Nordic Threads: Exploring Sweden's Textile Heritage with Suzie Liles

Tour Info

OVERVIEW 

Embark on a captivating journey through Sweden's rich textile heritage with our meticulously crafted Textile Tour of Sweden, this 13-day itinerary promises an immersive exploration of Sweden's textile traditions. Delve into the heart of Swedish craftsmanship with visits to historic weaving mills and renowned textile factories and museums, where you'll witness time-honored techniques come to life by expert artisans. From traditional looms to modern innovations, discover the intricate threads that weave Sweden's textile story together. Alongside textile adventures, soak in the cultural richness of Sweden with visits to iconic landmarks, museums, and scenic drives through breathtaking landscapes. Indulge in authentic Swedish cuisine and unwind in luxurious accommodations, ensuring a seamless blend of cultural immersion and relaxation throughout your unforgettable journey. Join us and unravel the threads of Sweden's vibrant textile tapestry.

START & FINISH

The tour starts at 3:00pm on Friday, September 6, at Clarion Hotel Amaranten in Stockholm. The tour ends after breakfast on Wednesday, September 18 at Clarion Hotel Amaranten in Stockholm. Arrival and departure airport/hotel transfers are not included.

Itinerary

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1    Friday, September 6, 2024 - Arrive in Stockholm (D)

Upon arrival in Stockholm, guests will make their way to the Clarion Hotel Amaranten or similar accommodation. After settling in, guests will gather for a delightful welcome dinner at the hotel, where they can meet their fellow travelers and the tour leaders, and get ready for the exciting journey ahead.

Day 2    Saturday, September 7, 2024 - Stockholm Exploration (B)

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, guests will meet with a local guide in the lobby to commence their exploration of Stockholm. The day's highlights include visits to the Nordic Museum and Skansen Open Air Museum, offering insights into Swedish culture and heritage, particularly focusing on textiles. After lunch, guests will tour the Almgren Silk Factory to learn about silk production. The evening will be free for guests to relax and explore Stockholm independently.

Day 3    Sunday, September 8, 2024 - Old Town Exploration (B)

Following breakfast, guests will embark on a guided walking tour of Stockholm's historic Old Town, led by our knowledgeable guide. The tour includes visits to landmarks such as Livrustkammeren (The Royal Armoury) and the National Museum, providing deeper insights into Sweden's history and textile traditions. Guests will have free time in the evening to wander through Stockholm's charming streets or perhaps indulge in some shopping.

Day 4    Monday, September 9, 2024 - Forsa Exploration (B L D)

After breakfast, guests will depart from Stockholm and head towards Forsa. En route, they will stop for a delightful lunch at Ystegarn café & Bistro. The highlight of the day is a guided tour of Holma-Helsinglands AB, Bockens Yarn factory, where guests will gain firsthand knowledge of yarn production. In the evening, guests will enjoy a sumptuous dinner and comfortable overnight stay at Strandpiren Hotel or a similar accommodation.

Day 5    Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - Travel to Mora (B D)

Following breakfast, guests will embark on a journey to Mora, a picturesque town known for its textile heritage. Upon arrival at Mora Hotel & Spa, guests will have some leisure time to unwind and relax. In the evening, guests will gather for a delightful dinner at the hotel restaurant, enjoying local cuisine and camaraderie with fellow travelers.

Day 6    Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - Mora Exploration (B D)

After breakfast, guests will visit Gav Glimåkra AB and Zorn’s Gammelgard for guided tours, delving into the region's rich textile history. Following the tours, guests will have free time to explore Mora further, with visits to Zorn museum or Zorn house. The day will culminate with another delicious dinner at Mora Hotel & Spa, providing guests with an opportunity to savor more Swedish flavors.

Day 7    Thursday, September 12, 2024 - South Sweden (B L D)

After breakfast, guests will journey towards South Sweden, with stops at Jobs Handtryck AB and Leksands Kultur Museum along the way. After a day of exploration, guests will arrive in Arvika and check into Clarion Collection Hotel Bristol. In the evening, they will enjoy a scrumptious dinner at the hotel restaurant, reflecting on the day's adventures.

Day 8    Friday, September 13, 2024 - Borås Exploration (B)

Following breakfast, we will visit Klässbols Weaving Mill and Texsolv AB for guided tours, gaining insights into weaving techniques and innovations. Later, guests will travel to Borås, where they will check into Scandic Plaza Borås for an overnight stay. The evening will be at leisure, allowing guests to explore Borås or simply unwind at the hotel.

