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Tour Calendar

So many choices!

2025


Textile, Craft & Travel Sketching Tours

Our tour calendar is packed with exciting adventures waiting for you. We’re thrilled to welcome you on these creative journeys.


At CAS, we’re grateful for our loyal participants who inspire us to innovate and refresh even our beloved trips, ensuring each outing is better than the last.


Explore our calendar and find your next adventure with us!

  • 1 - 11 Feb 25 - India – Creative Textiles with Gillian Travis - FULL

    Gillian Travis

    CAS is teaming up with intrepid traveller and well-known textiles teacher Gillian Travis. Gillian is well known for her back-packing and has a great eye for an interesting place and turning her photos into art quilts back home.


    We are following Gillian’s love of travel and using it to inspire creative work, but ditching back-packing for an air-conditioned bus and comfortable hotels to make a journey to gather inspiration and skills.


    This tour is based around is Gillian’s Course – how to transfer your travel photos to cloth [NO drawing skills necessary]


    TOUR FULL- Bookings Closed.

  • 13 - 26 March 25 - Vietnam Tour – Textiles & Craft - FULL

    indigo batik

    Discover the Rich Tapestry of Vietnam’s Textile Heritage


    Embark on an wonderful journey through the traditional textiles of Vietnam. Our Vietnam Textile Tour offers an immersive experience that combines the rich history of Vietnamese crafts with modern entrepreneurial spirit.


    TOUR FULL- Bookings Closed

  • 31 March - 14 April 25 - Uzbekistan - Textile & Crafts - FULL

    uzbekistan

    Welcome to our Uzbekistan Tour, where the echoes of ancient caravans still resonate through the air, beckoning travellers to follow the Silk Road and unravel the tales of centuries past.


    Once merely whispered rumours carried by traders and explorers, the Silk Road now opens its doors to you, inviting you to discover its secrets first-hand.


    While books may tantalize with their descriptions, nothing compares to the awe-inspiring experience of witnessing history come alive before your very eyes.


    TOUR FULL- Bookings Closed

  • 10 - 19 May 25 - Istanbul – Textile Adventures FULLwith Gillian Travis

    mosque

    Embark on an unforgettable adventure with  Gillian Travis, combining artistry with breathtaking sights.  


    Our Istanbul Tour features a special highlight: a visit to Cappadocia, complete with a magical hot air balloon experience!  


    Capture your journey through photos and transform them into a unique textile travel journal with expert guidance from Gillian.  


    Immerse yourself in fabulous sightseeing designed to spark creativity and fuel your artistic inspiration.  


    Don’t miss this perfect blend of culture, creativity, and discovery—secure your spot today!


    Xmas Bonus until 22 Dec AUD$200 off

    Join Us Now!
  • 9 - 21 Aug 25 - Benin & Togo – Culture & Crafts Tour LAST PLACES

    Benin

    Experience the vibrant and excotic culture of  Benin & Togo.

    Peaceful waterways and a rich culture that is an harmonious blend of diverse beliefs - Christianity, Islam, and Vodun - woven into the fabric of everyday life.


    Truely amazing place to experience.

    Join Us - Find out more.
  • 24 Aug - 6 Sept 25 - Glorious Ghana - FULL

    ghana

    Embark on an extraordinary tour through Ghana’s rich textile and craft heritage, where weaving, basketry, bead-making, and indigo dyeing come to life.


    Explore the vibrant culture of Ghana, once the seat of the powerful Ashanti Kingdom and now a beacon of stability and progress in Africa.

    BOOK NOW
  • 13 - 22 Sept 25 - Travel Sketch Morocco with Melissa Lakey

    Fishing boats Essouaira

    Dreams of Morocco?


    We are collaborating with Melissa Lakey to catch those dreams in your sketchbook.


    During this trip we’ll focus on the joy of drawing, playing with materials and colour, and capturing the feeling of a place.

    Join Us - Find out more.
  • 21 Sept - 9 Oct 25 - Andalusia & Morocco - 1 PLACES LEFT

    erg chebbi

    Embark on a captivating journey across continents and through time with our “Moorish Delights of Andalusia and Morocco Textile & Craft Tour.”


    Immerse yourself in the rich history shaped by the Moors in Spain, and venture into Morocco where ancient crafts and vibrant culture thrive.

    Join Us - Filling fast
  • 2 - 10 Oct 25 - Portugal – Walk + Stitch on the Camino with Gillian Travis

    camino

    Welcome to the Portugal Tour: Walk + Stitch on the Camino with Gillian Travis!


    Are you ready for a unique adventure that combines the soothing rhythms of walking and stitching along the beautiful Coastal Path of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago? 

    Join us for an unforgettable journey along the Coastal Camino, where each step is a step into history, beauty, and creativity.


    Get your walking shoes out and join us!

    Come for a wander!
  • 18 - 27 Oct 25 - Japan - Travel Sketching with Leonie Norton LAST PLACES

    geisha

    Embark on a magical 10-day Travel Sketching adventure in the historic cities of Kyoto and Osaka, where every corner is as pretty as a picture.

    With renowned tutor Leonie Norton, immerse yourself in the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and timeless charm of Japan as you capture its essence in your sketchbook. 

    Let the beauty of these vibrant cities inspire your artistry and create a sketchbook to treasure.

    Sign up now!
  • 20 - 29 Oct 25 - Vietnam – Creative Textiles with Pauline Franklin

    Red Dzou woman

    Join us for an inspiring Creative Textile Tour with the talented Pauline Franklyn as your tutor. 

    Begin in the vibrant streets of Hanoi and journey through the breathtaking landscapes of North Vietnam. 

    This fully hosted experience immerses you in local culture and bustling markets, where you'll gather textile treasures to transform into stunning creative pieces that reflect the essence of your travels. 

    Let your journey ignite your passion to make and create!

    Join us now!
  • 1 - 15 Nov 25 - Gujarat Textile & Craft Tour

    Rabari

    Discover vibrant textiles, tribal embroidery, and more.


    Dramatic scenery, palaces and ancient forts to call home, this tour is an exotic adventure.

    Check out the tour & join us
  • 21 Nov- 1 Dec 25 - Mexico – Textile Adventures with Gillian Travis

    mexico

    Intrepid traveller Gillian has been extolling the delights of Mexico for a while and so we have developed a textile based jaunt to soak it up and record it as a Textile Travel Joural or Quilt.


    Check out the itinerary, pack your swimmers and your walking shoes!

    We have lots of sunshine and some truly amazing places to see and people to visit.

    Have a look at the itinerary.
  • 22 Nov - 6 Dec - Mexican Meander

    sculpture

    Discover the serene beauty of Southern Mexico, a region steeped in rich textile and craft traditions. 

    Explore vibrant natural dyes, charming Old Towns, and breathtaking monuments that beckon you to explore.

    Take me There

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
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