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- houston international quilt festival 2024
Textile Tours
Quilter's Guild
Quilting Tours
Tour Dates
Tuesday 29th October - Wednesday 6th November 2024
BOOKING IS OPEN CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DEPOSIT
This is an inspiring and hugely popular tour to Houston, Texas to experience one of the world's largest annual quilt shows, which this year will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. Details of special exhibits are still to be announced, but we are promised a celebration of red, white and blue!
Houston - melange of international appeal and Southern charm
Houston is a vibrant, multi-cultural city boasting a myriad of museums and cultural institutions and a world-class culinary scene, not to mentionthe largest annual quilt show in America. Thisoutstanding annual textile extravaganza features quilters from all over the world - it's like walking through a huge quilt museum, with the added bonus of plenty of shopping stalls, workshops, lectures, and lots of buzz and excitement!
What We Love
- Three full days to explore the Houston International Quilt Festival - inspiration guaranteed!
- Heaps of free time to enjoy the cosmopolitan diversity and old west charm of America's fourth-largest city.
- A choice of hotels in the heart of downtown Houston.
- Visiting Houston Space Centre for an out-of-this-world experience!
- Shopping at GRS Creations & Fabric Store in Old Town Spring - a hidden gem with eleven rooms of fabulous fabric and trimmingsto browse through. Bring a bag - there are always tempting treasures to find!
- Visiting Galveston Island and strolling through Moody Gardens and a Rainforest Pyramid.
Experiences you will treasure
- Three inspiring days at the International Quilt Festival - the largest quilt show in the world
- Visiting the HoustonSpace Center, an affiliate of theSmithsonian Institute and NASA visiting centre. Touch a moon rock, see originalspacecraft and spacesuits and wonder at the ingenuity
- Travelling to Galveston Island on the Gulf of Mexico to shop, eat, and explore the tropical oasis that is Moody Gardens and the Rainforest Pyramid.
- Browsing through one of the best shops for quilting suppliesand shopping for your future projects
- Going just north of Houston to visitOld Town Spring,a 19th century railroad hub and now a beautifully preserved historic town filled with charming boutiques, restaurants, antique stores, and much more.
What people say
The International Quilt Festival in Houston is just fabulous! The fabrics and kits, tools and threads were wonderful and quite a lot of them seemed to come home with me. There was a relaxed, fun easy-going atmosphere to the show
Mrs K Knox
How much is it?
Staying at Cambria Hotel 3*, £2,459p/p
Staying Hilton Americas Houston 4*, £3,095p/p
British Airways from London Heathrow £975p/p
Singapore Airlines from Manchester £1,175p/p
Single Room Supplement Cambria Hotel: £525 total
Single Room Supplement Hilton Americas: £1015 total
Like a flight upgrade? Please email so we can quote supplement cost
Everything is BIG in America - and this show certainly is!
Founded in 1974, Houston's International Quilt Festival is the largest annual quilt show in America, attracting tens of thousands of visitors to the George R Brown Convention Centre each year.
As well as displays of more than 1,500 quilts and unique works of textile art by makers from all corners of the globe, the festival also boasts an inspiring workshop and lecture programme, as well as 1,000 booths selling quilts, fabrics and textile supplies. Three days here will provide long term inspiration for quilting and textile enthusiasts of all kinds, and offers a unique opportunity to forge creative friendships with the international quilting community.
The Special Exhibits section is an annual highlight. Treats in previous years have included a showcase of quilts that have graced the covers of the iconic US Patchwork & Quilting Magazine and Kaffe Fassett's display of Heritage Quilts in America.
Please note, workshops and excursions offered at the Festival should be booked directly through the organisers as theyare not included in our tour programme.
What's included in your holiday
- ECT Tour Manager
- All transfers while in Houston
- 7x nights B&B at your chosen hotel
- International Quilt Festival Show Pass, including 3-day entrance and preview night
- City coach tour of Houston with local guide
- Full day entrance to Space Centre Houston
- Visit to Joann Fabric Store
- Full day coach excursion to Galveston Island, Moody Gardens Pyramid Rain Forest
- Half day visit to Old Town Springs & GRS Creations & Fabric Store
Itinerary - what you will do when
Day One - Tuesday 29th October
Departing from London Heathrow
06:30 - meet your ECT Tour Manager at the departure gate at London Heathrow Terminal 5
09:30 - depart on BA0195 for Houston
15:10 - arrive Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Departing from Manchester
07:30/08:00 - arrive at Manchester airport Terminal 2
10:05 - depart on Singapore Airlines flight SQ52 for Houston
15:25 - arriveHouston George Bush Intercontinental Airport
Transfer by private coach to your hotel in Houston
16:00/16:30 - arrive at your choice of hotel, either Cambria Hotel 3* or Hilton Americas Houston 4*
Located in one of Houston's most iconic skyscrapers, the Cambria Hotel 3* combines contemporary amenities with Texan charm and is decorated with design elements that reflect the Old West, the oil industry and NASA's influence on the city. As well as spacious, comfortable bedrooms with spa style bathrooms, the hotel also offers a full service restaurant and bar, 24 hour fitness suite and free WIFi throughout. It is conveniently located in the Downtown Houston Convention Centre.
