Look
for our Quilting Travel ads in the upcoming issues
of
Quilting Arts, McCall's
Quilting, Quilts and Quilters Newsletter!
|

AUSTRIA
& BAVARIA. GERMANY
Sep
22 - Oct 04, 2012
Extended
stay in Vienna
Oct 04 - 06, 2012
2012 Austrian Quilt Exhibition
Innsbruck
Salzburg Vienna
and places in-between!
Click
here for all of the details!

|
|
HAWAII
Feb
24 - Mar 04, 2012
Kona
Maui Oahu
Hawaiian appliqué class
Trunk shows
Kona Coffee Plantation
Fabric shopping & and much more!
Click
here for all of the details!
|
|
|
Registration
is now open!
Back
by popular demand!
Japan
November 01-11, 2012
Attend
International Quilt Week Yokohama
Quilting class included!
Kyoto - Takayama - Tokyo
- Yokohama
Show & Tell with Keiko Takahashi and local
quilt school students
Amazing fabric shopping and much more!
Click
here for all of the details!
See
photos of
past Japan tours!
|
IF
you have not already submitted your email address
and would like to receive future updates Click
here
|

AUSTRIA
& BAVARIA. GERMANY
Sep
22 - Oct 04, 2012
Extended
stay in Vienna
Oct 04 - 06, 2012
|
Join
Fellow Quilters as we Travel To:
Innsbruck
Oberammergau Neuschwanstein
Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Salzburg
Austia's
Lake District Burgenland Vienna
Attend
the 2012 Austrian Quilt Exhibition
See how the Austrian Blue Prints
are made!
|
Your
Tour Itinerary:
September 22, 2012-Saturday
For those of you living in North America, you
will need to arrange your flight to depart today,
in order to arrive in Innsbruck, Austria on Sunday,
September 23.
In order to plan your free time wisely and learn
more about specific places along the tour that interest
you, we recommend that you purchase one of the following
travel guides: Frommers, Foders, Rick
Steves, or DK Eyewitness. You may want to
be sure it has a food translation section for ordering
when dining out on your own.
Sep
23-Sun
Our hotel in INNSBRUCK is the 5-STAR GRAND
HOTEL EUROPA. The hotel is located across the
street from the main train station. The public bus
F" departs Innsbruck International Airport
every 15 minutes in front of the arrivals hall and
takes about 10 minutes, for a cost of approx. €
2.
Dating
from 1869, this hotel has hosted Queen Elizabeth
II, the shah of Iran, General Patton, and the crew
of Apollo 14. The ornate yellow-and-white baroque
hall is used by Tyrolean government for its most
important functions and the ballroom was constructed
by King Ludwig's Bavarian architects and builders.
Contact
Traveling Together if you would like to arrive in
Innsbruck a day early and stay at the Hotel Europa.
If you would like assistance in arranging your air
travel please call Northwood Travel at 800-780-0571or
email them at info@NorthwoodTravel.com
| Innsbruck,
capital of the Alps, is one of Austrias
oldest cities. Alpine views are around every
corner and the medieval Old Town is home to
imperial palaces, world-class galleries and
Zaha Hadid's avant-garde designs. This afternoon
you may want to take a stroll around Old Town
or relax at the hotel, prior to our WELCOME
DINNER. |
 |
Sep
24-Mon
This
morning we will be crossing the border into Germany
to visit OBERAMMERGAU and GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN.
Oberammergau is located in a wide valley surrounded
by forests, green meadows, and mountains and is
best known for its famous Passion Play, which began
in 1634 when the town's citizens took a vow to give
dramatic thanks after they were spared from the
devastating plague of 1633.
 |
Although we wont be attending the play,
we will be admiring the many buildings in the
historic center that are decorated with "Lüftlmalerei"
or frescoes featuring Bavarian folktales or
religious themes. The town is also known for
its woodcarvers, a craft that has been practiced
here since medieval times. There are plenty
of shops offering good quality woodcarvings,
in addition to two of Kathe Wohlfahrts
famous Christmas shops! |
The villages of Garmisch and Partenkirchen make
up Germany's top Alpine resort. The two towns were
merged for the 1936 Olympic Winter Games and they
have maintained the charm of ancient villages. Even
today, you occasionally see country folk in traditional
dress, and you may be held up in traffic while the
cattle are led from their mountain-grazing grounds
down through the streets of town. Birgit Kaller
is the International Representative of the German
Patchwork Guild and will be supplying us with the
names of any quilt shops in these villages. She
is also working on the possibility of our meeting
with some of the local quilters in Garmisch.
Sep
25-Tue
Today you will be on your own to EXPLORE INNSBRUCK.
Visit Innsbruck
Information to see what Innsbruck has to offer
and whether the purchase of an Innsbruck Card would
be beneficial to you, depending on your individual
interests. Swarovski Chrystal World, The Goldenes
Dachl, Hofburg Imperial Palace and Alpin Zoo are
just a few of the major attractions. If its
a clear day, you may want to ride one of the cable
cars, funicular railways or lifts to enjoy the spectacular
Alpine views. There is no shortage of shopping in
the center of town. Tiroler Heimatwerk is one of
Innsbruck's best stores for handcrafted Tyrolean
items such as sculpture, pewter, textiles, woolen
goods, hand-knit sweaters, lace, and regionally
inspired fabrics and dress patterns. Be sure to
take the time to treat yourself to a piece of rich
chocolate cake at the famous chandelier-lit Café
Sacher!
Sep 26-Wed
| Were
off to Germany again! Near the Bavarian town
of Fussen is one of the most visited castles
in Germany and one of the most popular tourist
destinations in Europe. NEUSCHWANSTEIN,
also known as the castle of the fairy-tale
king", is what inspired Walt Disney to
create the Magic Kingdom. Seven weeks after
the death of King Ludwig II in 1886, Neuschwanstein
was opened to the public. The shy king had built
the castle in order to withdraw from public
life. Today you will have the opportunity to
view what was once his private refuge. King
Ludwig was a great admirer and supporter of
Richard Wagner, the world - renowned composer,
and many rooms in the castle's interior were
inspired by Wagner's characters. Though only
14 rooms were finished before Ludiwg II's sudden
death in 1886, these rooms were majestically
decorated. The two story throne room was designed
in Byzantine style, with wall paintings depicting
angels. Ironically, there is no throne in the
Throne Room, as Ludwig died before it was completely
finished. Well enjoy a GROUP DINNER
this evening when we return to Innsbruck. |
 |
Sep
27-Thu
We depart Innsbruck this morning for SALZBURG,
the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the
gateway to some of Austrias most splendid
landscapes. For fans of the movie The Sound of Music,
the city was the home to the von Trapp family and
you can find movie locations scattered around the
city. After time for lunch, well have A
WALKING TOUR OF THE OLD TOWN, before checking
in to the 5-STAR ALSTADT SAS RADISSON HOTEL.
The historic facade and stone arches from the medieval
structure still remain, adding to the charm of this
1377 converted Alstadt inn. A GROUP DINNER will
be at the hotel this evening.
Sep 28-Fri
 |
After
yesterdays walking tour, you will have
gained the knowledge you need to make the most
of your FREE DAY IN SALZBURG. Whether
you want to follow in Mozarts footsteps,
study the superb baroque architecture, or shop
on the famous medieval street known as the Getreidgasse,
you will be sure to enjoy your day in Salzburg!
|
Sep
29-Sat
We depart Salzburg this morning for SEEWALCHEN
ON LAKE ATTERSEE, in an area known as Upper
Austria. For
60 years, TOSTMANN TRACHTEN has manufactured
Dirndls, a type of traditional dress worn in Bavaria,
Liechtenstein, Austria, and South Tyrol, based on
the historical costume of Alpine peasants
and
they sell traditional 100% cotton Austrian fabrics!
