with an Optional Extension: Carrefour European Quilt Show
Join us for an unforgettable 9-night guided journey from Amsterdam to Paris, honouring the courage and sacrifice of Canadian service members. This exclusive Quilts of Valour Tour of Remembrance is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to walk in the footsteps of history while enjoying the beauty and culture of Europe.
📍 Tour Highlights:
🎖️ Special Guest Participants: We are honoured to welcome General Rick Hillier (former Chief of the Defence Staff) and his wife Joyce Hillier, as a distinguished guests on this meaningful journey.
This tour is perfect for history lovers, veterans, quilters, and anyone seeking a deeper connection to Canada’s legacy abroad.
🧵 Optional Extension: Carrefour European Quilt Show
Extend your adventure with a 5-night journey to Strasbourg, France, timed to coincide with one of Europe’s most celebrated quilt festivals. This extension is a dream for textile enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
🪡 Extension Highlights:
Whether you're a seasoned quilter or simply appreciate the artistry, this extension offers a unique blend of creativity, culture, and community.
On behalf of the entire Globus team, it is our distinct honour to welcome you to the first-ever Quilts of Valour – Tour of Remembrance. This journey is more than a vacation—it is a heartfelt tribute to courage, sacrifice, and the enduring legacy of those who have served.
For nearly a century, Globus has been a trusted name in guided travel, offering expertly crafted vacations across more than 80 countries. Founded in Switzerland and still family-owned, our company is built on a legacy of connection, care, and curiosity. We are proud to bring these values to every tour we operate.
Working with Gravitate Travel and Watergirl Quilt Co., we are privileged to help make this historic journey a reality. Together, we’ve designed an experience that honours the mission of Quilts of Valour while delivering the exceptional quality and comfort you expect from Globus.
As you embark on this meaningful experience, you’ll enjoy the benefits of our first-class touring approach:
Your participation helps shine a light on the stories of bravery and service that deserve to be remembered and celebrated. We are deeply grateful to share this journey with you.
Thank you for choosing Globus. We look forward to making this a truly unforgettable experience.
Warm regards,
The Globus Family of Brands
You’ll be joined by four incredible hosts who bring passion, expertise, and warmth to this journey of remembrance. Their presence ensures every moment is meaningful, well-supported, and deeply connected to the Quilts of Valour mission.
General (Retired) Rick Hillier was born in Newfoundland and joined the Canadian Armed Forces as soon as he could. Throughout his career he has had the privilege of commanding troops from Platoon to Multinational Formation in Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia, in peace and in war. He assumed duties as Chief of Defence Staff in February, 2005 and retired July 2008.
As noted by Globe and Mail, "[General] Rick Hillier's rise through the ranks of the Canadian Armed Forces can be linked to a gale force wind. Few individuals in our history have been as single-handedly accomplished at recrafting the nation's image".
Hillier's leadership was crucial to restoring servicemen and women to a place of pride in Canada and to re-equipping and rebuilding the Canadian Armed Forces with the largest and most rapid military procurement programs in our nation's history, including the C17, C130J, Chinook helicopters and Leopard II tanks among others.
Since retirement from the Military in 2008, General Hillier has written several books, including the bestseller Leadership Matters, using his unprecedented experience to help leaders in all arenas navigate through tough economic times and rethink their roles and impacts. He has advised clients such as French firm DCNS on how to compete for the Canadian Patrol Frigate programme, Telus on how to rectify their challenges with a Defence Communications contract and many other companies who are mystified and challenged by complexity of government procurement process in Canada. In addition he has advised some of country's top companies such as Exxon Mobil, Rogers, TD Bank, Tim Hortons, PACEM Defence, and many others on how to better lead in their industry niche.
General (Retired) Hillier remains busy post military life, resides in Ottawa with his wife Joyce, and enjoys helping Canada in every way possible.
