Reservations 877·97·CRAFT  (877·972·7238)

7-Day ~ Rhine Christmas Markets (Dec 2019)

AmaWaterways


Start Date:

   

December 7, 2019

   

End Date:

   

December 14, 2019

Rhine Christmas Markets (Dec 2019) ~ Knitting Cruises Description

2019 Christmas Markets on the Rhine

w/ Chris Bylsma

(4-night Switzerland + 7-night Rhine Cruise)

 

Join other knitters on this wonderful journey from Zürich to Amsterdam where you'll shop for gorgeous European yarn, meet local knitters and enjoy the magic of the season in an area where many Christmas traditions began. Visit Europe's most traditional Christmas craft markets along the Rhine. Enjoy Christmas shopping, sightseeing and making new friends while being pampered onboard AmaWaterways beautiful AmaPrima. There will be yarn shopping opportunities along the way and a fun knitalong cruise project onboard with the assistance of knitwear designer and instructor, Chris Bylsma.

 

The Rhine is one of the world's most famous rivers and is also one of the most international. The Rhine flows 820 miles northwest from the Alps to the North Sea. On this cruise you'll visit Christmas markets along the Rhine in Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands. This river consists of three sections, the Lower (nearest the sea), Middle, and Upper (nearest the source in the Alps) with the Middle Rhine being the most scenic, winding through a deep gorge with vineyards and castles dotting the landscape. This section of the river has the world's densest concentration of medieval castles. Here you will see such famous castles as Burg Katz, Marksburg, Reichenstein, and Rheinfels to name a few. In addition, you'll pass through regions along this river where local legends have influenced many famous writers, artists and composers and although traveling north, this cruise sails the best section of the river, downstream, reducing travel time and allowing more time in port and a smoother cruise experience. In addition to history, a cruise down the Rhine also unveils futuristic cities and places where modern advancements of technology have left their powerful marks.

 

Knit a Christmas Market Cowl with stitches representing each of the four countries we will cruise - Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Bring your own needles but plan to find the yarn of your dreams at one of the beautiful Swiss yarn shops before we board or the pop-up shop of hand-dyed silky Swiss merinos we are planning for Zurich with Sidispinnt.

 

This region of Europe is fun any time of year, but when you combine the magic of the holidays with being pampered in luxury as you cruise Europe's most famous waterway, you've got the ingredients for the trip of a lifetime. We invite you to pack up your needles and join Craft Cruises on this magical Christmastime knitting cruise.

 

Christmas Markets on the Rhine - Highlights

 

  • Enjoy a pre-cruise stay in Zürich & Lucerne for sightseeing, shopping and visiting markets

  • Shop for gorgeous Swiss silk yarn in Zürich at such local favorite shops as Tuttolana, Vilfil, Anna & Juan and Anna Lana

  • Enjoy the convenience of a pop-up shop at the hotel in Zürich featuring lovely hand dyed silky Swiss merinos created by Asita from Sidispinnt.

  • Wander the shops in old town Zürich and warm up in cafes serving the best coffees, teas and hot chocolate in Switzerland

  • Visit local yarn shops along the way with your Craft Cruise trip leader, Chris Bylsma

  • Shop for yarn in Amsterdam at Stephen West's shop, Stephen & Penelope

  • Knit a festive cowl with the guidance of your experienced knitting instructor

  • Take guided walking tours with expert local guides in every port

  • Feast on local holiday delicacies in the markets, onboard and along the way

  • Enjoy festive musical performances and life-enriching tours

  • Complementary Wi-Fi access on board

  • Free-flowing red & white wines from Europe's great wine regions, beer & soft drinks with every lunch and dinner

  • Cocktail Reception, Welcome Dinner & Captain's Gala Dinner

  • Sample such delectable treats such as fondue, Swiss chocolate, pastries, gluhwein, gingerbread and fondue while shopping at richly decorated Christmas markets

  • Go to bakeries where everything is worth trying and the aromas are divine

  • 7 nights aboard the luxurious AmaPrima, a Craft Cruise favorite

  • Special highlights including lectures, theme dinners, cooking demonstrations, onboard music performances and afternoon/evening piano music



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