Day 9    Saturday, September 14, 2024 - Borås, South Sweden, Borås, South Sweden, Borås (B D)

After breakfast, guests will embark on a walking tour of Borås, exploring the city's textile-related sites and attractions. This includes visits to the Abecita Art Museum and the Textile Museum, where guests can delve deeper into the world of textiles through guided tours. The rest of the day is at leisure, allowing guests to further explore Borås or relax at the hotel. In the evening, dinner will be served at the hotel, providing another opportunity to enjoy Swedish cuisine.

Day 10 Sunday, September 15, 2024 - Borås, South Sweden (B L D)

Following breakfast, guests will depart for Wanas Castle, where they will enjoy a guided tour of the castle and its sculpture park, followed by a delightful three-course lunch. The tour continues with a visit to Svenska Vavstols Museet, offering insights into Swedish weaving traditions. After a day filled with exploration and cultural immersion, guests will return to the hotel for dinner and a well-deserved rest.

Day 11 Monday, September 16, 2024 - South Sweden, Stockholm (B L)

After breakfast, guests will visit Vavstugan i Tingsryd for a weaving workshop, where they can try their hand at traditional Swedish weaving techniques. Following the workshop, guests will embark on the journey back to Stockholm, where they will enjoy a delicious two-course lunch en route. Upon arrival in Stockholm, guests will check back into Clarion Hotel Amaranten or similar accommodation for their final night in Sweden.

Day 12 Tuesday, September 17, 2024 – Stockholm (B D)

Today is a free day for guests to explore Stockholm at their own pace. They may choose to revisit favorite attractions, indulge in shopping, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere of the city. In the evening, guests will gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, where they can reminisce about their experiences and newfound memories from the textile tour.

Day 13 Wednesday, September 18, 2024 - Departure from Stockholm (B)

After enjoying a final breakfast at the hotel, guests will bid farewell to Stockholm as they make their way to the airport for departure flights, marking the end of their memorable textile tour of Sweden.

Tour Leader

SUZIE LILES & SARAH RAMBOUSEK

Suzie Liles has taught weaving for over 35 years. Suzie is very enthusiastic and loves to share her knowledge. She has taught workshops and seminars for adults and children in the United States and Canada. Suzie has an MFA in Fibers from the University of Oregon. She is a member of the Handweavers Guild of America and has written many articles for Handwoven Magazine. She is the owner of Eugene Textile Center and co-owner of Glimakra USA with her daughter Sarah Rambousek. Sarah has been weaving since she was very little; even before she was 10 years old, she helped Suzie teach. She has become deeply knowledgeable about looms and yarns. Sarah is the CEO of Glimakra USA. Glimakra USA imports most of their products from Sweden, which gives her insight into the Swedish community and textile traditions.

View Bio and Upcoming Tours

Inclusions

TOUR INCLUSIONS

What is included in the tour price?

• Accommodation: Accommodation is provided in standard rooms at selected hotels throughout the tour.
• Meals: Daily breakfast is included, along with specified lunches and dinners as per the itinerary.
• Transportation: Transportation between destinations is included, with the use of long-distance coaches for travel within Sweden.
• Guided Tours: Guided tours are provided at various textile-related sites, museums, and factories as outlined in the itinerary.
• Entrance Fees: Entrance fees to museums, attractions, and workshops mentioned in the itinerary are included.
• Tour Leader: A knowledgeable tour leader will accompany the group throughout the tour.
• Some Meals: Some lunches and dinners are included in the tour package as specified in the itinerary.
• Taxes and Service Fees: All applicable taxes and service charges are included in the tour package.

What is not included in the tour price?

• Airfare: International and domestic airfare to and from Sweden is not included in the tour package.
• Travel Insurance: Travel insurance, including medical and trip cancellation coverage, is not included but highly recommended.
• Personal Expenses: Expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, beverages, laundry, and personal purchases are not included.
• Optional Activities: Optional activities and excursions not specified in the itinerary are not included in the tour package.
• Gratuities: Gratuities for tour guides, drivers, hotel staff, and other service providers are not included but are at the discretion of the guests.
• Visa Fees: Any fees associated with obtaining a visa for travel to Sweden are not included.
• Additional Transportation: Any transportation not specifically mentioned in the itinerary, such as airport transfers outside of specified arrival and departure times, is not included.
• Personal Health Expenses: Expenses related to personal health, medications, and medical emergencies are not included.

Hotels

HOTELS

Please contact our office for more information

Opulent Quilt Journeys
Phone: 877 235 3767
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.