Our next stop will be BAD ISCHL, a charming
small town in the resort area of Austrias
lake district. Theres more fabric at the local
Heimatwerk, along with wonderful shops and time
for lunch. Be sure to allow time for a stop at the
famous Zauners Konditorei (confectionery)
for an afternoon treat! Late this afternoon we depart
for LEOBEN and the FALKENSTEINER HOTEL
AND ASIA SPA. Our GROUP DINNER this evening
will be at the hotel.
Sep
30-Sun
|
Today
we drive to KRIEGLACH, Austria for
the 2012 AUSTRIAN GUILD EXHIBITION!
This is the largest quilt show in Austria,
with a couple of hundred quilts on display
and we will have most of the day to enjoy
them and meet the Austrian quilters.
HELEN HEANEY is Austrias European
Quilt Association (EQA) representative and
has been instrumental in helping us create
this tour. In addition to providing us with
the information for the Austrian fabric shopping,
she is responsible for arranging our visit
tomorrow to Blaudruck Koo which is sure to
be a highlight of the tour!
|
 |
Our
GROUP DINNER this evening will be at a restaurant
on our way to LUTZMANNSBURGS ALL IN RED
HOTEL in the Austrian state of Burgenland, just
minutes from the Hungarian border.
Oct
01-Mon
Just
a short distance from our hotel is
BLAUDRUCK KOO, one of the last
blue print fabric dyers in Europe.
|
Originally, the indigo dyed blue-print fabrics
were used for everyday clothing and work clothes.
Today, they are perfect for quilting and are
much in demand! You will have the opportunity
to see how the dying process is achieved, including
a look at the workroom, vats and stamps used
to make these wonderful prints! They specialize
in reversible printed fabrics that are still
made with an old roller printing machine that
is hand-operated. Most of the dying is done
over the summer months, so the stock room will
be full in October!
Our GROUP DINNER this evening will be
at our hotel. |
Oct
02-Tue
Our last city on the tour is VIENNA. Vienna
is Austria's largest city, as well as its cultural,
economic, and political center. It is the 10th-largest
city by population in the European Union and is
host to many major international organizations,
such as the United Nations and OPEC. After a few
morning visits in the city and time for lunch, we
will have a WALKING TOUR OF CENTRAL VIENNA THAT
WILL INCLUDE ENTRANCE TO ST. STEPHENS
CATHEDRAL, THE IMPERIAL APARTMENTS AND THE SISI
MUSEUM. Location, location, location! HOTEL
ROYAL is on one of the more prestigious streets
of the old city and is less than a block from St.
Stephen's Cathedral. The hotel is within walking
distance of all the major shopping and sights of
the city.
Oct 03-Wed
With map and travel guide in hand, you will have
the whole day to EXPLORE VIENNA. Whether
you decide to shop at the most prestigious shopping
zone in downtown Vienna (also called the Golden
U), visit one of the local markets, or spend
time in one of the many museums, youre sure
to enjoy this exciting city! Visit Vienna
Information to see whether the purchase of a
ViennaCard would be beneficial to you, depending
on your individual interests. This is the last day
of the tour and we will have a FAREWELL DINNER
tonight at our hotel.
Oct
04-Thu
If you will not be joining us on the Vienna extension,
you will be transferred this morning to the VIENNA
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT for your flights home.
There will be one group transfer that will have
everyone at the airport in time for flights that
depart 9:30am or later.
For
those of you that would like to experience more
of Vienna, please read on:
Oct
04-Thu
This morning we will be boarding our bus for a visit
to SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE. Listed as a UNESCO
World Cultural Heritage Site, the palace is one
of the most important cultural monuments in Austria.
The tour will include forty rooms and forty fascinating
stories spanning three centuries. Also included
are the magnificent Hall of Ceremonies, the imposing
Gobelin Salon with its exquisite Brussels tapestries
as well as the room known in Maria Theresia's time
as the Feketin Room, later renamed the Millions
Room because of its precious panelling of rare rosewood.
Oct
05-Fri
Today we will have a guided tour of Viennas
famous SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL, including
the stables. Each year the best LIPIZZAN
STALLIONS are selected for training at the
Spanish Riding School. At the height of their
career, they enchant visitors from all over
the world with their truly unique performances
in the world's most famous riding hall, the
"Winter Riding School", located in
Vienna's Imperial Hofburg Palace. Tickets cannot
be purchased until today for the morning exercise
that is set to music, but your tour escort will
make every effort to secure admission for the
group. |
 |
Oct
06-Sat
You will be transferred this morning to the VIENNA
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT for your flights home.
There will be one group transfer that will have
everyone at the airport in time for flights that
depart 9:30am or later.
Book
Early!
Space is limited
Included
in your tour:
ALL hotels
ALL breakfasts & 7 dinners
ALL group tours & activities
ALL land travel by private motor coach
Luggage handling at hotels, when available
Escorted by a professional tour leader
Group transfer to Vienna International Airport,
as specified on Oct. 04
Shop for fabric with plenty of free time
to explore and shop in each of the cities we visit!
Tour
Price:
$ 3,183 per person, double occupancy
$ 687 single supplement
Prices do not include airfare
Included
in the Vienna extension:
2 nights at Hotel Royal
Breakfast each morning
All transportation and entrance
for visits to Schönbrunn Palace and The Spanish
Riding School
Luggage handling at Hotel Royal
Escorted by a professional tour leader
Group transfer to Vienna International Airport,
as specified on Oct. 06
Extension
Price:
$ 351 per person, double occupancy
$ 67 single supplement
Prices do not include airfare
Please
note: In order to fully enjoy this trip you
will need to be able to walk up to 5 city blocks
at one time, and at a moderate pace. In addition
to uphill climbs on some of the city streets (some
being cobblestone) you may need to climb a flight
or two of stairs. A few of the hotel rooms may be
located in an area of the hotel that cannot be accessed
by an elevator.
Please
be sure to print and read the 2012 Tour Terms &
Conditions
and fill out the current registration form.
If Traveling Together is bookmarked in your favorites,
please be sure to refresh the links, as many pages
have been updated.
To
access the required 2012 booking forms:
Terms and Conditions
Registration
Form
Printer
Friendly Version
_______________________________________________________________________________
 |
Travel
Together with Fellow Quilters
to Japan
Attend International Quilt Week Yokohama 2012
Kyoto ~ Takayama ~ Yokohama
~ Tokyo
November 01-11, 2012
|
Your
invitation from Traveling Together
After
many trips to Japan, we are anxious to return and
invite you to come along! Not only will we shop
for fabric, attend Quilt Yokohama 2012 and meet
with local quilters, but you will have a chance
to experience four very different cities. We will
be at a latitude similar to Los Angeles and the
days should be crisp and cool. This is when the
leaves are changing, making a colorful background
at each of the places we visit. We will have a professional
interpreter with us for the entire tour and as an
added bonus, she is a quilter! What more could you
ask for? Take a look at this exciting itinerary
and sign up soon, as this is a small group and space
is limited!
Let the journey begin!
Barbara Spohn
Traveling Together
Your Interpreter, MARIKO AKIZUKI
Mariko Akizuki is a Japanese quilter and lived in
the United States for 11 years. During her stay
in the US, she first encountered quilting and at
present, teaches her own quilt group Quilters
Workshop. Her works have been published in
Quilts Japan, Patchwork Tsushin and others. One
of Mariko's quilts was chosen by the Japan Handicraft
Instructors Association as one of the 100
quilts by Japanese and foreign quilters and travels
to various locations. She is also an interpreter
and translator and has interpreted for many American
and Japanese quilt artists as well as other well
known persons including Ivan Lendl, the famous tennis
player! She has also translated many quilt related
articles and books. She is a lovely and knowledgeable
woman! You will have time to get to know her, as
she accompanies us on all of our quilting tours.
Your Tour Itinerary:
November
1, Thursday
If coming from North America, you will need to arrange
your flight to depart today in order to arrive
at
KANSAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT on Friday, November
2. If you would like assistance with your air travel,
please call Northwood Travel at 800-780-0571 or
email them at Northwood
Travel
November 2, Friday
Mariko will be at the airport to greet you and transfer
you to the KYOTO ROYAL HOTEL, a hotel we
use for all of our Japan tours. We will be right
in the center of the city for our four-night stay
in Kyoto. This is the only night that dinner will
not be included, as most flights will arrive late
in the day and you will have been served meals on
your flight.
