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 Friday 5 April, 2024 Departure
Our holiday begins with a flight to Amsterdam.
DAY 2 Saturday 6 April, 2024 Amsterdam, Netherlands
On arrival in Amsterdam we are transferred to our city hotel. This afternoon we
join a glass-top canal boat cruise and explore Amsterdam’s maze of canals. We
learn about the history of this gorgeous city.
DAY 3 Sunday 7 April, 2024 Amsterdam
This morning we visit the famous Den Hann and Wagenmakers, which stocks
amazing original handmade Dutch reproduction print fabric, duvets and bedcoverings.
In the afternoon we visit the Katten Kabinet, which is a museum depicting
cats. It includes paintings, drawings and sculptures sometimes by famous artists.
This evening we will enjoy a welcome dinner.
DAY 4 Monday 8 April, 2024 Amsterdam
This morning we travel to the historic town of Delft to tour the Royal Delft factory.
They have been creating blue Dutch ceramics since 1653. After the guided tour
we will have time in the museum and the shop. In the afternoon we visit the very
interesting and moving Anne Frank House, dedicated to the Jewish wartime diarist
Anne Frank. She went into hiding in WW11 in a secret annex to escape from the
Nazis with seven other people. After more than two years they were discovered
and deported to concentration camps. Out of the eight prisoners, Anne’s father
Otto was the only one to survive.
DAY 5 Tuesday 9 April, 2024 Bruges, Belgium
Today we travel to Bruges Belgium, the capital of West Flanders in northwest
Belgium, distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings. On
the journey we stop in picturesque Antwerp, a port city on the River Scheldt, with
a history dating from the Middle Ages. We visit Quilt Shop Leur with an extensive
range of fabrics. Michelle and the tour manager will meet those wishing to dine
with the group in the lobby.
DAY 6 Wednesday 10 April, 2024 Bruges
This morning we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bruges, known as the ‘Venice
of the North’ and one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It is an UNESCO
World Heritage-listed city. We will see the world-famous Market Square, the
Royal Residence, Royal Square, Houses of Parliament and Art Nouveau houses
and view the remarkable City Hall. There will also be time to explore the maze
of winding, cobbled alleys and romantic canals. This afternoon we will visit the
Choco Museum, which tells the story of cocoa and chocolate from the Mayan’s
via the Spanish conquistadors until today. We will see how chocolate is made
and learn the health benefits of chocolate.
DAY 7 Thursday 11 April, 2024 Bruges
This morning we will visit the Bruges Lace Centre. It has been housed in a
renovated old lace school of the sisters of the Immaculate Conception. We will
see various different types of lace and learn about their geographical origin. We
will also learn about the lace industry in Bruges. In the afternoon we visit the
Gobelin Creative Patchwork and Quilting store. This store has been in existence
for 25 years. You will be amazed at the amount and variety of cotton fabric that
is on offer.
DAY 8 Friday 12 April, 2024 Paris, France
This morning we travel to the romantic city of Paris. On arrival we enjoy a sightseeing
tour with a local guide, covering Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre,
the Tuileries and a drive along the Champs Elysee to the Arc de Triomphe.
Michelle and the tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the group
in the lobby.
DAY 9 Saturday 13 April, 2024 Paris
This morning we will visit the Toile de Jouy Museum. This museum was created
in 1977 and dedicated to the activity of the Jouy factory and textile printing.
More than three thousand original Toile de Jouy designs exist. In the technical
exhibition room we will see engraving tools, wood blocks, plates and copper
rollers. We will follow the evolution of Toile de Jouy in the display of bed
hangings, ornaments, textile panels and dresses. In the afternoon we travel
west of Paris to visit Château de Versailles, the extravagant palace, set in grand
formal gardens, for Louis XIV. In the grounds of Versailles, we visit the Grand
Trianon and the Petit Trianon which belonged to Queen Marie Antoinette, with
its romantic landscape of meandering paths, streams, rustic bridges and lake.
DAY 10 Sunday 14 April, 2024 Bayeux
This morning we travel to Bayeux, a town on the Aure River in the Normandy
region of north-western France. We travel to the gorgeous fishing village of
Honfleur with time to browse the gorgeous specialist boutiques. Michelle and
the tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the group in the lobby.
DAY 11 Monday 15 April, 2024 Bayeux
Today we visit the famous 68 metre Tapisserie de Bayeux. It is a wonderful 11thcentury
piece of embroidery depicting the 1066 Norman invasion of England. It
is listed as an UNESCO Memory of the world and is on display in an 18th-century
seminary. In the afternoon we visit the Sophie Passion and Couture Boutique,
which offers the biggest choice of patchwork fabric in the region.
DAY 12 Tuesday 16 April, 2024 Bayeux
Today we travel to Caen to visit Atlier de la Souris. This small but delightful
quilting shop sells fabric by the metre, patchwork supplies, presents and home
décor items. We continue with a visit to Beuvron-en-Auge one of Normandy’s
prettiest villages packed with gems. Wander around the village and admire the
16th-century Vieux manor, the 17th and 18th-century half-timbered houses and
visit the many specialist boutiques located in the village centre.
DAY 13 Wednesday 17 April, 2024 Nantes
This morning we will travel to Nantes, a city on the Loire River in the Upper
Brittany region of western France. On the journey we stop in Le Chapelle Saint
Aubon to visit Le Mille Patch quilting shop, which stock many different varieties
of fabric. The city has a long history as a port and industrial centre. Upon arrival
we will be transferred to our hotel. We will enjoy our four-night stay while we
visit the Pour l’Amore du Fil Show.
DAY 14 Thursday 18 April, 2024 Nantes
This year will be the eleventh year that the Pour l’Amore du Fil Show has
operated. It has exceptional exhibits, antique quilts, and dozens of famous
artists and designers from around the world. There are more than 120 selected
stands, workshops and demonstrations. We will attend the show today. Michelle
Marvig is employed by the show’s organisers to promote her latest book and we
will include a copy of the book as part of the tour.
DAY 15 Friday 19 April, 2024 Nantes
Another day to enjoy the Pour l’Ámore du Fil Show. The rest of the day will be
free for shopping or exploring.
DAY 16 Saturday 20 April, 2024 Nantes
This morning we visit the restored, medieval Château des Ducs de Bretagne,
where the Dukes of Brittany once lived. Built in the late 15th century by Francois
11. We will visit the ramparts, where we can look down on the courtyard and
moat. We continue with a visit to the museum, where the Decorative Arts
section contains pottery, textiles and glass. In the afternoon we visit the Island of
Machines. A project designed by two imaginative Frenchmen. You will see many
machines re-created from Jules Verne’s Invented Worlds and from drawings of
Leonardo da Vinci’s machines. This evening we will enjoy a farewell dinner and
say goodbye to Michelle.
DAY 17 Sunday 21 April, 2024 Paris
Today we travel to Paris. Michelle will stay in Nantes continuing her work at the
Show. In the afternoon we visit the beautiful white Basilica Sacre Coeur on top
of the hill at Montmartre. This location provides wonderful views all over Paris.
The area is home to the last windmill, vineyard and narrow cobbled streets in
Paris. We will have time to explore the streets near the Cathedral, where painters
have sold their wares for about a hundred years. There is much to be seen in
Montmartre – museums, artisans and restaurants.
DAY 18 Monday 22 April, 2024 Departure
This morning we depart Paris on our flight to Australia.
DAY 19 Tuesday 23 April, 2024 Arrival Australia
This morning we arrive in Australia and tour activities end.
| Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|
| $9,690 | $11,730 |
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.
“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!”
