Join Michelle Marvig on board the A-Rosa Aqua on Travelrite International's Christmas Markets Patchwork Cruise & Tour of Europe. The tour includes visits to Christmas markets in Cologne, Rudesheim, Frankfurt, Nuremburg, Salzburg and Munich. The tour is a unique opportunity to combine your love of quilting with a holiday of a lifetime. The tour concludes with visits to the best Christmas Markets in Europe in Nuremburg, Salzburg and Munich. Michelle will give classes to teach you a project specially designed for the cruise. The tour is fully escorted and includes travel by air and coach, sightseeing tours in each region and special events for tour members. We hope that you can join us.
DECK PLANS
The German-owned A-Rosa Aqua is part of an 11-strong fleet that was founded in 2000. The line is solely owned by Deutsche Seereederei (DSR). It has 202 passengers, a crew of 54. The passenger to Crew ratio is 3.74:1. It was launched in 2009. It offers a four-star standard. A-Rosa Aqua carries the fleet’s distinctive hallmarks (a large pair of lips on the bow carrying a red rose and rose-themed interior). It also boasts several unique features for river cruising, including a branded spa and a stage for entertainment. Aqua is a German vessel which makes announcements in German. However all crew members are bilingual and onboard information and literature is also in English. It has German-style twin beds, which are on the same base and separated by different bedding for each person. The ship has a relaxed atmosphere and there is no set dress code. Comfortable, casual clothing is suitable onboard and during excursions. Bring warmer clothing for evenings on deck.
Within two years of discovering patchwork, Michelle was working for an Australian distributor of American patchwork cottons, as a sample maker. This allowed her to work from home, around the responsibilities of her two small children. It also meant that she was exposed to many styles of fabrics and stepped up to the challenge of designing quilts in all genres. It was during this time that her work was noticed by magazine editors. She was among the contributors included in the first edition of Australian Patchwork and Quilting magazine. Her quilts have received numerous awards at the NSW Quilters Guild Quilt Shows. Since 2008 Michelle has escorted Australian quilters overseas on patchwork tours to America, Canada, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore and Europe for Travelrite International and Quilter's Companion. When not traveling on tours, Michelle teaches workshops around Australia, and New Zealand. She loves teaching others the skills required to make new quilt designs and to understand the best way to use fabrics. She also loves to help others spend their money in the patchwork shops on tour!
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Sunday 22 November, 2026 Departure
Our holiday begins with a flight to Dusseldorf.
DAY 2 Monday 23 November, 2026 Cologne
This afternoon we arrive in Dusseldorf and travel through the picturesque countryside to Cologne. During our travel Michelle will explain details of the project we will work on during the tour.
DAY 3 Tuesday 24 November, 2026 Embarkation
This morning we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Cologne. Later we are transferred to the port to board the A-Rosa Aqua for our Christmas Markets River cruise. We will enjoy dinner on the boat to formally meet Michelle and other tour members.
DAY 4 Wednesday 25 November, 2026 Rüdesheim/Mainz
We spend today in the gorgeous town of Rudesheim. We will enjoy a walking tour around the beautiful half-timbered houses and see the Klunkardshof, a two-storey house dating from the 16th century. We will visit their gorgeous Christmas market. We will travel on the cable car to Niederwald monument, where we get spectacular views of the surrounding vineyards and the river Rhine. Late afternoon we cruise to Mainz.
DAY 5 Thursday 26 November, 2026 Frankfurt
We dock early morning in Frankfurt, where we first see the town's towering Christmas tree. We will visit one of Germany's prettiest Christmas markets, which takes place every winter between the old Römerberg area and the historical St. Paul's Church. In the afternoon we visit The House for Handicraft in Friedberg.
DAY 6 Friday 27 November, 2026 Koblenz
We depart Frankfurt during the night to cruise along the Rhine. There will be time today to work on our projects as we watch the gorgeous countryside glide past as we sail along the UNESCO Heritage listed middle section of Rhine River. Mid-afternoon we arrive in Koblenz located overlooking the junction of the Mosel and the Rhine rivers. Koblenz was established around the 8th century. We will enjoy a visit to their historic Christmas Market.
