Christmas Markets on the Rhine: A Quilting Escape with Gudrun and Mr. HP (Dec 6-16, 2027)

The Rhine in December, wrapped in winter light. Gluhwein and roasting chestnuts on the air. Storybook towns glowing with market stalls. Your quilting friends right beside you. This is a GE Quilting Escape, hosted by Gudrun Erla and Mr. HP! Over 11 days you'll sail from the Swiss Alps to Amsterdam aboard the Emerald Star-Ship, stepping off each day into a different European Christmas market. Mulled wine in Cologne beneath the great cathedral. Half-timbered lanes in Strasbourg. Heidelberg's castle above the river. Handmade treasures at every stall. And because this trip is made for quilters, we added something you won't find on any other sailing: a private visit to Madeira Threads in Freiburg. More than a river cruise. It's the Swiss Alps before, Amsterdam after, and every detail in between handled for you. Trip highlights - 7-night Emerald river cruise, Basel to Amsterdam - Guided visits to the Rhine's most beautiful Christmas markets - A private visit to Madeira Threads in Freiburg - Two nights on land before you sail: a welcome dinner in Zurich's old town, the Mt. Pilatus "Golden Round Trip", then overnight in Freiburg - A final night in Amsterdam - Hosted start to finish by Gudrun and Mr. HP One price covers it all - 3 hotel nights on land (Zurich, Freiburg, Amsterdam) plus 7 nights aboard - All meals on the ship, with drinks at lunch and dinner - One included excursion every day, plus guided Christmas market visits - Gratuities, all transfers, and WiFi. No surprise add-ons. Come for the markets. Stay for the people. This is the kind of trip you'll talk about for years, made richer by the friends beside you. Traveling solo? You're in good company. Book your own cabin, or let us pair you with a roommate so you can share the cost. What it costs All prices are per person. Reserve your cabin today with a 35% deposit. We invoice the balance in two installments: 35% on February 1, 2027, and the final 30% on September 7, 2027. Sharing a cabin (a companion you bring, or a roommate we pair you with): - Stateroom: $5,995 (deposit today: $2,098) - Balcony: $7,495 (deposit today: $2,623) A cabin to yourself (single occupancy, no roommate): - Stateroom: $9,495 (deposit today: $3,323) - Balcony: $12,495 (deposit today: $4,373) Bringing someone? You'll each book and pay separately. Add their name and email at checkout, and they reserve their spot within 48 hours. Only 20 cabins available! Choose yours below.