CRAFT+
CULTURE
INDIA
February 6-17, 2025 (SOLD OUT)
November 12-23, 2025 (SOLD OUT)
India is a land of captivating contrasts, where inspiration and heartbreak intertwine amidst its vibrant tapestry of culture and tradition. Our curated tour offers an immersive exploration of India's crafts and culture, providing insider experiences and workshops led by local guides, artisans, and friends. Nestled in boutique hotels, we'll learn firsthand from talented artisans and passionate locals, venturing beyond tourist zones to be welcomed into homes as cherished guests. Delving deep into the worlds of design, traditional crafts, and regenerative practices, we honor, empower, and sustain communities across India. And the culinary journey? Expect a delightful array of unique vegetarian dishes that embody India's rich culinary heritage. If you're drawn to design, culture, craft, and adventure, our time together in India promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Our tour is dedicated to responsible tourism from an ecumenical faith perspective, recognizing the profound impact of faith on the communities we visit. With practices dating back millennia, faith remains intrinsic to everyday life, offering a lens through which to engage with new cultures and places. Exploring the intersection of faith, design, culture, and creation enriches our journey, fostering meaningful connections and deeper understanding about life and our shared equality and belovedness. I'm excited to embark on this journey with you and share the transformative power of our collective experience.
Sample Itinerary:
Feb. 6: Evening arrival to Delhi. Check into Golden Haveli in Old Historic Delhi. Brief welcome. Rest well!
Feb 7: Enjoy a welcome breakfast at the Haveli. Embark on a morning walking tour of Old Delhi's historic and spiritual sites, enjoying lunch along the way. In the afternoon, experience a traditional kite flying followed by traditional Indian dinner at the Haveli.
Feb 8: Spend the day with friends at Kushbu, learning block printing and language from the local women. Enjoy a nearby lunch and afternoon chai with the artisans in their homes. Dinner is back at the Haveli.
Feb. 9: Take an early morning drive to Agra. Explore Agra's heritage with a walking tour led by our friends Kamal and Tahir. Savor a traditional Mughlai lunch at a local home and interact with local artisans and women.
Feb. 10: Witness the Taj Mahal's majesty with a sunrise tour. Return to the hotel for breakfast before departing to Jaipur. Visit historic sites on the scenic drive. Settle into Jobner 47 Bagh, your historic Jaipur boutique hotel hosted by Shiva and Ravi. Dinner is at Jobner.
Feb. 11: Enjoy breakfast at Jobner. Join Bharat, our local guide from Jaipur Historic House tours, for an insider's all-day tour of Delhi. Explore the old city of Jaipur with an introduction to Jaipur and its birth, the founder Sawai Jai Singh II, and how and why it was built as one of the only planned cities in the country. The walk delves into the city's architectural history, cultural fabric, local communities, and customs. You might even try the “cuisine” or street food of Jaipursome on our way to visit the flower market! The tour focuses on stories, people, design, and lesser known monuments and includes high tea, a City Palace visit, and the new Palace Atelier, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern design. Dinner is back at Jobner.
Feb. 12: After breakfast, embark on a journey to Amer for a "Stroll in the Fort." Explore the Amer Fort and the town's lanes, boasting spectacular havelis, palaces, stepwells, and temples. Afterwards, head to Der Amer to meet rescued elephants, walk the forest with theses beautiful creatures, and enjoy a special campfire meal in nature.
Feb. 13: Immerse yourself in Bagru, a village dedicated to block printing for centuries. Take a village walk with your hosts and learn about the traditional block carving, dyeing, and printing processes. In the afternoon, we'll visit Nila House, a unique non-profit that champions traditional crafts and empowers artisans, women, and regenerative practices. Their innovative approach blends contemporary design with sustainable practices, ensuring the future of India's vibrant craft heritage. Dinner is across the street at Anokhi Cafe and Store.
Feb. 14: After breakfast, return to Bagru for your second day of block printing workshops. Learn more than one printing and dyeing technique, creating small rugs, totes, and bandanas. Enjoy shopping and connecting with the local artisans throughout this special day. Dinner is back at Jobner.
Feb. 15: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Jobner. Head to your final destination, Anopura - a beautiful boutique hotel + farm nestled amidst nature. The design and ethos of this place is a fantastic compliment to all things ARTIST & NOMAD. This farm stay offers pools, an Ayurvedic spa, pottery classes, local hiking and biking, and stunning surroundings. Relax and unwind after exploring the Golden Triangle. Take a sunset hike before dinner. Join an evening restorative Yoga class and lectio reading.(optional)
Feb. 16: Start your day with yoga and a nature inspired lectio reading.(optional) Enjoy a slow morning and explore the property or local village. Participate in an on-sight traditional pottery class before lunch. After lunch, relax by the pool or book an Ayurvedic spa treatment (optional). In the evening, gather for a special debriefing session and final dinner together. Evening yoga and lectio reading.(optional)
Feb. 17: What an incredible journey we have shared! After breakfast, take a morning nature walk before departing for Jaipur Airport. You can relax at the property until your flight (extra meals/drinks not included.) Flights from Jaipur will connect through Mumbai or Delhi depending on your final destination. Godspeed on a safe journey home, and may your time in India continue to challenge and inspire you for years to come. I am so grateful that you said yes to this adventure together!
DETAILS:
Dates: Feb 6-17 and Nov 12-23 (private tour)
Trip Cost: $3950 (Feb Tour) and $4400 (Nov tour)
Cost includes: all meals, non-alcoholic drinks, all lodging (shared room), all planned experiences and excursions, local transportation (cars and in-country flights), group tips, and airport transfers.
Cost does not include: your international flight, travel insurance, optional excursions, personal purchases, alcohol, or personal tips.
Room Arrangements: two per room. You will have your own bed unless discussed otherwise. (Single supplement is $1500 additional, depending on availability. Please inquire if interested.)
Deposit to secure your spot: $500
First Payment Due FEB Tour: $1975 – Aug 1, 2024
Final Payment Due FEB Tour: $1475 – Dec 1, 2024
First Payment Due NOV Tour: $2200 - Apr 1, 2025
Final Payment Due NOV Tour: $1700 - Aug 1, 2025
- Questions? Email us and we’d be happy to connect.
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Once registration closes, details will be sent to help aid in your transportation options Morocco. Your transportation is not included, but we will help guide you on how to get here. We will also provide information for a trusted travel agent if you are coming internationally and need assistance with flights and travel insurance (required).
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Once registration for this retreat is closed, everyone registered will receive a link to an online portal with all the details you need to know including a general itinerary, packing list, culture tips, and transportation details. Kirsten will also offer a group Google meet-up so everyone can meet each other and learn more about plans for your adventure in India (the group video meeting is usually 2-3 months prior to the retreat).