DAY 7 Saturday 28 November, 2026 Nuremburg
Early morning we dock in Cologne and disembark the Aqua, for our drive from Cologne to Nuremburg. On the journey we stop to visit the Quilt Shop, located in Estborne, where we will find inspiration for sewing needs in their stock of materials and tools. Michelle and the tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the group in the lobby.
DAY 8 Sunday 29 November 2026 Nuremburg
In the morning, we will enjoy a sightseeing tour with a local guide of historic Nuremburg. We will have the rest of the day to browse the magic of Nuremberg's Christmas Market, the "Christkindlesmarkt". It is the most famous Christmas Market in the world and attracts millions of visitors every year.
DAY 9 Monday 30 November, 2026 Nuremburg
This morning, we visit Museum Tucher Castle and Hirsvogel Hall. In the afternoon we visit the Albrecht Dürer's House, the home of German Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer from 1509 to his death in 1528. After the visit we have free time at the Christmas Market.
DAY 10 Tuesday 1 December, 2026 Nuremburg
Today we travel to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a gorgeous town known for its half-timbered houses, which line cobblestone lanes. We will visit its popular Christmas market. We visit Der Patchwork Engel a wonderful stop for our quilting needs. The town has great general shopping too. Michelle and the tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the group in the lobby.
DAY 11 Wednesday 2 December, 2026 Salzburg
After breakfast we travel to Forstner to visit Creative Home Design which stocks a vast array of fabrics. We continue to Salzburg, best known as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
DAY 12 Thursday 3 December, 2026 Salzburg
Salzburg is a beautiful town with the Salzach River separating Salzburg's old and new towns. We have a walking tour of the inner city this morning. In the afternoon we enjoy a visit to the Salzburg Christmas Market, which dates back to the 15th century. Located at the foot of the Hohensalzburg Fortress near Salzburg's Cathedral and Residence Squares. What a location!
DAY 13 Friday 4 December, 2026 Salzburg
This morning, we visit Hellbrunn Palace, a Baroque masterpiece nestled in Salzburg's serene landscape. In the afternoon, we visit Wenatex a general sewing store, with thousands of fabrics on show, a large button collection and wonderful customer service.
DAY 14 Saturday 5 December, 2026 Munich
Today we travel to Munich. On arrival we enjoy a sightseeing tour of this historic city with a local guide. We will see sights such as the Nymphenburg Palace, the summer residence of the royal family, the Old Town with Marienplatz and its famous Glockenspiel carillon, the farmers market, City Palace and Opera as well as the cathedral. Michelle and the tour manager will meet those wishing to dine with the group in the lobby.
DAY 15 Sunday 6 December, 2026 Munich
Today Michelle will take us to experience fairytale magic at Neuschwanstein Castle! Built by mad King Ludwig in the 1870s and 1880s it was opened up to visitors after his death in 1886. Famous as the castle that inspired Walt Disney, it is one of the highlights of the tour. During our guided tour, you can marvel at Ludwig II's masterpiece and discover the legends behind Germany's most iconic castle. There is then free time in town, wander down the main street and enjoy views of Hohenschwangau Castle and Lake Alpsee. We return to Munich via Oberammergau. We will visit its small Christmas market, and the village is famous for its painted houses.
DAY 16 Monday 7 December 2026 Munich
Munich has one of the oldest and most traditional of Christmas markets. Roots of the market go back into the 14th century, the Christkindlmarkt is held in front of Munich Town Hall in a prime location for the three million visitors, who visit in the pedestrian heart of the city. We will enjoy our visit today. In the afternoon we visit Il Coccolino, which stocks yarn, haberdashery and sewing packages.
DAY 17 Tuesday 8 December, 2026 Munich
In the morning, we visit the Residenz, the former royal palace of the Wittelsbach monarchs of Bavaria. This afternoon will be free for last-minute shopping. In the evening, we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner to say farewell to Michelle and other tour members.
DAY 18 Wednesday 9 December, 2026 Departure
We are transferred to the airport for our flight to Australia.
