Within two years of discovering patchwork, Michelle was working for an Australian distributor of American patchwork cottons, as a sample maker. This allowed her to work from home, around the responsibilities of her two small children. It also meant that she was exposed to many styles of fabrics, and stepped up to the challenge of designing quilts in all genres. It was during this time that her work was noticed by magazine editors. She was among the contributors included in the first edition of Australian Patchwork and Quilting magazine. Since that date she has been published consistently in a wide variety of Australian magazines. Michelle writes a permanent column in Quilter’s Companion, Road Test, where she puts different products through their paces. She has presented numerous DVD’s for Quilter’s Companion, on a variety of techniques and subjects. Authored four books, designed five fabric ranges and unique patchwork templates. Her quilts have received numerous awards at the NSW Quilter’s Guild Quilt Shows. Since 2008 Michelle has escorted Australian quilters overseas on patchwork tours to America, Canada, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore and Europe for Travelrite International and Quilter’s Companion.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Wednesday 13 March, 2024 Departure
Our holiday begins with a flight to Barcelona.
DAY 2 Thursday 14 March, 2024 Barcelona, Spain
We will arrive in Barcelona this afternoon. On arrival we will be met by our private
coach and taken to our hotel.
DAY 3 Friday 15 March, 2024 Barcelona
Today we visit the International Patchwork Festival at Stiges, which is a suburb
of Barcelona. The Festival is held in three marquees housing approximately 110
exhibitions along the Paseo de la Ribera seafront promenade. During our visit
the group are able to take part in workshops, buy textiles or browse among the
exhibits. This evening we will enjoy a welcome dinner to formally meet Michelle
and other tour members.
DAY 4 Saturday 16 March , 2024 Barcelona
This morning we will have time to visit the Festival. In the afternoon we enjoy a
sightseeing tour of Barcelona. Capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is the second largest
city in Spain. We will see the historic cathedral and the beautiful streets of the
Gothic Quarter. We visit the modernist Eixample district and see examples of
Gaudi’s stunning architecture, including a tour of the the famous Sagrada Familia.
DAY 5 Sunday 17 March, 2024 Barcelona
This morning we visit Casa Batllo a gorgeous Art Nuevo house designed by
Gaudi. We will continue with a visit to Park Guell, designed by Gaudi which is a
combination of architectural and landscape features with mature and natural
looking plantings. Among them is the grand iron-balustrade entrance, with its
mosaic tile work on the walls and the imposing staircase dragon. In the afternoon
we visit Elsa Labors Patchwork shop. She sells batiks, 100 percent cotton fabric and
all accessories associated with sewing. Michelle will explain our quilting project
this afternoon.
DAY 6 Monday 18 March, 2024 Valencia
Today we travel to Valencia. We will have time to work on our project during the
journey. Michelle and the tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the
group in the lobby.
DAY 7 Tuesday 19 March, 2024 Valencia
We will enjoy a city tour of Valencia with a local guide this morning. During the tour
we will visit the Central Market an Art Nouveau building with about 1,000 stalls.
We will continue with a visit to the Torres de Sorranes one of the 14th century
towers, which were part of the ancient city walls. This gate is an entry point in the
north of the city to the royal road. We will get a wonderful view of the city from it
ramparts. In the afternoon we will visit the Museum of Ceramics and Decorative
Arts. It houses a collection of ceramics, textile art and traditional costumes.
DAY 8 Wednesday 20 March, 2024 Granada
Today we travel to the historic city of Granada. This will be a long day of coach
travel, so we will have time to work on our quilting project. We will stop in the
attractive University City of Murcia with time for lunch. Located in the foothills
of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Granada houses grand medieval architecture
dating from the time of the Moorish invasion. This hilltop fortress encompasses
royal palaces, serene patios and reflecting pools.
DAY 9 Thursday 21 March, 2024 Granada
Today we visit the famed Alhambra, the palace of the Moorish sultans of Granada.
Completed by 1391, it is one of the most spectacular Arabic buildings in the world.
We visit the palace and the impressive gardens that surround it. Late afternoon
we will visit Hobbypatch, which stocks many children’s fabrics and other quilting
needs.
DAY 10 Friday 22 March, 2024 Cordoba
Today we board our private coach and drive to Cordoba, once the capital of the Arab
kingdom of Al-Andalus, a seat of learning and culturally diverse. On arrival we will
enjoy a guided tour of the city, including Puente Romano and Plaza del Porto. We will
also visit the Mosque Cathedral, so named as it is a mosque inside a cathedral. From
the Patio de los Naranjos, to the Mihrab and into the Cathedral, this 10th century
monument displays the amalgamation of Islamic and Christian architecture.
