The Dutch Windmills of Kinderdijk

Posted on by

The Dutch WindmillsThe Dutch Windmills of Kinderdijk On The Holland Barge Cruise

Kinderdijk is a village in the province of South Holland in the Netherlands. It is situated in a low lying area at the conflux of the Lek and Noord rivers. Around 1740, a system of 19 windmills was created in order to drain the polder (a tract of land surrounded by dikes). This particular group of windmills is the largest concentration of old windmills in the Netherlands.

The windmills of Kinderdijk are one of the most renowned Dutch tourist sites. They have been listed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites since 1997.

A traditional windmill (called windmolen) is possibly the most exemplary Dutch symbol. As you travel about the Netherlands, you can find usually one or probably two Dutch windmills dispersed in the landscape, set apart in the fields. However, you can seldom find the great sails moving, as many are no longer operational. It’s sad but true that there are only about a thousand or so windmills left in the entire country. A source claims there are about 1,150 windmills left, but the fact is that the Dutch will only “count” a windmill if it is fully operational. So, the display of several spectacular windmills, sails rotating in the wind, such as these at Kinderdijk, is indeed a sight to enthrall a tourist’s heart.

For centuries, the use of windmills to pump out excess groundwater, dikes, sluices and canals has been part of the Dutch culture and survival. The 19 remaining windmills at Kinderdijk are actually still operational, although now modern technology does most of the pumping and land reclamation throughout the modern Netherlands. But the fact remains that, for centuries, the windmills played an important role in pumping water from the polders into the canals from ground water overloads, flood waters, and, in the area nearest to the North Sea, high tide waters.

Take A Holland Barge Cruise to The Dutch Windmills

Though Kinderdijk is particularly famous for its windmills, it is also a recreational area, drawing many hikers and bikers to the miles of paths topping the hundreds of dikes in this great polder.

Our Holland Barge Cruises and Holland Tulip River Cruises offer excursions to Kinderdijk. Call us for more information about these cruises and book one of them to see the spectacular beauty of the windmills at Kinderdijk! Europeanbarging 888-869-7907

The Wonder of the Main Danube Canal

Posted on by

http://www.europeanbarging.com ~ (888) 869-7907 ~ If you are enchanted by the sights and sounds of southern Germany, the Main-Danube Canal is a unique and culturally rich destination to consider. One of the best ways to make the most of the Canal experience is by taking a Danube Continue reading →

Chateau De Rully In Burgundy France: Visit the Medieval Castle

Posted on by

CastleExplore France in Another Light- Chateau de Rully

Chateau de Rully is a medieval fortress situated in the midst of vineyards in the commune of Rully, Saône-et-Loire département of France. The castle comes under the Burgundy region of eastern France. It stands on the side of a hill and dominates the whole region, facing the plain leading to the Saône. In the west, it commands the valley towards Nantoux and Chassey-le-Camp.

The castle was built around a 12th century square keep (i.e. Donjon), the oldest part of the chateau that remains. It shows some interesting features of medieval military architecture with its parapet walk, battlements, machicoulis and loopholes.

The present look of the castle was designed in the 15th century with the addition of a small courtyard and north and east wings, turning the fortress into a manor house. Outbuildings and the great and lower courtyards were added in the 18th century. An 18th century building takes pride as Burgundy’s largest stone roof.

Medieval Castle Is An Historical Monument in France

The castle is listed as a historical monument on the supplementary inventory of the French Ministry of Culture and is open to the visitors. Your visit to the castle will take you on a journey through French history from the Middle Ages to today.

Since the castle came into existence, it has been kept in the same family. The current owner will nicely guide you through his home, showing the history of his ancestors. The fact that the castle is private property and not a museum brings about a unique and authentic experience.

Enjoy Wine Tasting at Chateau Rully in Burgundy France

Your trip to Rully becomes more exciting with wonderful wine tastings. Its vineyards expand up to 32 hectares (approximately 79 acres), of which a third are classified as Premier Cru sites. Rully is known for its red and white Rully wines made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, respectively. Around two-thirds of the production consists of white wine, and around one-third is red.

