TOURS WITH LISA WALTON & AAHILYA HOLIDAYS
Join experienced tour leader Lisa Walton and Aahilya Holidays on a unique journey into the world of craft and textile traditions. Designed for creative travellers, our tours go beyond the typical tourist path to uncover hidden workshops, lively markets, and skilled artisans. With hands-on experiences and cultural insights, you’ll explore the stories behind the textiles and connect with the true spirit of each destination.
JOURNEY THROUGH THE CULTURE & TEXTILES OF NORTH INDIA WITH LISA WALTON 2025
Embark on a captivating journey through the vibrant textile heritage of North India, exploring its intricate designs, rich colors, and traditional techniques. Discover the diverse range of textiles produced in this region, from the delicate silks of Varanasi to the vibrant block prints of Jaipur. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of North India, exploring ancient monuments, bustling markets, and vibrant festivals. This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of North Indian textiles and culture.
Highlights Of The Tour
- Sightseeing tour of Mumbai.
- Block printing workshop in Mumbai
- Witness Ganga Aarti ceremony
- Boat cruise at the river Ganges
- Explore the famous ghats and temples of Varanasi
- See the weaving process of famous Banarasi Saree
- Visit Sarnath
- Sightseeing tour of Lucknow
- Participate in Chickan embroidery workshop in Lucknow
- Visit to SEWA [Self-Employed Women’s Association]
- Learn the technique of Zari embroidery
- Sunrise visit to Taj Mahal and visit Agra Fort
- Heritage walk of Agra and Lucknow.
- Visit magnificent Abhaneri Stepwells and Fatehpur Sikri.
- Sighseeing tour of Jaipur
- Visit to Handmade paper factory & Blue pottery factory
- Participate in Block printing workshop
12th – 28th November 2025
For more information – www.aahilyaholidays.com 
ACROSS THE SILK ROAD
KYRGYZSTAN & TAJIKISTAN
WITH LISA WALTON 2025
Join Lisa on an unforgettable journey through Central Asia, following the ancient Silk Road through Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Explore lively bazaars, historic caravanserais, and meet nomadic communities preserving traditional ways of life. With rich culture, history, and natural beauty, this trip offers a rare glimpse into two of the Silk Road’s hidden gems. Marvel at soaring mountain landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and remote villages where time seems to stand still. It’s a journey filled with discovery, connection, and enduring traditions.
Highlights Of The Tour
- Visit Osh Bazaar and Aidai women’s workshop
- Participate in Crochet embroidery
- Visit Burana Tower and Boom Gorge
- Visit Issykul Lake and Kyzyl Tuu
- Participate in Felt workshop
- Visit Chon Kemin National Park
- Participate in Boorsok baking cooking class
- Participate in Suzani embroidery
- Sightseeing tour of Dushanbe visiting Rudake park, National library, Gurminj Museum and Hisor Fortress.
- Explore Istaravshan bazaar
- Visit Cultural Palace and Central Mosque in Khujand
- Visit Museum of Applied Arts, Chorsu Bazaar and Kukeldash Madrassah.
11th – 26th April 2026
For more information & itinerary – www.aahilyaholidays.com
DISCOVER GEORGIA & ARMENIA
WITH LISA WALTON 2025
This journey is a culturally immersive tour through the heart of the Caucasus, led by acclaimed textile artist Lisa Walton. This unique tour blends stunning landscapes, ancient history, and rich traditions with creative textile experiences. You will explore historic monasteries, vibrant markets, and artisan communities, while enjoying the warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and deep-rooted heritage of both Georgia and Armenia.
Highlights Of The Tour
- Sightseeing tour of Tbilisi
- Participate in Wool processing workshop
- Join Khinkali masterclass
- Visit Khareba winery and participate in Churchkhela masterclass.
- Participate in Pottery workshop
- Visit Jvari Monastery and Svetitskhoveli Cathedral.
- Visit Haghpat monastery and walking tour of Dilijan city.
- Participate in Telik needlework
- Sightseeing of Dilijan Geological Museum, Lake Sevan and Sevanavank monastery.
- Visit Megerian Carpet museum and factory.
- Sightseeing tour of Yerevan city.
- Visit Gerhard Cave monastery and participate in masterclass on lavash baking.
- Visit Echmiadzin Cathedral and Zvartnots Cathedral.
- Participate in baking Gata.
