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December 15 - 22, 2025 Paint & Marvel In The Magic Of European Christmas Markets With Andy Evansen
Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with professional watercolor artist, Andy Evansen, as we cruise along the Rhine River and visit the world’s most timeless Christmas Markets.
why you should join our
destination watercolor workshops
are you ready to set sail and paint with us?
meet the artist
Meet Andy Evansen
Signature Member of AWS, PAPA, RRWS, TWSA
Andy Evansen’s interest in art started in childhood, as he can’t recall a time when he wasn’t drawing. He began painting watercolors in the mid 1990s as a change of pace from his career as a medical illustrator. Choosing a ‘style’ was not difficult, as Andy was always inspired by the watercolor paintings of British artists Trevor Chamberlain, David Curtis, Ed Seago and Edward Wesson, among others.
He found himself attempting to capture the landscape with the same economy of brushstroke, taking advantage of the luminosity of watercolors done in just a few washes. In addition, he was impressed with the way those artists seemed to capture everyday scenes in such a way that revealed a hidden beauty, subjects that many would simply pass by.
His work gained recognition after winning an international watercolor competition through American Artist magazine, appearing on their cover in 2005. He’s been featured in numerous other publications since, and has become a sought-after workshop instructor who paints and teaches internationally. He became a signature member of the prestigious Plein Air Painters of America (PAPA) in 2012 and served as their President from 2015-2017. His paintings have won numerous awards, including the Bronze and High Winds Medals from the American Watercolor Society, and he was their demonstration artist for the 2018 Exhibition. His love of painting on location also led to him being a featured presenter at the 2014 and 2016 Plein Air Conventions and inclusion in the 2017 Qingdao International Masters Watercolor Plein Air Event.
imagine this Let Us Paint A Picture FOr You
Imagine embarking on a river cruise along the Rhine River, surrounded by the magic and timeless tradition of Christmas Markets, castles, and historic capitals of iconic European waterways.
As you sail, you find yourself immersed in a world where every stroke of your paint brush brings your artistic vision to life, guided by a watercolor instructor who nurture your talent and inspire your creativity.
Amidst the company of fellow artists who share your passion for watercolor and adventure, you develop meaningful connections and create memories that will last a lifetime.
WHAT IF THIS WORKSHOP COULD:
- Create a unique opportunity to explore your artistic interests while enjoying the pleasures of travel and cultural immersion.
- Discover a sense of community that extends beyond the watercolor workshops, and build lasting relationships within an international watercolor community.
- Learn at your own pace in a flexible learning environment, where you can enjoy both artistic instruction and the leisurely exploration of each destination.
- Embrace the transformative power of joy and creativity in a collaborative environment where you can experience the joy of artistic expression, discover new horizons, and undergo personal growth
watercolor workshop ITINERARY
DAY ONE & TWO
Amsterdam,
The Netherlands
Arrive and settle into your stateroom on embarkation day. Enjoy a welcome dinner with the group and artist meet-and-greet. This is where you will receive an itinerary for the trip, meet other artists and the instructor, and get excited for this incredible painting journey you’re about to embark on.
On your second day in Amsterdam you’ll get to enjoy some of them on a lovely canal cruise. Alternatively, get a taste of local flavor, passing iconic canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats while tasting Dutch specialties at one of Amsterdam’s grand cafes. Please note: tour depends upon docking location and may be replaced with Jordaan District Walking Tour.
day three
Cologne, Germany
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, where we will join a guided tour through the beautiful Old Town. During your free time, browse through the city’s most impressive Christmas Markets, offering 160 attractively designed wooden pavilions.
As an alternative, examine the historic architectural styles on display throughout the Cologne Cathedral during a guided tour. This 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and the church withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II.
Day four
Rüdesheim - Rhine Gorge
Let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments. Or drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal.
Afterwards, enjoy free time in the town, perhaps to explore the Drosselgasse, the town’s cultural heart, and the Christmas Markets. Later in the day, cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching Lahnstein, where you will enjoy a unique evening visit at Lahneck Castle.
day five
Ludwigshafen, Germany
Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century, 49,000-gallon wine cask. Here you can also enjoy visiting some of the festive Christmas Markets.
In your free time, you might choose to visit the Christmas Markets or Technik Museum featuring exhibits of vintage cars, military aircraft and even a submarine!
Later in the day, cruise to the charming village of Rüdesheim and join a wine tasting to discover the flavors of the town’s iconic vineyards. Or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream.
DAY six
Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République before walking through its iconic “La Petite France” district, lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale.
Wander through charming streets past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. During the tour, you will receive free time to visit the Christmas markets. In the afternoon, visit the picturesque town Gengenbach, where you will stroll through the town’s narrow streets full of half-timbered houses. Enjoy the Gengenbach Christmas Market, packed with holiday treats and centers around the 18th century town hall.
Day seven & EIGHT
Basel, Switzerland
On your last few days with us, get to know Basel – Switzerland’s third largest city. Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city and visit Basel’s beautiful Christmas Markets.
