TCU

Hotel Info: Premier Inn Edinburgh Royal Mile
Address: 33 E Market St, Edinburgh EH8 8FR, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/scotland/lothian/edinburgh/edinburgh-city-centre-royal-mile.html

MY EDINBURGH MAP (with suggestions, shops, restaurants, etc)
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/3/edit?mid=1fWYFI3zNrBYBGpl3RdZlLkvZ3EFWp-s&usp=sharing

Tour Leader: Anna McNiel
Cell: +393287290848 (calling & whatsapp text & call)

UK Entry Requirements: https://www.gov.uk/eta
Before departure, make sure you have applied for and received confirmation of your UK tourist visa. The cost is £20 which you pay online.

Europe Entry Requirements: The European Union tourist visa system will not begin until later this year (Q4). For now no visa is required. You must have at least 6 months of validity on your passport.

Meet your tour leader and professors in the arrivals hall of the Edinburgh airport. We will collect you up in groups and put you into taxis to go to the hotel.

IMPORTANT: as most of you will have to transit through other airports to arrive in Edinburgh, please contact us immediately if you miss your connection and will arrive late.

AIRPORT TRANSFER 8:40AM
Rose Netz
Charlotte Backschies
Isabella Amerine
Abby Gleason
Hadley Allen
Ruby Miller
Jaylee Van Newkirk

AIRPORT TRANSFER 9:30AM
Carley Crossley
Caitlin Hefner
Isabella Black
Karys Baker
Madeleine White
Alexa Plumlee
Marina Kimzey
Adeline Walker
Kaleio Hernandez

AIRPORT TRANSFER 11:20AM
Noëlle Sapp
Grace Wong
Emily Noonan
Valentina Fonteles Camps

AIRPORT TRANSFER 12:50PM
Carolyn (Mims) Hammond
Jolie Porter

CHECK-IN: although we will advise the hotel that you will be arriving early, check-in time is at 3:00pm. You will be able to use the bathrooms to freshen up. Make sure you have essentials in your hand luggage on packed on the top of your suitcase.

You will have free time to explore Edinburgh and get lunch before coming back to the hotel for check-in. There are physical maps available in reception. You can ask Anna to point you in the right direction!

Breakfast Included
Meet in reception at 9:45AM

WALKING TOUR 10AM to 1PM

• Begin with an introduction to Scottish culture and identity, and how Edinburgh has long served as the political, cultural, and artistic capital of Scotland

• Discover how clothing and textiles have played a key role in Scottish heritage. Learn about the history of tartan, tweed, and wool, and how these iconic materials became symbols of clan identity, craftsmanship, and national pride.

• Explore the atmospheric streets and hidden passageways of Edinburgh’s Old Town, hearing fascinating stories of folklore, fairies, witches, and darker chapters of the city’s past

• Along the way, stop in St Mary's Street to visit local textile and craft shops, where your guide will introduce you to traditional Scottish materials and contemporary artisans 

• Discover work by Scottish jewellery designers and artisans, highlighting how modern creators continue to draw inspiration from Scotland’s landscapes, symbols, and heritage

• Visit one of Edinburgh’s best vintage shops to see how historic garments and classic British fashion styles continue to influence contemporary fashion

• Continue through the historic Royal Mile area before bringing St. Giles’ Cathedral to life through stories of the Reformation, the figures who shaped Scotland’s religious history, and the cathedral’s role in Edinburgh’s past

• Drop-off at a local spot for lunch with recommendations from your guide (meal at your own cost)

FREE AFTERNOON SUGGESTIONS

Visit the Edinburgh Castle
Booking strongly recommended - this is one of Scotland’s most visited monuments.
https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/

Right near the castle is one of Edinburgh’s biggest tartan stores. Perfect if you are looking for your family tartan or looking for souvenirs. Note: as of last year the weaving mill was still closed.
https://www.thetartanweavingmill.co.uk/

The Witchery (5 star hotel and restaurant - close to the castle)
It’s fancy, but if you are looking to splurge it is also beautiful inside and the food is equally magical! Try an afternoon tea.
https://www.thewitchery.com/dine/afternoon-tea/

