Comparing Luxury Barge Cruises with Casual Bike and Barge Cruises

Below is a brief description of the difference between a Full Service barge and a Casual Bike and barge cruise.

Many of the casual bike and barge cruises are 7 nights instead of the 6 nights on a regular full service barge.  Prices range from $1640 to $3278 per person.  Cruises are in Holland/Belgium, Germany, France and Italy.  These barges range from  6, 20, 21, 22, 24 and 34 passengers.

These cruises are typically for serious cyclist as the biking ranges from  20KM – 65KM per day.  Bikes on these barges are typically heavy duty bikes designed for cycling in the  area.  Many bike and barge cruises have electric bikes available at a cost of between $100 – $150 for a week.

Included in the price: 6 or 7 night cruise, guide for the cycling tours  (except the Johanna which offers area maps,  a GPS and pre paid cell phone), breakfast buffet including makings for your packed lunch, dinner (3 courses) on boat, water with meals, clean towels and  bed linen delivered half way through the cruise and bike rental (with helmets).

Not included:  entrance fees for museums and the like, drinks on board, Listed meals ashore and personal insurances and transfers to and from the barge.

Click here for a slideshow on a casual bike and barge cruise.

Luxury barges range in price from low $3000’s to over $7000 per person.  We have several barges in the mid to high $4,000’s.

These rates include: 6 night cruise, daily maid service, bicycles on board for cycling, gourmet meals, wine and cheese of the region with lunch and dinner, open bar with alcoholic beverages and all the sightseeing.  Some barges will have a small swimming pool or spa/Jacuzzi.

The prices are based on the features of the barges and wines provided. On the lower priced barges, you will be looking at cabins around 90 – 100 sq. ft., compact bathrooms – usually with a shower curtain and small shower stall. The wines will be regional wines. The more expensive barges will have larger cabins – 170 – 230 sq. ft. with larger bathrooms, big shower stalls with a glass door. Some of the wines will be premier and grand cru.

Barges also range from  4 (Bordeaux only), 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 18 passengers.

Many of the barges offer themed cruises – Gardens, wine, cycling, art, family and golf.  Some of the regular barges, in addition to having the bikes on board for guests to cycle any time, also offer for charter, special biking itineraries.  On these barges, the bikes are not the heavy duty cycling bikes but more for the casual cyclist.  Only for a special cycling charter will you have the professional bikes.

Click here for a link to a barge cruise video.

Cruising Upper Loire Valley on the Meanderer

http://www.europeanbarging.com ~ 713-240-6753 ~ 888-869-7907: The 6 passenger deluxe Meanderer is the only barge offering multiple excursion options. Choose from escorted cycling tours, walking tours or tours by mini van. Aboard this luxury barge cruise in France, you’ll get an opportunity to experience life there from a truly unique perspective.

 

Ballooning from the Meanderer barge

Carrying between Continue reading

Europeanbarging Offers Cruises on Arosa Cruise Line on the Major Rivers of Europe

Arosa River Cruises offers cruises on the Rhine, Mosel, Danube, Seine, Rhone, and Douro Rivers of Europe. Offering cruises from 3 – 15 nights.  New for 2023, an A‑ROSA cruise (7 nights+) already includes one excursion, followed by a culinary evening experience on board. This will allow guests to take in their destination with all their senses.

Arosa Stella on the Rhone River

Arosa is a German river cruise line offering German and English language cruises You can select from their featured cruises such as the Rhine River Cruise, Danube River Cruise, Seine, and the Rhone River Cruise.  All of the Arosa ships feature cabins with windows,  French balconies or useable balconies, sauna, whirlpool, and spa facilities and several have a swimming pool.  The Cologne and Passau cruise ports include round-trip transfers between the Cologne or Passau train station and the ship.

While onboard your river cruise you will enjoy a multitude of amenities including all meals a beverage package, free Wi-Fi, and a half-day excursion.  You will receive 30% off spa treatments, and bicycles are available for rental on many of the ships.

Arosa French balcony cabinThe ships feature nice size cabins – many with French Doors (on 2nd and 3rd decks), and some offer connecting cabins.  Some of the ships offer a 3rd bed for children.  When accompanied by one full-paying adult, children between 2 and 15 years of age receive a children’s discount of 30%. When accompanied by two adults, children aged 15 and under travel for free. Triple occupancy cabins are very limited.  The cabins are well laid out, with good storage areas, nice bathrooms,

Arosa Sauna

 

The Spa Arosa includes First-class spa products, a Generous SPA area, Professional trainers, Beauty and cosmetic treatments, a Panorama sauna as well as a fitness room, whirlpool, or swimming pool on the ships.

