Festival of Quilts in Britain

Tour Leader: Gina Perkes

Day 1
Fly to London, England

Icelandair Plane

Tour members check in for their flights to London  in the late afternoon and evening .

Departures are from about 20 US and Canadian cities and are included in your tour package. These are overnight flights that arrive at London’s Heathrow Airport the following morning.

Day 2
London

Participants arrive  at Heathrow Airport from the United States and Canada

After clearing customs the tour members will be met by Gina Perkes and transfer together to the city of London.

Check in to the Park Plaza County Hotel.  The Park Plaza  is surrounded by the best that London has to offer. Set in the heart of London, the hotel is a few minutes walk to  Big Ben, the National Theatre, the London Aquarium and Westminster and Waterloo Stations.

You will be staying 4 nights at this hotel.  

Day 3
London - City Tour

Breakfast is served in your hotel. 

Today‘s excursion takes you to The Tower of London, a UNESCO listed attraction. You will travel in the company of an expert tour guide and explore highlights like the White Tower, The Tower Green (sight of royal executions), the crown jewels and more.

Lunch is included at a typical London Pub.

The afternoon excursion takes you to London’s famous Victoria & Albert Museum will be one of the highlights of your tour. The V&A is the world‘s leading museum of Art and Design. It houses an amazing collection of antique quilts, including some of the earliest examples of European quilting, dating back to the late 14th century. From luxurious courtly robes to a quilt stitched by 21st-century prison inmates, the V&A holds a rich variety of objects created through quilting and patchwork.

There will be time for lunch during the day and a visit to Liberty of London, one of the capital‘s iconic stores. In a beautiful Tudor-revival building you‘ll find high-end fashion, luxury home ware and Liberty‘s own fabric line.

Day 4
London - Windsor

Breakfast is served in your hotel.

Check out of the hotel and head for Windsor, a drive of about 1 hour (24 m).

Arrive at Windsor Castle, one of the oldest and largest occupied castles in the world. Since it was founded in the 11th century it has been home to 39 monarchs. Queen Elizabeth II spent most of her private weekends at the Castle.

Here a multi-media tour will take you through the State Apartments and Semi-State rooms, sharing the history and highlights of Windsor Castle.
A visit to the fabulous Windsor Castle is a royal treat! Since William the Conqueror built a wooden fortress here over 900 years ago, this has been a royal palace and residence.

There will be time for lunch during the day and a visit to Liberty of London, one of the capital‘s iconic stores. In a beautiful Tudor-revival building you‘ll find high-end fashion, luxury home ware and Liberty‘s own fabric line.

Day 5
Free Day in London or Optional Downton Abbey tour

Breakfast is served in your hotel. The day is free without a program.

For those who wish, we offer a day tour to the famous Downton Abbey TV locations.

Program as follows:

Visit Cogges Farm, the location of Yew Tree Farm in the Downton Abbey series. You will feel like you are stepping back in time to a farm from the 19th century.  Visit the manor house kitchen, farm buildings, the orchard and farm animals.

Pass through Shilton and Swinbrook, two delightful villages featured in the show.  The region is known as the Cotswold’s, a protected area of outstanding beauty.

Enjoy a cup of tea, scones or homemade pastries in Bampton where Mrs. Crawley’s house is located. Continue on thru the countryside to Highclere Castle, the real life Downton Abbey. Visit the magnificent aristocratic rooms (state rooms, dining room and grand staircase) and beautiful gardens that make up the estate.

Day 6
London - Birmingham- Festival of Quilts Show

Breakfast is served in your hotel.

Transfer from your hotel to the Marylebone Railway Station and board the West Midland Railway train to Birmingham.

Arrive at New Street Station in the center of Birmingham. Transfer to the Radisson Blu Hotel your home for the next two nights.  After check in at the hotel transfer to the Festival of Quilts Show and spend the remainder of the day.

You’ll have a two day ticket for the show, which you can enjoy at your leisure.

Day 7
Birmingham - The Festival of Quilts Show

The Festival of Quilts is Europe‘s leading patchwork and quilting event attracting over 25,000 visitors annually from around the world. The show is a celebration of quilting in all its forms, with over 300 exhibitors offering essential suppliers, galleries of quilts from leading international makers, workshops, talks and demos, plus a magnificent display of over 800 competition quilts.