Visit Holyroodhouse Palace
The King's official residence in Edinburgh and the home of Scottish royal history. Located at the opposite end of the Royal Mile to the Castle.
https://www.rct.uk/visit/palace-of-holyroodhouse

Take the tram to visit The Royal Yacht Britannia
Formerly HMY Britannia and the Royal residence of Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal Family. Tram tickets can be bought from the machines on the platform. It is worthwhile booking your ticket for the Britannia before
https://www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk/

Make your own Tartan Handbag Workshop with Islander
There are multiple locations so check the map to see which ones are closest to where we are staying. Booking required.
https://islanderuk.com/pages/islander-workshop-experience

Breakfast Included
Meet in reception at 8:30AM. Don’t be late as we will be walking out immediately to get on our private bus which will be waiting!

HOLLAND AND SHERRY 10AM to 12 NOON
https://apparel.hollandandsherry.com/en/ourstory

After a group introduction, we will split into smaller groups to visit all the different departments in the Peebles head office of H&S; sample weaving, cutting, distribution, marketing, design, planning, and in-house swatch book production. You will have the opportunity to try your hand at fabric cutting (maybe!) and speak to the people actually working in the various departments. Come ready with questions!!

LUNCH 12:15PM - 1:15PM
We will walk all together to our organized lunch (included). We are having a quick sandwich buffet so we can get on the road as quickly as possible for our next appointment.

BACK ON THE BUS 1:30PM
Drive time about 50 minutes.

LOCHCARRON TARTAN WEAVERS 2:30PM - 4:00PM
https://www.lochcarron.co.uk/about-us

From Kilt to Catwalk, Lochcarron of Scotland is the worlds leading manufacturer of tartan. With a heritage dating back to 1892, our cloth and products are proudly made in Scotland by skilled craftspeople who dye, warp, weave, mend and tailor our tartan textiles. We have over 500 authentic Scottish tartans for you to browse, proudly made in Scotland.

We will be splitting into 3 groups to tour the weaving facility. The tour takes about one hour. There will be some time for shopping at the end of the tour!

At 4PM we will hop back on our bus and drive approximately one hour to get back to the hotel.

Breakfast Included 7AM to 10AM (TBC)

See the free time suggestions from Day 2. Don’t forget the personalized google map also linked above for a list of Scottish stores to visit.

Don’t forget to do your research and assignments.

Have a GREAT DAY. See you tomorrow!

Photo: Victoria Street. PS this is where you will find the Harry Potter Shop!

Breakfast Included
Meet in reception at 8:30AM for immediate departure by private coach bus.

KINLOCH ANDERSON 9AM - 10:30AM
https://www.kinlochanderson.com/

Meet with Owner and CEO John Kinloch Anderson. John has wonderful stories to tell about the six generations of the KA family that have owned and influenced the style, direction, and survival of this historic business. Hear about the history, about making kilts for the ultimate British celebrity, the KING, and about the unexpected markets that tartan and kilts have found over the decades.

10:30AM hop back on the bus we have a half hour drive to our next appointment.

ARAMINTA CAMPBELL 11AM - 12:30PM
https://aramintacampbell.co.uk/

Refreshments will be provided (water and soft drinks)

Although Araminta herself will not be there, we will be meeting with the hand-weavers and other representatives from AC which will host us and walk us through the history and philosophy of the company. We will also see the hand weavers working.

Once we have finished, we will once again hop back on our bus and drive back into the center of Edinburgh.

The bus will leave us at the National Museum of Scotland. On the ground floor is a cafe, and there is is Grey Frairs Bobby Pub down the road. We will have free time for lunch and set a meeting time in the museum to start our tour.

3PM - presentation of the fashion collection at the National Museum of Scotland. We will split into 2 groups and tour the fashion exhibition with Georgina Ripley (curator) and her colleague Lisa Mason. The tour will last about 30 minutes and there will be time for questions afternwards. Don’t forget to visit the other levels of the museum for textiles and design before they close.
https://www.nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/see-and-do/explore-the-galleries/art-design-and-fashion

The museum closes at 5PM.
Once you are finished visiting the museum you are free to go.

