our luggage sat on the plane, and I ended up on a midnight shuttle to a hotel in Boston’s Seaport. Tired and a bit frustrated, I started chatting with Kapil, the person sitting next to me. As it turns out, he’s originally from India, now lives in New Hampshire, and runs a boutique tour company. We exchanged information, and the rest fell into place. I’m incredibly excited to partner with him to bring this experience to life.
I continue to be inspired by the depth and history of Indian craft traditions, and I can’t wait to share that with you. This journey goes far beyond textiles—there’s creative inspiration everywhere you look. Whether you have an art background or not, you’ll find yourself engaged, energized, and creatively fulfilled.PRICING
Shared Room- $3,395 Single Room - $4,195
Taj Mahal Extension
$340 double, $460 single
Group Size: minimum 5, maximum 12 guests Whats Included 4-day, in-depth block carving, printing, mud resist, and natural dyeing workshop with local artisansFull day Applique + Eco Dyeing workshop with local artisansHands on cooking class + dinner with a local familyGuided tour of a local rug weaving communityGuided tour of some of my favorite sites in JaipurGuided shopping experiences in markets + boutiquesToyota SUV/Van and English-speaking driver9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 6 dinnersChristine (of Christine Willis Studio) + Kapil (of Kapil India Tours as your guides throughout the entire tripRound trip transportation from Delhi to JaipurTips for hotel, restaurants, guides + driversAssistance with pre-travel prep and questions
ExclusionsInternational Flights (usually around $1,000 from the United States)Visa + Travel Insurance (both are required)Any soft drinks or alcohol during lunch + dinnerHotel incidentals including but not limited to room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs.All expenses during free time
Day By Day Itinerary
Day 1: January 29th
Welcome to India! If you are arriving in Delhi this morning we will meet as a group and drive to Jaipur, about a 4 hour drive. We will grab lunch on the road. Settle into the hotel and this evening we will gather for a group dinner.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: January 30th
After breakfast, we will drive to the village of Amber to visit the Amber Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The exterior is rugged and defensive, with high walls and gates, but inside you’ll find intricate courtyards, ornate palaces, and delicate decorative work.
Our next stop is the Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing. Housed inside a restored Havali. Inside the intimate museum you will be guided through the history and process of block printing, seeing examples of garments, textiles and artifacts.
After a quick stop at the Panna Meena ka Kund, we will drive back into the city for lunch and spend some times exploring some of my favorite boutiques.
We will have a late dinner as a group.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: January 31st
Today starts our four day block printing intensive workshop. We start in Jaipur, spending the day working alongside the master block carvers of the traditional Kharaudi community at their studio.
We will be carving our own blocks, sitting on the floor, using tools they have used for generations.
You will have the opportunity to have more blocks designed and carved for you before you arrive, if you like.
Later this afternoon you will have some free time to rest or explore and have dinner by yourself or with other members of the group.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: February 1st
This morning we will head to the small village of Bagru just outside Jaipur, best known as one of India’s most important centers for traditional hand block printing. For centuries, it has been home to the Chhipa community, skilled artisans who specialize in natural dyeing and resist-printing techniques.
We’ll learn about the natural dyes used in Bagru—how they’re created, what ingredients go into them, and the traditional processes behind their rich, earthy colors.
After a demonstration by master block printers you will use the wood blocks you hand-carved to print on different fabrics to create your own unique designs. A large assortment of vintage blocks will also be at your disposal to use.
We will have a group dinner back in Jaipur.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: February 2nd
Today back in the studio we focus on Dabu, mud resist printing. Using wooden blocks, mud and natural dyes you can create layered multi colored patterns.
On the way back to Jaipur we will stop at a block printing collective to see the masters at work. This group of studios support the sustainable production of handcrafted textiles. You will see the swift and precise pace of printing yardage, layers of dried ink upon printing tables, and hand finishing sewing work.
We will have a group dinner back in Jaipur.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: February 3rd
Rise and shine for an early visit to the flower market. As you walk through the market you will see massive quantities of marigolds, roses, and jasmine, primarily used for religious offerings in temples, wedding decorations and garland making.
After breakfast we will head to Bagru for our final day of block printing. Over these four days, you’re invited to slow down, embrace imperfection, and appreciate the labor and timeless techniques behind this art.
Later this afternoon you will have some free time to rest or explore and have dinner by yourself or with other members of the group. This might be the perfect evening to visit a temple for an Aarti (prayer ceremony.)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: February 4th
Early Sunrise at Sun Temple, a visit to the Galta ji Temple and the Royal Gaitor. Not an early riser? This adventure is optional, but these are three of my favorite spots in Jaipur!