Day 8
Birmingham - Nottingham - Bradford - Leeds

Breakfast at Radisson Blu Hotel then check out and depart for Nottingham.  Visit Nottingham Castle for a good measure of history and tales of Robin Hood and his Merry Men.

Continue  on through the East Midlands (lunch en-route) to Bradford. Today’s highlight is a visit to the Bradford Industrial Museum featuring permanent displays of textile machinery, steam power and engineering.

Leave Bradford for the short drive to Leeds. Check in to the Park Plaza Leeds located in the city center within walking distance to shops, restaurants and entertainment.  Remainder of day to spend as you wish. Dinner at Town Hall Tavern.

Day 9
Leeds - Newcastle -Galashiels - Edinburgh

Breakfast is served at your hotels then check out  of the hotel.

Today’s tour will include a visit to Leeds Kirkgate Market, Newcastle and Galashiels. The highlight is visiting The Great Tapestry of Scotland located in Galashiels. The tapestry was created by a 1,000 people across Scotland  a visual account of Scotland’s history, heritage and culture from its formation to the present day.

Continue on to Edinburgh and check in to the Apex City Edinburgh Hotel located at the foot of Edinburgh Castle. This will be your home for the next two nights. (B)

Day 10
Edinburgh - City Tour

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel then depart for a city tour of Edinburgh.  Visit Edinburgh Castle. The castle is sitting 443 feet above sea level on a volcanic crag  the  view will take your breath away.

Next is a visit  to Duvcot Studios, the world re-known tapestry studio. Lunch in the cafe followed by a tour of the studio.

Your tour today ends on The Royal Mile in Edinburgh’s old town, where the afternoon is free without a program. Dinner on your own at one of the many restaurants and pubs. (B)

Day 11
Edinburgh - Scottish Highlands - Fort William

Enjoy   breakfast at Apex City Hotel then depart Edinburgh on a journey through the enchanted Scottish Highlands.

Arrive at Doune Castle a 14th century stronghold. This castle was the location  for Ivanhoe, Monty Python and the Holy Grail,  and castle Leoch in Outlander and Winterfell in Game of Thrones.

Discover Callander where the highlands meet the lowlands, the scenic Trossach Trail and Aberfoyle. Visit The Scottish Wool Center with a hands on demonstration on spinning.

End the day at Fort William and the excellent Whispering Pine Lodge for the final two nights of your tour. Dinner at the Lodge. (B)

Day 12
Fort William - Free Day

Breakfast at Whispering Pines Lodge and then depart for Cameron Square in Fort William.

This is the largest town in the highlands and is the place for those who like to shop, socialize and have a tasty meal.  You can spend the day on your own in Fort Williams or take the optional Jacob Steam Train excursion – famous as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies.

End your tour with a festive “Farewell to Scotland” dinner.

Day 13
Fort William - Glasgow - U>S>A / Canada - HOME

Festival of Quilts in BritainBreakfast is served at Whispering Pine Lodge.

Check out of your hotel and depart for Glasgow International Airport (116 M).

Departure from Glasgow by ICELANDAIR via Iceland. Depending on the U.S. destination other airlines may be offered.

Arrival in U.S. in the late afternoon or evening.

Christmas Markets In Bavaria & Northern Lights In Iceland

Tour Manager : Biggi Blondal

Day 1
United States - Iceland - Munich

Icelandair Plane

Tour participants travel from the U.S. to Munich Germany on a overnight flight which arrives the following morning.

TOUR MANAGER: BIGGI BLONDAL
“Biggi”, your tour manager lives in Torrey, Utah where he is a contractor building solar energy systems throughout the state of Utah. Biggi is born in Iceland , speaks the language fluently and knows the country from one end to the other. During the winter downtime for his solar business he sometimes acts as a tour manager for NATO LTD. You will find him a charismatic, caring, knowledgeable hands-on tour manager.>

Biggi will meet up with the group up after you clear customs in Munich.

Day 2
Munich

Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik

Morning Arrival in Munich. You will be met by your illustrious Bavarian tour guide Maximilian Bukszpan. Transfer to the traditional 4-star Hotel Platzl, located in the heart of the city. Hotel Platzl is located in the historic old town between famous Hofbrauhaus the Viktualienmarkt and Marienplatz, where the Christkindlmarkt takes place.

Spend time this afternoon with Max exploring the Christkindlmarkt. The traditional Christmas Market at Marienplatz dates back to the 14th century and is considered the most original and authentic in Munich, where about 40 such markets take place annually.

