UK Quilting Tour with Birmingham Festival with Kimberly Einmo & Susan Cleveland

Tour Info

OVERVIEW 

This 14-day tour of Wales and England takes in their rich textile history and breathtaking cultural landmarks. Beginning in London, you see some of that city’s most-loved sites, including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

From there, it’s off to Bath. Just one highlight in this locale is the American Museum & Gardens, a treasure trove of folk and decorative arts.
In Birmingham, you spend a full day at the Festival of Quilts, Europe’s largest quilting event, renowned for presenting international quilters, an extensive exhibition of quilts, and an expansive vendor mall.

As you return to London, you will have seen the best of the United Kingdom, from Stonehenge to Oxford, and will have enjoyed some of the country’s most intriguing quilt shops and museums.

START & FINISH

The tour begins at 6.00 pm at Copthorne Tara Hotel in London on Day 1, Tuesday July 23. The tour concludes after breakfast at Holiday Inn Kensington High Street in London, on Day 14, Monday August 5.

Itinerary

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1   Tue   July 23          Arrive London

Arrive at our group hotel for check in from 3 p.m. 

Day 2   Wed July 24          London

Enjoy a panoramic tour of London. Discover iconic landmarks, architectural and cultural diversity, and fascinating history that makes London the most visited city in the world. Your London sightseeing tour takes you on a non-stop procession of landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and much more. We visit Victoria & Albert Museum, the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design that houses a permanent collection of over 4.5 million objects. It was founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. On the banks of the River Thames in the heart of London is the Tower of London amidst nearly 1,000 years of history and intrigue. Enjoy a group welcome dinner. (B, D)

Day 3   Thu   July 25          London

Today we will enjoy a workshop and talk at the Royal School of Needlework on their work bringing historical textiles back to life. There will be free time to shop at The Royal Needlework Shop. (B)

Day 4   Fri   July 26            London

After breakfast, we travel north to Walthamstow to visit the William Morris Gallery, here we will see an internationally important collection illustrating his life achievements and influences. Returning to London, enjoy time for shopping at Liberty of London, fabric and quilting shops. (B)

Day 5   Sat   July 27           London

This morning we explore Portobello Street Market, one of the most famous street markets in the world and home to one of the UK's most diverse communities. Then visit Harrods, the most iconic department store in the world, known for its premium goods, luxury fashion, exclusive products and much more.              (B)

Day 6   Sun   July 28          London

Today is at your leisure. (B)

Day 7   Mon   July 29        London-Bath

Visiting Highclere Castle is like walking into history. It is a magnificent example of an English Castle and is now most famous as Downton Abbey in the popular TV series. Later, we depart for Bath, en route visit Stonehenge, the world’s most famous prehistoric monument. Dating back to approximately 3000 BC, the circle of huge upright and horizontal rectangular stones continues to fascinate academics, spiritualists, and visitors. (B)

Day 8   Tue   July 30          Bath

After breakfast, visit the Royal Crescent. The Roman Baths of the historical city of Bath are some of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world, and it is even possible to wander around this vast leisure complex as the Romans did over 2,000 years ago. Visit the American Museum & Gardens and enjoy cream tea at the museum. With its remarkable collection of folk and decorative arts, the museum shows the diverse and complex nature of American traditions. (B)

Day 9   Wed   July 31        Bath-Aberystwyth

After breakfast, take a boat tour of Cardiff Bay before an inspirational visit to the Jen Jones Welsh Quilt Centre, the center for the Welsh quilt and quilting tradition. Next shop at the Calico Kate Quilt Shop which has gained a reputation as an 'Aladdin's Cave' for quilters, dressmakers, knitters, and related crafts. Continue to Aberystwyth for overnight. (B, D)

Day 10   Thu   August 1     Aberystwyth-Birmingham

After breakfast, we depart Aberystwyth to Birmingham. En route, visit St. Mary’s Church at Shrewsbury. Also stop at World of Wedgwood Factory and Abakhan Fabrics in Hanley Stoke-on-Trent (time permitting). (B, D)

Day 11   Fri   August 2       The Festival of Quilts

Today is dedicated to the Festival of Quilts, Europe’s leading patchwork and quilting event. (B)

Day 12   Sat   August 3    Birmingham-London

After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of Oxford and learn all about the city’s history and former residents. Visit Ashmolean Museum. It is the oldest university museum in the world and houses a fascinating collection of curiosities and priceless works of art. (B)

Day 13   Sun   August 4    London

Today is at your leisure. Enjoy our farewell dinner on the last night in Birmingham. (B, D)

Day 14   Mon   August 5   Depart London

Our tour concludes after breakfast. (B)

Tour Leader

KIMBERLY EINMO

Kimberly Einmo is honored to represent Janome-America as their National Spokesperson. She is an international author, award-winning quilter, fabric designer, and has been a quilt judge for more than twenty years. Kimberly writes a popular column called Stray Threads, in American Quilter Magazine, and she has written six best-selling books, published by the American Quilter’s Society. Kimberly has developed a signature line of Precision Rulers and she is a Featured Artist for the Electric Quilt Company. She is also a fabric designer for Benartex Fabrics and Timeless Treasures Fabrics. As a respected and prominent leader in the quilting industry, Kimberly loves to travel and meet sewing enthusiasts from all walks of life around the world!

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SUSAN CLEVELAND

Known for her enthusiasm and clever solutions to quilting's tricky tasks, Susan Cleveland enjoys meeting quilters and teaching her techniques internationally. Her quilts have received eight awards at International Quilt Festivals in Houston and many other prestigious shows. Her books, tools, magazine articles, TV shows, and internet classes have been making quilting’s challenges more manageable for 20 years. Susan’s classes on Bluprint/Craftsy are among the most popular as they inspire quilters throughout the world. Quilters love Susan’s Piping Hot Binding technique/tool and also her patented Prairie Pointer Tool. Don't miss out on an opportunity to travel and laugh with Susan!

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Inclusions

TOUR INCLUSIONS

What is included in the tour price?

• Coach and driver with the group on tour days
• 13 nights twin-share accommodation at well-appointed 4-star hotels with private bath or shower
• Daily breakfast, cream tea at American Museum & 4 dinners
• Visits and experiences as stated in the itinerary
• 1-day ticket to the Festival of Quilts
• An English-speaking guide throughout the trip
• Porterage of one piece of luggage in and out of hotels

What is not included in the tour price?

• International airfares 
• Arrival/departure transfer
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities to guide and driver (recommended tipping $3 per person per day)
• Personal expenses and anything not mentioned

Hotels

HOTELS

Please contact our office for more information

Opulent Quilt Journeys
Phone: 877 235 3767
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