DAY 11 Saturday 23 March, 2024 Cordoba
This morning we visit the House Museum del Guadameci Omeya. We will see
the original Omeya technique used to decorate leather. This much appreciated
guilt leather panel was used to decorate leather with plant or animal themes. We
continue with a visit to Mathilda Patchwork, which displays a vast array of fabric.
DAY 12 Sunday 24 March, 2024
Today we travel to Seville, which is famous for flamenco dancing, bullfighting and
its myriad of cafes and tapas bars. The remainder of the day is free to explore the
museums, monuments and churches, of Seville, or enjoy its plentiful plazas. This
evening you will have time to explore the cuisine of Valencia and you may like
to soak up the atmosphere by dining at a restaurant that includes a spectacular
Flamenco show at your own cost. Michelle and the tour manager will meet those
wishing to dine with the group in the lobby.
DAY 13 Monday 25 March, 2024 Seville
Today we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Seville with a local guide. We will explore the
charming barrio Santa Cruz, the old Jewish quarter of Seville with its narrow streets
of whitewashed houses, gaily flowered balconies and hidden squares shaded by
flowering orange trees. We will visit Seville’s magnificent 15th century Gothic
cathedral and its famous bell tower La Giralda, a symbol of the city. Across the
square is the entrance of the impressive Real Alcazar Palace completed after the
Christian re-conquest in typical Mudejar-style. With a maze of rooms, exquisitely
decorated patios and exotic gardens, it is one of the oldest royal residences in
Europe still in use today.
DAY 14 Tuesday 26 March, 2024 Seville
We first visit the museum of arts and popular culture, before continuing to the
Flamenco dance Museum, where we will find out the history of Flamenco Dancing
as well as attending a live performance.
DAY 15 Wednesday 27 March, 2024 Madrid
This morning we travel to the capital of Spain, Madrid. With a population of over
three million, Madrid is one of Europe’s most hospitable, cosmopolitan cities, with
wide avenues, attractive parks and a great sense of the joy of life.
DAY 16 Thursday 28 March, 2024 Madrid
We will enjoy a morning sightseeing tour with a local guide of the historic centre
of Madrid, including stopping for a photograph opportunity at Plaza Cibeles and
to do some people watching at the Plaza Mayor. We continue with a trip on the
Teleferico de Madrid (cable car). We will see Madrid’s amazing skyline as well
as a zoo, and many beautiful parks on the journey. This afternoon we visit the
Garment Museum. It has recently undergone a refurbishment re-opening at the
end of 2021. This museum preserves rare and important pieces from the 16th and
17th century including a woman’s vest. From the 18th century it houses a lovely
collection of men’s jackets and waistcoats.
DAY 17 Friday 29 March, 2024 Segovia
We enjoy a day trip to Segovia today. Started as a Celtic settlement under the
Romans, Segovia is famous for its aqueduct built under the Emperor Trajan. We
will visit the Cathedral and the Jewish Quarter behind the Cathedral. This evening
we will enjoy a farewell dinner.
DAY 18 Saturday 30 March, 2024 Departure
This morning we depart Madrid on our flight to Australia.
DAY 19 Sunday 31 March, 2024 In flight
DAY 20 Monday 1 April, 2024 Australia
This evening we arrive in Australia and tour activities end.
| Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|
| $9,990 | $12,230 |
| Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|
| $2,700 | $3,550 |
If clients travel on three tours $22,180 plus three Single Supplements as listed. This includes a free flight Madrid to Amsterdam
You can stay longer in Europe for minimal additional cost. Please contact Travelrite International 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 operator
TOUR COSTS:
The tour costs are based on airfare, general transport, accommodation costs
and foreign exchange rate at 20/3/23. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of
these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with full
refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to price will be made within
60 days of departure from Australia.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS:
A deposit of $900 per passenger for is required at the time
of booking. Full payment will be required 62 days before departure for the Quilting Tour. A
1.5% administration fee will be charged on payment by Visa, Mastercard and AMEX.
CANCELLATIONS 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.
AIR TAXES:
from Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane/Perth as listed in the itinerary. Please
contact us for air taxes from different cities. Air taxes are as at 20/3/23. If they change due
to government and airline charges and currency variations, Travelrite International reserves
the right to charge additional amounts.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs of cancellation
fees due to illness, death in family, etc.