Rest and relax at your hotel before a “Welcome to Germany” dinner at Hofbräuhaus, “The World‘s most famous Tavern” – built in 1589 and accommodates up to 5,000 revelers. Have fun! (D)

GERMAN TOUR GUIDE:  Maximilian Bukszpan is the Bavarian expert tour guide who will meet the group on arrival in Munich and stay with the group until you leave Munich for Iceland. “Max” is a native “Münchner” who has traveled the world. For the last 20 years he has offered his services as private tour guide throughout Bavaria, – including Munich, Rothenburg and Nuremberg.

ICELAND TOUR GUIDE: Will join the group on arrival at Keflavik Airport and stay with the group until you depart back to the United States.

 

Day 3
Munich-Neuschwanstein Castle & Linderhof Palace day tour

Christmas Market

Today visit the fairy tale castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof, created by Germany’s 19th-century King Ludwig II. Admire Bavaria’s magnificent scenery as you journey to Linderhof, Ludwig’s rococo-style hunting lodge and last home. Take the interior tour of Linderhof before continuing to Neuschwanstein. Upon arrival at Neuschwanstein you will see a picture book castle of turrets and chambers that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Maximilian will be in his element during this tour where his local knowledge will be of great value. Lunch at Alpenstuben then return to Munich and the Hotel Platzl.

You are on your own for dinner. (B, L)

Day 4
Munich – Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Munich

Proceed from Munich along the Romantic Road for further adventures. Visit  Fortress Harburg for a guided tour of one of the oldest, original fortresses in Europe. Your next stop is historic Dinkelsbuhl. Tour Dinkelsbuhl then enjoy lunch at the Deutsches Haus, known as one of the most beautiful hotels in southern Germany. The final phase of today’s journey takes you to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Check in at Hotel Altes Brauhaus located in the midst of the medieval walled town, surrounded by winding cobbled streets. Dinner at nearby Restaurant Glocke – one of the best in town. (B,L,D)

Day 5
Rothenburg to Nuremberg

Rothenberg”

You will be enjoying an early Christmas in Bavaria and all the wonderful festivities that are described on these pages. It is a fact, however, that you will be traveling in the middle of winter, when mother nature may not always accommodate.

The morning is free, and you may decide to take off on your own to explore this lovely city – described by many as the most beautiful in Germany. You also could join Maximillian for a tour to the Christmas Market while others may sign up for a quilt class with Susan Nagy. Lunch is on your own.

Depart Rothenburg for the short drive to  Nuremberg, Bavaria’s 2nd largest city after Munich.  Upon arrival in Nuremberg check in to the Park Inn Hotel ****located in the heart of the city. (B)

Day 6
Nuremberg

Nuremberg

Take a tour of Nuremberg – Max is in charge. Proceed to the infamous former Nazi Party Rally grounds of  immense proportions that stand as vivid testimony of the megalomania of the National Socialist regime. Visit Courtroom 600 at the Palace of Justice, the site of the  “Nuremberg Trials”, where Nazi war criminals were sentenced to death by the International Military Tribunal in late 1945.

Enjoy a walking tour through  Old Town Nuremberg.   Once a center of the Holy Roman Empire, and a cradle of the German Renaissance Explore the enchanting Old Town with its fantastic regional food and drink, and the greatest Christmas Markets in Germany.

Dinner at Zum Gulden Stern will be the perfect finale to your Germany visit.   (B,D)

Day 7
Nuremberg – Munich – Iceland Northern Lights

Northern Lights

Depart Nuremberg for Munich Riem Airport. Say your goodbyes to Maximilian. Checkin for your flight to Iceland by Icelandair.  You will arrive in the afternoon at Keflavik Airport, Iceland.  Your Iceland guide will meet you upon arrival at Keflavik and will be your guide for your entire stay in Iceland. Drive 2 hours to Southern Iceland and arrive at cozy Hotel Laekur. Your hotel is located in the perfect place to observe the Northern Lights – away from all city lights.  Enjoy a hearty “Welcome to Iceland Dinner”. Before turning in after an eventful day you have a choice between a seat at the bar, sauna or outdoors hot tub – a perfect place to gaze at the spectacular Northern Lights. (B,D)

Day 8
Geysir Geothermal Area – Gullfoss – Reykjavik

Icelandic Horses

Drive to Geysir Geothermal area, where you will see any number of bubbling, spouting and boiling hot springs in eerie moonlike landscapes. Visit Geysir, the first geyser for which all geysers are named. See Strokkur geysir erupting every 4-8 minutes. Drive on to nearby Gullfoss, the majestic waterfall, one of the world´s most scenic.  Lunch at Friðheimar Farm an amazing greenhouse complex, followed by a horse show that provides an insight into the story of the remarkable Icelandic horse breed.  Enjoy a “Meeting with the Horses.”  Continue to the Thingborg Wool Center where you can buy beautiful Icelandic sweaters, scarfs, mittens, etc.

