Category Archives: General

German River Town Vilsfofen

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German river townThe Delightful Town of Vilsfofen on the Danube River

The beautiful town of Vilsfofen is located in the German district of Passau. It is a small town which picturesquely stands at the confluence of rivers, Vils, Wolfach and the Danube. In Vilsfofen, river Vils and Wolfach flow into the Danube, giving it the names “The Three River City” and “German River Town”. When viewed from the opposing river bank, the town gives the impression of an island floating on the river.

There are several attractions in the small town of Vilsfofen. In fact, this German river town is an interesting combination of history and modernism. One can see the historical structures such as the historic town square with its landmark, the town tower, as well as the church of Saint John, as witnesses of bygone era. The small, carefully renovated lanes that link the old town center with the Danube and the various monuments, such as the Mary Help of Christian’s church also remind one of the times long passed.

Enjoy the Modern Side of The German River Town Vilsfofen

On the other hand, the town of Vilsfofen is very much modern, open minded and cultured.  Various events are organized in Vilsfofen throughout the year which makes the town quite famous. The most famed and celebrated events organized in this town are “The Danube in Flames”, the “floating” Christmas market, the traditional “Volksfest”, and cultural events such as the “Days of the Cabaret” organized in the autumn.

The German river town Has Great Attractions For All Visitors

There are some landmark places in the town of Vilsfofen which give it a very modern flavor. The African Museum in the Benedictine Abbey Schweiklberg, the art gallery situated in the town tower with its changing exhibitions, the newly created town hall gallery, and the works of art in the different sculpture parks are enough to prove that Vilsfofen is a modern city.

Several cruise lines either start or end their Danube River cruises in Vilsfofen. So if you have decided to book your holiday on a Danube River cruise, you will get an exciting opportunity to visit this delightful town of Vilsfofen!

Enjoy Afternoon Tea in Paris

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Afternoon TeaAfternoon Tea in Paris

Paris is one of the finest cities in the world for shopping and afternoon tea. So when visitors are in Paris, it is inevitable that shopping comes to mind as soon as they step into the city. Although there are many shopping stores in Paris, visitors would particularly love Le Bon Marche. This is the biggest Left Bank department store as well as the oldest in the city which was planned by Gustav Eiffel and opened its doors in 1852.

Le Bon Marche, specializes in luxury fashion for men, women and kids; it has an exquisite collection of furniture, high class gifts and household items. It is one of the three most visited and best known department stores in Paris. So travelers have a great shopping experience here.

Rose Bakery Tea Room for Afternoon Tea

After travelers get tired with all that shopping at Le Bon Marche, they can relax at the store’s Rose Bakery Tea Room. The French is world famous for their politeness, and formality; and French dining dwells on a lot of etiquette and mannerisms. Afternoon tea is very much an essential part of French dining and life. Rose Bakery tea room, located on the second floor of Le Bon Marche, visitors can choose from a wide range of French pastries and have a relaxing cup of afternoon tea.

Get a Taste of Well Known French Pastries with Afternoon Tea

Many know about French pastries throughout the world and that knowledge alone makes the country a great attraction for pastry lovers. There is a large variety of French pastries, which look like something ethereal, and taste like ecstasy. The ambience of the Rose Bakery is as enthralling as the variety of food offered here. The crisp white walls and classic dark floors are a combination of vintage and design pieces. Also, visitors will find many delectable muffins, and cakes, on beautiful pastry stands. The luxurious Tea Room lets travelers best enjoy your Parisian dream. Although Rose Bakery offers a variety of food items, it is particularly famous for its scones, carrot cake, fresh juices, and jams—all made from local, organic products.

While, in Paris, Le Bon Marche will give travelers a wonderful experience. Travelers can satisfy their shopping desire here, and then relax on a cup of afternoon tea along with some nice French pastries at Rose Bakery Tea Room of the shop. That would be enough to make your day!

Maulbroon Abbey Complex- The Best Preserved Medieval Cistercian

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Maulbroon Abbey Complex located in Central Germany

Maulbroon Abbey ComplexMaulbroon Abbey Complex, situated on the outskirts of Maulbroon, Germany is the best- preserved medieval Cistercian monastery complex in Europe. This complex has been separated from the town by fortifications and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage since 1993. Apart from being the best-preserved and most complete monastic complex, the Maulbroon Abbey also stands as a specifically representative example of medieval architecture.

This Maulbroon monastery was founded in 1147 though the central church came into existence in 1178 which was then dedicated to the Virgin Mary. One peculiar quality of the main church is that it was built in a style transitional from Romanesque to Gothic, which had a substantial influence on the spread of Gothic architecture over many of the northern and central Europe.

