13-day ~ European Explorer Knitting Cruise (Aug 2022)

13-day European Explorer Knitting Cruise w/ André de Castro
Aug 28-Sep 10, 2022

The European "River" Explorer knitting cruise with André de Castro sails from Rotterdam to Rome on a unique repositioning cruise in August 2022. This 13-day cruise visits ports in France, Portugal, Gibraltar, Spain, and Italy. It also includes cruising into the Gironde Estuary in France and scenic cruising on the Tagus River in Portugal. While onboard, enjoy knitting classes with internationally renowned André de Castro. André will teach three of his most popular courses: Portuguese Knitting, Lace by Music, and Colorwork Knitting in Portuguese Style.

The ports on this itinerary are varied and rich, steeped in history and tradition while appealing to modern sensibilities. Shop for yarn at charming yarn shops, enjoy stunning scenery along coastal France, Portugal, and Spain. Learn about wine-making, admire architectural treasures that include baroque, medieval, and Roman styles. Savor top wines and sample local seafood and specialty dishes in ports along the way. There is something for everyone on this 13-day itinerary that promises the traveler a summer romance with Europe. Don't miss it.

13-day European Explorer Knitting Cruise Highlights

• Arrive early to explore the canals of beautiful Amsterdam, visit such famous museums as the Anne Frank House, see work by Dutch Masters such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt and shop for yarn at de Afstap, Amsterdam's oldest yarn shop, and Stephen & Penelope, home of Westknits.


• For those with a passion for nautical history, head straight to Rotterdam for an overnight stay onboard the historic cruise ship hotel, the historic ss Rotterdam, a legendary former flagship of Holland America Line that is now permanently berthed along the waterfront in the port of Rotterdam.


• Enjoy the scenic coastline of Brittany on the port stop of Brest, France, and stroll through the national botanical garden.


• Sip wine while soaking up the medieval atmosphere of the heart of La Rochelle, France, where you can also visit one of France's premier aquariums.


• Appreciate scenic sailing up the Gironde Estuary from the Atlantic to dock in Bordeaux, called the "port of the moon" for its location on the Garonne River in France.


• Take a wine tour in picture-postcard-perfect Bordeaux, the "wine capital of France."


• Admire the quintessential blue and white tiles called azulejos and stunning baroque architecture in Porto, Portugal, a city that retains its old-world charms. Enjoy a glass of local port in a street-side cafe.


• Visit Loja da Burel to learn about wool production in Portugal, where, until recently, wool was used for little more than the heavy cloaks worn by shepherds in the Serra da Estrela mountains.


• Shop for the highest quality woven wool garments and yarn in Portugal, where wool production has been recently resurrected, breathing new life into a Portuguese mountain tradition.


• Sail up the Tagus River to Lisbon, Portugal's capital, an ancient city influenced by its Roman and Moorish roots.


• In Lisbon, shop at Retrosaria Rosa Pomar, the best yarn shop in Lisbon, known for advocating and supporting locally sourced wool yarns.


• Have lunch at the Time Out Market in Lisbon, ranked as one of the world's greatest food halls; this market is considered a mandatory stop for all foodies visiting this fascinating city.


• Take a cable car to the top of the "Rock" of Gibraltar, a "bit of Britain in the Mediterranean," and revel in panoramic views and a chance to spot "Barbary apes," a unique species of Macaques monkeys native to Gibraltar.


• In Motril, located on Spain's famous "Costa Tropical," visit the iconic Alhambra Palace or soak up the sunshine and stunning azure seas while sampling tapas at Playa de Granada.


• Tour the restored Roman Theater and other historical sites in Cartagena, Spain.


• In Palma de Mallorca, head across the island to explore the Caves of Drach, four spectacular interconnected caves, and an underground lake.


• Absorb the sights and tastes of Rome and toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, which legends say means you'll return to the Eternal City.