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

11-Day ~ Rhine Christmas Markets (Dec 2021)

AmaWaterways


Start Date:

   

December 5, 2021

   

End Date:

   

December 16, 2021

Rhine Christmas Markets (Dec 2021) ~ Knitting Cruises Description

2021 Christmas Markets Knitting Cruise on the Rhine
December 5-16, 2021
(4-night Switzerland + 7-night Rhine Cruise)

 

Join other knitters on this wonderful journey on the Rhine River cruising from Basel to Amsterdam. Start your journey in Zurich and enjoy many magical places along the way 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 AmaSiena. There will be many fabulous shopping opportunities as well as a knitalong project onboard to work on while being pampered onboard one of Europe's most luxurious river boats.

 

 

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 in Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands. For those who want to extend their stay in Amsterdam a 2-night package is offered including sightseeing and free time to visit Stephen West's yarn store, Stephen and Penelope.

 

 

The Rhine 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 fun Christmas inspired souvenir project during the cruise. Ideas will be given in advance so you can bring the appropriate size needles but plan to find the yarn of your dreams at one of the beautiful Swiss yarn shops or at the pop-up shop of hand-dyed silky Swiss merinos we are planning with Sidispinnt, a local Swiss indie dyer before the cruise.

 

 

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 Zurich at such local favorite shops as Tuttolana, Vilfil, Anna & Juan and Anna Lana

  • Enjoy the convenience of a pop-up shop featuring lovely hand dyed silky Swiss merinos created by Asita from Sidispinnt before setting sail

  • Wander the shops in old town Zurich 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 leaders

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

  • Knit a festive souvenir project with the guidance of knitting expert

  • 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 AmaSiena, a gorgeous new addition to the AmaWaterways fleet

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