DAY 19 Thursday 10 December, 2026 Australia
The group arrives in Australia and tour arrangements conclude.
| Cabin grade / Description | Deck | Twin Share | Single | Twin Ship / Single Land |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Outside Porthole | 1 | $11,590 | $13,790 | $13,390 |
| C Outside Juliette Balcony | 2 | $11,990 | $14,390 | $13,790 |
| D Outside Juliette Balcony | 3 | $12,290 | $14,690 | $14,090 |
| Included air taxes as at 1 Sep 25 | $290 | $290 | $290 | |
All cabins are subject to cabin availability. A limited number of cabins are available for single occupancy. Please call for details on 1800 630 343.
You can stay longer in Europe for minimal extra cost. Please contact Travelrite International on 1800 630 343 for more information.
International Touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
TOUR OPERATOR:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd. A.C.N. 005 817 0781 (Travelrite International) is the tour operator. A-Rosa Aqua is operated by A-Rosa River Cruises and the fly/cruise arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions and general information detailed on the A-Rosa website. All passengers must complete and return a reservation form to Travelrite International.
TOUR COSTS:
The tour costs are based on airfare, general transport, accommodation costs and foreign exchange rate at 26/8/25. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to price will be made within 90 days of departure from Australia.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS:
A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 per passenger is required at the time of booking. As soon as the booking is confirmed, a cruise confirmation advice will be posted to the client. The passenger must also complete and return a reservation form to Travelrite International. Full payment will be required 90 days before departure for the Quilting Tour. Payment may be made by bank transfer, cheque or cash-a 1.5% administration fee will be charged on payments made by credit cards.
AIR TAXES:
from Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane/Perth as listed in the itinerary. Please contact us for air taxes from different cities. Air taxes are as at 26/8/25. If they change due to government and airline charges and currency variations, Travelrite International reserves the right to charge additional amounts.
CANCELLATION CHARGES:
Cancellations outside 90 days of departure will result in the loss of a $1000 deposit. Cancellations 90 days or less before departure will result in the loss of all monies paid. Non appearance/no written notice will result in a 100% loss of full fare.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs of cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc.
MINIMUM TOUR NUMBERS AND CONDITIONS:
The tour has been priced based on a minimum number of passengers having booked 90 days prior to departure. Travelrite reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all monies paid or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified cost.
TOUR ORGANISATION:
Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised entrances if necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
REFUNDS:
The tour is based on arrangements that do not allow for any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals, airfare or other services not utilized after the tour has commenced.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
All passengers will require a valid passport. At this date visas for countries visited are not required for Australian passport holders, there is mention that they may be introduced. If you hold another passport please check with Travelrite.
BAGGAGE:
All passengers qualify for the 23kg free baggage allowance. Due to coach restrictions, tour members are limited to 1 large suitcase.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd is the tour organiser. Travelrite International Pty Ltd, it's agents, officers, affiliates, and/or suppliers of services pursuant to or in connection with these fly/cruise/stay holidays shall act only as agents in making arrangements for hotels, transportation including transportation by ship, restaurants, or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in fly/cruises, or by act of God. Further no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break-down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. Baggage is at owners risk throughout the fly/cruise/stay holiday. The passage contract between the carriers concerned when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of these fly/cruise/stay holidays and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any fly/cruise/stay holiday and/or make such changes in the fly/cruise/stay holidays as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the fly/cruises. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be undertaken in Victoria
DELAYS AND UNFORESEEN EVENTS:
You engage Travelrite International to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite International acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite may without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite International any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
HOW TO BOOK:
Bookings can be made by sending full names and addresses of intending tour members with a non-refundable deposit of $1,000 to: Travelrite International Pty Ltd 423 Whitehorse Road, Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning Toll Free: 1800 630 343 Phone: (03) 9836 2522 Email: sales@travelrite.com.au www.travelrite.com.au
ABOUT TRAVELRITE INTERNATIONAL:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been marketing throughout Australia for over 40 years and operating in Victoria for more than 44 years. It has an ATAS accredited offices at Balwyn, which is also accredited with IATA, As such they directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Travel Industry Association-ATIA.
“The best Tour Manager I have ever had over all tour companies.”
“Michelle puts a huge amount of effort info making our trip as good as it can be. Wonderful!”