Hilton Americas Houston 4* is connected to theGeorge R. Brown Convention Center via a skywalk. The tastefully furnished, contemporary bedrooms are decorated with vibrant murals created by local artists. Other amenities include a range of dining and drinking options, from a Lobby Bar serving globally inspired dishes and beverages to the R24 Rooftop Lounge where you can enjoy a favourite co*cktail while taking in the spectacular skyline views of Houston. There is also an infinity pool, hot tub, fitness centre and free WIFI throughout.
Evening at leisure - your Tour Manager will be able to help with any queries and offer suggestions for what to see and where to eat in the city.
Day Two - Wednesday 30th October
Breakfast at the hotel
Meet you local guide in the hotel lobby then depart at 10:00 for a sightseeing coach tour of Houston
14:00 - return to the hotel and afternoon at leisure
18:00 - 21:00 - preview evening at International Quilt Festival. The hotel will provide a complimentary return shuttle to the George R. Brown Convention Centre.
(The doors open at 17:00 for class entrollees)
Day Three - Thursday 31st October
Breakfast at the hotel
10:00 - 19:00 - full day at the International Quilt Festival.The hotel will provide a complimentary return shuttle to the venue.
Day Four - Friday 1st November
Breakfast at the hotel
10:00 - 19:00 - full day at the International Quilt Festival.The hotel will provide a complimentary return shuttle to the venue.
Day Five - Saturday 2nd November
Breakfast at the hotel
10:00 - 19:00 - full day at the International Quilt Festival.The hotel will provide a complimentary return shuttle to the venue.
Day Six - Sunday 3rd November
Breakfast at the hotel
09:45 - depart by private coach with your Tour Manager for a full day excursion toSpace Centre Houston. On the way back, you will make an hour-long stop at the Joann Fabric Store. (You will be able to download special discount vouchers to use in store. Your Tour Manager will help.)
17:30/18:00 - return to the hotel. Evening at leisure
Day Seven - Monday 4th November
Breakfast at the hotel
09:45 - depart by private coach with your Tour Manager for full day excursion to Galveston Island. There will time for shopping and lunch* at the Strand shopping district. (*Not included in the tour price.) In the afternoon, you will visitMoody Gardens PyramidRain Forest.
17:00 - return to the hotel. Evening at leisure.
Day Eight - Tuesday 5th November
Breakfast at the hotel and check out
09:30 - depart by private coach with your Tour Manager for a half day excursion toOld Town Spring where you will visit the hidden fabric shop, GRS Creations & Fabrics. There is also time for you to explore at leisure and have some lunch.* (Not included in the tour price.)
12:30 - transfer to Houston George BushIntercontinental Airport for your return flights to the UK
13:00 - arrive atGeorge BushIntercontinental Airport
15:55 - BA flight BA0194 departs for London Heathrow
18:50 - Singapore flight SQ51 departs for Manchester
Day Nine - Wednesday 6th November
06:55 - BA flight arrives London Heathrow Terminal 5
09:30 - Singapore Airlines flight arrives Manchester Airport Terminal 2
Tour ends
Where you will be staying
Cambria Hotel 3*
Located in one of Houston's most iconic skyscrapers, the Cambria Hotel 3* combines contemporary amenities with Texan charm. Decorated with design elements that reflect the Old West, the oil industry and NASA's influence on the city. As well as spacious, comfortable bedrooms with spa style bathrooms, the hotel also offers a full service restaurant and bar, 24 hour fitness suite and free WIFi throughout. It is conveniently located in the Downtown Houston Convention Centre.
or
Hilton Americas Houston 4*
Hilton Americas Houston 4* is connected to theGeorge R. Brown Convention Center via skywalk. The tastefully furnished, contemporary bedrooms are decorated with vibrant murals created by local artists. Other amenities include a range of dining and drinking options from Lobby Bar serving globally inspired dishes and beverages to the R24 Rooftop Lounge where you can enjoy a favourite co*cktail while taking in the spectacular skyline views of Houston. There is also an infinity pool, hot tub, fitness centre and free WIFI throughout.
