Author Archives: Jan European Barging & River Cruises

AMA Wine Cruises – The Rhine River Valley

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The Rhine River Valley, also known as “the heartland of the Holy Roman Empire”, is an extremely beautiful region and has been a great attraction for wine lovers since long ago. For centuries the region, has inspired poets and great thinkers such as Lord Byron and Goethe who immortalized it in their works. The Rhine River Valley has also inspired several myths and legends. The origin of the beautiful Rhine lies in the Alps whereon it winds its way north through Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The Rhine River Valley is renowned for fairytale castles and has the distinction of having more castles than in any other river valley in the world.

Begin Your Journey Through The Rhine River Valley

Our Rhine River Valley Cruise is the perfect choice for you to explore the enchanting Rhine wine region while enjoying the comforts of a deluxe river cruise vessel! Your wine cruise starts in vivacious Amsterdam where you enjoy the city’s legendary canals. Cologne is your next destination where you will see one of Europe’s most spectacular cathedrals and sample the city’s famous Kölsch beer. Your cruise takes you further to Koblenz where you can take a walking tour of a 2,000 year-old wine town situated at the conflux of the Rhine and Mosel Rivers.

Your tryst with German wines continues as you further cruise through the Rhine River Valley to the captivating town of Rudesheim where you learn about Rhine wines at a Berg Rottland wine tasting. Then from Speyer, you can take an excursion to the historic university town of Heidelberg and continue to Alsace’s capital of Strasbourg, where you’ll learn about the region’s famous Alsatian wines. From Breisach, another excursion is offered along the Alsatian wine route which takes you to Colmar and the fascinating wine village of Riquewihr.

Basel is your final destination on the cruise, located on the borders of Switzerland, France and Germany.  From Basel, you transfer to Lucerne and then to Zurich where you’ll fall in love with Switzerland’s beautiful and mesmerizing scenery and Alpine view.

Departures on the Rhine River Cruise for 2013 are scheduled on November 15th and 22nd. Prices start from $2,399 per person.

Your Hosts In The Rhine River Valley

Your hosts for these special Rhine River Valley themed cruises are:

  • November 15th: Culture and Wine Legacy of the Rhine with Holly Howell, who is a columnist for the Democrat & Chronicle in Rochester, New York and a well-respected authority on the wines of the Finger Lakes region, particularly Rieslings. She also teaches food and wine classes and makes her own wine
  • November 22nd: Culture and Wine Legacy of the Rhine with Mark Johnson of Chateau Chantal Winery in Michigan. Trained at the Geisenheim Research Institute in Germany, Johnson has been the winemaker at Chateau Chantal since it opened in 1986.

These wine cruises through the Rhine River Valley are great for small wine groups or organizations. As these cruises do book up quickly, please call to book your cruise today!

The Danube Music Festival August 16 – 23, 2013

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The Danube Music Festival is an annual, open-air, free music festival happening on Vienna, Austria’s Donauinsel Islands. This is an awesome affair where there is a plenty of entertainment, enjoyment, knowledge, food and craft. The festival offers a variety of music ranging from pop to rock and jazz and hip hop and there are many local bands playing alongside world-famous international acts. The famous groups such as The Backstreet Boys and Simple Minds have been amongst past headline acts here.

A Variety Of Both Music And Food Awaits At The Danube Music Festival

The food offered at the Danube Music Festival is as varied as the music. The food kiosks are scattered all around the festival site and they offer Austrian, Greek, Italian, Indian, Thai and Turkish foods. The ubiquitous burger bars are always there but vegetarians are also always taken care of and are well catered to. There are also a number of useful Information kiosks in addition to stalls selling souvenirs and craft objects.

The Donauinsel Islands were actually man-made between 1972 and 1988 with the foremost purpose of improving Vienna’s anti-flooding measures. The whole area, however, has transformed into a recreational wonderland. Throughout the year, the Donauinsel is a green haven for the people of Vienna, with its bars, restaurants, and skating tracks and there is even a water ski lift.

There is an amazing beach revered by the locals named CopaKagrana. Kagrana is actually the name of the district of Vienna in which it is to be found. For nature lovers, there is a section where nude sunbathing is permissible. However, at the end of the third week in June each year, it is covered by the festival, which becomes just one huge, three-day, party.

Given the crowds of people flocking to Vienna for the Danube Music Festival, it is imperative for visitors to reserve accommodations well in advance, as hotels around the city get booked up quickly. If you’re interested in camping near the festival site, please note that only official camping is permitted and there are three camp-sites at Vienna West, South and Neue Donau.

It is easy to travel to the Danube Music Festival on the underground system; just head for the Donauinsel station. The full information about events is usually available on the official Danube River Festival website beginning around the middle of May. Book your holiday on our Danube River Cruise and be a part of the amazing Danube Music Festival!

Seven Culinary Pathways in SalzburgerLand

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While, getting an opportunity to sample local specialties and savor fine cuisine is an important part of any holiday, when you are in SalzburgerLand, you will come across a creative initiative, The Via Culinaria, which provides a true gourmet experience. SalzburgerLand, for many years, has taken pride in having the highest concentration of internationally acclaimed restaurants in all of Austria. There is no other Austrian province which can stand in comparison to such high culinary expectations as does SalzburgerLand.