IMPORTANT
Remember that we are leaving for London tomorrow. Make sure you leave time for packing. We will be traveling by high speed train. Try and keep the number of pieces of luggage to a minimum. Most of the suitcases will be stored on overhead luggage racks or in the sections at the beginning of each carriage.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Either using the built in lock on your suitcase or buying a TSA approved travel padlock.

DRESS: comfortably (train ride is 4 hours)

Hotel Info: Premier Inn London Kings Cross
Address: 26-30 York Wy, London N1 9AA, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/england/greater-london/london/london-kings-cross.html

CHECK-IN: at 3pm
While you are getting settled in your rooms, I will go and charge your transport cards. We will meet in reception at 4pm to pick up your cards and then you will be free for the evening.

LONDON TRANSPORT

You will each have an Oyster Card with enough credit to cover unlimited travel on the bus, tram, and tube in zones 1 & 2. If in your free time you take longer journeys or you want to use the Thames River Bus, you will need to add extra credit to your card. If you are using the river buses you can also tap on and off with your credit card.

In the event that you loose your card, you will need to replace it and add sufficient credit for the rest of your stay in London.

On The Tube (metro underground trains)

• Touch your Visitor Oyster card flat on a yellow card reader when you enter a station to start a journey

• At the end of your journey, touch your card flat on the yellow card reader as you leave the station; this means you'll be charged the correct fare for the journey you've taken

If you don't touch in and out on a yellow card reader, you might be charged a maximum fare, charged a penalty fare or prosecuted.

On bus and tram services

Only touch your Visitor Oyster card on the yellow card reader at the start of your journey. Don't touch out when you get off a bus or tram, or you will be issued with a penalty fare.

Breakfast Included
Meet in reception at 8:45AM. Don’t forget to bring your Oyster Transport Cards — we will be taking the TUBE to Savile Row.

HOLLAND & SHERRY - SAVILE ROW - 9:30AM to 12 NOON

Created in the 1730s as part of London's Burlington Estate, Savile Row in Mayfair transformed from a residential street for military officers into the global epicenter of bespoke tailoring by the late 19th century. Famed for hand-crafted suits, it invented the tuxedo and serves a clientele of royalty, celebrities, and professionals.

The staff at H&S will split you into two groups. They will take you around the H&S showroom and then give you a tour of the Burlington Estate area and some of its historic fashion businesses.

FREE TIME FOR LUNCH - explore Regent Street, SOHO, The Dover Street Market is also close by, as are lots of places for lunch. MEET BACK AT PICCADILLY CIRCUS tube station at 3:15PM to travel all together to the V&A.

We will take the Piccadilly Line 4 stops to South Kensington.

4PM - V&A Museum South Kensington

We have entry tickets to the Schiaparelli Exhibtion at 5:30PM however there are plenty of other things to see in the V&A. You will have free time both before and after our timed entry to Schiaparelli to explore and enjoy this incredible museum (and museum shop!). In particular, Level 2 of the museum is home to Design, Jewelry, and Theatre & Costume. The permanent fashion collection is currently closed for renovation until 2028. The museum closes at 10PM on Fridays.
https://www.vam.ac.uk/south-kensington

You will receive your Schiaparelli ticket on arrival at the V&A so you can best manage your own time. Make sure you watch the clock so you aren’t LATE! The exhibition is in the Sainsbury Gallery.

Schiaparelli: Fashion Becomes Art (5:30PM entry time)
"For me, dress designing is not a profession but an art." – Elsa Schiaparelli

The UK’s first exhibition on Elsa Schiaparelli spans the 1920s to today, celebrating the innovative designer's influence. It traces the fashion house’s groundbreaking origins and its evolution under current creative director Daniel Roseberry.

Lasting Impressions: Women Printmakers 1900 – Now
Celebrate the innovative printmaking techniques and bold visions of 25 women printmakers from 1900 – Now. From Käthe Kollwitz to Faith Ringgold, explore the work of artists who have used print to make their own lasting impression. 

Breakfast Included.

