Author Archives: Jan European Barging & River Cruises

European Barging to Offer 5 Day Rhine River Cruise at 10% Off

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With the 2019 5 day Rhine River Cruise sold out, European Barging is offering a 10% discount for travelers booking a 2020 cruise before August 25th

SPRING, TX, UNITED STATES, July 4, 2019 /EINPresswire.com/ — In its recent website post, European Barging is slashing the $1404 ticket price by 10%, a great deal considering the itinerary for the five-day mini Rhine River cruise.

The five-day cruise begins in Strasbourg, where tourists embark the ship. A welcome cocktail and dinner is served as the ship picks up the route to Breisach, Germany, located along the Rhine River.

La Boheme cruising the Rhine River

The river lends itself to a good view of the Rhine Gorge, a World Heritage Site, and Rhine Valley. But by the second day, the cruise is quickly topped with an excursion through the Automobile Museum in Mulhouse France. A home to the most expensive car displays in the world, the Automobile Museum is also considered the largest of its kind in Europe.

Meanwhile, Day 3 features a trip aboard the Glacier Express Train, from Andermatt to Tiefencastel, before returning to the ship in Basel. The scenery along the route features valley and snow covered mountains and charming villages. Andermatt it’s self is a cute village as well.

The itinerary for Day 4 offers a clear and close view of the Rhine Falls – the biggest in Europe — and Lake Constance. Mid-day is spent at Mainau Island, where tourists eat their lunch and watch birds fly about in the green park.

The cruise ends on Day 5, when tourists are return back to Strasbourg early in the afternoon.

“The UNESCO city of Strasbourg is well worth a day or 2 of exploring. Strasbourg has one of Europe’s largest medieval quarters. Also there is the famous Cathedral, (known as one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in Europe), the Alsatian Architecture as well as charming canals and the historical old town known as Petite-France.”
Jan Baumgartner, Europeanbarging

While the description of the cruise already sounds enticing, the prospect of getting a discount for this inclusive cruise is a great deal. The rate includes the 5 day Rhine River cruise, all meals, beverage package, Wi-Fi and listed excursions. European Barging, however, stands out with its great price deal. So long as interested tourists are able to book before August 20th, a ten-percent discount will be in effect. An affordable monthly payment plan is also available.

For more information contact Europeanbarging at 888-869-7907 or jan@europeanbarging.com, River Cruise and Barge specialist since 1998.

ENJOY AN OLD-WORLD EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS WITH EUROPEANBARGING CRUISES

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European Christmas market cruises are a great way to enjoy festive Christmas in Europe by being able to quickly visit many of Europe’s famed Christmas markets.

SPRING, TX, USA, June 17, 2019 — These Christmas markets are one of the best reasons to spend the holidays in Europe. The street markets are held during the four weeks of Advent, starting in late November and usually closing just before the end of December. They are a venerable holiday tradition that draws tourists from all over the world.

Christmas markets were first held in Germany, but these days, you can find them not only in Europe but also in many countries all over the world.

Frankfurt Christmas Market Stahl

It should not be surprising that the best Christmas markets are held in Germany. There are markets in cities all over the country, but the most popular ones are in Cologne. The largest market is situated in front of the historic Cologne Cathedral, which is the country’s most visited tourist attraction.

The market boasts not only of delicious food and drinks such as mulled wine and cinnamon biscuits, but also entertainment. There are stages situated throughout the market, with performances ranging from gospel to swing music. And of course, you can shop for crafts that you can take home as gifts or souvenirs.

Austria is another great destination for people wanting to visit Christmas markets. One of the best known is the Christkindlmarkt, which is found in Rathausplatz, Vienna. The market attracts tourists from all over the world and boasts of more than 150 stalls, where you can shop for gifts and enjoy holiday food and drinks. There are even rides and a skating rink.