Several other buildings of the complex such as cellar, auditorium, refectory and etc. were built in the 13th century, whereas most fortifications and the fountain house were constructed in 14th century

Explore Gothic Architecture at the Maulbroon Abbey Complex

The church consists of a two-story Romanesque nave and a low chevet leading to a transept with three rectangular chapels opening off each arm. A stone screen was created to separate the monks from the lay brethren. The Gothic vaulting of 1424 that replaced the original wooden beams mutated the rigid spatial divisions practiced during the lifetime of St Bernard of Clairvaux, integrating the Romanesque traditions of the Hirsau region into the Cistercian requirements of austerity and renunciation.

The fortifications consist of two walls, an outer wall, and an inner wall. There are many post-monastic buildings within the designated area, mainly in plastered stone such as the former hunting lodge of Ludwig, Duke of Württemberg, and the ducal stables etc. inspired by Renaissance elements.

Visit the Maulbroon Abbey Complex for History and Innovation

The Cistercian Order was renowned for its innovations in the field of hydraulic engineering and Maulbroon monastery complex is a great example of that. There are several reservoirs, irrigation canals, and drains, which were aimed at providing water for the use of community, and for agriculture; though after the secularization of the monastery’s land in 19th century, things have quite changed.

The Maulbroon Abbey Complex, with so much to offer, is a place you must visit. This German UNESCO site will enthrall you with its history, architecture, style and innovation.

Cruise Along the Seine River and Visit France Harbor Town of Honfleur

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river cruise1Seine River Cruise France’s Harbor Town of Honfleur

The town of Honfleur surrounds a beautiful little 17th-century harbor, set in a sheltered cove off the Seine’s tidal estuary, in Calvados, Lower Normandy. Honfleur is still active as a fishing port and marina. The town has a great historic and cultural value, as it has preserved many historic and traditional buildings and takes pride in housing some interesting museums, churches and monuments.

Do Not Miss Out On The Medieval Seaside Town of Honfleur

The medieval seaside town of Honfleur has a tremendous appeal – with its narrow half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. Unlike many other villages in Normandy, Honfleur was spared during the bombing of World War II as there was no manufacturing. For centuries, the old harbor has attracted many people with different interests. Here, you’ll find fishermen, artists, tourists and locals alike enjoying the same scenery that attracted celebrated painters like Delacroix, Sisley, Corot and Monet. Honfleur is as enchanting as the Impressionist paintings it often inspired.

Honfleur offers much to delight you. The tidy, picturesque streets of the town house many art galleries, artists’ studios, boutiques, restaurants and fine souvenir shops. You also can find some remarkable historical buildings, such as the largest wooden church in France, salt warehouses dating back to the 17th century, and the Lieutenance, the last existing part of a 16th century castle that fortified the town.

In fact, Honfleur today is both a river port and a seaport, providing modern facilities deep enough to accommodate big cruise ships. But there is an important fact to know that, while the boats now moored along the quays of the Vieux Bassin are mostly leisure craft along with the odd fishing boat, in bygone years, Honfleur’s military fleet was the pride of France.

Experience the Seine River Cruise

In spite of it’s prestigious past dating back 1,000 years, Honfleur has that special something which, even today, keeps it fresh, appealing and exciting. Honfleur is still a very popular tourist destination. Cruisers from the Seine River cruises frequently come to view her old world charm, picturesque port basin filled with sailing ships, and the winding alleys with half timbered houses. Contact us for more information. Europeanbarging.com 888-869-7907

The Benefits of Buying Travel Insurance for Overseas Travel

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Travel InsuranceBe Sure To Have Travel Insurance Before Traveling Out of The Country

“I did not always buy travel insurance for myself, but then I mis-stepped off a step on a train in Marseilles and fell and twisted my ankle really bad. This was not a serious fall, but it made me realize how something serious could happen. So I always have travel insurance now. For several years I bought the annual program that my American Express card offered but then I realized that this gives me good medical coverage while I am overseas but does not reimburse any of my travel expense, so I now have a regular travel policy.

Do Not Be Alarmed Travel Insurance Is Normal

When I mention travel insurance to travelers, I tell them that they might not need the insurance for themselves, but if they have teenagers (especially in sports), or elderly parents, then you should get the insurance in case you need to cancel or return from a trip for them.
In the last few years, there have been policies offered that let you cancel for work related reasons (often offering a full refund of travel funds) and even canceling for any reason (getting about 50% of your money back). Another benefit of a Gold or Platinum type policy is that the insurance coverage becomes your primary insurer – this means that when you go into a hospital for treatment, that the hospital calls the insurance company and get approval for payment rather than you laying out the money and filing out paper work when you get back to get reimbursed. As with all offers these days, there are some restrictions.
Travel insurance does not just cover medical expenses. There is reimbursement if your luggage is delayed or lost, if you lose your passport, need legal assistance. Some programs even include Concierge services that assist with all types of travel needs, such as tickets to special events, travel recommendations, changing travel arrangements and such. Be sure to ask about travel insurance next time you travel out of the country as most policies in the US will not over you overseas.”