Via Culinaria Indulges You in SalzburgerLand

Via Culinaria is very delightful experience where you are taken through seven different culinary pathways in SalzburgerLand to the most delicious products this region has to offer. You get the chance to indulge in these delectable dishes in various ways like you can sample them at local producers and on the farm, relish the traditional specialties- sustaining their presence through centuries- at inns, or get them served to you at internationally renowned restaurants where the culinary artistry is just incomparable.

SalzburgerLand Has Something For Everyone

The Salzburg Culinary Tour has something for everyone from gourmets to beer and schnapps aficionados. Meat eaters, sweet tooths, and cheese fans will come across constant surprises. The culinary pathways lead you to over 200 highly acclaimed, unsurpassable addresses.

The Via Culinaria is marked by indispensable components of regionality, originality, quality and authenticity. Eckart Witzigmann, famed as “Chef of the Century” by Gault Millau, is the honorary figurehead of the Via Culinaria.

The culinary pathways will be an unforgettable SalzburgerLand experience for you as it brings together the region’s best kitchens, from country inns with their traditional touch to cosmopolitan inner-city eateries, from the modern designer restaurants to a romantic lake-side terrace.

Yet another surprise to take home as you wind up your holiday in SalzburgerLand is a variety of homemade specialties offered by many of region’s award-winning chefs such as  jams, spreads, fine distilled spirits and many more.

A visit to SalzburgerLand makes a great pre or post Danube River Cruise extension. Book your holiday on our Danube River Cruise and visit SalzburgerLand to indulge in its delicious and varied dishes!

The Medieval Marksburg Castle

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Marksburg Castle is one of the principal sites of the UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge and holds the distinction of being the only hill castle on the Rhine that has never been destroyed. The castle was built to protect the town of Braubach and was used mainly for protection rather than as a residence for royal families.

Marksburg Castle Stands The Test Of Time

Marksburg Castle is one of Germany’s prominent historical sites and stands as a rare example of history virtually undisturbed by the passage of time. Lived in for over 700 years, this castle has survived through the ravages of time to be one of the best examples of medieval architecture in Germany. The fortress has undergone several additions and developments over the centuries, growing into its present day shape. The only serious damage the Marksburg Castle ever suffered in hostilities occurred near the close of WWII when it was shelled from the west bank of the Rhine River.

One of the most important Rhine castles, the Marksburg Castle stands atop a hill rising above the town of Braubach on the right bank of Rhine River, upstream from its junction with the Mosel River. The unusually slender keep of the castle towers above the surrounding courts and ramparts.

Dating back to the construction of the keep in the 12th century, the fortress has been ever-changing and growing into its present shape through succeeding centuries. In the Middle Ages, the strengthening of the castle’s defenses became indispensable and urgent by improvements made to firearms. Certain significant changes were made during this period such as the huge outworks as well as the conversion of a gateway in the outer wall to a strong bastion. It was mainly due to these additional defense works that the castle could be protected from serious attacks many times. During peaceful times, Marksburg Castle was used mainly as a state prison.

You would be enthralled to visit this most original castle and the entire valley of the Loreley. This wonderful castle, home of the German Castles Association which is set up to preserve such ancient monuments, presents a host of captivating artifacts coming alive from the middle ages.

Visit Marksburg Castle on our select Rhine River Cruises!

Cruise the Wachau Valley on a Danube River Cruise

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Wachau Valley Cruise Along the Danube

Enjoy a lovely experience as you board a Danube River Cruise. The Wachau Valley of Austria is one of the most beautiful sections of the Danube River. This wonderfully scenic valley lies between the Benedictine Abbey of Melk and the lovely town of Krems. There are many charming towns, terraced vineyards, castles, and monasteries along the narrow Wachau Valley.

Due to its mild climate, the area of Wachau Valley grows the grapes and apricots used to produce white wines and apricot schnapps as well as apricot cakes and desserts, which are served in nearby restaurants. The paths along the Danube are great for biking and walking through the splendid scenery and exploring the old robber baron castles, and the legends and customs of the area.

Cities To Visit In The Wachau Valley

You will be mesmerized in the town of Melk with the sleepy and elegant atmosphere under its huge abbey. The restored Melk Abbey shining proudly over the Danube Valley is one of Europe’s most attractive sights.

Krems is renowned for being the center of the Wachau wine industry as well as one of the most beautiful towns in lower Austria. This old town is also a shopper’s wonderland. As you walk around the town, you will encounter one fantastic church after another – Piaristenkirche features an extensive collection of paintings by Martin Johann Schmidt (Kremser Schmidt); Pfarrkirche St. Viet features large ceiling frescoes and All Souls Alter by Kremser Schmidt.  In the former Dominican church, you will find a museum of history and wine of the area including sculptures, paintings and etchings from the medieval to baroque periods.

Visit Durnstein by Foot in the Wachau Valley

Durnstein is yet another beautiful town in the Wachau Valley that will delight you with its traffic-free quaintness.  You can explore this attractive town only on foot.  Though it is a small town, Durnstein has lots of interesting history – the most famous being the Kuenringerburg, where Richard I of England was held captive in the 12th century. You can reach the ruined castle above the town by a 20 minute hike with great river views. The Stiftskirche (Monastic Church) has one of the finest baroque towers in Austria, covered in light blue and white.

Visits to these beautiful towns of the Wachau Valley are featured on almost all Danube River Cruises. We also offer short river cruises to these wonderful destinations. Call today to book your holiday with us!