Rhine River Sketching Workshop Cruise
Cindy Briggs & Theresa Goesling, Judy Salleh, Leslie Fehling
June 25-July 2, 2027
At a Glance
Welcome aboard!
for a Week of Sketching on the Rhine River!
French Escapade has chartered the entire ship.
So, excluding the friendly crew and staff, just about every passenger will be a fellow sketcher!
Think of it as a floating mini-symposium, where you’ll share ideas, insights and techniques with other like-minded sketchers in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
Workshop Overview
This once-in-a-lifetime creative journey includes:
- 8 days and 7 nights of luxury travel on the historic River Rhine, from Basel (Switzerland), to Amsterdam (Holland).
- Sketching sessions with each of our 4 stellar instructors, so you’re absorbing a wider range of techniques, ways of seeing and styles of sketching.
- One-on-one and group instruction from experienced instructors who respond to your individual needs.
- Focused instruction on topics such as colour harmony, compositional focus, people sketching and more.
- On-board sketching sessions, where you’ll learn how to quickly capture natural scenes, skies and townscapes as we sail to our next destination.
- Time to wander, shop and absorb local culture at every stop — or simply sit and continue sketching to your heart’s content.
- Accommodation for your non-sketching partner, spouse or travel companion (should you wish) at a discounted price.
- Listed excursions for painters and non-painters at no extra cost.
Cruise along the Majestic Rhine from Basel (Switzerland) to Amsterdam (Holland)
Fairy tale castles and medieval squares. Majestic landscapes and cobbled streets.
Each day, a breathtakingly new pageant of colors, cultures and history winding its way into your sketchbook and your memory, guided by master workshop-instructors Cindy Briggs, Judy Salleh, Leslie Fehling and Theresa Goesling.
What could be better than that!
Our 8-day river cruise begins in Basel, Switzerland and ends in Amsterdam, Holland.
Enjoy a perfectly curated cruise offering Europe’s greatest natural and cultural riches: the floral, half-timbered houses of Alsace, the cathedral in Mainz with its Gutenberg Museum, the 2000-year-old beautiful town of Cologne finishing with the traditions and windmills of Holland .
You get a full week of plein air sketching instruction, as well as personal, once-in-a-lifetime exploration of this magnificent river and the cultures that continue to flourish along its banks.
Who is this cruise for?
Skill Levels: We’ve designed this workshop for sketchers with some experience in watercolor.
Mobility: Participants should be able to walk 2 miles while carrying their painting supplies.
Workshop Format
For your comfort and to ensure you get a maximum time with each instructor, students will be split into 3 groups of 15 per group.
You will study with each instructor: Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling (they teach together), Judy Salleh and Leslie Fehling.
While students paint on location, non-painters will be offered excursions or have free time to discover the wonder-filled cities where we’ll be docking.
Artists: Your four world-renowned artists for the week
Artist Cindy Briggs, NWS
From Utah to charming villages throughout Europe, Cindy Briggs enthusiastically shares her creative journey. Conducting online, studio and International plein air watercolor workshops, she demonstrates how to create captivating luminous paintings. Cindy’s subjects range from intimate portraits and flowers to European landscapes, cityscapes, and the Canyonlands of Utah. Her watercolor journals are a visual memoir of a curated and colorful life.
A master watercolorist, Briggs is both a National Watercolor Society Signature Member (NWS) and Northwest Watercolor Society Signature Member (NWWS). Her work has been featured in numerous international juried exhibitions and published in Watercolor Magazine, Outdoor Painter, American Watercolor, Plein Air Magazine, and SPLASH 2023.
As a Daniel Smith Brand Ambassador, Cindy is a featured demonstrator. She leads watercolor workshops for the Smithsonian Art Studios, University of Utah, Terracotta.art, French Escapade, various Art Organizations and Watercolor Live. She has also served as a juror for exhibitions and art festivals.
Cindy and Theresa have co-written a watercolor manual “Make Every Day A Painting” encouraging artists to capture the scenes most meaningful to them with step-by-step lessons and tips. Leading regional and International workshops together for over 23 years, the life-long friends help you make the most of your artful adventures.
Check Cindy’s Journal Video from SW France Workshop in 2023
Artist Judy Salleh
She also conducts international workshops in Europe. She has taught 5 workshops for French Escapade in France, Italy and Spain.