While the Christmas markets of France are not as well known or popular as those in Austria or Germany, they are still worth visiting. The oldest one is in Strasbourg, where the first market dates back to 1577. It practically oozes with old world charm as visitors can walk the cobbled streets and look at half-timbered houses done up in their best Christmas finery.

The market not only boasts of stalls serving traditional holiday fare such as its spicy hot orange juice and bredle Christmas cookies, but also Strasbourg’s famed Great Christmas Tree, which rises a hundred feet into the air. There are also themed events, as well as a giant ice rink for guests to enjoy.

Taking one of our Christmas cruises down the Rhine River lets you visit the markets of Cologne, as well as those of Koblenz, Rudesheim and Frankfurt. You can then proceed to French Christmas markets located in Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse. If you avail of our Danube River cruise, you can visit markets in Passau, Vienna and Salzburg.

Our European Christmas market cruises offer a variety of itineraries, ranging from seven-day cruises down the Danube and Rhine to a shorter one down the Danube with options for land extensions. You can also avail of Christmas Time Land Tours, which are escorted tours of German Christmas markets. Visit europeanbarging.com to learn more about the Christmas market river cruises that are available.

Europeanbarging is offering $250 – $500 per person discount on 2019 AmaWaterways Christmas Market Cruises and if you like to plan ahead, there are discounts from $500 to $750 off per person on 2020 departures. Ask about their payment plan.  Offer ends July 30th 2019, when regular rates are in offered.

For more information contact them at 888-869-7907 or jan@europeanbarging.com

Gourmet France: Famous French Sweets That Will Make Your Mouth Water

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France isn’t famous just for its French cheese regions; gourmet France is also well-known all over the world for its sumptuous sweet offerings. No visit to France will ever be complete without gorging on one or all of these desserts. Whether you’re making a trip to Paris or the nearest patisserie in your city, here’s a list of French sweets that you definitely need to try.

French Macarons

French Macarons

So, what makes this French cookie oh-so special? Well, for one, they’re made from almond flour and come in a wide array of flavors and colors. Macarons are not just a feast for the eyes; they’re a feast for the mouth as well.

French Crepes

Crepes can be found in just about any cafe in Paris so failing to eat your fill of this sweet treat when you’re in the city is practically committing a grave sin. These very thin pancakes are made from flour, milk, eggs, and butter and served with your choice of sweet topping. Lemon and sugar, anyone?

French Glace

Glace

Glace to France is basically what gelato is to Italy. It’s a creamier, much richer ice cream that you can get in all sorts of flavors. If you want to get a taste of the real thing, head to the south of France as it’s quite rare to find a good glace anywhere else.

Chocolates

Chocolate

Good news for all chocoholics out there! The French have elevated chocolate into an art form, making France once of the best places to spoil yourself with choices. Here are just some of the best premium brands that you need to sample while in France: Valrhona, La Maison du Chocolat, La Chocolaterie de Puyricard, and Richart.

Calissons

Calissons from Aix in Provence

This traditional candy made from candied fruit paste is the toast of Aix en Provence. Having a similar texture to the marzipan, calissons are topped with ground almonds over a layer of royal icing.

Nouget

Nougat from Southern Provence

Provence in the south of France has the best nougat in the world so if you’re craving for a chewy bar with honey, pistachios, and almonds, you know where to go.

Creme Brule

Creme Brulee

What’s soft and creamy with a caramelized sugar crust? It’s the creme brulee, of course! There’s nothing more satisfying than sinking your teeth into the crust, digging your spoon into the velvety custard filling, and taking a sweet bite of heaven.

Madeleines

Originally made in the Lorraine region in northeastern France, these shell-shaped mini cakes are so soft that they quickly dissolve when you put them in your mouth. Light spongy madeleines are best served with your favorite tea or coffee, making them the perfect treat for a lazy weekend.