Flights & Transport
Outbound - Tuesday 29th October
09:30 departLondon Heathrow T5 with British Airways flight BA0195
15:10 arrive George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Terminal E
Flight time - 10 hours 40 minutes
OR
10:05 departManchester Terminal 2 with Singapore Airlinesflight SQ52
15:25 arriveGeorge Bush Intercontinental Airport Terminal E
Flight time - 10 hours 20 minutes
Inbound - Tuesday 5th/Wednesday 6th November
15:55 departGeorge Bush Intercontinental Airport Terminal D with British Airwaysflight BA0194
06:55 6th November - arrive London Heathrow Terminal 5
Flight time 9 hours
OR
18:50 departGeorge Bush Intercontinental Airport Terminal E with Singapore Airlines flight SQ51
09:30 6th November - arrive Manchester Airport Terminal 2
Flight time 8 hours 40 minutes
BA economy flight includes:
1 x 23kg checked bag
1 x handbag/laptop bag (up to 40cm x 30cm x 15cm) up to 23kg
1 additional cabin bag (up to 56cm x 45cm x 15cm) up to 23kg
Singapore Airlines economy flight includes:
2 pieces hold luggage 23kg each total length, width and height 158cm
1 piece hand luggage 7kg total length, width and height 115cm
Please email to request flight upgrades: info@ecttravel.com
While in Houston you will enjoy private coach transfer and local shuttle transfer to the Houston International Quilt Festival
ESTA Visa
- Travelling to the USA on a non American passport, you will need an ESTA visa. Please use this link to apply:https://uk.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/government-agencies/dhs/cbp/esta-the-electronic-system-for-travel-authorization/
A Deeper Dive
Space Centre Houston
Space Centre Houston, the official visitor centre of the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Centre, isthe only place in the world where you can enter a replica space shuttle resting on top of the original shuttle carrier aircraft, NASA 905. Thisextraordinary re-creationgives a real insight into the workings of the shuttle, allowing visitors to walkthrough seven dynamic areas within the aircraft, includingthe flight deck, mid-deck and payload bay. And as if that wasn't excitement enough, a visit here also includes the chance toexperiencethesights and sounds of a real launch in the multi-screen Blast-Off theatre, an opportunity to take an interactive, virtual journey across the solar system and into the future of space exploration, and a 90 minutetram tour behind the scenes of NASA and Mission Control.
Cultural and Culinary Houston
Houston's downtown Museum Districtis the city'scultural heart, with venues exploring subjects ranging from natural science to the African-American experience. Particular highlights include the Menil Collection and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Housed in buildings designed by architect Renzo Piano (and widely regarded as masterpieces of modern architecture), the Menil collection contains 15,000 works dating from the Paleolithic era to the present day, including an impressive collection of 20th Century surrealist art, a permanent installation of work by Cy Twombly and a chapel dedicated to the paintings of Mark Rothko.
With over 65,000 objects ranging from Antiquity to contemporary times, theMuseum of Fine Arts is a place to return to time and again. However, must-see collections for a one-off visit include The Glassel Collection of African Gold, the19th century paintings of the American wilderness, the displays of contemporary decorative arts and the textile and costume galleries, home to some exquisite examples of English and French haute couture. Architecture aficionados should also make a point of visiting the Museum's Cullinan Hall and Brown Pavilion, both of which were designed by that master of modernism, Mies van der Rohe.
Houston is an international city and its culinary scene reflects its ethnic diversity - at the last count there were 10,000 restaurants offering cuisine from more than 70 different countries and regions of the US. And it isn't just the variety that's impressive; many people also consider Houston to be America's food capitalso, whether your taste is for waffles and chicken wings, Creole gumbo and jambalaya or European fusion, this is the perfectplace to indulge your appetite!
Houston has plenty to tempt shoppers too, from the Art Deco splendour of the Rover Oaks Shopping Centre to the independent craft artists at the Houston Centre for Contemporary Craft. We make a special visit to Joann Fabric and Craft Store which boasts the city's best selection offabrics, yarns, beads, scrapbooking, and paper crafting goods.
Galveston Island
Galveston Island, lyingfifty miles south ofHouston on the Gulf of Mexico, is a relaxed retreat with mile upon mile of beaches and a wealth of stately historic homes belonging to generations of the most powerful families in Texas. Although many of the island’s buildings were destroyed in the Great Storm of 1900many, such as the 1859 Ashton Villa, 1892 Bishop's Palace and 1885 Moody Mansion did survive and offer a fascinating glimpse into turn of the century family life among Galveston's elite.
Other highlights include The Grand 1894 Opera House,ranked among the US's finest historical theaters, and the Rain Forest Pyramid at Moody Gardens. Thisfascinatingtropical garden provides a rare, up-close and interactive experience withendangered plants and animals, ranging from Giant Amazon River Otters to Saki Monkeys and Chinese Alligatorsin an extraordinarily realistic replicaof a real rain forest.
Old Town Spring
Historic Old Town Spring, justthirty minutes from Houston, shot to famein the 1930s whenthe infamous criminalsBonnie and Clyde robbed the town bank. (The bullet holes are still there today.) Today Old Town Spring is a charming little town filled with art galleries, antique stores and independent Victorian-style shops, includingGRS Creations.Known as ‘the hidden quilt shop in Old Town Spring’, it has eleven rooms stocked with more than 18,000 bolts of fabric. Our visit to Old Town Spring includes time at this treasure trove, so make some room in your suitcase.
Before you book
- Travelling to the USA on a non American passport, you will need an ESTA visa. Please use this link to apply:https://uk.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/government-agencies/dhs/cbp/esta-the-electronic-system-for-travel-authorization/
- Please read ourBooking Conditions,Covid-19 Additional Terms and Informationand ourcommitment to your welfare.
This tour requires a minimum of 10 passengers refer to point 7 in our booking conditions
Mobility: this tour is generally suitable for most, if you are concerned or have specific issues please let us know ahead of booking
29.760427, -95.369804
29.18326, -94.969755
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0800 298 0588
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