Category Archives: Holidays & Festivals

EXPERIENCE THE FAMED CHRISTMAS MARKETS OF EUROPE WITH EUROPEANBARGING.COM CHRISTMAS CRUISES

Posted on by

If you are in the mood for a traditional Christmas, visit the Christmas markets of Europe with Europeanbarging.com’s European Christmas market cruises. These street markets are a holiday tradition that dates back centuries and draw visitors to the continent from all over the world.

Christmas markets are held during the four weeks of Advent, and signal the start of the holiday season. They usually start in the last week of November and last until the third week of December. Some markets, however, may stay open until New Year’s.

The first Christmas markets were held during the Late Middle Ages in what is now Germany. Today, you can find Christmas markets not only all over Europe, but in many other parts of the world as well. They are known by various names, including Christkindlmarkt and Weihnachtsmarkt.

Guests not only can enjoy seasonal food and drinks but also shop for traditional crafts to take home as souvenirs or gifts. There is no better way to experience Europe than by wandering through the various markets, enjoying foods such as roasted chestnuts and warm stollen and sipping hot cups of mulled wine.

These markets also feature open-air entertainment from stages scattered throughout the site. You can enjoy performances ranging from gospel music to modern and traditional Christmas tunes. There may also be rides and other things to do such as skating.

Europeanbarging.com offers several cruise itineraries, which go down the Danube River or the Rhine River. These cruises allow you to visit multiple Christmas markets over the course of the cruise.

Its four-night Rhine South cruise starts in Cologne, Germany, where the biggest Christmas market is held in front of its historic Cathedral. You can also visit the Medieval Christmas Market, which is held on the banks of the Rhine and features jesters, minstrels and other forms of traditional entertainment.

Cologne Christmas Market

The cruise then takes you to other German Christmas markets, including Koblenz, where you can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride; Rudesheim, where the “Christmas Market of the Nations” has 120 stalls from twelve countries; and Fussen. You then proceed to France, where you visit markets in Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse.

The four-night Danube Cruise allows you to visit Passau; Vienna, where there are more than 25 markets all over the city; Budapest, where one of the oldest markets in Hungary is held; and Bratislava.

Although the major itineraries last around seven days, there are shorter ones available. The five-day Rhine and Dutch cruise starts in Strasbourg, continues to Cologne and ends in Amsterdam. The five-day Seine cruise lets you visit Christmas markets all along the Seine, starting in Paris, and then continuing on to Rouen, Caudebec en Caux and Honfleur.

The inclusions for the seven-day itineraries include the cruise, free Internet on board, use of bicycles on the ship and meals with wine provided during dinner. The shorter itineraries include a beverage package.

There are some offers from Amawaterways and Arosa Cruise lines. Amawaterways is offering $1000 off per person on the Dec 18th departure of the Iconic Christmas Markets and $1000 off per person on the Dec 19th departure of the Christmas Markets on the Rhine. Discounted prices start at $2499 for the 7 night cruise, all meals, wine with dinner as well as a 1 hour daily happy hour, free Wi-Fi and all excursions. Discount offer ends Sept 29th 2023.

Arosa has a 4 night Danube Christmas Markets with 20% off departing Nov 29; Dec 3, 7, 11, 14,15, 18 and 19th. On the Rhine River, there is the 5 night Rhine Christmas Markets departing Nov 23, 28; Dec 3, 8, 13 an 18th. The 5 night Rhine Christmas Markets City Experience is offering cruises on the new Arosa Sena, departing Nov 23, 28; Dec 3, 8, 13 and 18th. Both cruises are offering 20% off. Discounted prices start at $578 for 4 nights and $895 for 5 nights. Discount offer ends Aug 29th 2023.

To learn more about the various European Christmas market cruises available, visit https//www.europeanbarging.com/Christmas_market_cruises.htm or contact us at 888-869-7907 or jan@europeanbarging.com

ENJOY AN OLD-WORLD EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS WITH EUROPEANBARGING CRUISES

Posted on by

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

Iconic Christmas Markets River Cruise

Posted on by

Contrary to what most people think, river cruises can actually be inexpensive. This is especially true when travelers plan ahead of time. And with the offer of AmaWaterways and Europeanbarging.com regarding their 2019 Fall European Christmas Market River Cruise, one can save up to $1000 when booking early. Moreover, travelers are given free $50 ship board credit each. For added convenience, payment plans and special priced airfares are also available.

German Town Decorated for Christmas

Iconic Christmas Markets River Cruise

This 8-day tour starts from Nuremburg, Germany and ends in Budapest. More than a regular river cruise, the itinerary for this journey highlights the Christmas markets in every city that will be visited.

For those guests that book the pre cruise stay in Prague, Czech Republic, the first tour will include the 1000 year old Prague Castle. The Christmas market in the Old Town Square will also be visited. The next day, travelers are taken to Nuremberg, Germany, to explore the various colorful Christmas markets in the town and join the ship. One of these is the Christkindlesmarkt, one of the largest Christmas markets in the world. Following that, the city of Regensburg will be toured. The highlight for this city is the romantic Christmas market located in Thum and Taxis Castle. The next destination, Passau, is where tourists can explore various markets to get authentic Bavarian-style crafts. The next day, the Benedictine Abbey in Melk will be visited. This monastery is one of Europe’s largest and is also a UNESCO world heritage site. In the city of Vienna, travelers can go to several beautiful Christmas markets in Rathaus, Karlsplatz, and Theresapatz. And on the last day, tourists are taken to the Christmas market at Budapest, Hungary where shopping for traditional Hungarian treats can be made.