The final drive will take you to Reykavik, Iceland’s lively and colorful capital. Check-in to the Center Hotel Plaza on Main Street, within walking distance to shopping and attractions. Dinner at Geysir Bistro located around the corner from your hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 9
Reykjavik

Renowned Icelandic Quilting Master Gudrun Erla

Breakafast at Hotel Plaza and be off with Eythor for a tour of Reykjavik and see all the major city attractions. The afternoon is free without a program.  You might wish to try an Icelandic hot dog for lunch; a treat with a difference. Ask for a hot dog with everything – absolutely superb and a must do while in Reykjavik.

Your “Farewell to Iceland” dinner will be served at Matarkjallarinn (the Food Cellar).  This is a popular meeting place for locals, “where Food is for the Body and Music for the Soul”.  (B,D)

Day 10
Reykjavik – Blue Lagoon – Return Home

Blue Lagoon Hot Springs

Breakfast at the Center Hotel Plaza and then depart Reykjavik for Reykjanes Peninsula, where both the Blue Lagoon and Keflavik Airport are located. Arrive at the Blue Lagoon for a optional visit and dip (2 hours) in this spectacular outdoor spa oasis. Tour members who opt not to visit the Blue Lagoon will proceed to Keflavik Airport and early check-in for their flight to the United States.

There is lots of interesting shopping as well as a wide choice of restaurants for lunch to enjoy prior to your afternoon flight to the various destinations in the U.S. and Canada. (B)

Iceland in Summer

Day 1
United States – Iceland

Godafoss “Falls of the Gods”

 

Departures from:

Baltimore, Boston, Newark, New York, Minneapolis,Toronto & Montreal, Washington DC, Denver, Chicago, Portland-Or, Raleigh-Durham, Seattle, for your nonstop/overnight flight to Keflavik Airport via Icelandair or Play Airlines. Both airlines will be adding more departure cities and we will update this list as they come on board.

Day 2
Keflavik, Iceland

Hallgrimskirkja Church in Reykjavik
Icelandic Horses

Arrive at Keflavik Airport in the early morning. Clear customs then take a short drive to Viking World, a museum that features exhibitions about the times of the Vikings – Breakfast is served at the museum. Depart from the museum for the Hotel Berg the perfect place to rest after a long overnight journey. “Welcome to Iceland” dinner tonight in the hotels Fiskbarinn Restaurant. (B,D)

Day 3
Keflavik – Reykjavik – Hroarslaekur

The Adored Puffin
Thorsmork

Depart from Hotel Berg and head for Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, located just 32 miles east from the airport. Once in Reykjavik head directly for Hallgrimskirkja, the tallest and largest church in Iceland. A statue of Leif Eiriksson is aligned directly in front of the church, a gift from the U.S. commemorating the 1,000 anniversary of the Icelandic parliament and a tacit acknowledgement that Leif beat Christopher Columbus to North America by almost 500 years.

Your tour will include the Parliament Building, the National Theater and the main seat of government. Visit the harbor area, where older buildings have been retrofitted as boutiques and restaurants.  Leave Reykjavik and travel along the main route through southern Iceland.  Pass green farmlands where the Icelandic horses will be grazing along the roadside.  Continue on to the hamlet of Hella and check in to the Hotel Laekur your home for the next 3 days. “Welcome to Iceland” dinner this evening and get acquainted with your fellow travelers. (B,D)

Day 4
"The Wilds of Iceland" / Thjorsardalur Valley

Beautiful Icelandic Landscapes
Magnificent Gullfoss

Rise and shine-enjoy breakfast at Hotel Laekur.  Depart for Thjorsardalur Valley a good introduction to the “Land of Fire and Ice.” Located at the edge of the Icelandic Highlands where you will find the largest lava field in Iceland and spectacular waterfalls. This valley is within clear sight of the active volcano Hekla. Visit Haifoss, the tallest waterfall in Iceland.