Judy has an extensive background in the Arts, is multi-lingual and has had many sketches featured in books on sketching: “Five Minute Sketching” by SJ Nielsen and “L’Art Du Croquis” by Delphine Priollaud. Judy has travelled extensively around the world and has bookshelves filled with sketchbooks.
She previously ran her own screen-printing and design company, specializing in Greeting Card Design and has been commissioned among others by American Express, Pepsi Cola & Canon.
Artist Leslie Fehling
Leslie Fehling is a watercolor artist, workshop instructor, and art blogger from western Pennsylvania. Her illustrated watercolor journals are filled with sketches that celebrate everyday life and chronicle her travel adventures.
She has taught sketchbook journaling and watercolor workshops in the US and abroad since 2014. Her unique approach to illustrated watercolor journaling and her enthusiastic teaching style have made her a sought-after instructor, and her workshops have empowered students of all skill levels to think more creatively and paint with greater confidence. She says, “I love seeing the joy and satisfaction my students experience when they begin to express themselves artistically and connect with the world on a deeper level through sketching. My greatest reward is when someone tells me, ‘You’ve made me look at the world differently.”
Since 2010, her website has been a rich resource for painting tutorials, creative journaling ideas, and inspiring artwork. She has designed products for a major art supply retailer, and her paintings are found in public and private collections across the US.
Leslie is an ambassador for a major art supply retailer and has designed products for them under the “Everyday Artist” label.
Artist Theresa Goesling
In 2021, Theresa was awarded one of the most prestigious honors for an artist by Daniel Smith Artist Materials with her own palette “Dot Card”. The card is of her paint sample of her 18-color palette and is distributed globally and is only available through Theresa in her classes. Theresa has been teaching international workshops for over 25 years. Whether she paints impressionistic or contemporary in feel, her eye-catching painting style is distinguished by rich, vibrant color and strong in design principles.
She co-authored a watercolor instruction book, “Make Every Day A Painting” with her life-long friend, Cindy Briggs, whom she enjoys team teaching with French Escapade in beautiful destinations.
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome Aboard (Basel)
You are welcome to board the ship in Basel between 5:00 and 6:00 pm. After comfortably settling into your cabins, enjoy the welcome cocktail followed by a gourmet dinner.
During the week, we will paint as the journey unfolds—sometimes on the boat as it glides along the water, other times outdoors in the heart of one of the beautiful cities we visit.
Each day includes a few hours of painting, with plenty of time left to wander, absorb the local culture, and enjoy a bit of shopping.
The itinerary described below is subject to change based on the cruise line navigation requirements.
Day 2: Ribeauville (Alsace-France)
Ribeauvillé is framed by fantastic views of vineyards and rolling hills extending to the foot of the Vosges. The mountain overlooking the town is crowned by three ruined feudal castles, giving this site an enchanting touch. It is one of the many villages on the “Routes des Vins,” the Alsace wine route.
Painters: Imagine being surrounded by 15th century buildings while sketching…You will be able to paint typical timbered medieval houses from the 15th- to 18th-century, Renaissance fountain-decorated squares with 3 castles on a hill as a background or charming flowery balconies.
Non painters: Free time to visit this charming town: the historical city with 15th- to 18th-century buildings, decorated squares, the Town Hall with its prestigious collection of silver drinking cups, the Butchers’ Tower (13th century), the former Corn Exchange, the House of the Fiddlers, etc.
You can also walk up the side of the hill above the village to visit a cluster of three castles that overlook the town.
Day 3: Strasbourg (Alsace-France)
The capital of Alsace, with its remarkable historical, cultural and gastronomic heritage, Strasbourg is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, as well as an icon of the French way of life. The number one attraction in Strasbourg is La Petite France (“Little France”), which is the historic part of town.
Painters: Painting in the magnificent historical part of Strasbourg called “La petite France.” What makes it special is the half-timbered houses that reflect in the water along the canal. After the painting session, you will enjoy a boat tour to discover architecture that includes a broad range of traditional structures next to bold modern designs.
Non painters: Free time to stroll the historical part of Strasbourg called “La petite France” followed by a boat tour of Strasbourg, with the painters.
Day 4: Mainz (Germany)
Painters: Painting in the picturesque streets of the Old City of Mainz, home of the Gutenberg Museum.
Non Painters: Tour of Mainz and the Gutenberg Museum. This tour on foot will take you to the city’s magnificent cathedral. We’ll then stroll down the picturesque streets of the Old City to the Gutenberg Museum.
Day 5: Koln (Germany)
Experience the special flair of a city that is 2000 years old and at the same time lively, diverse and modern.
