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

12-Day ~ Mediterranean Romance (October 2009)

Holland America Line


Start Date:

   

October 5, 2009

   

End Date:

   

October 17, 2009

Mediterranean Romance (October 2009) ~ Knitting Cruises Description

We invite you to join Craft Cruises™ on our second voyage to the Mediterranean. Our adventure begins in Venice, that liquid city of mystery and light, where the fine art of color and textile has been honed across the centuries. Join Jane Thornley where she will help guide you through through the winding streets to secret places, including a luxe shop specializing in silk velvet a la Fortuny, a yarn shop by an ancient bridge, and a boat ride to Murano to witness glass being born before your eyes. We'll also be taking guided a tour by local expert to visit the famous Doge's palace and the center of ancient Venice's commerce, Saint Marks Square. Imagine sensual delights for eye and hand—silk, glass, velvet, light on water-- amid one of Italy's most intriguing cities. This is one of those cities where simply to walk the streets is a voyage of discovery.


In addition to the pre-cruise adventure and the inspiring onboard educational program, there will be private shore events along the way including centuries old Florence, which is the center for art and history in this region and there will be a post cruise extension in Barcelona enabling all who are interested the opportunity to see Gaudi's amazing architecture and explore some of the most interesting markets in Europe.


After the cruise you can join Jane Thornley on a 3-night post-cruise excursion. Enjoy Las Ramblas, a boulevard of street performers, cafes, and outdoor shopping which includes anything from live animals to art. To stroll Las Ramblas is an experience in itself. Just try not to laugh in delight somewhere along the way. Our goal for this excursion is to have a little guided fun.


Right off Las Ramblas, a market unfolds like a candy store with all manner of culinary marvels including fresh anything and hand-made sweets. Also on the itinerary, stroll to favorite bead shops, a fabulous yarn shop, and wind your way to the astoundingly beautiful Gothic Quarter. Join Jane on this walking tour where you'll forage through tiny treasure shops, passing ancient buildings, under arches, across elegant squares, until you arrive at a special and mysterious cathedral guarded by a flock of snowy geese. Wonder and marvel are keywords here. And yes, your knitting will be so inspired.