November
3, Saturday
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel we will
EXPLORE DOWNTOWN KYOTO. Mariko will take
us on a walk through the main shopping arcades,
with stops at the local FABRIC SHOPS! The
remainder of the day is yours to enjoy or just relax
before tomorrows full-day tour.
November
4, Sunday
We begin todays TOUR OF KYOTO with
a visit to Nijo Castle, the Kyoto residence
of the Tokugawa era shoguns that was built in
1603 and noted for the contrast of its solemn
appearance and beautiful interiors. Next stop
is the most authentic and exquisite Japanese-style
garden in the world and the celebrated Kinkakuji
Temple (Golden Pavilion). This gold-leaf covered
structure houses sacred relics of Buddha and
is probably the most photographed Japanese structure.
Well stroll through the Kyoto Imperial
Palace, before stopping at the Kyoto Handicraft
Center to watch traditional Japanese artisans
work their craft and enjoy a buffet lunch. |
 |
 |
This
afternoon we TOUR NARA, where in 710
AD the Japanese built their first true city,
where artists, scholars, and statesmen began
to develop a civilization that survives in its
essentials to the present day. The first stop
is Todaiji, the world's largest wooden structure
and home of the Great Buddha. Well wander
among more than 1,000 tame deer that roam freely
in the 1,250 acres of peaceful parkland of Nara
Deer Park and visit the famous Kasuga Taisha
Shrine. Youll marvel at the 3,000 antique
stone and bronze lanterns that make this the
most famous Shinto Shrine in all of Japan. |
November
5, Monday
This morning we will visit a home that is typical
to Kyoto and to this area of Japan. Although
the home itself is typical, it is very unique
in that it has antique Yuzen kimonos made into
screens. The home is the residence of the owner
of KODAI YUZEN EN (Yuzen dyeing), which
is the process of hand-painting silk fabrics,
used for kimono. You will have the option of
trying your hand at dyeing your own handkerchief,
bureau scarf, etc., along with visiting the
museum and shopping in their wonderful store. |
 |
KEIKO
TAKAHASHI ~ Keiko is one of the few
contemporary quiltmakers in Japan. She established
her Kyoto quilt school in 1979, followed by other
schools in Toyko, Osaka, and Kobe. Her quilts have
been awarded at the International Quilt Exhibition
(92) and the Quilt Expo IV (94). In
addition to being chosen as one of the 100 leading
quilters in the world by the Japan Handicraft Instructors
Association, Keiko has juried and judged at major
Japanese quilting shows.
 |
KEIKO
TAKAHASHI and her students will be meeting
us this afternoon for SHOW & TELL,
with traditional tea and cakes. Show and Tell
is an activity all quilters love, including
the Japanese. They will be looking forward to
seeing some of our quilting, so be sure to bring
a small sample of your work to show and pictures
of any of your quilts that would be too large
to bring along. Meeting with local people is
always a highlight of any tour and the opportunity
to meet Keiko and see her magnificent work is
always an added bonus on our quilting tours!
A small gift exchange will take place with the
students. |
November
6, Tuesday
Pack your small carry-on for our overnight adventure
up to the JAPAN ALPS! You will need a small
overnight bag that you can handle while walking
and getting on and off the trains. Your one main
suitcase will be shipped from the Kyoto Royal directly
to the Marriott Courtyard Tokyo Ginza Hotel. The
train ride takes us to the heart of the Hida Mountains
to the tranquil town of TAKAYAMA, which has
held on to its old-fashioned charm and is no doubt
the reason so many artists have made their homes
there. The delight of Takayama is that the entire
town is something of a museum piece. Its the
perfect place to indulge in those fantasies of old
Japan that industrial over-development elsewhere
in the country doesnt accommodate
.and
some wonderful fabrics have been located on previous
tours! In the late afternoon we will check in to
our Ryokan... an authentic Japanese-style hotel
where well have a traditional style Japanese
dinner and stay the night.
 |
RYOKAN...
A Ryokan is an authentic Japanese-style
hotel where tradition is still observed. At
the entrance, you will be welcomed in the Japanese
way and ushered in. You must take off your shoes
and wear slippers that are provided, when entering
a Ryokan and then remove even the slippers before
stepping on the Tatami floor of your room. A
Ryokan also provides guests with Yukata, a kimono-like
outer garment similar to our dressing gown.
Staying at a Ryokan is an unforgettable experience
and gives you the opportunity to taste the true
flavor of traditional Japanese life. |
 |
Without
question, a stimulating magnetism of the Ryokan
is its piping hot soaking baths guaranteed to drain
every ounce of stress and fatigue from your mind
and body. Besides the hot springs, dinners at the
Ryokan are the singular most compelling attraction:
they are prepared and presented as a combination
of the finest of Japanese cuisine, intermixed with
savory local delights. A typical menu, brought to
you dish upon dish, offers a variety from Sukiyaki
and Tempura to raw and grilled fish. A simple breakfast
is served. Your guest room is a large undivided
room with traditional rice-straw Tatami matting,
with only a single low table as furniture. Doors
are Shoji screens, and decoration will usually be
one or two simple ink brush drawings or scrolls.
Guests sleep on Futon bedding laid out in the evening
by maids. Each room will be shared with a total
of four quilters and will have a private bath to
be shared by your roommates. These arrangements
have always worked well on past quilting tours.
This will be a truly Japanese experience and as
the saying goes... when in Japan, do as the Japanese
do!
November
7, Wednesday
Well have the morning to do a little exploring
on our own before departing Takayama and boarding
the train to Nagoya. Then we transfer to the
famous BULLET TRAIN for the ride to TOKYO.
We arrive in time to check into the MARRIOTT
COURTYARD TOKYO GINZA HOTEL and have dinner
at a local American-style restaurant! Although
Japanese food is delicious, it is always nice
to be able to have a taste of home. Our hotel
is located in the Ginza area of Tokyo and will
be our home for the remainder of our stay in
Japan. Your suitcase from Kyoto will have been
delivered directly to your room. |
 |
 |
November
8, Thursday
YUZAWAYA KAMATA STORE is a fantastic
shopping area with Japanese fabrics and indigo-dyed
Japanese panels in abundance and at reasonable
prices. Great fat quarters at low prices! Youll
find Yukata (robes) in cotton fabrics, Sashiko
thread and patterns, and buttons, buttons, and
more buttons! This is not the only store, but
one that is located in a complex with many others
that carry notions, handicraft items, yarn and
much more. Well explore the markets and
arcades, where it is as much fun to look, as
it is to buy! |
November
9, Friday
Today is the day we have all been waiting for!
We will spend the day in Yokohama for INTERNATIONAL
QUILT WEEK YOKOHAMA. This wonderful show
is sponsored by the Japanese magazine Patchwork
Quilt Tsusin. The show has been held since 1992
and has become one of the largest patchwork
and quilting events in Japan. Approximately
200 contest quilts will be on exhibit, in addition
to many quilts being displayed from other countries
and special categories
and over 200 vendors
will be selling their wares! See more by visiting
Quilt
Week Yokohama |
 |
 |
As
of the writing of this brochure the information
is not yet available from the show organizers
regarding what QUILTING CLASS we will
taking, but with Mariko as our interpreter its
sure to be informative and fun! Once the information
is available, it will be sent to everyone who
is booked on the tour. |
November
10, Saturday
Our hotel is located in the Ginza and today
you will have time to explore the area with
Mariko and your Traveling Together escort, getting
you oriented so that you can spend time at the
stores that interest you most. The GINZA
is the most exclusive and expensive shopping
area in Japan and known for having the most
expensive real estate on earth. |
 |
The
streets are lined with neon signs, department
stores, boutiques, and restaurants. You will
want to browse some of the famous department
stores, including Itoya (a seven-story stationary
store), Mikimotos to look at their world-renowned
pearls, and you may even find some more fabric!