26th April – 11th May 2026
For more information & itinerary – www.aahilyaholidays.com
CRAFT & TEXTILE TRADITIONS OF SOUTH KOREA
WITH LISA WALTON 2026
This textile craft tour offers a rich journey into South Korea’s traditional and contemporary textile heritage. Explore hanbok and hanji in Jeonju, discover modern crafts in coastal Busan, and delve into ancient artistry in historic Gyeongju. In Daegu, Korea’s textile hub, experience fabric dyeing and weaving firsthand, before concluding in Seoul, where tradition meets innovation. It’s an inspiring blend of cultural discovery and hands-on creativity.
Highlights Of The Tour
- Participate in Natural dyeing workshop
- Bojagi (wrapping cloth) workshop
- Embroidery session to create a traditional bokjumeoni (lucky pouch)
- Tteok (rice cake) making in Gyeongj
- Visit to Jinju Silk Museum and Silk Research Centre
- Tour the Chojun Textile & Quilt Art Museum.
- Explore Dongdaemun Design Plaza & Textile market.
- Stroll through Jeonju Hanok Village in traditional hanbok
- Discover historic Bulguksa Temple and Woljeong Bridge in Gyeongju
- Visit Gyeongbok Palace and Flying Horse Tomb in Seoul
- Nakdong Rail Bike Ride and Raspberry Wine Cave in Gimhae
- Explore Gamcheon Culture Village, Jagalchi Seafood Market, and Gwangan
Beach - Day trip to Chuncheon with visit to Nami Island and Soyanggang Skywalk .
18th – 28th November 2026
For more information & itinerary – www.aahilyaholidays.com
A TEXTILE ODYSSEY THROUGH JAPAN 2025
TOUR FULL
Lisa is returning in 2025 to her favourite country Japan to explore the amazing textiles, culture and of course foods. Wander though tranquil temples and vibrant cities visiting the past and the future of Japan. Lots of workshops and eating opportunities and fabric shopping.
Highlights of the Tour
- Kubota Kimono Museum
- Shibori workshop
- Kutani Pottery Studio
- Mizuhiki Workshop
- Nishiki Food Market
- Kappabashi Kitchen Town
- Fabric Town
- Shinkansen train trip
- Recycled Kimono Workshop
- Gold Leaf Workshop
- Shirakawago Gasso Village – UNESCO World Heritage site
- Weaving Workshop
17th September – 30 September 2025
Click below for more information
Japan Textile Tour 2025 Information
‘Lisa’s Japan tour was THE trip of a lifetime! It was fantastic. I went on my own and I was happy to share a room. I was paired up with a kindred spirit from another state which made the trip all that more enjoyable. The tour has a textile and food focus. Lisa is a beautiful soul who looks after you. She is full of facts and helpful hints to make your trip even more enjoyable. You get to visit great temples, geisha town and traditional gardens which provide essential Zen moments. Enjoy an amazing stay at Fuji-san and take a quick ride on the gondola up to the lookout to experience Mt Fuji in all its glory. The Tokyo Quilt Show, traditional markets and textile shops and of course, Nippori town are just a few of the textile shopping opportubities you get to visit and make purchases if you wish. You experience first hand, traditional crafts at shibori town, indigo dyeing, paper making and yuzen skills and you get to learn these from the masters and artisans. The accommodation is organised as part of the package and each one is so comfortable with trained staff ready to make you feel like a special guest. The tour presents you with hands-on experiences such as making traditional sushi, playing Japanese bingo, and learning traditional song and dance. You get the option to partake in a traditional Onsen. Celebrate the tour with a traditional Japanese degustation. Lisa’s Japan Tour is an extremely positive experience and it has left me wanting to go back to Japan again.’
I had the wonderful opportunity to join Lisa on the UK Festival of Quilts textile tour—a memorable three weeks filled with fun, learning, and textile adventures.
It was a joy to be part of a group of like-minded individuals. We were a diverse group with two New Zealanders, two Australians, and six participants from the USA.
Lisa was an exceptional leader, always ensuring that everyone’s needs were met and that we all felt cared for (as much as independent women need). We were also fortunate to have a knowledgeable local tour guide with us.
I must say, the entire tour was thoughtfully planned, and I would love to join another one in the future—though it might be a year or two before I can do so!
Mary Transom, UK Festival of Quilts Tour 2024