Tarte Tatin

Tarte Tatin is the French’s answer to the Americans’ apple pie. It’s an upside-down pastry filled with apple chunks caramelized in sugar and butter. If you ever find yourself craving for a taste of the south while visiting France, the tarte tatin doesn’t disappoint.

Mille-feuille

Also known as the “Napoleon,” the mille-feuille is a classic French pastry that has flaky airy layers with heavy cream and jam in between. Literally translated as “a thousand leaves,” the mille-feuille is well-loved for its simple flavors but amazing textures.

We offer many types of cruises in France where you can visit villages, towns and cities offering the great French Sweets listed above.  Check out our French River Cruise pages for cruises from 5 day – 8 day and our Barge page for the small barge vessels.

Give us a call to find out of latest specials and ask about our payment plan.

888-869-7907  /  713-240-6753  /  jan@europeanbarging.com    River Cruise  and Barge Cruise Specialist since 1998

Why the Bamberg Dom Is a Must-Visit When You’re on a Danube River Cruise

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A Danube River Cruise in Bamberg, Germany will give you glimpses of well-preserved buildings. One of these buildings is the Bamberger Dom (Official name is Bamberger Dom St. Peter und St Georg. Also dubbed as the Bamberger Cathedral, it’s a must-visit site for many reasons.   Since 1993, the cathedral has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site  “Town of Bamberg”.

 

Bamberg Dom

History Encompassing Two Millennia

Before he became a king and an emperor, Heinrich II had his favorite home in Bamberg. Years later, he offered the property as a gift to his wife, Cunigunde.

Around 1002, Heinrich II became Germany’s King. He liked Bamberg so much that he did most of his governing duties therein. Aside from his fondness for the town, he and his wife were known for being pious. It wasn’t a surprise when they initiated the creation of a diocese in Bamberg.

Building began in the same year. It was declared holy on May 6, 1012, as part of the founder’s birthday celebration.

However, the initial cathedral was burned down decades later. It was replaced but it was also destroyed by fire. The current structure was built in the 1200s.

The Remaining Germany-Based Papal Grave

It’s known that many popes are buried in Italy, specifically in Rome. However, not all former popes are buried therein. Some papal graves are in France. There’s also one in Bamberg, Germany.

Before the 1800s, two papal graves were situated in Germany. The first one is that of Pope Clement II. Before he became the leader of the entire Catholic Church, he served as bishop of Bamberg. His body was first buried in Rome but was eventually moved to Bamberger Dom. The marble tomb of Clemens II is located in the west choir.

The second Germany-based papal grave belonged to Pope Benedict V. His tomb was in Hamburg. However, it was destroyed around the 1800s. This left Pope Clement II’s tomb the only other papal grave that was not based in Italy or France.

The Tomb of the Imperial Couple Turned Saints

The bishops of neighboring dioceses opposed the creation of the initial Bamberg diocese. However, then-king Heinrich II insisted.

Twelve years after becoming a king, Heinrich II was recognized as the Holy Roman Emperor. When he died in 1024, his wife planned his interment in the Bamberg Cathedral. Almost 16 years later, Empress Cunigunde also died. She and her husband shared a carved, marble tomb splendidly carved by Tilmann Riemenschneider.

The imperial couple didn’t have a child. As a result, the Ottonian dynasty of Emperors ceased to exist.

Nevertheless, the legacy of the former emperor and empress lives on. The Bamberg Cathedral is among the reminders of their contributions. Moreover, they were also canonized as saints by the Roman Church.

Works of Art

The cathedral itself is a work of art. Romanesque and Gothic styles were used in designing the structure. Aside from this, the sculptures you can find in the famed tombs are also worth seeing. The statues are noteworthy for their refined details as well.  The most noteworthy treasure is the slender equestrian statue of the Bamberger Reiter (Bamberg Horseman), whose identity remains a mystery.  This statue, possibly depicting the Hungarian king Stephen I, most likely dates to the period from 1225 to 1237. The Reiter is probably the oldest statue of a horseman created in post-Roman Germany.  Nearby, the Virgin Mary altar by Veit Stoss also warrants closer inspection.