Browsing and spending time may be the only thing
you want to do in the Ginza, due to the cost
of things at many of the trendier stores. Not
to worry, there are plenty of smaller retail
shops and department stores, including shops
to buy souvenirs for everyone back home. |
Our
FAREWELL DINNER tonight will give everyone
a chance to reminisce about the wonderful time shared
with fellow quilters and a last chance to spend
time with Mariko. By now, you may even have found
someone on the tour that you would like to room
with for the next time we Travel Together!
November 11, Sunday
Flights for the U.S. depart TOKYOS NARITA
AIRPORT in the afternoon, and no matter what
time your flight is scheduled to leave, your transfer
to Narita is included. A lot of shops in the Ginza
are open on Sunday in case you feel the need to
run out and buy that one last item for someone back
home! The scenery, traveling with other quilters
and the chance to get to know some of the Japanese
people, make this trip the quilting adventure of
a lifetime!
BOOK
EARLY! This will be a small group and SPACE IS LIMITED!
Included
in your tour:
All hotels
All breakfasts, dinners (beginning Nov 03), and
1 lunch
All group tours and activities
All group motorcoach & train transportation
in Japan
All airport transfers and luggage handling when
arriving Kansai Airport Nov. 2nd
and departing Tokyo on Nov. 11th
Entrance to Quilt Week Yokohama
Quilting class at Quilt Week Yokohama
Show & Tell with Keiko Takahashi and local quilt
school students
Escorted by a Traveling Together professional &
Mariko Akizuki, interpreter
Lots of fabric shopping, sightseeing and more!
Tour
Pricing:
$4494
per person, double occupancy
$ 527 single supplement (Single availability is
very limited)
Airfare is not included in the cost of the tour
There is an additional cost for the one night at
Takayama for male/female couples or anyone not wanting
to share a room with a total of four people. Please
call for details and cost.
While Traveling in Japan
Please note that this particular tour requires a
good amount of walking each day. Temples require
the climbing of stairs and some train stations have
no lifts and require the use of stairs. For the
overnight journey to Takayama, you will need to
pack a small overnight bag that you will be able
to handle when getting on and off the trains and
walking between the train station and the hotel.
Remember that you may even need to carry it up or
down a flight of stairs at the train stations. Please
note that not all restaurants westernize
meals for American groups. Mariko will do her best
to have some of the items cooked that normally are
served raw, but this will not always be the case.
Japan is a country of different smells and different
foods, but it will be a wonderful experience! We
always request non-smoking areas when they are available.
Smoke and its odors are sometimes unavoidable, as
many places in Japan allow smoking. Just remember
that the reason we all like to travel to other countries
is to experience the cultural differences!
Please
be sure to print and read the 2012 Tour
Terms & Conditions
Print
and mail in the completed 2012 Tour
Registration Form along with your deposit.
**If Traveling Together is bookmarked in your favorites,
please be sure to refresh the links, as many pages
& forms have been updated.
Printer
Friendly Version
_______________________________________________________________________________
|
HAWAII
QUILT TOUR
February
24 - March 04, 2012
HAWAII,
The Big Island
MAUI,
The Valley Isle
OAHU,
The Gathering Place
Your
tour includes:
4 nights at the Royal Kona Resort
3 nights at the Ka'anapali Beach Hotel
2 nights at the Outrigger Reef on the Beach
on Waikiki
Hotels
Breakfast each morning
***4 dinners/luau, as noted in the itinerary
ALL group tours and activities
ALL airport transfers in Hawaii
ALL luggage handling at hotels
ALL land travel by private motorcoach on the
islands
Group flights within Hawaii (Kona to Maui
& Maui to Honolulu)
Classes in Kona and Maui with all supplies
provided
Trunk show with Sylvia Pippen
Honolulu City Tour
Escorted by a professional tour leader
Lots of fabric shopping
and more!
|
Escape
the cold weather!

|
Call
today.....only a few spaces left!
Aloha!
Do you get the February doldrums?
Weve got a cure!
Join us on our tour of paradise, where the air is
balmy,
flowers are in full bloom and the atmosphere is
truly tropical!
Your
Tour Itinerary:
Feb 24, Fri
To avoid confusion with the name of the entire state,
this island of Hawaii is called the BIG ISLAND,
and what an appropriate name it is. Bigger than
all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined, its
sheer size can be intimidating. Youll find
11 of the world's 13 climactic zones within this
islands shores.
|
|
The
ROYAL KONA RESORT is set on twelve oceanfront
acres overlooking Kailua Bay in the heart of
historic Kona town. During your four-night stay
at the resort, there will time to relax on the
decks of the oceanfront, split-level swimming
pool or enjoy the private beach and saltwater
swimming lagoon. |
You
may arrange your flight to arrive at KONA INTERNATIONAL
AIRPORT at any time today. Traveling Together
will provide you with information on how to make
your individual transfer reservation that will get
you from the Kona International Airport to the Royal
Kona Resort. Should you want to arrive in Kona prior
to February 24th, we have rooms available at the
cost of $97 per person for a double room and $176
for a single, including breakfast and taxes. If
you would like assistance with your air travel,
please call Northwood Travel at 800-780-0571 or
email them at Northwood
Travel
Feb
25, Sat
After waking up to a glorious Hawaiian sunrise,
youll enjoy breakfast in the hotels
open-air restaurant, located at the waters edge.
Then its time to meet everyone on the tour
before beginning A DAY FILLED WITH QUILTING ACTIVITIES!
A
big thank you goes to Dawn Castelli of the Aloha
Quilters for her guidance in arranging many of the
activities during our stay in Kona!
LISA
LOUISE ADAMS is a quilter, painter, potter,
printmaker, bookmaker, papermaker, jeweler and
poet. She lives in the lush rainforest village
of Volcano, on the Big Island of Hawaii. Her
work has been displayed in numerous invitational
and juried exhibitions locally, nationally and
internationally for almost twenty years. Lisa
has taught at International Quilt Festival in
Houston and her work has been featured in several
quilt publications. Learn more about Lisa at
http://www.lisalouiseadams.com/quilts.htm
Lisa will teach a workshop using traditional
English paper-piecing with Hawaiian fabric.
All supplies will be provided for this unique
project and will make a great souvenir of your
time spent on the Big Island. Lisa has offered
to bring some of her collection to show, along
with a selection of her work that will be available
for purchase. |
|
 |
SYLVIA
PIPPEN lives on the Big Island of Hawaii
surrounded by the azure Pacific Ocean and a
garden full of exuberant tropical fruit and
flowers. Having been a gardener most of her
life, she considers quilting an extension of
her passion for plants and designs quilts. http://www.sylvia-pippen.com/
Sylvia will be presenting a trunk show that
reflects the beauty and diversity of the islands.
In keeping with the polyglot culture of Hawaii,
Sylvia likes to mix-up quilt traditions
contemporary
sashiko, a Tahitian curved border, traditional
Japanese Kamon designs, the symmetry of Hawaiian
quilts. After working as a gardener at the National
Tropical botanical Garden on Kauai, she turned
to teaching and designing patterns and fabric
kits full time. Sylvia will have some of her
patterns and kits available for sale. |
|
LORETTA
(LORI) PASCO is Raintree Hawaiis
designer and owner of Quilt Hawaiian.com.
After having done handwork all her life, Lori
learned Hawaiian quilting. It soon became
a passion
and Raintree of Hawaii was
born.
Hawaiian
quilting is a gift from the women of the islands
that is appreciated greatly by those who are
continuing on in the art. Because it is a
living art form, there will always be changes
and innovations. We have so many products
and fabrics available to us today, and those
involved in design work are combining them
creatively with the legacy of the traditional
quilt. My internet store, Quilt Hawaiian.com
is my way of sharing wonderful contemporary
Hawaiian quilt designs with the rest of the
world. Lori has graciously offered to
bring quilt patterns, kits, and some of her
artwork to our afternoon event! http://www.quilthawaiian.com
|
 |
***Dinner
tonight will be at the Royal Kona Resort
Feb
26, Sun
You will have the entire day to enjoy the many activities
offered on THE BIG ISLAND. Some of the most
popular tours include Volcano National Park, helicopter
rides over the island, and snorkeling. Peak whale-watching
season continues through March, with boat trips
that combine sailing and a chance to view the Humpback
whales in their natural habitat. If relaxing is
more your style, the options are endless!
