Creative Retreats

Explore the World with Judy!

During an Artistic Artifacts Travel Creative Retreat with Judy Gula, enjoy a vacation filled with art classes, tours, wonderful cuisine and more! Explore exciting international destinations as you learn new creative techniques, witness handcrafted products being manufactured in behind the scene visits to local factories and studios, partake in private tours of local historic sites, museums — and so much more! Stay connected via our newsletter for the latest news on all special events!

• Our Fall 2026 mixed media retreat in Ischia di Castro in Northern Italy — seats have opened up! See below!
• Just added! Textile Tour of Indonesia with Judy Gula: June 15-29, 2027 — learn more below
• Textile, Craft & Cultural Journey of Uzbekistan with Judy Gula: October 17 – November 1, 2027 — learn more below
  
• For more information on classes and special events at our shop in Alexandria, VA. Visit our Workshops & Events page »

Italy Creative Retreat September 5-13: Join Judy!

Judy returns to Ischia di Castro in Northern Italy in 2026 on September 5–13  — join us for the fun! We have a dedicated studio space in town, fully stocked for your fiber and mixed media adventure. All art supplies are provided for your morning classes, and afternoons you’ll explore historical and art-filled towns and venues. Download an example itinerary of the weeklong tour »

Artistic Artifacts works with Lewis Gautieri of Italian Cultural Tours to bring this one of a kind trip to you. Contact Lewis with questions. and to let him know you are interested in a future trip! You may also call Italian Cultural Tours: US (202) 246-3570 or IT (+39) 340 869 3991. “This trip of a lifetime has limited space and we would love to have you join us! Enjoy living like (and amongst) a local. Participate in local customs, food, wine other regional delights while enjoying your own apartment or BNB in the center of Ischia di Castro, a Medieval village from the 1500's.” Lewis shares. “Participate in Judy's custom designed workshop, incorporating the local flavor into your project and enjoy guided tours of some of the most authentic Medieval villages on the planet. You will be well cared for from the beginning to the end, creating memories of a lifetime — several guests have enjoyed the trip more than once!”

Ischia di Castro, located approximately 55 miles (90 kilometers) northwest of Rome in the northernmost area of Lazio. Rich in history, it is strategically located to many fascinating cities, historic archaeological sites such as the ancient Etruscan city of Castro, and bodies of water. Lewis Gautieri offers you assistance and personalized attention and is happy to assist you with flight recommendations, customized tours, spouse activities, extended stay options and more.

June 15-29, 2027: Textile Tour of Indonesia

“Our last Indonesia Textile & Cultural Journey with Judy Gula was an incredible success and completely sold out! The wonderful response, inspiring workshops, and unforgettable experiences made it a truly special tour,” shares Aahilya Holidays with the news that Judy will return to Indonesia in 2027! “If you missed out last time — or simply can't wait to experience it again — this is the perfect journey for every textile, craft, and culture enthusiast.”

“Travel through the fascinating islands of Java and Bali on a 15-day adventure, discovering Indonesia's rich textile traditions and vibrant cultural heritage. Learn the art of batik from master artisans in Yogyakarta, visit UNESCO World Heritage temples, royal palaces, traditional villages, and outstanding museums. In Bali, explore handwoven textiles, natural dyeing, double ikat weaving, Balinese painting, wood carving, music, dance, and ceremonial traditions through exclusive hands-on workshops and authentic local experiences. A journey filled with creativity, craftsmanship, culture, and memories!” Booking now: Textile Tour of Indonesia with Judy Gula from Aahilya Holidays.

Highlights of the tour include:

• Discover the textile and cultural heritage of Yogyakarta and Bali.
• Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Borobudur and Prambanan Temples.
• Enjoy three hands-on batik workshops, including batik painting, stamp batik (cap), and a full-day masterclass.
• Explore the Batik Museum, Danar Hadi Batik Museum, and Batik Kauman Village.
• Experience traditional silver making and Wayang Kulit (leather puppet) craftsmanship.
• Visit Candirejo Village and enjoy an authentic Javanese village experience.
• Discover Bali's weaving traditions, including Songket and the rare Gringsing Double Ikat textiles.
• Participate in a two-day natural dyeing and eco-printing workshop.
• Experience Balinese culture at Bali Budaya with dance, music, ceremonial offerings, wood carving, and a traditional home-cooked lunch.
• Visit a traditional coffee and spice plantation and take part in a Balinese purification ritual.
• Enjoy a Barong Dance performance and visit Tohpati Batik Village and the Ubud Royal Palace.
• Meet skilled artisans and enjoy authentic Indonesian cuisine throughout the tour.

October 17–November 1, 2027: Uzbekistan

With friendly locals, affordable prices, and a rich cultural heritage, Uzbekistan is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and food. Booking now: A Textile, Craft & Cultural Journey of Uzbekistan with Judy Gula from Aahilya Holidays!

Uzbekistan is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture. It was once an important stop on the Silk Road, and its cities are still home to some of the most impressive examples of Islamic architecture in the world. Pictured above is The Hazrati Imam complex, an architectural monument dating from the 16th to 20th centuries, located in Tashkent and constructed near the grave of Hazrati Imam, the first imam-khatib of Tashkent, a scholar, preacher, poet and an artist.

Uzbekistan is also known for its delicious cuisine, which blends influences from Russia, China, and the Middle East. Visitors can try traditional dishes like plov (rice pilaf with meat and vegetables), lagman (noodle soup), and shashlik (grilled meat).

Highlights of the tour include:

• Join workshops on block printing, ceramics, and embroidery
• Take cooking classes for somsa, manty, and plov (rice pilaf with meat and vegetables)
• Visit museums, including the Museum of Applied Arts
• Explore a silk factory and see traditional textile making
• Meet master artisans in Gijduvan, Rishtan, and Tashkent
• Discover Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand — these ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with stunning mosques, madrasas, and mausoleums that date back to the 9th century
• See famous landmarks like Lyab-i Hauz, Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasa, Kalon Minaret, and Ulugh Beg Madrasa
• Explore mosques, madrasas, minarets, markets, and local Islamic culture

Visit Aahilya Holidays to learn more about this exciting trip and to book your tour to accompany Judy on this Textile, Craft & Cultural Journey of Uzbekistan!

Join Judy on a Creative Retreat!
Artistic Artifacts strives to bring you the best in international destinations with traditional textile village visits, meeting the artisans who practice the artform, attending textile and art workshops, and learning about the history and significance of the handcrafted items and regions visited.

Above, Sacro Bosco di Bomarzo (translates to Sacred Grove or Sacred Wood and is known as The Park of the Monsters), located near the town of the same name, Bomarzo, in the province of Viterbo. This is a popular tour during our Italian Creative Retreat!
Panorama photograph by Shadow Fixing - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link