This cruise is only one of the Affordable River Cruises that Europeanbarging offers. For as low as $2499, everyone can finally enjoy Europe and some of its beautiful sceneries. The Iconic Christmas Market Cruise is a new itinerary for 2018. There is still good availability for 2018 with up to $500 off per person. Contact Europeanbarging with any questions or availability. 888-869-7907

Europeanbarging Offers Discount River Cruises

Posted on by

Europeanbarging, in cooperation with AmaWaterways, recently announced its newest promo that gives travelers the chance to save $1000 when ordering one of the company’s 2018 or 2019 Holiday River Cruise Specials. Moreover up to $50 ship board credit is also given per person, the company stated.
To receive the discount and other perks, customers must book on or before August 30, 2018. For convenience, the company also has several cruise payment plans for customers to choose from, as well as specially priced airfare.

About the Company
Europeanbarging is a company that specializes in European barge and river cruise products. Some of these include luxury river cruises, small ship cruises, and even casual bike cruises.

2018 and 2019 Holiday River Cruise Options
Europeanbarging has given several selections for its Affordable River Cruises in order to satisfy every traveler’s cruise demands. Each cruise has different itinerary, departure dates, as well as rates.

One river cruise option for travelers is the Iconic Christmas Market Cruise. The journey follows the beautiful Danube River, spending seven nights onboard from Budapest to Nuremberg, in addition to a total of three nights land tour in Prague and two nights in Budapest. Some of the most noteworthy stops in this tour are the St. Stephen’s Basilica, Mirbach Palace, and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, where the largest cathedral organ is located.

Another cruise choice is the Rhine River Cruise which spends seven nights in a trip from Amsterdam to Basel, as well as a tour of Switzerland for four nights. The tour begins in the scenic canal of Amsterdam where the house of Anne Frank is located. It then proceeds to several towns of Germany, France, and Switzerland. Some of the iconic sites to see in this cruise are the Cathedral Square in Germany, the Swiss Lion Monument, and the “La Petite France” neighborhood.

And for those who want to celebrate the Holiday season traveling, Europeanbarging also announced its Christmas on the Rhine Tour. The different departure dates for this cruise are set from November 26 to December 24, 2018. The journey includes seven nights cruising between Amsterdam and Basel, then an additional four nights of land tour in Switzerland. Aside from the different sceneries to be seen in the journey, the cruise also highlights its stops in different Christmas markets. Some of these include the Christmas market in Rudesheim, which boasts a collection of over 120 stalls from 12 countries, and the largest Christmas market in Europe, which is located in Zurich.
2018 Cruise Fare

Europeanbarging has released a list for its upcoming 2019 cruises. The rates depend on the type of cruise selected, the choice of room, and departure dates. Generally, the company stated that standard fares for cruise can go as low as $2499 for March departures.

For more information, visit their website at www.europeanbarging.com or to book a cruise contact: Jan@europeanbarging.com or call 888-869-7907

Festive Christmas Markets in Cologne

Posted on by

 

The Christmas Markets in Cologne are one of the 2 most visited markets in Germany, following behind Dortmund, with over 4 million visitors each year. Cologne is a stop offered on Christmas Market themed Rhine River Cruises. In Cologne, you have a choice of seven Christmas Markets.  Each Christmas Market features a different theme.

The entire city of Cologne comes to life during the holiday season like a Christmas Celebration Theme Park. There are seven markets, each with a unique and fun twist, to entice visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Regional specialties like baked apples, cinnamon cookies, chocolate and mulled wine will enthrall the senses – as will a host of delicious, sugary desserts.

The largest and arguably most spectacular of the markets is the grand Cathedral Market. Centrally located in the Cathedral Square of the city center, next to the Cologne central train station, wooden pavilions offer: wood carvings, children’s toys, and other holiday specialties, as well a a great variety of holiday food and cider. A must stop is the delicious chocolate workshop.   The market stalls surround one of the largest Christmas Trees in the region.  Next to the tree is a large stage where a variety of live music performances are held.

Another popular Christmas Market is Neumarkt.  this is the oldest Christmas Market in Cologne ‘Market of Angels’ Angels dressed in white and glittering powder spread cheer as they walk past rows of charming booths featuring Holiday décor.

Next to the Chocolate Museum, the Harbour Christmas Market celebrates Cologne’s maritime history with a three-mast wooden boat 50 feet wide and docked in the harbor serving mulled wine specialties out of its hull. Pagoda tents with pointed, billowed roofs continue the maritime theme reminding you of the planks and sails of a ship. “Rhine Pirates” wander through the park, delighting guests with sailor’s yarns and pirate juggling.

At the Old Market or Alter Markt, Gnomes lurk in every nook and cranny here, celebrating the legend of a curious wife attempt to get a glimpse of the fabled creatures causing them to flee. There are alleyways of specialty foods, fashion accessories and artisanal gifts also, a roundabout puppet theater and a special Santa Claus Quarter.  Visitors will be thrilled to find a spectacular skating rink.

Christmas Avenue is another new Christmas market holiday celebrating the season in LGBT and old German style. The annual festival is located in the heart of the gay district. You will find Pink, purple and sometimes glittering chalets, pink nutcrackers and purple pottery.  Along with more traditional gifts.

The idyllic market on the Stadtgarten, full of unusual holiday handicrafts, and the charming Rudolfplatz are other fun spots. A small green train, the Christmas-Market-Express, drives through streets of the old city and links visitors to four of the major markets.

Typically the Christmas Markets open around the 3rd – 4th weekend in November and stay open till Christmas Eve.

Anytime of the year is a good time to book a Christmas Market River Cruise, whether a short 5 night or a longer 14 night.  When cruising on a Christmas Market themed cruise, you have the opportunity to visit Christmas Markets in several towns and countries.  Check out our Christmas Market Cruise itineraries and our Cologne Christmas Market video.

Europeanbarging.com   888-869-7907