Feb 27, Mon
We begin our day with a spectacular scenic drive
up to the cloud forest on Mount Hualalai, home to
the MOUNTAIN THUNDER COFFEE PLANTATION. Our
tour guide will introduce you to what it takes to
make a cup of Premium 100% Kona Coffee, including
the showing of Discovery Channel's Mike Rowe as
he tours the farm and its facilities from composting
to cup. The cloud forest has an elevation of 3000
feet and can be quite cold, so be sure to bring
along a sweater or jacket for this mornings
outing.
Our
next stop is KIMURAS. The following
is from Frommers online review: This
old-fashioned general store is one of those places
you'll be glad you found -- a store with spirit
and character, plus everything you need and don't
need. You'll see Hawaii's finest selection of yardage,
enough cookware for a multi-course dinner, aspirin,
Shiseido cosmetics, and an eye-popping assortment
of buttons, zippers, and quilting materials. Irene
Kimura, the family matriarch, who presided over
the store for more than 60 years until she passed
away, said she quit counting the fabric bolts at
8,000 but estimated there were more than 10,000.
Kimura's is the spot for pareu and Hawaiian fabrics,
brocades, silks, and offbeat gift items, such as
Japanese china and tabi, the comfortable cloth footwear.
After
time for lunch well drive back to Kona for
a visit to QUILT PASSIONS, a shop specializing
in quality batik fabrics and patterns from local
designers. Quilt Sampler magazine has chosen Quilt
Passions as one of the 10 top quilt shops in the
country and the shop will be featured in the May
issue of the magazine.
 |
Spectacular oceanfront views, a vibrant Hawaiian
sunset and the sound of waves lapping against
the lava rocks provide a stunning backdrop
for a Royal Kona Resort luau. A luau is a
gathering of family and friends for a traditional
***Hawaiian feast.
|
|
LAVA,
LEGENDS AND LEGACIES POLYNESIAN LUAU includes
a traditional Imu (underground oven) presentation,
with music and dance, as the performers pay
tribute to the fascinating legends and journeys
of the South Pacific and Hawaii.
|
 |
Feb
28, Tue
We depart Kona this morning for a flight to MAUI,
THE VALLEY ISLE. Youll see why it got
that designation as you come in for a landing at
Kahalui Airport.
Fabric shopping is first on the schedule! We'll
begin at the large, well stocked FABRIC MART
OF MAUI and then we continue on to the Queen
Kaahumanu Center for a visit to SEW SPECIAL.
The shop has a large selection of fat quarters,
in addition to their other Hawaiian fabrics.
No trip to Maui would be complete without visiting
historic LAHAINA TOWN. Front Street still
retains much of the charm of the old whaling days.
Youll find every kind of souvenir, Hawaiian
print clothing, art galleries galore, and many shops
with kits and items with Hawaiian appliqué.
Youll have time to browse in this quaint little
village before driving to the Kaanapali resort
area.
 |
The
KAANAPALI BEACH HOTEL has been recognized
as the Most Hawaiian Hotel by the
Waiaha Foundation based on over 100 criteria.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority has presented the
He Kuleana Ke Aloha award to the
hotel for demonstrating an ongoing responsibility,
commitment and dedication to honoring and perpetuating
the Hawaiian culture for generations to come.
They are the only hotel to receive either of
these honors. |
Each
of the ocean view rooms have traditional island
décor with a private balcony or lanai. A
variety of Hawaiian activities are scheduled daily
and every night at sunset the blowing of conch shells
signals the beginning of the nightly hula show in
the Tiki Courtyard. From 6:00pm you'll enjoy a complimentary
performance of Hawaiian music and a hula show. The
Kaanapali Beach Hotel will be our home for
the next 3 nights
Feb
29, Wed
Hawaiian appliqué opens a whole new design
world for your quilts and today you will have an
introductory class in the art of Hawaiian appliqué
with an instructor from The Maui Quilt Shop. You
will be able to select from one of three TRADITIONAL
HAWAIIAN APPLIQUÉ patterns and everything
you need for a finished 18 x 18 pillow
or wall hanging, will be furnished.
|
#1
"ULU"
(Breadfruit)
|
#2
"HALA KAHIKI"
(Pineapple)
|
#3
"KALO"
(Taro)
|
The
class will not take all day, so you may want to
participate in one of the hotels daily scheduled
activities, enjoy the whale-shaped pool, or take
a stroll along the beach walkway to the nearby beach
cafés and shops at Whalers Village.
Our
group ***dinner this evening will be at the hotel
in the Tiki Terrace Restaurant.
Mar
01, Thu
Today is yours to ENJOY MAUI at your own
pace! Our hotel has a wonderful activities desk
where you can reserve any one of the many tours
offered on the island. You might like to take the
famous Road to Hana, a trip up to Haleakala to watch
the sunrise and even arrange to have a bicycle ready
for you to ride back down the mountain. You can
combine whale watching with a snorkel trip to Molokini,
a reef that is actually the tip of an ancient volcano,
or you can do a shorter whale-watching boat trip.
For a minimal charge you can take a local shuttle
to the Kaanapali Station of the Sugar
Cane Train, a vintage steam locomotive reminiscent
of the engines used to haul sugar cane from island
fields to the mill at the turn of the century. The
train will take you into Lahaina Town if you didnt
have enough time on Tuesday to browse through the
shops and galleries. Then again, you may want to
relax on the beautiful grounds of the hotel and
work on one of the quilt projects that you started
in class.
Mar 02, Fri
Our morning flight takes us from Maui to OAHU,
THE GATHERING PLACE and home of
the famous Waikiki Beach. Although Oahu is the third
largest island, it is home to the majority of Hawaiis
diverse population with a fusion of East and West
cultures rooted in the values and traditions of
the native Hawaiian people. This is the island of
activity.
The first stop in the bustling city will be FABRIC
MART OF HONOLULU. If you havent
found the perfect Hawaiian fabric yet, you will
be sure to find it here!
Our coach driver will take us on a PANORAMIC
TOUR OF HONOLULU, before checking into the Outrigger
Reef on the Beach.
| OUTRIGGER
REEF ON THE BEACH recently underwent a 100-million
dollar renovation and is located right on Waikiki
Beach, in the heart of the city and just steps
away from the exciting, new Waikiki Beach Walk
promenade, offering visitors the opportunity
to revel in the unique heritage of Hawaii and
features an array of world-famous shops and
distinguished restaurants. The Outrigger Reef
features a spa, swimming pool, whirlpool spa,
restaurants, along with offering water activities
that include snorkeling, high-speed sailing
excursions along the Oahu coast, and outrigger
catamarans. |
 |
 |
Mar
03, Sat
Today is the time to see what interests you
most, in HONOLULU. You may want to
visit Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial,
the Honolulu Zoo, the famous Ala Moana Shopping
Mall, or purchase a day pass on the Waikiki
Trolley that offers hop-on, hop-off service
to over 30 places around the city. Stroll
along Kalakaua Avenue with its upscale boutiques
and distinctive stores, making a stop at the
famous International Market Place.
|
|
Our
farewell ***dinner this evening
will be at the OUTRIGGERS
OCEAN HOUSE RESTAURANT.
Located oceanfront, this open-air
restaurant will be a wonderful way
to spend our last evening in Paradise!
|
 |
Mar
04, Sun
Its time to pack up and return to the mainland.
You will be provided information for arranging your
transfer to HONOLULU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
that allows you to arrange your departure to the
mainland at any time today.
Due
to the time difference and depending on your flight
departure and destination, you may not arrive home
until Monday, March 5th.
