Touring with Gaille Smith is non-stop fun, creativity and laughter. Gaille has hosted acclaimed farm to yarn tours around New Zealand, Tasmania, Victoria, Shetland, Scotland and Ireland. Meet masters of their craft, make friends, and did we mention, laugh? Gaille’s passion for yarn and creativity is contagious. She has a knack of making every trip memorable. Gaille was Editor of Yarn Magazine, Artwear Publications, before taking Indie Road magazine from an idea and growing it to become Australia’s favourite fibre magazine in only 3 years. Gaille’s latest venture is as editor of Homespun Knitting and Crocheting, Beginners and Beyond magazine. If you love knitting, crochet, weaving or macrame you will love connecting and touring with yarn’s biggest fan, Gaille Smith.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Thursday 7 September, Depart Scotland
Today we depart Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth on our overnight
flight to Edinburgh.
DAY 2 Friday 8 September, 2023 Perth, Scotland
On arrival at Edinburgh airport no later than 2.00 pm we will be met by our
private coach and travel north to Perth, an attractive town on the river Tay,
our destination for three nights.
DAY 3 Saturday 9 September, 2023 Perth
Today we attend the Perth Festival of Yarn. Established in 2016, it is Scotland’s
contemporary yarn and fibre festival. We are able to browse in the marketplace
or attend inspiring talks and social events. Attendees will be able to access
the marketplace with 60+ vendors with an abundance of bespoke hand dyed
yarns, single farm wool, plant-based yarns, fibres for spinning and felting, as
well as tools and equipment to help inspire them and create textile works of
their own. (For more information visit www.perthfestivalofyarn.uk)
This evening we will enjoy a welcome dinner to meet Gaille and other tour
members.
DAY 4 Sunday 10 September, 2023 Perth
Another day to attend and enjoy the Perth Festival of Yarn.
DAY 5 Monday 11 September, 2023 Inverness
Today we drive north through the beautiful Cairngorms National Park to
Newtonmore to visit the Highland Folk Museum. In this wonderful outdoor museum that is one mile long, we will see 18th-century townships just like
those in Outlander, working crofts, houses and trains. We will continue to
Loch Ness. It is the largest Scottish loch by volume, indeed experts say that it
contains more freshwater than all the lakes of England and Wales combined!
Next we make the short journey into bonnie Glen Urquhart, famous for
its native woodlands and wide variety of wildlife that they support to visit
Urquhart Castle. It is a magnificent ruined castle that dates from the 14th
century and was one of a chain of garrisons that controlled the Great Glen.
Nowadays it’s a popular place with “Nessie” spotters who scan the waters of
the loch that are deeper here than the North Sea! We continue to Inverness
the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands.
DAY 6 Tuesday 12 September, 2023 Inverness
Today we drive north to visit the Prickly Thistle Contemporary Tartan Mill.
They design a range of unique tartans on commission and for sale. We
continue with a visit to Black Isle Yarns. It’s owner Julie, will set up a pop up
shop in the village hall on the Black Isle, a peninsula just north of Inverness.
She will talk about her local, sustainable and natural yarns grown in the
Scottish Highlands. She will show us the key aspects of natural dyeing for
long lasting colour with a focus on using local foraged plants. We will be able
to take home yarn that we have dyed ourselves.
DAY 7 Wednesday 13 September, 2023 Skye
This morning we drive via the picturesque Kyle of Lochalsh to Portree, the
bustling port capital of Skye. Set around a natural harbour fringed by high
ground and cliffs it is a popular tourist destination.
DAY 8 Thursday 14 September, 2023 Skye
This morning will be free for individual activity. We continue with a visit to Skye Loom Weavers which sells yarn, and uses natural hand-dyed spun yarn with all sorts of fabulous fibres including wool, silk and mohair.
DAY 9 Friday 15 September, 2023 North Uist
This morning we travel two hours by ferry to North Uist in the Outer
Hebrides. We will enjoy this beautiful bleak but unique landscape as we drive
to visit Uist Wool for a behind the scenes tour or their factory . We will see a
selection of yarn from local sheep dyed with sustainable dye and there will
be time to shop.
