Celebrating 200th Anniversary of Richard Wagner

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Richard Wagner 200th Anniversary celebration.

During 2013, the world celebrates the 200th birthday of German composer Richard Wagner. He is famed for his operatic compositions, especially his opera cycle “The Ring of the Nibelung.” He left his mark in the classical music world by employing leitmotifs in which a musical phrase recurs in association with a certain character, location or concept. His complex style of composition infused with drama heavily influenced German culture and music.

As the world’s classical music lovers mark the birth of this titan of opera, special excursions, cruises and festivals are planned throughout the year to showcase Wagner’s works. His operas have evoked powerful feelings among listeners. Fans and those new to opera will find his major masterpieces such as “Parsifal,” “Lohengrin,” and all four operas that constitute the “The Ring of the Nibelung” cycle.

Wagner Influenced German Culture and Music.

Born in Leipzig, Germany, Wagner’s career was at its height of popularity in 1849, when several German states rose in revolt against the German Confederation. During this time, Wagner began drafting an opera about Siegfried, a major figure in German mythology. Taking inspiration from ancient epic tales, wagner decided to extend the concept into “The Ring of the Nibelung.” The composer was instrumental in the rediscovery of ancient German culture.

Wagner also wrote extensive essays on art and how it should be responsive to the needs of the people; and, during the 1860s, he dictated his autobiography to his wife Cosima von Bulow. In 1865, wagner found sudden fame with the premiere of “Tristan and Isolde.” Fans formed Wagner Societies and young composers flocked to his new approach to opera and his unequaled orchestration. Reveling in his fame and the laurels1204580_river_mosel_-_treis-karden his work received, he decided that the full “Ring” cycle should be performed at a national theater. With major funding by Bavarian king Ludwig II, Wagner chose the town of Bayreuth as the site of his theater. So begins the start of the Wagner Festival.

The World-Renowned Bayreuth Festival

The most famous Wagner festival is the Bayreuth Festival, which takes place each year in the town of Bayreuth. The town is situated on the Red Main River. Wagner himself oversaw the design of the theater, known as Bayreuth Festspielhaus. People from around the world make pilgrimages to the festival each year. To enjoy the sights and sounds of the Bayreuth Festival, contact us today.

Explore Český Krumlov and it’s Castle

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Český Krumlov and its castle

Floating down the river on a luxurious AMA Waterways ship, you hear about the possibility of a Linz excursion to Český Krumlov. “Český Krumlov?” you think to yourself. “What a funny little name. Should I take an excursion there?” The answer is a resounding yes. Český Krumlov’s castle sits in a bend of the Vltava River like a pearl still on the half-shell. Take a trip to this beautiful castle and discover the beauty of this UNESCO Site.

 Historic Český Krumlov

Castle medievalOnce the seat of the House of Rosenberg, Český Krumlov’s roots stretch back to the 13th century. South Bohemian rulers, the Rosenbergs became enchanted by the Italian Renaissance style while building up their castle residence. Of all the castles in the Czech Republic, Český Krumlov’s is the second-largest. Its medieval core, uniquely preserved in its bend of the Vltava River, earns a place as a UNESCO Site.

Harmonious Renaissance Castle

Featuring Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, Český Krumlov is a woven tapestry of harmonious styles. Gaze at the sumptuous Renaissance castle. Get delightfully lost in the maze of medieval streets. Stroll in colorfully-designed gardens. Lift a pint in a pub or ale-house where knights of the Middle Ages once quenched their thirst. Tour the remarkably preserved Baroque theater with stage equipment dating back almost three centuries – and marvel that it still works. An excursion to this sight awards you the opportunity to view a tiny town with big history all stitched together in harmony with the beautiful countryside.

Danube River Cruise Experience

DanubeRiver cruises offer guests the relaxing experience of meandering down a scenic waterway. Look over the railing at green vineyards rolling across the countryside, castles perched atop hills and cities rich in history and culture. AMA Waterways ships feature luxurious amenities such as swimming pools, Jacuzzis and spas. The ships dock in the heart of historic cities such as Linz, affording guests the opportunity to step right into the heart of towns rich in culture.

Český Krumlov Castle is one of many Linz excursions. Contact us to book an Danube River cruise and accept a Linz excursion. This is experience is not to be missed.

Cruise the Rhine and Mosel Wine Regions

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Experience a Wine Cruise along the Rhine and Mosel Rivers

AMA Rhine and Mosel Wine Cruises are designed with wine connoisseurs in mind. However, did you know the historic beauty of the Rhine River makes this trip a Germany Castle Cruise as well? Take the Rhine River Cruise for the castles and the Mosel River Cruise for the vineyards – AMA combines the two treats in one deluxe package.

Cruise and Visit the Wine Villages of Germany

Ships docked on the Moselle RiverExplore the world’s oldest wine Road, the German Wine Route. Tour around the wine villages in Germany looking for the biggest wine barrel in the world, large enough to house a restaurant. Try pronouncing “Gewurztraminer” while you enjoy this crisp, spicy wine in Germany’s oldest vineyard. Wine villages in Germany are surrounded by castles, palaces and Roman ruins. Keep your camera handy to snap shots of romantic corners in these picturesque villages.

Wine Cruise

The wine cruise meanders along the Rhine and Mosel Rivers, waterways famous for their scenic views. A Rhine River Cruise includes castles surrounded by emerald green landscape. The Mosel River Cruise offers a vineyard-rich countryside. Step off the luxurious vessel straight into the heart of an ancient village, host to local wineries. Towns that boast over 1,000 years of wine history beckon with the promise of medieval marketplaces and fountains surrounded by quaint town squares.