Our France barge cruise is a perfect option for you to visit the Chateau de Rully and indulge in some excellent wine tastings, as well as touring this Medieval castle. Call us for more information about our France barge cruise! Europeanbarging.com 888-869-7907

Genzano di Roma Flower Italy Festival Held in June 2014

Posted on by

A Famous Festival Full of Flowers

Italy FestivalItaly is famous for holding “infiorata”, which means “decorated with flowers.” Infiorata is a traditional flower festival that is observed all across Italy during May and June. During infiorata, the streets are carpeted with stunning works of art created by flower petals. Flower carpets are everywhere; in abbeys, buildings, stores, homes and cover the city in true beauty. Infiorata varies from place to place and in the level of complexity around the country. In certain places, the infiorata is a simple flower-petal design in front of the church. In a more elaborate infiorata, many different tapestries are created, each with a different picture, but usually inspired by a certain theme.

Infiorata is one of the most important events related to Italian culture. In order to create the flower design, the design is first sketched with chalk on the pavement. Then usually soil is used to outline the design and after that it’s filled in with thousands of petals and seeds, quite like the making of mosaics or tapestries. The whole beautiful task takes two or three days to complete. Once the flower design is complete, usually a religious procession takes place on the flower carpets.

Though the infiorata takes place in many Italian towns, it is particularly stunning in the town of Genzano di Roma where the entire street of Via Italo Belardi is covered with allegorical carpets of flowers and a masked parade walks the street wearing medieval and traditional clothes crafted by local women.

For more than 2 centuries (from 1778), the display has covered the streets of Genzano on Sunday and Monday following the Corpus Christus feast. The theme for infiorata is decided well in advance and each year local artists must conform to the previously agreed upon theme, such as The Colours of Michelangelo, or The Designs of Bernini. During spring, it has recently become a tradition to have a “mini Infiorata” made by the children from the local schools. Here are the flowers like you’ve never seen before! This amazing Italy festival is so captivating and alluring you can’t afford to miss it.

Holiday Goodness at the Italy Festival

Book your holiday on our Po river cruise and behold the so picturesque, so attractive and so artistic Genzano di Roma Flower Italy Festival!

Beautiful Budapest

Posted on by

Beautiful BudapestBudapest or as Most Know it By “Pearl of Danube”

The vivacious capital of Hungary, Budapest is popularly known as the “Pearl of the Danube.” The splendor, elegance and feel of the city make it one of the most amazing capital cities in Europe. Danube is one of the most enchanting waterways in the world and is a preferred choice for European river cruising.is Once you visit this majestic city, you will easily understand why the riverbanks of Budapest have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city of Budapest gets its name from its two districts (or mini-cities); Buda in the West and Pest in the East. The two are separated by the Danube River across which many bridges have been built to connect Buda and Pest, the most noticeable being the chain bridge – truly a picturesque and amazing site to behold!

Budapest is a one-of-a-kind city that combines old world charm with the modern amenities travelers seek. Budapest has a long and violent history, witnessing several invasions from Mongols, Ottomans, Turks, Habsburg and their kingdoms and empires, the period of communism and the tragedies of war. But still the city has retained its unique charm. These historic invasions have added to the cultural history found in Budapest not seen in many other places around the world.

Budapest has the oldest underground train system in Europe -the Yellow line. The city also takes pride in being home of one of the oldest zoos in the world (the Budapest Zoo). There’s also a chain bridge connecting Buda and Pest is the most noticeable of all bridges across Danube connecting the two cities and offers a spectacular sights, particularly in the evenings when the city lights up. Budapest has the honor of having the third largest Parliament building in the world which is counted among Europe’s most beautiful buildings. It stands by the Danube River and is one of the most photographed monuments of Hungary.

Overlooking the river Danube is the Castle Hill, where you can take a nice walk up the hill from the Chain Bridge. There is a beautiful church (Matthias Church) and coffee shops at the top and of course don’t forget about the breathtaking views of the city! Some other attractions travelers gravitate toward include the Royal Palace, Vienna Gate, National Gallery, and Fisherman’s Bastion etc. in the Castle district. In addition to these Budapest has several restaurants, museums and galleries and hosts some great cultural events.

Visit the Beautiful Budapest on a Danube River Cruise

Our Danube river cruise is a perfect choice for you if want to discover the splendor and sights of Danube. As your cruise enters Budapest, the captivating view of the city will engage your imagination!