Tour
Price:
$ 3,199 per person, double occupancy
$ 967 single supplement
Your
tour price includes:
Group flights within Hawaii (Kona to Maui &
Maui to Honolulu)
Please note in our Terms and Conditions: When the
cost of air is included or group space is offered
at an advertised price ~ Due to the possible increase
in the cost of airline fuel surcharges and airline
taxes, the tour participant is responsible for these
increases.
Not included: your air to and from Hawaii.
Please
be sure to print and read the 2010-2011 Tour
Terms & Conditions
Print
and mail in the completed Tour
Registration Form along with your deposit.
**If Traveling Together is bookmarked in your favorites,
please be sure to refresh the links, as many pages
& forms have been updated.
Printer
Friendly Version
____________________________________________________________________________
|
Here's what some of our satisfied travelers
have to say....
I
am a Canadian quilter and have participated
in eight quilt tours with Traveling Together!!
The tours are
interest-based and well thought out with great
organization and accommodations appropriately
located to the specific activities. While
the tour has organized quilting activities,
more than adequate time is allowed for someone,
like myself, who enjoys exploring on their
own. Traveling Together is more than helpful
with suggestions, maps, tips, etc. to ensure
your trip is unique.
In
2008 we were the 1st quilters from North America
to visit several of the Hungarian towns!
I've checked the 2010 Hungarian tour itinerary,
and if you like quilting, excellent handicrafts,
unique fabric and meeting some of the most
generous and hospitable people, definitely
this is the tour for you. Also, the history
of the area and the unbelievable progress
the Hungarian people have made since gaining
their independence is a total eye-opener for
people from our countries. Happy Quilting!
I've
traveled many times with Traveling Together
and always have a wonderful time!!
The itineraries
always include wonderful special interest
and well-known tourist attractions, as well
as free time to explore on your own. The travel
details are always carefully handled.
The 2008 trip
to HUNGARY was wonderful!
Watching the
hand resist-stamping process at the Hungarian
Blue-Dye workshop was amazing, as well as
the visits to the private doll and embroidery
museums. The Hungarian quilters were very
enthusiastic and welcomed us warmly! Budapest
and all the areas we visited have lots of
history and wonderful scenery.
I'm going again on the 2010 trip!!
|
***IN ORDER TO RECEIVE EMAIL UPDATES***
please be sure that your email account will
accept the following address:
Traveling_Together_inc@mail.vresp.com
IF
you have not already submitted your email
address
Click
here to
receive information & updates about
our Quilting Tours
|
 |
We had a great time in
FRANCE...
going from
NANTES to PROVENCE!
April 27 ~ May 08, 2011
|
|
Attended
Europe's
Premier Quilt Show

(For the Love of Thread!)
|

|
See
photos from the tour!
Wed,
Apr 27
Today you will board your flight for the overnight
journey to NANTES, FRANCE. If you would like
to arrive a
day
early, Traveling Together can help you arrange for
an early hotel night. If you would like assistance
with your air travel, please call Northwood Travel
at 800-780-0571 or email them at info@NorthwoodTravel.com
Thu,
Apr 28
You may arrange your flight to arrive in Nantes
at any time today and you will receive information
on getting from the airport to our hotel. Just be
sure to arrive in time for our WELCOME DINNER,
giving you the opportunity to meet everyone on the
tour. Our home for the next three nights is the
NOVOTEL NANTES CENTRE CITÉ DES CONGRÉS.
Being located close to the historic centre and next
to the convention center, makes it the ideal place
to be for attending Pour lAmour du Fil.
Your
tour includes admission to the quilt show on Saturday.
If you plan to arrive early and would like to
attend the show prior to Saturday, we can make those
arrangements for you.
In
order to plan your free time wisely and learn more
about specific places along the tour that interest
you,
we recommend that you purchase one of the following
travel guides: Frommers, Foders, Rick
Steves, or
DK Eyewitness. You may want to be sure it has a
food translation section for ordering when dining
out on
your own.
Fri,
Apr 29
This morning we will visit LES MACHINES DE L'ILE,
an extraordinary artistic project like you've never
seen before. Born from the imaginations of François
Delarozière and Pierre Orefice, it is a blend
of the invented worlds of Jules Verne, the mechanical
universe of Leonardo da Vinci, and the industrial
history of Nantes.
After
a PANORAMIC TOUR OF NANTES, well visit
the CASTLE OF THE DUKES OF BRITTANY. Newly
renovated and located in the heart of the city,
this 15th century ducal residence is now home to
the Nantes history museum. You will have all the
time you want to explore the castle, as the remainder
of the day is
free
to do as you please. There are lovely shops and
cafes in the area and Carol Veillon will be giving
us a
list of her recommendations to make the most of
your free time in Nantes.
 |
CAROL
VEILLON is the owner and editor-in-chief
of the most prestigious
quilt magazine in Europe, QUILTMANIA
and the principal organizer of
POUR L'AMOUR DU FIL. Carol published
the magazine in the French language in 1997
and it was immediately a success in France and
in Europe (also translated in Dutch); then in
2001 she began publishing an English version
for America and the rest of the world and now
there are thousands of "Quiltmaniacs!!
|
Sat,
April 30, 2011
POUR L'AMOUR DU FIL translated, means For
the love of the thread. In addition to approximately
90 vendors (which Carol promises are only the
Crème de la crème!), there are
six Little Houses. Like a patchwork
quilt of cultures and techniques, each house is
of a very different style and will be filled with
quilts, embroideries, knitting, clothes and other
textile curiosities. For example, the first show
in 2009 featured the Kaffe Fassett House, modeled
after his studio with Kaffe and his partner Brandon
Mably in attendance. There is a Traditional House,
Japan House, etc. Quote from Carol: Our goal
is to give envy to the public to rush upstairs to
the vendors booths to buy fabric, needles and threads
to do something and not like in some other exhibits
to show work that nobody else will be able or want
to reproduce too far from the reality; it's not
our purpose, we want people to have fun, to enjoy
and say to themselves: "well, I saw a demo,
it seems easy, I want to make it!"... They
will also enjoy beautiful pieces exhibited and you
will be able to photograph everything!!!
Sun,
May 01
We depart Nantes this morning and drive to the city
of BORDEAUX. Most shops are closed on Sunday
so we will have the afternoon to relax at the PULLMAN
BORDEAUX AQUITANIA HOTEL. Located lakeside on
the outskirts of the city, this will be the perfect
spot to have a show and tell of everyones
purchases from our time in Nantes! Dinner tonight
will be at the hotels Aquitania restaurant.
Mon,
May 02
Our destination today is LA CITÉ DE CARCASSONE.
This medieval city is a UNESCO World Heritage site,
and, with it's 52 towers, 3km of battlements and
two rings of town wall, stands magnificently overlooking
the left bank of the river Aude. LE DONJON HOTEL
is located within the fortress and will be our home
for two nights.

Time
for lunch will give you the opportunity to visit
a nearby café and try the local fare, classic
peasant stew cassoullet. There will be plenty of
time to stroll along the narrow cobbled streets
and browse the many shops, some of which will be
selling medieval wares. Then, to get an idea of
just how magnificent this fortress is, well
board "LE PETIT TRAIN" for a local
tour, prior to our dinner at the hotel.
Tue,
May 03
In addition to visiting several FABRIC SHOPS
in the VILLE BASSE (the modern lower
city of Carcassone), well drive to MIREPOIX,
a late thirteenth-century bastion built around one
of the loveliest surviving arcaded market squares
in the country. The square is bordered by houses
dating from between the thirteenth and the fifteenth
centuries and you will want to be sure to take a
look at the medieval Maison des Consuls (council
house), whose arcaded rafters are carved with hundreds
of unique portrayals of animals, monsters, and caricatures
of medieval social groups and professions, as well
as ethnic groups from across the world. The gothic
style cathedral is the second largest single-naved
church in Europe and is classified as an historic
monument.
After
having suffered during the Hundred Years War, Mirepoix
became an important textile centre in the 15th century.
Surely there will still be a shop or two that carries
fabric!