Lunch in Hrauneyjar then return to Hotel Laekur where you can enjoy the outside hot pot or the sauna.

Dinner at Hotel Laekur. (B,L,D)

Day 5
Waterfall Gullfoss-Hot Springs Geysir-The Icelandic Horse

Heydalur Activities”
Skogafoss

Depart Hotel Laekur after breakfast for a full days excursion. Visit Gullfoss a majestic waterfall, the Geothermal Geysir that erupts every 4-8 minutes. Drive on to Fridheimar Farm an amazing horse breeding complex and greenhouse. Enjoy a delicious lunch and afterwards a horse show.The show gives you a insight into the remarkable Icelandic horse. Depart for The Icelandic Horse World where you will have the opportunity to interact with the Icelandic horse and take a ride into the beautiful Icelandic nature. Return home and dinner at the hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 6
Hroarslaekur-Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar)

Icelandic Horses
Herjolfur

You have not been to Iceland if you have not been to the Westman Islands, a archipelago of 15 islands – off the beaten path of most tours.  The islands were formed by submarine volcanic eruptions 11,000 years ago.  The biggest island, Heimaey is the only permanently inhabited one and is the home to approximately 4300 people.  Visit the Volcano Museum and the lava fields.  Lunch is at “Gott Restaurant.

Check in to Hotel Westmannaeyjar for two nights. Dinner at Einsi Kaldi (Einar The Cool One). (B,L,D)

Day 7
Westman Islands

Geysir Geothermal Eruptions
The Adorable Puffins

Today take a exciting excursion by boat around Vestmannaeyjar.  With a excellent view from the ocean you can see the cliffs teeming with puffins and other birds.  Surtsey, a newly formed volcanic island with a rugged lava coastline and colorful caves will also be in your view. Return to dry land and visit the remarkable Sagnheimar Folk Museum. Lunch at Canton Chinese Restaurant.

After lunch you will hike (1.3 mile loop) to Eldfjall Volcano that erupted in 1973.

Dinner tonight at “Slippurinn Restaurant”.  (B,L,D)

Day 8
Seljalandsfoss-Skogafoss-Vik-Hali

Reykjavik
Reykjavik

Depart after breakfast for Heimaey Harbor and board the Herjolfur ferry to the mainland. Once on land continue through southern Iceland. First visit today is to beautiful Seljalandsfoss and Skogsfoss waterfalls, two of the most beautiful in Iceland.

Continue on to Vik I Myrdal (the southernmost village in Iceland) for lunch at the highly rated Halldorskaffi. Next is a visit to Vatnajokull, the largest glacier in Europe. Your day ends in Hali and the Country Hotel Hali. Dinner in hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 9
Hali-Jokulsarlon-Glacial Lagoon Cruise-Reynisfjara-Vik I Myrdal

Renowned Icelandic Quilting Master Gudrun Erla
Reykjavik In Summer

Breakfast at Hotel Hali then depart for Jokulsarlon. Board a amphibian boat on   Iceland’s deepest glacial
lagoon for a 30 minute excursion.  The lagoon is 150 feet deep and has enormous icebergs with huge blocks of ice breaking off  the glacier.  Once back on land continue to a small village for  lunch at Bistro 1783 Restaurant.

Your next stop is Reynisfjara to see the fascinating black sand beaches with their crushing waves, basalt columns and huge cave.

Proceed to Vik for overnight at Hotel Katla. Buffet dinner in hotel restaurant. (B,L,D)

Day 10
Vik i myrdal-Reykjavik

Blue Lagoon Hot Springs

Breakfast at Hotel KATLA then checkout and drive by the shortest route to Reykjavik.
Arrive in downtown Reykjavik and check-in to Hotel Holt. Remainder of the day at your leisure. Lunch and dinner is on your own. (B)

Day 11
Reykjavik-Free Day / Day 12-Return Home

Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon

DAY 11
REYKJAVIK-FREE DAY
Today is a free day in Reykjavik without regimentation to pursue your own interests. Reykjavik is a lively, colorful city with plenty to do. Optional Whale Watching excursion or for quilters participate in a quilting workshop. Farewell dinner at the “Gallery Restaurant.” (B,D)

DAY 12
THINGVELLIR NP-RETURN HOME
After breakfast check out of Hotel Holt. Continue to Thingvellir National Park where the parliament was established in 930AD.

Depart the park for Keflavik and check-in at Icelandic or Play Airlines ticket counter for your return flight home.