After lunch we will visit City Palace of Jaipur, a magnificent royal complex located in the heart of the “Pink City” A stunning fusion of Rajasthani and Mughal styles, featuring courtyards, gardens, and temples.
This evening we will experience an authentic, hands-on cooking class in Jaipur with a local family, featuring traditional Rajasthani dishes. We will learn about spices, family recipes, and culture, followed by a delicious, shared meal.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: February 5th
We will start our day with a guided heritage walking tour. I love strolling the streets in the morning when the streets are quiet and calm. Along the way, we will see lesser-known gems—ornate havelis (traditional mansions) and small temples tucked into narrow lanes. These stops reveal local stories that aren’t in guidebooks.
This afternoon we will visit Nila House, a non-profit dedicated to preserving and celebrating India’s rich heritage of traditional crafts Appliqué in India is practiced across many communities. In aplique, textile fragments are hand-sewn and stitched to a base fabric to create vivid imagery. The layered motifs bring forth the textural and translucent beauty of these textiles. In this workshop we will learn the craft straight from the craftperson themselves.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: February 6th
We will head out of Jaipur to visit a rug weaving village. Run by women, this village has evolved as a rug making settlement. You will be awed by the craftsmanship you witness. Strolling through the streets we will happen upon multiple working weaving looms, a potters family and we might even see woman making lac bangles.
Tonight we will gather for our final farewell dinner.
Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: February 7th
Today we will pack our bags and say farewell to Jaipur. If you are headed home, we will provide transport via car to the Delhi International Airport, about a four hour journey by car.
Included: Breakfast
Optional Extension: Continue exploring India and head to Agra, about a four hour journey by car.
Day 11: February 8th (Optional Extension)
Watching the sun rise over the Taj Mahal is one of those travel moments that lingers long after you’ve left. In the early morning we will visit before the crowds fully gather and the heat of the day sets in. Knowing it was commissioned by Shah Jahan as a monument to love only deepens the experience. It doesn’t feel like just a landmark, but a story carved in stone.
Next we will head to the Agra Fort. Walking through its gates and courtyards, you step into a living piece of history. Palaces, audience halls, and mosques layered with centuries of royal life.
In the evening we head to Delhi, about a 3 hour drive and check into our hotel.
Included: Breakfast
Day 12: February 9th (Optional Extension)
After breakfast we will visit some sights including, Old Delhi, India Gate, Bangla Sahib Temple before transferring to the airport according to everyones flight schedules.
Included: Breakfast
Where we are staying
Bissau Palace is a historic palace-turned-hotel located in Jaipur, known for preserving the charm of Rajasthan’s royal past while functioning as a heritage accommodation.
Located just outside of the old walled city, the palaces lush gardens, pool and rooftop terrace are a welcomed retreat after a busy day in Jaipur.
Bissau Palace is not just a hotel—it’s a living piece of Jaipur’s royal history, where visitors can experience traditional architecture, antique décor, and the atmosphere of a bygone era in a relatively intimate setting.
Shared Room w/ Private Bathroom
$3,395 per person, paid in 2 installments
You will share a room w/ 1 other guest, each person will have their own bed. If you would like to share a bed, please note that when signing up.
1st installment: $1,000 due immediately (non refundable deposit)
2nd installment: $2,395 due 9/15/2026
Private Room w/ Private Bathroom
$4,195 per person, paid in 2 installments
1st installment: $1,000 due immediately (non refundable deposit)
2nd installment: $3,195 due 9/15/2026
Who this trip is for: India can be intense, unpredictable, and deeply rewarding—that’s why it suits open-minded, patient travelers.
There’s a constant mix of sights, sounds, and activity, and things don’t always run on a strict schedule. Being patient helps you stay grounded and enjoy the experience rather than feel overwhelmed. An open mind lets you appreciate differences in daily life, traditions, and social norms without comparing them too quickly to what you’re used to.
It’s also a place where curiosity pays off. Whether you’re learning a new skill in a hands-on workshop, trying unfamiliar foods, or engaging with local customs, the more willing you are to participate and explore, the more meaningful the trip becomes.
Scheduling: We hope to stick to the plan but, India is full of surprises Our itinerary is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, partner schedules, unexpected opportunities and the desires of the group.
Dietary Restrictions: The majority of our meals will be vegetarian and many dishes in India contain garlic, yogurt and dairy. Please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions when you register.