Wed,
May 04
This morning we begin our journey to PROVENCE,
a region of southeastern France located on the Mediterranean
and adjacent to Italy. Our home for the next two
nights will be the ARLES HOTEL JULES
CÉSAR, a 4-star hotel and member of the
Small Luxury Hotels chain. Previously a 17th century
Carmelite convent, the hotel is located in the heart
of Arles and its Provençal décor is
accented with the fabrics that are so famous for
their color and design.
The 15 months that Vincent Van Gogh spent in Arles
was the most productive period of his life, where
he created more than 200 paintings and drawings.
Even though there are no original paintings by Van
Gogh in the city, you can still visit the places
that inspired him.
Arles
has a large number of UNESCO world heritage monuments
that bear witness to 2000 years of history, the
most famous being the Roman Amphitheatre dating
from 80 A.D. LE PETIT TRAIN D'ARLES will
take us on a guided tour through the winding cobbled
streets, providing an overview of the many museums
and points of interest.
Thu,
May 05
Today is all about Provence fabric! We start the
day with a visit to the SOULEÏADO MUSÉE
DU TISSUS PROVENÇAL in Tarascon. This
former townhouse housed the famous cotton print
factory beginning in 1806. The museum, devoted to
these colorful fabrics, has nearly 40,000 wood print
blocks with brass tips. The blocks were applied
manually and then hammered by workers who printed
up to 30m of cotton fabric per day. Several workshops
from the period have been reconstructed, such as
the color kitchen where dyes were made. You will
have time to visit their shop and have lunch before
we depart Tarascon.
Our
next stop will be will St. Etienne du Grès
for a factory tour of the textile manufacturer LES
OLIVADES, featuring the only remaining traditional
Provencal fabric still printed in Provence. There
is also a charming Olivades factory outlet shop!
There
will be time late this afternoon to explore more
of Arles, before this evenings dinner at the
Jules César.
Fri,
May 06
This morning we depart Arles for the village of
LES BAUX DE PROVENCE. Perched on a rocky
spur, the citadel overlooks the beautiful countryside
so be sure to have your camera ready for the panoramic
views of Provence. Just inside the entrance to the
village are narrow cobblestone streets, terrace
cafés, and quaint shops.
Not
far from Les Baux are the CAVES DE SARRAGAN,
a vast underground cavern with a 60m thick solid
rock ceiling that make the perfect natural wine
cellar. We will make a short stop for those that
would like to try some of the local wine. Its
also the perfect stopping point to get a scenic
view of the village of Les Baux and the neighboring
valley
L'ISLE-SUR-LA-SORGUE
is a compact medieval town built on the islands
of five branches of the Sorgue river, also known
as the Venice of Provence. If you have any interest
in antiques and antique quilts, this is the place
to look! In addition to the many waterside cafes
and charming shops, there are nearly 300 permanent
antique dealers and second hand shops. There wont
be time to visit them all, but youll have
several hours to enjoy lunch in the old town and
soak in the atmosphere of Provence.
We
continue on to AIX EN PROVENCE and HOTEL
LE GALICE, our home for the last two nights
of the tour.
Sat,
May 07
Aix is the capital of Provence and dates back to
122 B.C. The center of Aix (sounds like ex, as in
"X marks the spot") is the old town, ringed
by a circle of boulevards and squares. The most
famous of the boulevards is the Cours Mirabeau,
lined with large plane trees, wonderful terrace
cafés, bookshops and fountains. Once you
venture off the main boulevards, small streets with
shops of every kind await you
.and we will
be sure to look for the ones that carry tissu,
the word to look for when shopping for fabric in
France. You may also choose to visit The Musée
des Tapisseries that houses a collection of tapestries
from the 17th and 18th centuries.
The
markets in Provence are some of the best in all
of France. This is one of the largest and well
have the entire day to explore the city. Our hotel
is within walking distance of the several boulevards
and streets that comprise the farmers market
products, in addition to books, linens, pottery,
and the many Provence knickknacks.
|
|
MARKET
DAY
IN
AIX!
|
|
Well be looking for
Provence fabrics,
if there's any room left
in our suitcases!
|
 |
Our
FAREWELL DINNER tonight will be poolside
at our hotel, weather permitting.
Sun,
May 08
There will be one group transfer to MARSEILLES
AIRPORT this morning for flights that are scheduled
to depart no earlier than 10:00am.
Your
tour includes:
ALL hotels
ALL group tours & activities
ALL land travel by private motor coach
ALL breakfasts and 5 dinners
Luggage handling at hotels
Admission to " Pour lAmour du Fil"
Le Petit Train" tours in Carcassone and
Arles
Visits to Souleïado Museum and Les Olivades
Shop for Provence fabric, with plenty of free time
to explore and shop in each of the cities we visit!
Escorted by a professional tour leader
Transfer to Marseilles Airport on May 08
Please
note: In order to fully enjoy this trip you will
need to be able to walk up to 5 city blocks at one
time, and at a moderate pace. In addition to uphill
climbs on some of the city streets (some being cobblestone)
you may need to climb a flight or two of stairs.
A few of the hotel rooms may be located in an area
of the hotel that cannot be accessed by an elevator.
Look
for our Quilting Travel ads in the upcoming issues
of
Quilting Arts, McCall's
Quilting, Quilts and Quilters Newsletter!
_________________________________________________________________________
We Traveled with Fellow Quilters to...
Hungary
in 2010
Hosted
by Magdi Csendes,
International Representative for Hungary's European
Quilt Association
Meet
with local quilt groups, see how the famous Hungarian
Blueprints are made
Visit Hungary's wine region, fabric shopping and
much more!
|

Budapest
|

Quilt made with Hungarian Blue Prints
Szekszárd
Quilt Exhibition
|
INCLUDED
IN YOUR TOUR:
ALL hotels
ALL breakfasts, 5 dinners & 2 lunches
ALL group tours and activities
ALL luggage handling at hotels
ALL land travel by private motorcoach
Transfer to Budapest Airport on October 01
Sightseeing cruise on the Danube ~ Tour of Budapest
Museums ~ Hungarian Folk Park ~ Abbey at Lake Balaton
Meet four local quilt groups for Show and Tell &
exclusive quilt exhibits!
Shop for Hungarian Blue-Dye fabric, and more!
Hosted by Magdi Csendes & Escorted by a professional
tour leader
Join
us for this exciting QUILTING ADVENTURE!
Tour
Itinerary:
Wed, Sep 22
Today you will board your flight for the overnight
journey to Budapest. If you would like to arrive
a day or two early, Traveling Together can help
you arrange for early hotel nights. If you would
like assistance with your air travel, please call
Northwood Travel at 800-780-0571 or email them at
info@NorthwoodTravel.com
Thu,
Sep 23
You may arrange your flight to arrive Budapest at
any time today and you will receive information
on getting the hotel bus from BUDAPEST FERIHEGY
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT to our hotel. If you arrive
early in the day, your tour escort will be on hand
to help you get acquainted with this exciting city,
making some suggestions on how to spend the afternoon
in the immediate vicinity of our hotel. Just be
sure to arrive in time for our 6:00PM WELCOME
DINNER, giving you the opportunity to meet everyone
on the tour. Our home for the next four nights is
the Danubius Hotel Astoria. The 4-STAR DANUBIUS
HOTEL ASTORIA is located in the heart of Budapest,
built on the site of the medieval town walls. Opened
in 1914, it was reconstructed and modernized several
times, with the latest renovation being done in
2006. With its Empire-style interior décor,
it is one of the most charming old-style hotels
in the city and film producers and directors often
take advantage of the perfect scenery for film shooting.
Fri,
Sep 24
Our day begins with a TOUR OF BUDAPEST. The
city is split down the center by
the Danube River and is connected by a series of
bridges. On the west side of the
Danube is hilly Buda, dominated by Castle Hill.
