29 November - 06 December, 2025

Day 1

EMBARKATION – NUREMBERG, GERMANY

Board the AMALea in Nuremberg for the start of our Iconic Christmas Markets Knit Retreat. Late this afternoon, we will  meet our special guests during a special Meet & Greet & Knitter's Circle (D)

Meet & Greet/ Knitter's Circle with MJ Mucklestone & Patty Lyons

Day 2

NUREMBERG, GERMANY

WWII highlights and  the Imperial Castle and 900-year-old city ramparts; Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt, one of the world’s largest and most famous Christmas Markets or Nuremberg Imperial Castle and  City Brewery are on offer this morning before we set sail down the Danube. End the day crossing the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal. (B,L,D). (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

* Afternoon Knitting Classes with Patty Lyons, Knitting Classes with Espace Tricot, Bring your Colourwork Questions Session with MJ Mucklestone and Crochet Classes with Skein Sisters

Day 3

REGENSBURG, GERMANY

This afternoon we visit Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, before visiting the Old Town Christmas Market. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. Or bike to the base of Walhalla where there is a neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. For those in a festive mood, head to one of Bavaria’s most beautiful and romantic Christmas Markets at Thurn and Taxis, where you can watch artisans make their unique arts and crafts. (B,L,D)

* Morning Knitting Classes with MJ Mucklestone, Knitting Classes with Espace Tricot, "Ask Patty"/Knit Doctor Session with Patty Lyons and Crochet Classes with Skein Sisters

Day 4

PASSAU & LINZ, AUSTRIA

Join a walking tour of this 2,000-year-old city, noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque

architecture and St. Stephen’s. Go in search of Bavarian-style crafts at the Christmas Market. Or, for the active adventurer, join a guided bike tour along the Danube. Alternatively, you can travel through the serene Austrian Alps to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart. Your full-day excursion in Salzburg includes a walking tour of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, its magnificent cathedral and its Christmas Markets, including the Hellbrunn Palace, where its inner courtyard is turned into a romantic backdrop for one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Austria.(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

*Afternoon Knitting Class with Patty Lyons, Knitting Classe with MJ Mucklestone, Knitting Classes with Espace Tricot, and Crochet Classes with Skein Sisters. 

Day 5

MELK & VIENNA

High on a rocky outcrop lies the Melk Abbey, one of Europe’s most revered Baroque monasteries. Visit this magnificent and storied abbey, which now houses a museum chronicling its history and a famous library with countless medieval manuscripts. Alternatively, go on a guided bike ride around Melk. Early this evening we will arrive in Vienna. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

* Afternoon Knitting Class with MJ Mucklestone, Ask Patty/Knit Doctor Session with Patty Lyons, Crochet Classes with Skein Sisters and Knitting Classes with Espace Tricot.

Day 6

VIENNA, AUSTRIA

The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered. 

Join a tour showcasing its regal splendors, such as the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs along with an opportunity to visit the city’s Christmas Markets. If you prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike along the Danube River. In the afternoon, visit Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market and its spectacular festive atmosphere.  (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

* No Knitting Classes Today

* Charity Fundraiser Dinner with Patty Lyons, MJ Mucklestone, Naomi Endicott & Stephanie Earp from Espace Tricot and Deb McDonald & Janine Smith from Skein Sisters (Each Chemo Cap you knit will give you one entry into the draw to Dine with our Special Guests - Chemo Caps will be delivered to local Cancer Treatment Centre)

Day 7

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (OVERNIGHT)

Budapest is one of Europe’s most regal and storied cities—and many of its most iconic sights can be seen right off the banks of the Danube. Your tour through this sprawling World Heritage city offers splendid views from historic Buda Castle of the twin cities on both banks of the river. You’ll also visit Fisherman’s Bastion and see the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes’ Square and much more. Later, explore the city’s popular Christmas Markets. As an alternative, you can hike to Castle Hill along Fishermen’s Bastion and take in all the iconic sites of Budapest with an active exploration (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

* No knitting classes scheduled for today

Day 8

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Disembark the ship in Budapest and bid farewell to the city and your new Knitting and Crochet friends before preparing for your return flight home.  (Breakfast)