It is a great honour to be a part of the Quilts of Valour Canada Society leadership team. My first experience with Quilts of Valour was as a Canadian Armed Forces Nursing Officer in Kandahar, Afghanistan. I will truly never be able to put into words how much it meant to have these beautiful quilts from home to tuck around our injured Canadian soldiers as they began their journey back to their loved ones. Many years later as part of my PTSD healing journey I began quilting. It helped with my healing, and making quilts for my brothers and sisters in arms gave me purpose. I felt connected both to my fellow veterans and to many amazing QOVC volunteers. In 2016 I received my quilt of valour and felt first-hand the healing and comfort it provides.
The quilt recipients, their loved ones and the volunteers that I have met during my time with quilts of valour has motivated me to give as much as I can to QOVC. It is a privilege to be a part of a team of quilters and volunteers who truly care about our ill and injured veterans and want to recognize them for their service and sacrifice to Canada.
Michelle grew up by the majestic St. Lawrence River in Brockville, Ontario. and continues to live there by the water. As a child, she always looked forward to summers spent boating on the river and the annual visits to her extended families in L’Ardoise, Nova Scotia and Bay Bulls, Newfoundland. Hence, the name Watergirl Quilt Co.
Michelle was inspired to learn to quilt by her Nanny Williams who made crazy quilts embellished with herringbone stitching. Those quilts always were heavy as they were made of old clothing and whatever fabrics could be found around the home for repurposing. When Michelle was 18 years old, she signed up for a 3 month night course to learn how to quilt at St. Lawrence College.
After 24 years of being an elementary school teacher both in Canada and Japan, Michelle was compelled to follow her passion for quilting and to create her own family legacy. She started Watergirl Quilt Co. and now shares her passion for teaching by putting a focus on education in her business. She is proud to be a member of the Ottawa Modern Quilt Guild and the Thousand Islands Quilters' Guild.
Watergirl loves to host quilting cruises and this will be our first land tour in support of Quilts of Valour Canada
Whether you quilt to feel joy, to heal from sadness, or to express your love for family and friends, Watergirl Quilt Co. is honoured to be part of your creative journey.
Total countries travelled: 42+
Years in the travel business: 30
Favourite destination(s): Austria & Bhutan
Coolest trip ever planned: 2024 Formula 1, Monaco Grand Prix
Travel philosophy: Go with the flow
Travel advisor history: Senior Personal Experience Advisor for global firms to boutique travel planners offering arctic expeditions. Created custom tours and vacations in Europe, South America, Scandinavia, North America and beyond.
Ask him about: Working as a Cultural Ambassador at Walt Disney World at the start of his career, or his latest quilt project.
Favourite trip booked for a client: Private Jet Trip to Iceland with helicopter Touring and 5 star hotel Suites on the Blue Lagoon.
Next bucket-list trip: Japan in April 2026
Click "View itinerary" below under each of the two tours, to learn more about each tour individually then once you're done reading about each tour, come back to this page to register by selecting the button "Click here to secure your seat" at the very bottom of this page.***
by Quilts of Valour Canada and Watergirl Quilt Co.
Travel through the heart of Europe on a moving journey that honours the legacy of Canadian and Allied soldiers, while experiencing the culture and charm of the Netherlands, Belgium, and France.
by Watergirl Quilt Co.
Optional Add-On
Continue your experience with a blend of French elegance and quilting inspiration at the largest Quilt Show in Europe.
Quilts of Valour Tour of Remembrance (September 5–14, 2027):
✅ Tour Inclusions
❌ Not Included
🧭 Activity Level
This tour includes walking tours in historic areas with uneven cobblestones and stairs. While not strenuous, guests should be comfortable walking & being on their feet for extended periods. The itinerary balances active sightseeing with time to relax and enjoy meals or unique sites.
Watergirl Quilt Co - Carrefour European Quilt Show - Optional Extension Tour (September 14–19, 2027):
✅ Tour Inclusions
❌ Not Included
🧭 Activity Level
This tour includes walking tours in historic areas with uneven cobblestones and stairs. Guests should be comfortable being on their feet for extended periods. The itinerary is designed with a balance of activity and leisure, allowing time to relax and enjoy meals or explore at your own pace.
