Cruising on the Moselle between Metz and Cochem

Posted on by

A Luxury Barge Cruise or A Casual Bike and Barge Cruise – What is your Preference?

The Moselle Valley has a splendid countryside. The cool and delicious wines, the picturesque little towns with rich histories and the excellent conditions for cycling are a few of the high points of this area. Here you can enjoy your vacation whether you want it to be on board a luxury barge cruise or a combination of bike and barge cruise.

Your cruise takes you on a tour of this wonderful region where you come across several interesting places. Metz is designated a ‘town of art and history’ because of its rich historical and cultural background. This is a designation bestowed by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication to specific towns and cities with a purpose to preserve and promote France’s heritage. In Metz, you will discover much art and history! The city is home to some world-class venues such as the Arsenal Concert Hall, the Centre Pompidou-Metz Museum, and the National Opera of Lorraine (along with the Nancy Opera.) Metz has the pride of having 20 miles of landscaped walks along the rivers, canals and ramparts making it a lovely and lushly green city.

Remich is another interesting place. This is one of the quaintest towns in Germany. Remich is surrounded by vineyards that produce the majority of wines in Luxembourg. It is actually known as “la perle de la Moselle”, and is renowned not just for its wines but its riverside esplanade as well.

Trier is the oldest city of Germany founded before the 16th century.  It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for its Roman monuments, particularly the Imperial Baths and the imposing fortified gate, the Porta Nigra. Trier lies in a valley between low vine-covered hills. This is an important Mosel wine-growing region.

Cochem will be your last stop. Situated deep in the most romantic part of the Moselle River Valley, Cochem is famous for its wine taverns, half-timbered houses, riverside promenades and the magnificent Reichsburg Castle above the town.

A wonderful experience is yours as you cruise through the Moselle Valley while you view and visit charming villages and ravishing towns. You will taste the region’s excellent wines in the welcoming taverns here.  Light whites are a specialty, and Riesling is the best-known variety produced here.

You have a lot of choices when it comes to cruising the Moselle. You can take a casual bike and barge cruise on the 26 passenger “Sailing Home”, the 8 passenger ultra-deluxe La Nouvelle Etoile or numerous other river cruises.

The Gardens at the Dutch Summer Palace of Het Loo

Posted on by

Palace Het Loo – A Holland and Belgium River Cruise Destination

Palace Het Loo, built over three hundred years ago near the town of Apeldoorn, is the most stunning palace in Holland. The decorations inside the palace are as amazing as the gardens outside the palace. In fact, the Het Loo palace gardens are a great highlight of the palace and add a lot to its beauty and charm.

Strict symmetry of the layout is the characteristic feature of the formal 17th-century Het Loo garden. The idea behind designing the garden is as unique as the experience the visitors have on seeing the gardens every time. William and Mary have their private gardens on each side of the palace which have been rightly named the King’s garden and the Queen’s garden. There is a serious collection of centuries-old citrus trees in Mary’s garden which are on display in tubs between May and October. The fruit and blossoms borne on these citrus trees, collectively, represent a symbol of the House of Orange.

Fountains are a big attraction in Het Loo Gardens. Though these gardens were of modest proportions in comparison to those of Versailles, the waterworks were greatly famous for permanently spouting fresh groundwater diverted from the surrounding higher-lying hills. In addition to this, the King’s Fountain at the rear of the Upper Garden which rose to 13 meters was the highest spouting fountain in Europe. The fountains run from April to October.

Garden statues are yet another integral and distinctive part of the Het Loo garden. These statues, from Greek mythology, of Greek gods and goddesses play an important role in the growth and flourishing of the garden. They are fully devoted to reveling in the achievement of creating such a spectacular view in what was actually an arid heathland. Venus, the goddess of love, has the central role as a driving force behind the statue phenomenon.

Het Loo is a garden for all seasons. Some of the plants in the garden change every year, in the summer and spring, with a purpose to attain the most accurate possible reconstruction of the original garden. One pleasing delight to the eye is the splendid color of the flowers in the spring and summer and often in the autumn as well. In the winter, the snow contrasting with the decorative patterns of the box-lined parterres has a marvelous effect.  If you want to have the best view of the garden, you should look at it from the small surrounding banks and, of course, from the palace roof; a view that can only be enjoyed on Wednesdays in June, July, and August.

The Het Loo Palace gardens can be booked as a day tour from Amsterdam, while on a Holland cruise or a Holland and Belgium river cruise a special and unforgettable experience as you breathe in the atmosphere of their seventeenth-century origin with their fountains, statues, and elegantly box-lined parterres!

For more information contact Europeanbarging by email:  jan@europeanbarging.com  or 713-240-6753  / 888-869-7907

 

 

Lisbon

Posted on by

Lisbon – A European River Cruise Destination

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a city of hills with up and down geography that lends a great attraction to it. As Europe’s westernmost capital, Lisbon lies on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River. This city is Portugal’s cultural hub with so many attractions associated with it. The city is a wonderful combination of must-see museums, castles and cathedrals. Its charming neighborhoods feature houses decorated with colorful tiled facades, sidewalk cafes along pedestrian thoroughfares and enchantingly original boutiques. The sidewalks are usually paved with black and white volcanic stones in patterns specific to this city.

Lisbon fascinates you with its easy-going charm reflected in its old-fashioned, non- commercial and relaxed atmosphere. One of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon is rich in Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Modern and Post-Modern constructions. Lisbon has experienced a renaissance in recent years, with a contemporary culture that is alive and thriving and making its mark in today’s Europe. Lisbon is one of the rare Western European cities that face the ocean and uses water as an element that defines the city.