Bamberger Dom is among the best sites to visit, not just in the town of Bamberg, but in the entire German country. Everyone can bask in the solemnness the cathedral and its rich history offer. You can also enjoy the breathtaking architecture, sculpture and other works of art you can see therein.

Bamberg is a stop offered on river cruises itineraries that feature a Main and Danube River itinerary.  Featured cruises are AmaWaterways Medieval Treasures; Europe’s Rivers & Castles; as well as the 14-night Magnificent Europe.  Arosa’s  “Romance on the Rhine” cruising between Cologne and Engelhartszell, Austria as well as Cologne and Regensburg also makes a stop in Bamburg.

Europeanbarging can assist with finding the perfect river cruise for you.  Contact them for promotional offers and details on payment plans.  Europeanbarging are barge and river cruise specialist since 1998.  For more information:  jan@europeanbarging.com  888-869-7907

Oberwesel and the Germany River Cruise

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A Germany River Cruise takes you across the romantic Middle Rhine Valley. As you cruise down this stretch of the dreamy River Rhine, you will see medieval towns and castles dating back to the late 18th and 19th centuries. You will see the verdant vistas that inspired many writers to wax poetic about the region’s natural magnificence.

A Rhine River Cruise offers a vast landscape of natural beauty. You will see the lush vineyards of the valley, the thick woods of the mountain ridges, the magnificent rocks of the riverbanks, and the side-valleys cutting into the banks of the Rhine River.

Oberwesel Name Plate

A stop on a Middle Rhine cruise might include a tour of Oberwesel in its itinerary.

Oberwesel is a Medieval town that has preserved its medieval silhouette. It takes pride in two Gothic churches – the Church of Our Lady on one end of the town and the Minorite Monastery on the other end.

The Church of Our Lady in Oberwesel is regarded as one of the finest examples of the extraordinary architecture that marked the cathedrals of the Middle Ages.

The church is positioned loftily at the southern part of Oberwesel. It looks very impressive even from a distance, living up to its distinction as one of the most significant high Gothic churches in the Rhineland.

The structure is stark and unadorned. It is defined exclusively by clean and sharp geometric shapes. The interior is impressive. The ceiling looks incredibly high, its heights made more pronounced by the soaring central nave.

The church has a high gothic shrine altar. The triptych altarpiece looks remarkably like the impressive façade of a medieval cathedral. It is intricately ornamented with columns, gables, arcades, and roses amidst a gold background.

The presbytery is spanned by vaults standing on willowy pillars. The rood screen stands at the end of the presbytery. You can imagine the medieval priests of that time reading the gospels from behind this screen.

Paintings which date back to the Middles Ages adorn the walls of the church. These paintings bear the beauty and richness that marked the works of art that flourished during the medieval period.

The Minorite Monastery is another Gothic church in Oberwesel. It is well-known for its beautiful ensemble that includes the sacristy, the church ruins, and the monastery garden.

The sacristy is famous for its unique architectural form. It took extensive reconstruction work during 2006 to restore the 15th century sacristy to its original glory.

Oberwesel has a remarkable townscape that echoes what life was like during the Middle Ages. It still has its medieval town wall. Sixteen of the original defensive towers still run along the stretch of this wall, earning the town its name of “Town of Towers.”

Medieval Defensive Tower

The wall and towers were built to protect the townspeople from attacks. They also provided defense against ice drift and floods. On top of all these, the high wall and towers which could be seen from miles away were important to Oberwesel’s reputation. They marked the town as one with wealth and great power.

You can climb up the peak of the wall and enjoy the view of the quixotic Rhine River.

Europeanbarging can assist with finding the best Rhine River Cruise.  For more information:  jan@europeanbarging.com   888-869-7907   Barge and river cruise specialist since 1998.