On the east side of the river is flat
Pest, the heart of the city with the Great Market
Hall, Parliament, and main
boulevards and pedestrian shopping streets. The
tour will give you a look at both
sides of this large city, home to nearly two million
people. Weekend shopping hours
are limited, so you will have this afternoon to
explore the many unique
shops that Pest has to offer.
Sat,
Sep 25
The HUNGARIAN PATCHWORK GUILD, headquartered
in Budapest, was founded in 1989 and has about 600
members, with approximately 2,000 more in local
clubs. The Hungarian quilters participate actively
in European quilt exhibitions and today you will
begin to see examples of their wonderful handiwork!
Ági Szomor is a member of the Budapest guild
and is arranging a special morning for our group
to meet with the local members at the BUDAPEST
TEXTILE MUSEUM, where the history of the substantial
Hungarian textile industry is traced and recorded.
In 2008 we had a wonderful SHOW AND TELL,
the local quilters had a small quilting project
for us to work on, vendors were selling unique buttons
and Hungarian embroidery designs, and we were treated
to delicious refreshments! A SIGHTSEEING CRUISE
ON THE DANUBE will complete the day!
Sun,
Sep 26
Located north of the city on the Danube Bend, is
SZENTENDRE, a postcard-pretty village with
twisty Mediterranean streets and Austrian Baroque
houses that has always been favored by artists as
somewhere both to live and to work. This morning
well visit the FOLK MUSEUM, Hungarys
largest open-air museum. Located in Duna-Ipoly National
Park, the museum features a large collection of
Hungarian architecture from around the country.
After time for lunch, we will meet the SZENTENDRE
QUILTERS. Sofi Bihari and some of the local
quilters will be our guides at the Folk Museum and
the village, in addition to organizing the guilds
REGIONAL QUILT EXHIBITION to coincide with
our visit and we will be the first to view these
amazing quilts!
Mon, Sep 27
MAGDI CSENDES is a member of the Board of
the Hungarian Patchwork Guild and the international
representative for Hungary in the European Quilt
Association (EQA). She lives in Székesfehérvár,
where she is also the leader of her local quilt
guild. Magdi will be meeting us when we arrive today
in SZEKSZÁRD and will be our host
for the remainder of the tour. We will also be meeting
MAGDOLNA ACÉLOS, president of the
Szekszárd quilt guild. She and her guild
members are arranging a QUILT EXHIBITION,
just for us! Lunch today will be at a wonderful
local restaurant in the town square, giving you
a chance to taste special dishes of the region,
followed by a WALKING TOUR of the city. Our
hotel for the next two days is the charming HOTEL
ZODIACO.
Founded
in the early 11th-century, Szekszárd has
a population of 36,000 people and is a famous wine-growing
region that boasts 4500 wine cellars! Well
only have time to visit one, for dinner this evening.
The Takler family has been working in viticulture
and winemaking since the 18th century in Szekszárd.
Located in a beautiful little village house on the
slope of Decsi Hill, TAKLER WINE CELLAR is
the perfect place for an evening that will include
dinner and tasting the famous wines of this region.
Tue,
Sep 28
Hungary is famous for their BLUEPRINT FABRIC
and this morning we will visit a workshop that has
been family-run since 1810. We will be only the
second American group to visit (In 2008 we were
the first!) and they are looking forward to showing
us their age-old process of block printing on 100%
cotton. In addition to having plenty of fabric for
sale that day, there will be items made by local
people from their fabric. Lunch will be at ÉTTEREM
HÁMORI, a famous restaurant in TOLNA.
This is where the residents eat lunch, in addition
to students of the small local school. You will
enjoy watching how well-behaved the students are,
in addition to tasting the local cuisine. The locals
and school children will enjoy looking at us, with
outsiders being a rarity in this small community.
Our first stop this afternoon is BABAMÚZEUM,
sure to be a highlight of the tour! One woman has
hand-made over 150 dolls, in addition to their period
costumes and accessories, which represent over 200
years of Hungarian history. As an example, you will
see the progression of wedding outfits, mourning
clothes, and clothing worn in everyday life on the
farms and in the villages. A special surprise is
planned for one of our quilters! Next is a visit
to TAJHAZ, a house with traditional Hungarian
furniture, costumes and embroidery, with a chance
for everyone to try traditional Hungarian cake.
Wed,
Sep 29
We depart Szekszárd this morning and make
a stop at an EMBROIDERY MUSEUM in SIÓAGÁRD,
a village famous for its folk costumes and rich
embroidery. The owners are a wonderful couple that
will be dressed in costume and anxious to show us
everything that the small museum and shop have to
offer, including a chance to try on pieces of the
traditional clothing and purchase some of their
beautiful handiwork. We continue on to SZÉKESFEHÉRVÁR,
one of the most ancient towns in Hungary. During
the course of this tour you will have learned about
Hungarys rich textile tradition, particularly
in embroidery, cross-stitch, and sewing techniques.
You will also have learned that although quilting
is quite new to Hungary, these ladies are creating
amazing works of art! This afternoon you will see
more of their talent, as we take a short walk to
the meeting place of the MIDDLE-TRANSDANUBIA
QUILTERS. As president of this guild, Magdi
is anxious to show off their work!...and youll
want to be sure to pack a sample of your handiwork
for the SHOW AND TELL they are arranging.
Also invited to this event will be Margit Siposné
Cseh and her group of quilters from Tatabánya.
Margit is a fabric shop owner and will bring some
of her self-painted fabrics to sell. To make this
an event to remember, Magdis quilters would
like us to join in a BLOCK EXCHANGE. The
squares that were exchanged in 2008 were used by
Magdis group to make quilts and auction them
off, with the money having been donated to charity.
If you would like to participate, you will only
need to make one block measuring 12 ½
x 12 ½. When you sign up for the tour,
please let us know if you plan to participate by
noting it at the bottom of the registration form,
so that Magdi and her quilters will know how many
blocks they will need to make for the exchange.
Its been another wonderful day in the world
of quilting! The NOVOTEL SZÉKESFEHÉRVÁR
will be our home for two nights.
Thu, Sep 30
Today well drive to TIHANY, a village
on the northern shore of Lake Balaton, where you
will have time to explore the village, with its
quaint old buildings, local crafts and Hungarian
food offerings. Next will be a visit to the Baroque
church and convent of the BENEDICTINE ABBEY,
founded in 1055 by András I, a popular tourist
attraction due to its historical and artistic significance.
The interior was fully restored by 1996, after the
church was returned to the Benedictine Abbey in
1994.The still functioning abbey is perfectly situated
on top of the high part of town and has the best
view of Lake Balaton, the largest shallow lake in
Central Europe. At our FAREWELL DINNER tonight,
it will be time to say goodbye to Magdi as we thank
her for making our visit to Hungary a most memorable
one!
Fri,
Oct 01
This morning our coach will transfer us to the BUDAPEST
AIRPORT for flights that depart 11am or later.
After having received so much inspiration for new
quilting projects, its time to return home.
Saying goodbye to the friends you have made on the
tour will be difficult, so be sure to stay in contact
with them for making plans to Travel Together on
the next quilting adventure!
When
we toured Hungary in 2008, several people stayed
on in Budapest for an extra day and many others
on the tour wished they had! After visiting the
other cities, they would have liked to return for
another chance to shop at the Great Market Hall.
If you would like to take advantage of this OPTIONAL
NIGHT IN BUDAPEST, we have reserved some rooms
at the Danubius Astoria Hotel and our bus will drop
you off after the airport stop. You can then arrange
to take the hotel bus to the airport on the following
day. This also gives you the option to check a second
piece of luggage to hold all of those purchases!
Please
note: In order to fully enjoy this trip
and the walking tours offered you will need to be
able to walk up to 5 city blocks at one time, and
at a moderate pace. In addition to uphill climbs
on some of the city streets (some being cobblestone)
you will need to climb several flights of stairs.
See
photos from our 2008 & 2012 Quilt Tours to Hungary
at:
http://www.travelingtogether.net/Traveling/PhotoGallery.htm
...and our Quilt Group was "In
the News" in 2008:
http://travelingtogether.net/Traveling/video.htm