Fortified City of Carcassonne

Posted on September 22, 2013 by Jan European Barging & River Cruises

Southern France City of Carcassonne

Many 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.

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.

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

The Portuguese UNESCO City of Sintra

Posted on September 20, 2013 by Jan European Barging & River Cruises

Tourist are Welcomed by Sintra

The beautiful city of Sintra is just what anyone needs to give them a feel of romanticism and feel refreshed for days to come. This romantic city gives off an aura of uniqueness and individuality. Perhaps, many tourists enjoy returning to Sintra because of these qualities
The Royal Palace is undoubtedly the dominant architectural feature of Sintra, situated in the center of the town. Probably constructed on the site of the Moorish Alcazar, its buildings result from two main periods (15th-16th centuries). The interior contains much painted and tiled decoration, but one of the most important features is the facing with tiles (azulejos ), the finest example of this Mudejar technique on the Iberian Peninsula.

Choose Romantic Features to View

Sintra is well known for its romantic architecture after Ferdinand II decided to transform a ruined monastery into a romantic castle. The castle featured many styles, Renaissance, Moorish, and Egyptian. Ferdinand II is well known for his incredible work and will forever be remembered by the town of Sintra where he put his mark. There is something for every visitor to catch each eye laid on the beautiful masterpiece. The interesting parks took over the scenery with elegant beauty that formed a visual with exotic and local tree species.

Other structures, built along the same lines in the surrounding area, created a unique combination of parks and gardens which influenced the development of landscape architecture throughout Europe.

Duoro Cruise

Located between Lisbon and Oporto, a visit to Sintra can be made as a pre or post Douro Cruise visit. We offer several cruise lines with cruises ranging from 5 – 7 nights on the Douro River.

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

Explore the Flemish City of Ghent

Posted on September 12, 2013 by Jan European Barging & River Cruises

The Flemish City of Ghent

The beautiful landscape and culture of Belgium can be best seen by a bike and barge or river cruise vessel. While cruising through Belgium, visitors will have some great experiences learning about the history, art, culture, gastronomy and beauty of the country. Europeanbarging offers a couple of itineraries that feature Ghent as a stop from a cruise vessel. The Arosa ship offers 7 night Holland Belgium cruises through the summer and fall months; Amawaterways offers a 7 night Holland Tulip cruise between March and May, and there are 24 passenger casual bike and barge vessels that offer cruises throughout the year, which will take travelers through the wonderlands of Belgium for an amazing and unforgettable experience.

Experience The Flemish City of Ghent’s Well Known Art Museum for Knowledge and Culture

The flemish city of Ghent features in the “Art Cities” itinerary of Johanna. Ghent is predominantly a city of art and culture. Ghent takes pride in being home for 8 museums out of which three are most prominent such as S.M.A.K. (housing contemporary art), the Design Museum and the Museum of Industrial Archaeology and Textiles. Also, there are 2 art halls, 7 art centers, 5 theatres and 5 concert halls, 1 music hall, 1 opera and 22 film screens. Additionally there are dozens of subsidized and recognized organizations located either in one of the above or elsewhere in the city. Check out our video on Ghent.

The central motto of Ghent is “city of knowledge and culture accessible for everyone.” Ghent has a university and 3 university colleges where over 60.000 students of higher education study, making Ghent the education capital of Flanders.

Explore Famous Art in the Flemish City of Ghent

Ghent is world famous for its art and culture and art lovers cherish it fondly. The impressive medieval Castle of the Counts gives visitors a peek into the splendid past of the castle. The unique masterpieces of the Flemish Primitives will make visitors spellbound as visitors stand staring at them.

Ghent is a famous flemish city, which people know for its Burgundian nature. There are 426 restaurants and eating-houses and 346 cafés and pubs. So the city of Ghent is a nice place to spend time and have a drink with your friends!

Contact Europeanbarging to find the best cruise for you. info@europeanbarging.com or 888-869-7907 Barge and River Cruise specialist since 1998.

Flower-Carpet- At Brussel’s Grand Place

Posted on September 9, 2013 by Jan European Barging & River Cruises

Brussel’s Grand Place and its Flower-Carpet

The Grand-Place known as Grote Market in Dutch is the central square of the City of Brussels. This is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe with its architecture dating back to different eras. The Grand Place is famous throughout the world for its decorative and aesthetic treasures. It is surrounded by the guild houses, the City Hall and the Maison du Roi. The Grand-Place of Brussels was registered on the World Heritage List of the UNESCO in 1998 due to its diverse and wide-ranging architecture and style.

Originally, Grand Place was built as a merchants market in the 13th century where traders and residents sold and bought food. That is why all the streets around the square have been named after foods. Over time, the market shelters have been replaced by grand buildings. The Grand Place serves as the city center where you can best enjoy the Belgian hospitality.

Experience the Beautiful Brussel’s Grand Place

The Grand Place holds several events and concerts throughout the year, but the Flower- carpet is the most celebrated and mesmerizing event among them. The event is organized every two years in the month of August. Thousands of visitors throng to the city of Brussels to have a glimpse of the stunning Flower- carpet, consisting of a million begonias laid out across Grand place.

The origin of Flower -carpet dates back to 1971. That is when the first Flower-Carpet of Brussels was created by landscape architect E. Stautemans. He was inspired by other Flower Carpets created in various Flemish cities. What makes the Brussels Flower-carpet special, is its placement on Grand Place.

Enjoy the Incredible Flower-Carpet While on A Belgium Cruise

The astonishing Flower-carpet takes two years for preparation and is realized in several stages. The Flower-carpet is installed just for one weekend when Grand Place becomes suddenly packed with visitors from all over the world.

The Grand Place and its famed Flower-carpet are something you cannot afford to miss. Get aboard one of our Belgium cruises. Visit the beautiful city of Brussels. Get lost in the architectural marvels of the Grand Place as well as the breathtaking beauty of its Flower-carpet!

The Old Town of Salzburg

Posted on September 8, 2013 by Jan European Barging & River Cruises

The Old Town of Salzburg is a Sight to See

Salzburg, Austria’s fourth largest city, is famous for being the birthplace of Mozart and the film – Sound of Music as well as the annual Salzburg Festival.

From the river you have a view of the Hohensalzburg Fortress across the skyline behind the old town. Another spectacular site is the gardens and fountains at Schloss Hellbrunn, once the summer palace of the Archbishops. A visit to the Schloss Mirabell offers a chance to view one of the world’s most beautiful wedding halls – The Marble Hall as well as beautiful gardens.

If you want to explore on your own, there is a great bus system in Salzburg and a 24 hour ticket will run about 5 euro. If you want a little more active touring, then bicycles are available to rent around the city

There is Something for Everyone to do in Salzburg

Salzburg’s “Old Town” (Altstadt) has internationally renowned baroque architecture and one of the best-preserved city centers north of the Alps. In 1997 this old town was added to the list of UNESCO World heritage sites. There is great little shops and small cafes that have a special Austrian flavor. There are many boutiques with really stylish clothing and gifts. You can also enjoy another taste of Sacher Torte at the Sacher Cafe.

The old town is full of cobbled streets and tunnels connecting one street to another. Stores are closed on Sundays.

Christmas Market

At Christmastime there is a big Christmas Market offering a magical feeling. There are lots of stalls, offering local crafted items as well as Christmas decor and such tempting cookies, cakes and mulled wines and apple juice.

Several Danube River cruises offer a full day excursion to Salzburg from Vienna or Linz or Passau. The Danube river is a beauty in itself, cruising towards the next destination is a treat on its own.