Basel, Switzerland is where we bid farewell and prepare for your trip home or post-cruise experience in Lake Como.
more than a watercolor workshop what's included
Small Group Painting Experience
- Daily painting and lessons
- One-on-one instruction with world renown artist
- Festive onboard traditions and an exquisite holiday feast with all the trimmings on every Christmas Markets cruise
- Welcome dinner and drinks with other students and meet-and-greet with the artist
- Personalized service from on-site travel coordinator
- Small private group setting experience
- Free time for painting or sketching in all port cities or leisure time of choice
Spacious Accommodation
- 7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
- Entertainment-On-Demand
A Variety of Amenities
- Wellness Activities with a dedicated Wellness Host
- Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
- Sun deck pool with swim-up bar and walking track
- Fitness room
- Daily entertainment including cultural performances
Award-Wining Dining
- All onboard dining in a variety of venues
- Regionally inspired cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients
- The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant
- Welcome Cocktail, Welcome Dinner, La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Dinner, Captain’s Cocktail and Gala Dinner
- La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
- Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
- Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
- Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
- Tapas, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments served daily in the Main Lounge
A World of Exploration
- Immersive tours in every destination
- Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
- Bike tours and hikes
- Special Interest Tours
- Knowledgeable guides
- Personal headset for easy exploration
- Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
*The workshop fee does not include airfare, passport or visa fees, insurance and other exclusions as outlined in the deposit form
ready to set sail? how it works
01
deposit
To secure your spot, we collect a $400 deposit per person. Once the deposit is paid, $200 is immediately non-refundable. After final payment and 120-days before the trip start date, the $400 deposit is fully non-refundable.
02
community
Get access to a private Facebook community where you can discuss, ask questions, get website feedback, and collaborate with others.
03
support
Participate in Q&A sessions where we share travel tips, materials list, and answer your questions to help you make the most of this watercolor workshop.
04
paint
Embark on the trip of a lifetime and paint alongside likeminded watercolor artists and learn from a renown watercolor instructor.
don't miss THE BONUSES
VIP
Status
Welcome Gifts
$75
credit
let’s redefine traditional watercolor workshops…
We’ve revolutionized traditional watercolor workshops by offering a dynamic blend of artistic instruction, cultural immersion, and community engagement aboard luxurious river cruises.
By reimagining the workshop experience within the context of travel, we provide participants with a truly transformative journey that transcends traditional boundaries and inspires creativity, connection, and lifelong learning.
Let us be your creative escape where artistic discovery and meaningful connections collide – a place where you can embrace your passion for watercolor and travel.
TRAVEL & PAINT WITH US
Paint By Destination hosts watercolor workshops in such unique destinations with incredibly talented artists.
Let us welcome professional watercolor artist, Andy Evansen, as your personal instructor and teacher on our December 2025 Christmas Market Watercolor Workshop with AmaWaterways.
you've sold me, what is the INVESTMENT?
if you book your trip today, you’ll get
15+ hours of small group watercolor instruction (value: $500)
7-nights in luxury accommodation (value: $3,500)
All-inclusive food and beverage (value: $1,000)
Shore excursions (value: $1,500)
Dedicated on-site travel concierge 24/7 (value: $750)
BONUS: Exclusive group discount and amenities (value: $500)
yes, that’s a $7,750+ value
Is that what we’re charging you? No.
When you book with us, you receive a discount of $250 as well as $75 onboard credit per person. This watercolor workshop on a luxury river cruise is the experience of a lifetime you won’t want to miss out on.
Reserve your spot today for
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I'm ready to book! How can I get started?
We’re thrilled you’ll be joining us on one of our watercolor workshops in some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Once you’re ready to book, click any “book now” button on this page to select your preferences, add-ons, and submit your deposit to secure your spot in the workshop.
Once you make your deposit, you’ll automatically receive a welcome email along with a personal invitation to join our community to connect with other individuals on the workshop before the cruise embarkation date.
90 – 120 days from the start date of your workshop the remaining balance and final payment is due in full. Leading up to your workshop, we will share helpful information to help you prepare for your trip, connect with other artists traveling with you, and get excited for this enriching experience.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I bring a guest? What about private rooms?
We offer painter and non-painter options so you may travel with a guest. All prices for rooms are based on a shared room.
You may upgrade to a private room for an additional cost or request two twin beds instead of one queen or king bed.
the votes are in!
New friendships and painting techniques
Return home with beautiful paintings, incredible memories and newfound friendships. Paint By Destination’s watercolor workshops will exceed your expectations and prove to be an investment in both your artistic growth and overall well-being.
Incredible value for
money
Not only will you receive top-notch guidance to improve your watercolor painting skills, but you will enjoy luxury accommodation, curated excursions, and immersive cultural experiences along the most iconic rivers in the world. The convenience and comfort of having everything organized for you makes this worth every cent.
cruise, paint, and explore Your Watercolor Workshop Awaits
Allow us to paint a picture of the enriching experience that awaits you. Imagine waking up to the gentle sway of the water, surrounded by the stunning landscapes and magic of timeless Christmas Markets in The Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. Each day brings new opportunities for artistic exploration as you join a small community of like-minded artists for intimate painting sessions, capturing the beauty of historic capitals and charming riverfront towns. But it’s not just about the art – it’s about the connections you’ll forge with fellow travelers who share your passion for creativity and adventure.
Joining this watercolor workshop isn’t just about developing your watercolor skills – it’s about immersing yourself in a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who celebrate art, culture, and collaboration. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting your creative journey, our workshops offer expert instruction and personalized guidance to help you grow as an artist and unleash your creativity. But it’s not just about the workshops – it’s about the friendships you’ll form, the memories you’ll create, and the sense of belonging you’ll experience as part of our artistic community at home and abroad.
So why should you book this watercolor workshop river cruise with us? Because it’s more than just a vacation – it’s a transformative journey that will inspire and rejuvenate you in ways you never thought possible. From the breathtaking landscapes of the Rhine River to the expert instruction of our renowned artists, every moment is designed to improve your skills and nourish your creativity.
JOIN US AND LET YOUR ARTISTIC SPIRIT SOAR AS YOU EMBARK ON THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME.
