Scotland/Shetland Wool Week 2016 Tour
As a solo traveler it was wonderful to be part of a "fiber group" . JoAnn R., Sept 2016
LOVED LOVED LOVED the trip! Susan M., Sept 2016
LOVED LOVED LOVED the trip! Susan M., Sept 2016
Day 1: Thur. Sept. 22, 2016 -- Edinburgh Arrival
After our arrival at the Edinburgh International Airport, we met our tour guide and hopped on our coach and headed into town to our hotel, Premier Inn Haymarket, in the historic center of Edinburgh, just around the corner from the Princess Street shops, gardens, and Edinburgh Castle.
Some of us settled in to rest before the next weeks activities and the rest of us went out on the town exploring.
We started out with an underground tour of Mary King's Close. This consists of a series of streets and houses hidden beneath one of the busiest streets in Old Town, the Royal Mile. We learned the history of the people who lived, worked and died down here. Tales of hauntings and murders abound. And some of us left more convinced than others!
Then on to an amazing Celtic Exhibit at the Scottish National Museum. This exhibit, spanning more than 2,500 years, explored the history of the many groups that called themselves Celts through more than 300 objects of art - Iron Age treasures adorned with intricate patterns rich with hidden meanings, used for feasting, religious ceremonies, adornment and warfare. Wow! Then in for the evening to rest for the rest of the week.
Day 2: Fri. Sept. 23, 2016 -- Edinburgh – City Tour
Today we enjoyed a panoramic tour of Edinburgh and, on our way to Edinburgh Castle, got to see the different parts of the city such as the Royal Mile, Princess Street and its Gardens, and the Parliament House.
Our first stop was Edinburgh Castle, overlooking the city from atop Castle Rock, actually the 'plug' of an extinct volcano. There has been a Royal Castle on this site since the time of David I in the 12th century and was a royal residence until 1633. Being one of the most important strongholds in Scotland, it is known as the most besieged place in the UK and one of the most attacked in the world! The oldest building is St. Margaret's Chapel from the early 12th century. We viewed the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, and the National War Museum of Scotland.
We continued on with a guided tour of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, official residence of the British royal family in Scotland and principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scots since the 16th century. We visited the Historic Apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots and the site of the brutal murder of her secretary, David Rizzio. We saw several of her needlework pieces. But of particular interest was a special exhibit celebrating the Queen's 90th birthday, featuring her garments throughout the years - she has always been a beautifully dressed lady!
After that we had an afternoon stroll in the Grassmarket district where we had a lovely dinner in a local pub...and then back to our hotel to rest up for tomorrow!
Day 3: Sat. Sept. 24, 2016 -- From Edinburgh to Shetland
After breakfast at the hotel we headed over to the Haymarket train station. Our ride took us along the beautiful Scottish coast to Aberdeen where we boarded the overnight ferry to Shetland.
Day 4: Sunday Sept. 25, 2016 -- Arrival in Lerwick Today we settled into our lovely houses in Lerwick and Gulberwick, strolled the streets of Lerwick, and then attended opening ceremonies. Marci and Amy got to meet the Jarl Squad.
Day 5: Mon. Sept. 26, 2016 Some folks attended their pre-planned classes and tours, and some of us headed south. We started at the Jarlshoff Viking Ruins. From there we went to St. Ninian's Tombolo. Then to the Croft Museum for a look at life in Shetland in years past. Then back to town where we got on the tour bus to Jamieson of Shetland for a mill tour and sweater purchasing in the mill shop. Our group dinner later at the Scalloway Hotel was a delight!
Day 6: Tues. Sept. 27, 2016 Today we took a drive along Northmavine and then headed over to the cliffs and lighthouse (another Stevenson) at Eshaness. It was so windy we couldn't get anywhere near the edge.
Day 7: Wed. Sept. 28, 2016 Today several us went on a Shetland Wool Week Tour to Unst where we spent time at a lovely lace exhibit, learned to knit with a knitting belt, and had lunch at the Victorian Tea Garden.
On the way we stopped in Yell at the Old Haa Museum, where again we enjoyed plenty of homebakes and purchasing in the Museum shop.
Later that night we enjoyed a live jam session at the Lounge.
Day 8: Thurs. Sept. 29, 2016 Today we took a drive Northeast to the Island of Whalsay. The areas largest Pelagic fishing vessels are here and boy are they impressive. We spent a bit of time at their lovely Fair Isle Exhibit. And then a stroll along the northernmost golf course in the UK!
Day 9: Fri. Sept. 30, 2016 Today we spent exploring downtown and strolling along the coast of Lerwick, as well as the Shetland Textile Museum and the Shetland Museum and Archives. Lovely!
Day 10: Sat. Oct. 1, 2016
Today we were very sad to leave Shetland - via plane at the Sumburgh Airport - and head back to Edinburgh. Once back in Edinburgh, we had time to explore the things we didn't get to on our first day, and shop on Princess Street.
Marci walked up the Sir Walter Scott Memorial (boy was it windy) and went to one of her favorite museums, the Scottish National Gallery. This museum displays some of the greatest art in the world, including masterpieces by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Constable, Turner, Monet, Van Gogh and Gaugin. The most comprehensive part of the collection covers the history of Scottish painting, including Ramsay, Raeburn, Wilkie and McTaggart. We spent the night at the Mercure Edinburgh City – Princes Street Hotel.
Day 11: Sun. Oct. 2
After breakfast at the hotel, we were transferred to the airport to board our return flights home.
After breakfast at the hotel, we were transferred to the airport to board our return flights home.
I had such a great time! I wish I could go again next fall! Anya R., Sept 2016
I had a wonderful time! Connie R., Sept 2016
I enjoyed the trip! I have lots of great memories … Laurie L., Sept 2016
I had a wonderful time! Connie R., Sept 2016
I enjoyed the trip! I have lots of great memories … Laurie L., Sept 2016