Wine Tasting

In addition to delightful excursions to museums housing self-playing musical instruments as old as 300 years, the wine cruise offers, well, many chances for wine and even beer tasting. Enjoy sampling wines at the Bergweiler Winery in Bernkastel. Kick your heels up at a medieval wine festival in Zell. Admire the historic Cologne Cathedral before enjoying tastings of the city’s famous beer, Kölsch, at the Früh Brewery. Explore narrow alleys lined with wine taverns and indulge in tastings hosted by local vintners.

Starting in legendary Paris, take an exciting high-speed TGV ride and embark on your river cruise. The Rhine offers a Germany Castle Cruise while the Mosel is nestled into twisting landscapes of vineyards and villages. The cruises feature gourmet dining, free-flowing wine, beer and soft drinks and musical performances. Enjoy informative lectures and cooking demonstrations or explore on one of many culinary excursions or daily tours.

AMA Cruises along the Rhine and Mosel rivers offer guests the experience of lavish travel and site-seeing opportunities that create lasting memories. Castles, medieval villages and vineyards hosting wine tastings are waiting.

For more information contact us at 888-869-7907  or jan@europeanbarging.com  to learn more about our wine themed river cruises in Europe.

Bastogne War Museum Opening in 2014

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The Bastogne War Museum is Expected to Open in the Spring of 2014.

You can travel by river cruise to visit this new innovative museum located next to the Bastogne Historical Center, one of the current WWII museums, and see other Belgium culture sites while you are there in the vicinity. Bastogne, a modern town in the Belgian Ardennes, is still primarily dedicated to the battles that were fought in the region and to preserving them in the local WWII museums.

743535_battle_of_the_bulgeThe new Bastogne War Museum will be a brand new modern building with unusual and bold architecture. There will be multi-sensory history scenes in 3D, three scenovisions, interactive activities, a cafe, a museum shop, a terrace and an area for temporary exhibitions and events. Visitors are able to go back in time and understand what the Battle of the Bulge and other skirmishes were all about. There will be a reconstruction of a German and an allied headquarters and also show what life was like for the soldiers and civilians.

The Bastogne War Museum Exhibits Battle of the Bulge

These sites mostly include those involved in the famous Battle of the Bulge, a German offensive which took place from December 1944 to January 1945 and where many thousands of civilians and soldiers died during that bloody time, as well as the Second World War in general. You can visit these important historical sites during your river cruise.

The current Bastogne Historical Center and adjoining American Memorial

At the Center you will find an amazing collection of items and exhibits from the Battle of the Bulge along with authentic uniforms and artifacts, an American M10 Tank Destroyer based on the M4 Sherman tank chassis, a tank gun turret and other vehicles. There is a film with shots taken during the battles between the Germans and Americans at the Bastogne War Museum. From the top of the Mardasson Memorial you get a good view of the battlegrounds. In the form of the five-pointed American star, the Memorial honors the 76,890 American soldiers who were killed, missing or wounded in the Battle of the Bulge.

For more information and to book your River Cruise, contact us today.

Majestic Jewel of the Mosel River Valley

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COCHEM’S Reichsburg Castle- Majestic Jewel of the Mosel River Valley 

There is perhaps no better way to tour the historically rich, scenic towns of Rhineland Germany than by river cruise. The cruises usually feature relatively small cruising vessels that have limited passenger capacity but are large on amenities, style, and service. ID-100163279Quaint villages and conspicuous German castles are thoroughly enjoyed by the 360 degree views provided on the sun decks of most river cruise ships and barges. A favorite tour among discerning travelers is the Mosel River cruise which meanders past beautiful Cochem Germany. These unique trips often climax with memorable shore excursions to popular attractions like those found on the Mosel bike and barge cruise.

Mosel River Cruise

The Mosel river or “Moselle” river as the French call it is a peaceful tributary of the Rhine River that flows from France to Germany. The area surrounding the Mosel River in Germany is known as the Mosel River Valley, and the towns located there are reminiscent of storybook tales of the medieval era. For those who find romantic villages complete with cobblestone streets surrounded by lush vineyards and Germany castles appealing, then a Mosel River cruise is an ideal choice for a holiday trip.

Cruising down the Mosel River gives holiday travelers the opportunity to see many of the oldest towns in the heart of Europe in grand style. Depending on the chosen itinerary, passengers get to view the cities of Koblenz, Cochem, and Bernkastel just to name a few.

The cities visited are not the only appeal of this type of holiday choice; the cruises themselves are absolutely exquisite. Many cruises are taken on luxury river or barge vessels that feature five-star dining and stellar service. The all-inclusive travel packages ensure that passengers completely relax while travelling from the time they board until disembarking at the end of the journey.

cochem germany

A popular river cruise itinerary includes a trip to the town of Cochem. The Mosel Bike and Barge cruise allows passengers to conduct a shore excursion that gives them the best of both worlds when it comes to scenic views. After leaving the river cruise barge, active passengers bike to Cochem to explore the popular town.

The town of Cochem holds a very interesting past as an imperial estate complete with a castle and fortifications that was eventually lost in its entirety to the French during the 1600’s. French troops razed the original Reichsburg Castle to the ground, and the castle was only rebuilt in its current neo-Gothic style architecture in 1868 by a wealthy Berlin business person who used the renovated castle as a summer home for his family. Since 1978, tourists have been able to take tours of the Reichsburg Castle. For more information about booking a cruise to the romantic Reichsburg Castle, contact us.