Be in reception and ready to go at 9:15AM. Don’t forget your Oyster Travel Cards. Our tour guides will be meeting us at the hotel. We will split into two groups and then head to the TUBE to reach our first stop o the tour.

FASHION WALKING TOUR 9:30AM to 1PM

• After an introduction to London's fashion history, travel to the Bond Street area with your guides

• Here, the guests will be split into smaller groups of two for the best and most personal experience

• Hear about the iconic Bond Street area and see iconic stores including Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney.

• Window-shop the international classics like Chanel and Louis Vuitton

• History of the beautiful Burlington Arcade- the world's first mall

• Mini tour of the famous Fortnum and Mason, where you can see the late Queen's handbags and browse endless tea

• Learn how the store came to be and what it offers now

• Travel to Spitafields after an introduction to it as the home of vintage shopping in London and recommendations for lunch (for which there are lots of great options)

Our tour guides will leave us at Spitafields where you will have free time for lunch and SHOPPING! There are plenty of stands in the market and some vintage stores around the corner.

We will set a meeting point at Spitafields. Meet us at 3PM so we can take the BUS all together to the Fashion and Textiles Museum.

The group will be split in two for staggered entry.

Paint! Pattern! Print! Entry @ 4PM

The Textiles of Susan Collier and Sarah Campbell.

Presenting a diverse range of material from the Collier Campbell Archive, Paint! Pattern! Print! invites us into the exuberant world of pioneering designers Susan Collier and Sarah Campbell. Discover their creative journey from the first strokes of the paintbrush to the finished artworks and translation from design to textiles, fashion and homeware.

Sisters Susan Collier and Sarah Campbell worked alongside each other for over 50 years, creating vibrant painterly patterns that transformed printed fabric and the world of interiors. Their highly successful and prolific partnership as Collier Campbell brought British design to global audiences collaborating with brands such as Liberty’s, Heals and Jaeger.

Experimental and innovative from the start, the sisters became pioneers, taking control of the whole process from raw to finished printed cloth as designer converters. As a result, they were able to retain the rights to their own designs as well as develop their own colours and control the quality of both the cloth and the printing. For two women to enter the world of manufacture, approaching companies and making deals was groundbreaking. It was also a bold move at a time when Britain was facing a recession.

Today Sarah Campbell continues this process in her independent creative journey inspired as always by her passion for painting, pattern and print.

TIP: If the weather is good, stop at Vinegar Yard after the museum. It is an outdoor venue which will be full of Brits soaking up the sun. Sometimes on the weekend they also have a flea market next door.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FaRMAtt7fg1Qj9QT9

We are also only a couple of minutes away from The Shard - one of London’s highest viewing platforms. https://www.the-shard.com/

And if you cross the bridge you will literally be on the doorstep of The Tower of London https://www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london/

Breakfast Included from 7AM to 10AM (TBC)

Suggestions: Use your metro pass and go walking. Here is a map of some of London’s most famous sights. You could skip some of the walking by taking the Thames Boat Buses but remember that they are not included on your metro pass.

Walking Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3ctYYP979FFkmqAm8

• Trafalgar Square

• Buckingham Palace

• Westminster Abbey

• London Eye (need to book)

• Walk along south bank of river (or boat). There are places to stop along the way for coffee and snacks (food trucks) that are set up for the summer.

• Cross the river to St Paul’s Cathedral and its whispering gallery in the dome

• Cross back to the Tate Modern (art gallery)

• Shakespear’s Globe Theatre

• Borough Food Market

• Cross London Bridge

• And finish up at the Tower of London

Total walking time: 2 hours

Breakfast Included
Meet in reception at 9:30AM ready to take the Tube.
Note: Today is what the Brits call a Bank Holiday. Most businesses are closed. There should be less rush hour traffic on the Tube but the transport schedule will be similar to a Sunday.

