Dear Quilters and Friends,

We are very excited to experience this unique Mediterranean itinerary. Beautiful cities, rich in history await us as we sail roundtrip from Venice to Croatia, Turkey and the Greek Isles! We'll cruise on Holland America Line's ms Nieuw Amsterdam, part of Holland America's new Signature Class ships.

Our classes are held during our three scenic cruising days. As usual, we bring you a wide variety of classes from which to choose, taught by three of the most award winning, renowned instructors in the world of quilting:

Cindy Walter, Karen Combs and Christine Porter

We will overnight in Venice, giving you a chance to explore this fabulous port. See St. Mark's Square and the Doges Palace. Ply the canals in a Gondola or shop for Venetian glass. We are then off to explore Split, Croatia's 2nd largest city. It is home to Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO world heritage site. Next see the Acropolis, Constitution Square and Olympic Stadium as you explore the wonders of Athens, Greece. Another overnight in Istanbul allows you to visit the Grand Bazaar. Turkish carpets and Kilims, Spices, Jewelry, silks and even Aladdin's lamp are available in the 4000 shops of the Bazaar! Explore on your own or join us for an optional exclusive quilter's tour that takes in the Bazaar, Spice Market and the Textile Art's Association where we will include a workshop, fabric and block exchange with local Turkish quilters! We will stop in Kusadasi, gateway to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archeological sites in the classical world. Explore its grand colonnaded marble streets, the Celsus Library, the ancient Agoura and the Baths. You will see Mykonos and Santorini, with their easy going island lifestyle and beautiful white-washed, blue domed architecture. Our last port of call before returning to Venice is Katakolon, Greece, where you can see Olympus, site of the original Olympic Stadium and host to some games of the 2004 Olympiad. If you just want to relax in our floating hotel….why not try the spa? Sit in on exciting port lectures and find out more about the area we're visiting or plan a few excursions. Whatever you decide to do, this will be a "trip of a lifetime!"

You absolutely must book early as this trip will sell out fast. We have had a list of quilters interested in booking this trip even before it was open for sale! Bring a friend, your spouse or your family - non-quilters are always welcome to join us! They have many activities to pursue while you are in class.

We can't wait to see you in Venice!

Best wishes,
Christine Porter, Karen Combs, Cindy Walter and John Flynn

Amy Ross
Kim Hedges
Group Coordinators