Painters: From our vantage point on the river, we will paint some typical houses from Cologne with the tallest church in the world as background. Then enjoy free time to visit the church or the old town.
Non painters: Visit the Gothic cathedral—the tallest twin-spire church in the world and the most visited landmark in Germany. Free time in the Old Town to stroll the streets and pass in front of the famous Farina Fragrance Museum.
Day 6: Open air Museum in Arnhem (Holland)
This national site, the Dutch Open Air Museum or Arnhem, focuses on the everyday life of Dutch people throughout the country’s history. You will find around 100 historic buildings: farmhouses, mills, old homes and factories from different regions.
Painters: You will have a chance to paint a windmill, a traditional Dutch house from the 19th century or any fascinating historical building.
Non painters: There is a lot to see in the village. You can walk or take the authentic trams to visit a drainage mill, a dairy factory, a paper mill, a farmhouse, a fisherman’s cottage, a syrup barn, a dovecote and many more.
Day 7: Nijmegen (Holland)
Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands, known for its rich Roman history and medieval architecture in charming old town.
Painters: We will paint boats in the small harbor of the city.
Non painters: You will enjoy strolling the narrow streets in the historical center, have a coffee on the “Grote Market” or visit one of the museum.
Day 8: Departure-Amsterdam
It is time to say: “Au revoir” but not “Adieu” because we hope to see you again!
You will leave not only with vibrant creations but also with fresh inspiration, creative sparks, and new friendships that will color your artistic journey for years to come. Safe travels!
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m in Amsterdam.
You may want to spend some time in this beautiful city. We will be happy to give you some visit and hotel recommendations.
We hope to see you again on another trip!
Accommodations
A Premium, Intimate Ship Experience
The lounge tastefully decorated, is located at the front of the ship and offers panoramic views. Cocktails and games, dancing, and other forms of entertainment all happen here.
Cabins
Upper Deck
French balcony with sliding panoramic windows
Main Deck
Picture window with sliding top section
Amenities in All Cabins
- TV
- Telephone (internal calls only)
- Private bathroom with shower and toilet
- Towels
- Safe
- Individual air-conditioning
- 220V electricity
- Wi-Fi
Please note: Laundry service is not available on board.
Pricing and Booking
Pricing Details
| Price in Euros per person | Main Deck Cabin | Upper Deck Cabin |
|---|---|---|
| Painter using a cabin for single use | €5,990.00 | €6,490.00 |
| Painter sharing with a non-painter |
Painter: €4,990 Non painter: €3,690 |
Painter: €5,490 Non painter: €4,190 |
| Painter sharing with a painter | €5,990 per painter | €6,490 per painter |
Price includes
- Welcome cocktail
- Farewell dinner
- All meals
- Drinks (open bar all day!)
- Free Wi-Fi onboard
- All painting classes
- All excursions listed (the ones for painters and the ones for non-painters)
- All onboard activities
- All port fees
Price excludes
- Flight to and from Europe
- Transportation to and from the ports in Basel and Amsterdam
- Painting supplies (including folding chair)
- Tips to tour leaders and staff
- Travel insurance
How to Book
Payments
Non-refundable Payments: (see cancelation policy below)
- At Booking: € 900 non refundable deposit
- One year prior to departure: € 1,000 non refundable payment
- 6 months prior to departure: Non refundable balance
We offer three payment methods through our secure system:
– By credit card (2.9% convenience fee applies)
– By ACH/ bank transfer (no fees)
– By wire transfer (flat fee of $25)
Insurance Required
Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.
- If you have a pre-existing medical condition or wish to be able to cancel your trip at any time for any reason, you need to get the insurance within 21 days of your registration with us.
- For standard health coverage, you may sign-up at any time.
Feel free to choose the insurance provider of your choice. Our preferred insurance companies are:
- For US citizens: Travel Insurance Services. Tel. 1-800-937-1387. This company has covered many of our clients and provides good customer service. They offer 3 tiers of coverage.
- For non-US residents: United Health Care Global
Cancellation Policy
| If you cancel: | Cancellation Fee per Person |
|---|---|
| more than 1 year in advance | €900 deposit forfeited |
| between 1 year and 6 months before departure | €1,900 forfeited (the deposit and the second payment of €1,000) |
| less then 6 months before departure | 100% of total cost forfeited (by that time, you will have paid the entire balance) |
| If French Escapade cancels | you get a full refund |