LUXURY LONDON DEPARTMENT STORE CRAWL
Walking Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1VeLEyJYuzBg6cA1A

Schedule
Liberty London 10AM to 11AM
Walk to Selfridges (15 minutes)
Selfridges 11:30AM to 12:30PM
Walk to Harvey Nichols (cut through Hyde Park - 25 minutes)
Harvey Nichols 1PM to 2PM
Meet us at the Fifth Floor Restaurant in Harvey Nichols for
AFTERNOON TEA 2:30PM to 4PM
Walk to Harrods (5 minutes)
Harrods 4PM to 5PM

We will travel all together to Liberty London. Your professors will give you tasks to achieve in each store, kind of like a fashion Scavenger Hunt! You will need to manage your time and navigate yourselves between department stores. Don’t be late for Afternoon Tea which is included. From Harvey Nichols we will walk all together to Harrods.

Note that Harrods has a dress code, no athleisure, no flip flops, no short shorts. You don’t need to dress up but be comfy smart casual. You also might want to take some cute afternoon tea pics!

LIBERTY LONDON (Great Marlborough St/Regent St)
The Vibe: Bohemian, artistic, and whimsical.

This Tudor-revival masterpiece was built from the timbers of two ancient warships. It feels more like a grand, eccentric home than a store.

Must See: The Central Atrium with its wooden balconies and the Liberty Print Room, where their famous floral fabrics are sold by the meter.

Pro Tip: The beauty hall on the ground floor is one of the best-curated in the world, featuring niche brands you won't find in larger stores.

The "Buy": A classic Liberty print silk scarf or a piece of Astier de Villatte pottery.

SELFRIDGES (Oxford Street)
The Vibe: High-energy, theatrical, and cutting-edge.

Walk up Regent Street to Oxford Street. Founded by Harry Gordon Selfridge (the "Showman of Shopping"), this store is about the experience.

Must See: The Shoe Galleries (the largest shoe department in the world) and the Accessories Hall.

Pro Tip: Take the express lift to Alto by San Carlo, the rooftop restaurant. It changes themes seasonally and offers a great view away from the Oxford Street crowds.

The "Buy": A limited-edition designer collaboration or a treat from the "Confectionery Hall."

HARVEY NICHOLS (Knightsbridge)
The Vibe: Sleek, fashion-forward, and "Ab-Fab" glamour.

"Harvey Niks" is where the London fashion set goes to avoid the tourist crowds of Harrods.

Must See: The First Floor Fashion, which houses the most current, "right now" contemporary designers.

Pro Tip: The Fifth Floor Foodmarket and Cafe is much more manageable than Harrods' and perfect for a stylish cocktail mid-crawl.

The "Buy": A pair of trending sunglasses or a niche skincare discovery.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AFTERNOON TEA (Example Menu)
HN loose leaf tea or Illy coffee

SANDWICHES
Coronation chicken, watercress, wholemeal bread
Smoked salmon, herbed cream cheese, white bread
Black truffle, egg mayonnaise, mustard cress, turmeric bread (V)
Cucumber, dill tzatziki, wholemeal bread(V)

SAVOURY BITE Goat cheese and apricot glaze éclair (V)

SCONES Homemade raisin and plain scones (V) Cornish clotted cream, homemade strawberry jam (V)

SWEETS
Passion fruit choux craqueline (V)
Chocolate snickers entrement
Rhubarb yogurt pistachio mousse cake

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HARRODS (Knightsbridge)
The Vibe: Maximum Opulence. Total Sensory Overload.

Just a two-minute walk from Harvey Nichols. With over 330 departments and 1.1 million square feet, it is the undisputed heavyweight of luxury.

Must See: The Egyptian Escalator, the Fine Jewellery Room, and the legendary Food Halls (the ceiling tiles alone are worth the trip).

Pro Tip: It gets very crowded. If you need a breather, head to the Wellness Clinic or the Chocolate Hall for a high-end sugar fix.

The "Buy": Something from the Harrods Signature collection (the green and gold bags) or a bespoke fragrance from "Salon de Parfums" on the 6th floor.

The Dress Code: You don't need a tuxedo, but Harrods in particular has a dress code—avoid "exceptionally short" shorts, athletic singlets, or flip-flops if you want to ensure entry.

Hotel Info: Hôtel Aida Marais
Address: 19 Rue du Château d'Eau, 75010 Paris, France
Website: http://www.hotel-aida-marais-paris.com/
Closest Metro Station: Jacques Bonsergent (M5 Orange) or Republique on multiple lines.