DAY 10 Saturday 16 September, 2023 Skye
Today we enjoy a sightseeing tour of North Uist, first travelling to St Kilda
viewpoint to view the St Kilda archipelago, which looks like the outer
edge of the world. We continue to Balranald nature reserve, wild life rich
grassland with stunning sandy beaches and wild marshes. We will visit Taigh
Chearsabhagh museum, where there are regular art displays. Late afternoon
we return by ferry to Skye.
DAY 11 Sunday 17 September, 2023 Glasgow
This morning we drive to visit the Caledonian Wool Co. in Fort William. They
supply lovely British yarn, craft kits, buttons and tools. We continue our
journey to Glasgow, a city full of style, energy and its own gritty history.
DAY 12 Monday 18 September, 2023 Glasgow
This morning half our group will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Glasgow. The
other group will travel on the sightseeing tour in the afternoon. From its
humble beginnings, Glasgow reaped the wealth of the industrial revolution,
shown in the splendour of Glasgow Cathedral and other buildings in the
Merchant City. From Glasgow Cross we move into the medieval part of
town and Glasgow Green. Here we see the People’s Palace and the Victoria
Fountain, the world’s largest terracotta fountain. This morning half our
group will visit Woollenflower, a small natural dye and textile studio, run by
Australian-born horticulturist and craftsperson, Julia Billings. She makes all
Woollenflower products by hand with care: dyeing so that colours last and
develop with time. Julia will conduct a workshop Introduction to indigo for
this group in the morning and the groups would reverse in the afternoon: the
group will work with a natural indigo vat and participants would dye and take
away a skein of yarn (about 20-100gm in total) and use shibori techniques to
create simple patterning on silk fabric.
DAY 13 Tuesday 19 September, 2023 Edinburgh
We travel to Edinburgh, the royal and ancient capital of Scotland this
morning. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. On our sight-seeing
tour we see the ancient Royal Mile with its cobbled streets which forms the
backbone of the medieval Old Town. This leads from the Palace of Holyrood
house (HM The King’s official residence in Scotland) all the way to Edinburgh
Castle. We will enjoy a guided tour of the castle, home to the Scottish Crown
Jewels and the historic Stone of Destiny. Enjoy the view from the castle that
is just simply stunning.
DAY 14 Wednesday 20 September, 2023 Edinburgh
This morning we will visit the Great Tapestry of Scotland. Alexander McCall
Smith had the idea to create a tapestry that covered the history of Scotland.
He recruited Andrew Crummy, the artist behind the Prestonpans tapestry,
to design it. Alexander asked Alistair Moffat which parts of Scottish history
should be included. They were then ready to create what you will see
today. We continue with a visit to nearby Unwind Yarns, which stocks yarns,
patterns, accessories and notions. In the afternoon we will visit Abbotsford,
the extraordinary home of the novelist Sir Walter Scott, who popularised
tartan and re-discovered Scotland’s crown jewels. We will also have time to
explore the wonderful formal Regency garden at his house.
DAY 15 Thursday 21 September, 2023 Edinburgh
This morning we visit the New Lanark Spinning Co. Located in a World
Heritage Site it has traditionally spun yarn since 1785 on 19th century
machinery. We will be able to purchase their beautifully wool. We return to
Edinburgh, with free time in one of the world’s great cities.
DAY 16 Friday 22 September, 2023 Edinburgh
In the morning we visit Kathy’s Knits, where half the group will enjoy a talk
by Lucy Hague about her Orkney books and patterns while the other half of
the group will have time in the shop. Then we change the groups around.
This afternoon will visit the Ginger Twist. Jess the owner, loves yarn and the
rainbow colours of natural fibres, so it will be a fun visit. This evening we will
enjoy a farewell dinner to celebrate our wonderful tour. We will conduct a
Show and Tell of the items we have made or bought during the tour while
we eat dinner.
DAY 17 Saturday 23 September, 2023 Departure
Group members not travelling on the extension tour will be transferred to
the airport for their flight back to Australia today.
DAY 18 Sunday 24 September, 2023 In flight
DAY 19 Monday 25 September, 2023 Australia
We arrive back in Australia today and the tour ends.
| Twin Fare | Single Fare | Air taxes at 21/10/22 |
|---|---|---|
| $7,790 | $10,190 | $426 |
Twin-share per person: $2,100 Single supplement: $ 246
You can stay longer in the UK for minimal extra cost. Please contact Travelrite on 1800 630 343 for more information.
Touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour organiser. Tour arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions and general information detailed in brochure. All passengers must complete a Travelrite International booking form.
Deposit and Payment:
A deposit of $900 per passenger should be sent
with a booking form. As soon as the booking is confirmed (usually within
24 hours) a cruise confirmation advice will be posted to the client. Final
payments are due to be paid to Travelrite International 62 days prior to
the commencement of the tour. A 1.5% administration fee will be added
to all payments made by Visa and Master Card. 3% administration charge
will be added to payments by Amex and Diners Club cards. If fares and
air taxes change due to government and airport regulations and currency
fluctuations Travelrite International reserves the right to charge additional
amounts.
Cancellation Conditions:
Cancellations within 62 days of departure will result in the loss of all monies paid. Cancellation outside 62 days from departure will result in a cancellation fee of $900 per person.
Travel Documents: All passengers will require a valid passport. If not an Australian passport holder, check with Travelrite International for visa requirements.
Travel Insurance: Adequate travel insurance is highly recommended to cover tour members for the consequences of unforeseen events during the tour and for cancellation fees which could result from such events such as illness, accident, death etc.
Minimum Tour Numbers: The tour arrangements have been made on the basis of a minimum number of passengers travelling. In the event that less than the required number of passengers have confirmed their booking 62 days from the date of departure, Travelrite International reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of monies paid, or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified fare.
Tour Participation:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be
accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing
all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to
refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that
Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or
any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibilities: Travelrite International Pty Ltd is the tour organiser. Travelrite International Pty Ltd, it’s agents, officers, affiliates, and/or suppliers of services pursuant to or in connection with these holidays shall act only as agents in making arrangements for hotels, transportation including transportation by ship, restaurants, or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in the tour, or by act of God. Further no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break-down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. Baggage is at owners risk throughout the holiday. The passage contract between the carriers concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of these holidays and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any tour and/or make such changes in the tour as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the tour. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be taken in the State of Victoria.
Delays and Unforeseen Events: You engage Travelrite to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite may without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
Travel Vaccination Policy: The wellbeing of our guests is our top priority. All guests booked to travel internationally with Travelrite International are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which may include a booster shot to keep it current and valid.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a deposit of $900 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Fax (03) 9836 8068
Email balwyn@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been marketing throughout Australia for over 34 years and operating in Victoria for more than 38 years. It has a fully accredited (ATAS No A10538) offices at Balwyn, which is also accredited with IATA. As such it directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotels, tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.
23rd September - 29th September 2023
DAY 1 Saturday 23 September, 2023 Skipton
Today we travel south to Skipton to attend Yarndale, an exciting creative
festival, which conducts workshops, gives talks, provides free patterns and
showcases everything related to yarn.
DAY 2 Sunday 24 September, 2023 Skipton
Another day to attend Yarndale.
DAY 3 Monday 25 September, 2023 Manchester
We drive across the beautiful Yorkshire moors to visit Quarry Bank Textile
Mill. Now owned by the National Trust it is one of the best preserved textile
factories from the Industrial Revolution. Built in 1784 the cotton mill is on the
National Heritage List.
DAY 4 Tuesday 26 September, 2023 Manchester
This morning we enjoy a guided tour of Manchester with a local guide. We
will see St Peter’s Square, the Royal Exchange, Castlefield, a restored Urban
heritage Park where beautiful renovated Victorian houses sit alongside old
canals and Manchester Cathedral. In the afternoon we visit the Science and
Industry Museum. This interactive museum shows how the city’s heritage is
interwoven with the cotton industry in the Textile Gallery.
DAY 5 Wednesday 27 September, 2023 Manchester
This morning we visit the Manchester Craft and Design Centre. We will find
about twenty different studios, which sell unique textile’s, jewellery, ceramics,
glass, prints and homewares. This afternoon will be free to explore Manchester
and buy some last-minute gifts. In the evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner
to farewell tour members.
DAY 6 Thursday 28 September, 2023 Depart
Group members will be transferred to the airport for their flight back to
Australia today.
DAY 7 Friday 29 September, 2023 Australia
We arrive in Australia today and the tour ends.
“The best Tour Manager I have ever had over all tour companies.”
“I loved how there were additional activities added as they arose. Our Tour Mangers did everything in their power to add special extras to the tour.”