 

There are no fixed seating or table arrangements on board.  All meals are served as a buffet.  There are chefs at all meals with an open kitchen preparing these dishes as you watch – so everything is fresh.

 

Early Breakfast is from 6 – 7 am and features coffee and croissants

Breakfast is from 7 – 9 am and features cereals, rolls, fruit, yogurt, sliced meats as well as cooked foods – such as eggs, bacon, sausages, and pancakes as well as coffee, tea, and juices.

Arosa salad bar

 

Lunch includes several entrees such as beef dishes, fish dishes, sliced meats, pasta dishes, vegetables, salad, fruit, cheese, bread, and dessert bars.

 

 

Arosa afternoon tea

 

Afternoon tea features coffee, tea and cakes, cookies, and snacks.

 

 

Arosa buffet

Dinner will feature many more meat choices such as pork, beef, salmon, lobster, 2 soups, pasta, vegetables, salad, fruit, cheese, and bread bars as well as a dessert bar including ice cream and a dessert of the night that is prepared at the dessert bar – such as crepe Suzette and apple fritters.

One night a week there is a special wine and culinary special dinner for an additional cost and includes a multi-course sit-down served dinner and regional wines.

Beverage package – Soft Drinks, as well as tea and coffee specialties, Beer, sparkling white wine, as well as open wines and daily recommendations from the wine menu (by the glass), Cocktails, and long drinks throughout the day and evening.

Arosa offers 5 and 7-night cruises round trip Paris cruises on the Seine; 5 and 7-night cruises round trip Lyon on the Rhone River; 5 and 7-night cruises round trip Passau and Vienna on the Danube River.  For the Rhine River, Arosa has many different itineraries.  Many of the cruises are roundtrip Cologne, with a few one-way routes – such as Amsterdam to Basel or reverse, and Cologne to Nuremberg or reverse.

Pricing for summer months starts at $2154 per person for a 7-night cruise and $1489 per person for a 5-night cruise.  Late spring and summer dates start at $1873 per person for a 7-night cruise and $1323 per person for a 5-night cruise.  Early spring and late fall dates start at $1655 per person for a 7-night cruise and $1158 per person for a 5-night cruise.

For additional information or to check availability, contact us at www.europeanbarging.com at 888-869-7907 or jan@europeanbarging.com

Fortified City of Carcassonne

Southern France City of Carcassonne

Carcassonne_by_AndreLeVattepMany architects try to simulate the Fortified City of Carcassonne such as those who built the castles of Disneyland and any other amusement park. The fortified walled city of Carcassonne is located in Southern France and is a top sight to see while traveling on any Canal du Midi barge cruise.

Known for its durability and the will of the times to keep this fortress standing tall, people from all over the world are in awe to see such a site. The protection and defenses that took great pride in protecting this Fortress embodies the history of the Medieval times and brings others back to a place where they can feel the energy of the battles. Famous people like Pierre Vidal have visited and stayed at this beautiful Southern France castle. This Medieval Fortress is a World Heritage UNESCO Site and features lovely winding streets and local shops in addition to the fort. Find your souvenirs and historical pieces at these shops and sites when visiting Carcassonne.

The four walled city has been restored to showcase the history of the medieval times. The towns people wanted to share their Fortress, which their ancestors had fought to preserve. They are proud of what they have to offer and encourage others to visit at all times.

Canal du Midi in Autumn

Festival of Carcassonne

Get some of the best views of Carcassonne traveling along the river on the Canal du Midi barge cruise. The summer time brings a lot of tourist to the area and the small community that resides in the southern France town are sure to have enough entertainment for their guest.  During July, the Festival of Carcassonne is held and features fireworks. The festival takes place during the 2nd half of July.  This is the 2nd largest festival in France.

 

 

Roi Soleil barge

These barges cruise the Canal du Midi and visit Carcassonne – the 6-passenger Roi Soleil; 8 passenger – ultra-deluxe Enchante and the deluxe 8-passenger Anjodi.

For more information contact: Europeanbarging, 713-240-6753 / 888-869-7907, jan@europeanbarging.com