MINIMUM TOUR NUMBERS AND CONDITIONS:
The tour has been priced on the basis
of a minimum number of passengers having booked 62 days prior to departure. Travelrite
reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all monies paid or offer
arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified cost.
TOUR ORGANISATION:
Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised entrances if
necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
REFUNDS:
The tour is based on arrangements that do not allow for any refunds in respect
to sightseeing, accommodation, meals, airfare or other services not utilized after the tour
has commenced.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
All passengers will require a valid passport. Visas for countries
visited are not required for Australian passport holders. If you hold another passport please
check with Travelrite.
BAGGAGE:
All passengers qualify for the 20kg (441b) free baggage allowance.
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. (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour
organizer. Travelrite International acts only as an agent in the making of arrangements for
hotels, transportation, restaurants or any other service and does 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. The passage contract between the carriers
concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the
purchasers of this tour 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 undertaken in the State of Victoria.
DELAY and UNFORESEEN EVENTS:
You engage Travelrite International to book this tour
on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite International 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 International 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
International 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
International your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite International any
cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite International 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::
While highly recommended, COVID-19 vaccinations
and boosters are no longer required for guests traveling with us. It is your
responsibility to comply with specific vaccine and/or booster requirements
imposed by airlines, cruise lines and/or authorities in the destinations visited, as
well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues, which may be more
restrictive than the above. No refunds will be given if you are unable to undertake
some or all of the vacation due to failure to comply with these requirements.
HOW TO BOOK:
Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a
deposit of $900 per person to:
Please send to:
Travelrite International Pty. Ltd.
423 Whitehorse Road
Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free 1800 630 343
Phone: (03) 8803 6868 or
Email: balwyn@travelrite.com.au
www.travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (A.B.N.64 005
817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been operating in the eastern
suburbs of Melbourne for more than 40 years. It is fully ATAS accredited:A10538 and has a
fully credited IATA office at Balwyn. As such, it directly represents the major airlines of the
world and all major domestic and international tour and transport operators. Travelrite
International has been operating special interest tours for over 30 years, and now runs
over 100 tours a year. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian
Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.
DAY 1 Saturday 30 March, 2024 Madrid
This morning we farewell those returning to Australia, before travelling
to Toledo for the day. Known for its Medieval, Arab, Jewish and Christian
monuments, Toledo is situated on the banks of the Tagus River. We will enjoy a
sightseeing tour of the city before returning to Madrid.
DAY 2 Sunday 31 March, 2024 Salamanca
Today we travel to Salamanca with a stop in Avila. We will marvel at the intact
medieval walls with 80 semi-circular towers, joined by crenellated battlements
surrounding Avila. We continue to Salamanca, whose history dates back to
the Celtic Era. Known for its university founded in the 11th century, this World
Heritage City will take your breath away.
DAY 3 Monday 1 April, 2024 Salamanca
We will enjoy a walking tour of the gorgeous sandstone city of Salamanca
this morning. We will see the University building integrated into the town, the
Plaza Mayor and the New Cathedral. We will visit the Convento de las Duenos,
a Dominica Convent in the centre of the city. In the afternoon we visit the Art
Nouveau and Art Deco Museum, which contains beautiful decorative art items
from the 19th and 20th centuries.
DAY 4 Tuesday 2 April, 2024 Caceres
Today we travel to Caceres. Founded by the Romans, the old town has a mixture
of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The final series of Game of Thrones
was filmed here in the medieval town, and was depicted as the fictional town
of Kingslanding. We will stop in nearby Trujillo to visit the fabric shop Alamy.
Tonight help Michelle celebrate her birthday in this beautiful location (at your
own expense).
DAY 5 Wednesday 3 April, 2024 Caceres
We will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the World Heritage City of Caceres today. We
will see the medieval cobbled streets and fortified palaces and houses of the
town. In the afternoon we visit the Casa Museo Arabe Yusuf Al-Birch, where we
will see how people lived in the 12th century. We continue to visit Artsolutely
an art and photography exhibition.
DAY 6 Thursday 4 April, 2024 Madrid
We return to Madrid today via Merida, which was founded in the 1st century
BC by the Romans. We will visit the The Teatro Romano a theatre built by the
Romans still in use today. We will enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.
DAY 7 Friday 5 April, 2024 Amsterdam
Today those continuing on the Nethlands, Belbium and French tour will fly to
Amsterdam ready to meet the tour group arriving from Australia tomorrow.
Those returning to Australia will fly home today.
“The best Tour Manager I have ever had over all tour companies.”
“Michelle puts a huge amount of effort info making our trip as good as it can be. Wonderful!”