Before you book with us, you may have some questions about what to expect. Below are questions and answers relating to the most important topics to our guests to give you peace of mind and assurance before you join us in Europe.
For guests joining us on either Quilts of Valour Tour of Remembrance and/or the Festival Extension Tour:
✈️ General Travel FAQs
Q: What are the tour dates?
A: The main tour starts in Amsterdam and runs from September 5–14, 2027. The optional extension starts in Paris and runs from September 14–19, 2027.
Q: Is airfare included?
A: Airfare is not included in the land quote. Gravitate Travel can assist when you're ready to secure flights, which become available 360 days prior to the flight dates. Alternatively, you can use points to book your flights.
Q: Are airport transfers included?
A: Yes, individual airport arrival and departure transfers are included for core tour dates. Transfers outside the core dates are available on request.
Q: What kind of accommodations are provided?
A: Superior first-class hotels or best available Globus standard hotels. Specific properties are listed but not guaranteed.
Q: How many pieces of luggage can I bring?
A: One piece of luggage per passenger is included.
🧳 Tour Experience FAQs
Q: What meals are included?
Q: What sightseeing is included?
A: Guided tours and admission to featured sites are included as indicated on the daily itinerary for each tour. Sightseeing is subject to availability and may be substituted if necessary.
Q: What is the activity level?
A: Guests should be comfortable walking for extended periods, including on uneven cobblestones and stairs. The itinerary balances activity with leisure time.
Q: Will there be Wi-Fi?
A: Free Wi-Fi is available on the coach's where coverage permits.
Q: Will we be on the same coach?
A: Yes, if you and your travel companion register at the same time/together on the same registration form (not separately on two forms````), this way we can ensure you’re sharing the same room. The tour often visits smaller towns, and the coach may have guests staying at different hotels for a night or so simply due to the available rooms in the town/villages we are visiting.
Q: What if I have some special needs while on the tour?
A: Due to liability Globus and our hosts are unable to offer any physical assistance to passengers. It is therefore recommended that any guests needing assistance travel with an able-bodied companion.
Q: I’m a single, are there any others that might be interested in sharing a cabin with me to help reduce costs for a single supplement?
A: For those interested in sharing a cabin, please review the terms and conditions for sharing.
💵 Pricing & Payments FAQs
Q: What is the deposit amount?
A: A non-refundable deposit of $300 per person, per tour is required to confirm your seat(s) on the tour.
Q: When is the final payment due?
A: The final payment for both tours is due on June 7th, 2027.
Q: Can I set up instalment payments?
A: Yes, certainly, please contact Scott and he can set this up with you via Credit Card or Interac Email Money Transfer (Interac for Canadian guests only).
Q: Are there single or triple room options?
A: Yes. Single rooms are very limited and subject to availability. Triple rooms are available upon request only. Not all destination hotels can accommodate triple rooms.
Q: Are gratuities included?
A: No. Gratuities for the Tour Director, driver, and local guides are not included. For a Globus coach tours, the recommended gratuity is generally for international tours outside North America, the recommended gratuity is typically $8 CAD per person, per day for the Tour Director and $4-$5 CAD per person per day for the bus driver.
Q: Is travel insurance available?
A: Yes, for Canadian residents, Gravitate Travel can quote/secure a policy with Manulife Travel insurance. Those outside Canada must have their own coverage in place. It is mandatory that all guests have Travel Medical & Cancelation Insurance in place before any final documents will be released. Gravitate Travel will be collecting this info in 2027 from all travelers.
By clicking the button below and filling out the info required, this is not confirmation of a booking, but a form of intention that you are interested in the cruise/require more information.
Once the form is completed Scott at Gravitate Travel will be reaching out to you individually based on a first come first serve basis to collect your information. Please allow 48-72 hours for Scott to follow up, do not call him before then. Your registration will be responded to in the order it was received.
Your seat(s) on the coach is only secured and confirmed once a non-refundable deposit of $300 per person is paid for each tour selected (including the optional extension, if chosen).