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Portugal Knit Retreat 2026

80% SOLD OUT

Porto to Porto, Portugal

20 - 27 March, 2026

Our Special Guests

Kim McBrien Evans - Knit Designer, Knit Instructor, Indie Dyer - CANADA

Laura Nelkin - Knit Designer, Knit Instructor & Author - USA

LOOK WHO IS NOW JOINING US

Jodi Brown & Tracie Millar - Grocery Girls Knit - CANADA

Imagine yourself learning new skills in workshops with Laura and Kim on a gorgeous ship in between wandering through vineyards and charming native farms that cling to the dramatic slopes of the Douro River Valley. This stunning scenery sets the stage for an amazing experience in one of Europe’s most untouched regions and into Port country - the world’s oldest demarcated region. It’s going to be a blast.

We’ll be sailing roundtrip from Porto, Portugal onboard AMAWaterways’ AMASintra; one of their newest ships with an intimate cruise experience with less than 100 people. Along with Porto (the beautiful City of Bridges), we’ll visit Regua (the capital of the Douro Valley), marvel at Salamanca (the UNESCO designated Golden City). This cruise will be full of fun outings. We’ll taste wines from historic wineries and soak up genuine beauty of one of Europe’s most scenic landscapes, all while taking in knitting workshops throughout the cruise.

During our 7-night adventure, we’ll be knitting on the boat while cruising to our next destination. This provides a relaxing and focused environment to learn, create, and connect with fellow knitters.

BOOK YOUR SPOT PRICING CURRENCY CONVERSION CREDIT CARD AUTHORISATION FORM DETAILED ITINERARY TERMS & CONDITIONS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Included In Your Cruise

Stateroom accommodation during this 7 night Douro River cruise (Porto to Porto, Portugal)
All gourmet meals onboard (Early Riser Coffee and Croissants, a Rich Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Tea & Coffee with Cake, Cookies & Sandwiches and a Multi-Course Dinner
Free flowing red and white wine from the local regions, beer or soft drinks for lunch & dinner
Captain's Welcome Champagne Reception and Gala Dinner and Captain's Farewell Champagne
Complimentary "Sip & Sail" menu cocktail hour offering a selection of beverages on five evenings - one hour before dinner
Bottled Water, fluffy bathrobes and slippers are provided free of charge in each cabin
Pre-Paid Gratuities onboard AMASintra $215CAD per person (does not include Cruise Director gratuity)
Cruise Port Charges valued at $305CAD per person
Use of the Heated Swimming Pool on the Sun Deck and use of the indoor fitness equipment free of charge
Use of Bicycles and helmets onboard free of charge
Complimentary use of the internet onboard
Complimentary In-Cabin Movies
Every AMAWaterways vessel is equipped with an elevator; however, it does not go to the lowest passenger Deck (Stateroom CAT E and D) nor does it go to the Sun Deck
Special knit events/classes throughout the cruise (4 mornings)
AMAWaterways shore excursion program during the cruise with English speaking guides. Use of AMAWaterways' Quiet Vox headsets are also included at no additional cost
Special non-AMAWaterways shore excursions will be on offer closer to departure date.
Nightly piano music, also, during Afternoon Tea & Coffee Time
Services of AMAWaterways' professional English Speaking Cruise Director

PLUS these experiences not available on any other River Cruise:

Meet & Greet with Kim McBrien Evans, Laura Nelkin and Grocery Girls Knit
Knitting Classes/Workshops with Kim McBrien Evans, Laura Nelkin and Grocery Girls Knit (workshop schedule has been designed so that everyone will be able to experience all classes on offer over the course of the cruise
A Knitter's Circle with Kim McBrien Evans, Laura Nelkin and Grocery Girls Knit

Not Included In Your Cruise

International Flights
Airport Transfers and pre or post land arrangements
All other beverages not listed above
Premium Spirits and Wines/Champagne (available to purchase)
Gratuity for Cruise Director
Use of Telephone in each cabin for ship to shore calls
Items purchased in the Gift Shop
Items of a personal nature
Optional shore excursions that might be offered in addition to AMAWaterways' daily included shore excursion program
Visa/Passport related fees (if applicable)
Any fees related to possible COVID-19 testing/hospitalisation
Any unforeseen increase in local/government taxes or Fuel Surcharges

LAURA NELKIN

Knit Designer, Knit Instructor

LAURA NELKIN is a prolific and innovative knitwear designer and pattern maker. She is known for her complex but accessible designs that challenge knitters to think about their stitches in a new way. Taking inspiration from her home in the gorges Fingerlakes Region of Upstate New York, Laura loves incorporating elements into her designs that reference the landscape around her.

Laura has traveled all over the country to teach classes and workshops on some of her favorite techniques. She loves to share her enthusiasm for knitting with others!

Laura has an extensive line of self-published patterns, knitting clubs (The N Club, and Lola's Choice, knit-a-longs, and online classes through Craftsy and YouTube. Her patterns are challenging yet accessible thanks in large part to extensive video tutorials. Laura makes sure that no knitter is ever left behind!

GROCERY GIRLS KNIT

YouTube Podcasters, Indie Dyers

JODI BROWN & TRACIE MILLAR are two Canadian sisters who grew up in the family business working in their family's IGA grocery store.

They decided to launch a YouTube channel in 2016 that focused on their passion for yarn and knitting, and the Grocery Girls were born.

Grocery Girls wholeheartedly stand for inclusivity for every race, gender, sexuality and ability and will not tolerate hate speech or racism of any kind. Spread love not hate.

Jodi and Tracie are joining us for our second River Cruise Knit Retreat.

KIM MCBRIEN EVANS

Knit Instructor, Knit Designer & Indie Dyer

Curiosity, exploration and an ever expanding plan for world domination are central to the work of knitwear designer and indie hand dyer, KIM MCBRIEN EVANS. Known for designs that turn abstract ideas into colour-filled hand knit reality while simultaneously fitting and honouring every body, Kim aims to revolutionize sweater fit, sizing, and how diverse bodies are represented in the yarn world through research, education, and collaborations with makers worldwide. Her representative body measurement chart for designers—inclusive of 28 - 76” chest sizes—earned her a Top 5 Trailblazer award from Interweave in 2023. She is co-author of Custom Shawls for the Curious and Creative Knitter (with Kate Atherley)

Kim believes all bodies are good bodies and deserve clothing that fits. She also believes that clothing should be dynamic and exciting to knit and to wear.