On the train from London I will distribute your Paris Metro Passes which will be enabled with unlimited travel for the rest of the week.

IMPORTANT: You need to bring a passport size photo with you. Your metro pass has a space to affix your photo and to write your name. If you are stopped on the metro they may also ask to see an ID to check that you are using your own pass.

When we get off the Eurostar, we will take the train one metro stop from Gare du Nord to Jacques Bonsergent, then walk a couple of minutes to the hotel.

Once you are checked-in you are free to explore.

Group 1

1. Ruby Miller

2. Emily Noonan

3. Carley Crossley

4. Caitlin Hefner

5. Jolie Porter

6. Grace Wong

7. Carolyn Hammond

8. Rose Netz

9. Isabella Amerine

10. Valentina Fonteles Camps

11. Marina Kimzey

12. Charlotte Backschies

13. Brooklyn Twomey

14. Charles Freeman

15. Anna McNiel

Group 2

1. Noel Sapp

2. Alexa Plumlee

3. Raegan Fishpaw

4. Adeline Walker

5. Jaylee Van Newkirk

6. Hadley Allen

7. Madeleine White

8. Emma Huther

9. Isabella Black

10. Kalei'O Hernandez

11. Abby Gleason

12. Karys Baker

13. Janace Bubonia

14. Rima Shrestha

GROUP 1 - GUIDED STORE VISIT - 9:30AM - 10AM

1. Ruby Miller

2. Emily Noonan

3. Carley Crossley

4. Caitlin Hefner

5. Jolie Porter

6. Grace Wong

7. Carolyn Hammond

8. Rose Netz

9. Isabella Amerine

10. Valentina Fonteles Camps

11. Marina Kimzey

12. Charlotte Backschies

13. Brooklyn Twomey

14. Janace Bubonia

15. Rima Shrestha

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Visit the Dior Archives at Dior Héritage,51 avenue Montaigne 75008

11:30AM - 12:30PM
Free time to explore the other stores on Avenue Montaigne

12:30 AM – 1:45 PM
Free time for lunch

GROUP 2 - GUIDED STORE VISIT - 9:30AM - 10AM

1. Noel Sapp

2. Alexa Plumlee

3. Raegan Fishpaw

4. Adeline Walker

5. Jaylee Van Newkirk

6. Hadley Allen

7. Madeleine White

8. Emma Huther

9. Isabella Black

10. Kalei'O Hernandez

11. Abby Gleason

12. Karys Baker

13. Charles Freeman

14. Anna McNiel

10:30AM - 11:30AM
Free time to explore the other stores on Avenue Montaigne

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Visit the Dior Archives at Dior Héritage,51 avenue Montaigne 75008

12:30 AM – 1:45 PM
Free time for lunch

Breakfast Included
Meet in reception at 9:30AM to walk (20 mins) to our first appointment.

10AM - 11:45AM Benjamin Benmoyal
Meeting the designer of this ready-to-wear brand and visit his workshop. Benjamin Benmoyal is a brand that participates twice yearly in the official, Paris fashion week. https://benmoyal.com/

METRO - Pink Line No. 7
From Louis Blanc (direction Villejuif-Louis Aragon), 12 stops to Pont Marie

12:30PM Foundation Azzedine Alaia
Azzedine Alaia and Christian Dior, Two Masters of Haute Couture Exhibtion

FREE AFTERNOON
Check out this article on the official Paris tourism website about the filming locations of Emily in Paris
https://parisjetaime.com/eng/article/see-the-paris-of-emily-in-paris-a1097

Breakfast Included

Farewell Dinner Cruise on the Seine past the Eiffel Tower - 6PM

Meeting point - arrive at 5:45PM we will board at 6PM
Péniche Ivoire - 10 Port des Invalides
Au pied du Pont Alexandre III, 75007 Paris

It takes at least 30 minutes to travel from the hotel to the meeting point. Make sure you leave enough time because the boat won’t wait!!!

Dinner and drinks included. Boat returns at 8PM.