Many cruise ships dock at several places along the river on the Lisbon side, with variably good access to public transport throughout the city. Many lines offer shuttles to key points nearby. You can get aboard some Europe river cruise such as Porto cruise or Douro River cruise to visit Lisbon. It’s an excellent sightseeing opportunity crossing the river Tagus to Lisbon.

Lisbon is more affordable than many of the other capital cities of Europe when it comes to prices of meals, wine and entrance fees to the main attractions. If you like fish and shellfish, Lisbon is the right city. There are so many pastry shops, usually with lovely storefronts, providing sit-down respite for coffee, tea and something sweet.

With so many attractions held within it, the city is a destination you shouldn’t miss.  Lisbon is also known as the white city due to its unique light. The clear light and the kind climate allow for marvelous walks all over the city. The city possesses a beauty that extends beyond its famous monuments that can be felt in the streets, embraced by all the senses!

The Landscape of Scotland

Posted on by

Tartan plaid, Whiskey, Castle Ruins and Heather:  All on our Scottish Barge Cruise

For centuries, Scots and many thousands of young lovers, writers, painters and travelers have recognized and relished the beauty, magic, mystery and the special tranquility of the Scottish landscape which can be summed up in the word “romantic”. The romance of Scotland is endless and more you explore this country, more you fall in love with it.

Scots are famously proud of their amazing history and rich culture. The stereotypical Scot wearing a kilt with tartan patterns, playing bagpipes and eating haggis is not as widespread as visitors might hope, but if you know where to look you won’t be disappointed.

Tartan is particularly associated with Scotland. It is a pattern consisting of crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors. Scottish kilts usually have tartan patterns. Tartan is one of the patterns known as plaid in North America, but in Scotland, a plaid is a tartan cloth slung over the shoulder or a blanket.  Several years ago kilts came back into fashion and young men started wearing them again. They’re very popular at rugby matches, especially the international matches at Murrayfield.

If you want to indulge in the romance of Scotland, get onboard our eight passenger Scottish Highlander which has the atmosphere of a Scottish Country House with subtle use of tartan furnishings and landscape paintings. This Scottish barge cruise is spacious and has every comfort needed for year round cruising. She is also equipped with eight bikes and your tour guide will be happy to recommend the best routes to explore.

Cruise the length of the Great Glen on the ‘Scottish Highlander,’ through lochs and down the scenic Caledonian Canal. This is inland cruising at its finest, with ancient castles and heather-clad hillsides along the way. Pass stunning highland countryside and visit battlegrounds of the Jacobite Rebellion; then stop at Glen Nevis distillery, where you learn whiskey-making secrets and enjoy a dram or two.

The Caledonian Canal links the west of Scotland to the East, and makes it possible to navigate right through Scotland’s Great Glen, between William and Inverness Fort. It is scenically spectacular along its whole length, surrounded as it is by Scotland’s highest mountains and most beautiful scenery.

The cruise highlights are Cawdor Castle, home of Shakespere’s Macbeth, Culloden Moor, the last British based battleground in 1746, Cruise Lochs’ Ness, Oich, Lochy and the Caledonian Canal, spectacular scenery, Wildlife and Folklore. You also get the chance to visit Glencoe, treachery between the Campbell and MacDonald clans as well as to see Eilean Donan and Urquhart castles.

The tour of the Ben Nevis Whisky distillery is so exciting; you will get an insight into the secrets of the various stages of whiskey preparation and taste a wee dram or two.

The Scottish Highlander, with some variations in the stops discussed above, offers cycling and golf cruises as well.

Scottish Highlander cycling cruise

Aboard your bike barge cruise, your ride begins from Culloden to Inverness where you take views over Moray Firth. You come across General Wade’s military road on the east shore of Loch Ness, the village of Dores, Urquhart Bay and the ruins of Urquhart Castle. At Foyers, you stop to enjoy the spectacular Falls of Foyers. Fort Augustus is also on your cycling route and you enjoy watching the lovely village. On your way from Fort Augustus to Invergarry, you come across mighty Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain. You also get the chance to join part of the Great Glen Cycle Route. The cruise takes you to Gairlochy. You get a chance for more cycling along the towpath to Banavie, then back to your barge for dinner.

Scottish Highlander golf cruise– From Dochgarroch, your golf barge cruise arranges for a visit to Royal Dornoch Golf Course for a round on the Championship Golf Course. Designed by Tom Morris, Royal Dornoch is one of Scotland’s famous links courses.  Dornoch dates back to 1616 and is internationally acclaimed. Back to barge, you cruise to Fort Augustus. Nairn Golf Club- a one hour drive – is your next golf destination where you play on the Championship Golf Course. Nairn’s reputation is well founded, hosting many professional and amateur events. You also get the chance to have a round of golf at nearby Fort Augustus Golf Course; probably the only course in the world kept manicured by a herd of sheep!  Later on, you cruise to Banavie and Neptune’s Staircase of locks. You are taken to Newtonmore Golf course. Newtonmore, established 1893, is a comparatively flat, easy-walking, parkland course full of exciting and invigorating challenges.  After your round on Newtomore, you return to your barge for a farewell dinner.

We offer golf cruise vacations in Scotland, Ireland, Germany and France.

Strasbourg

Posted on by

Strasbourg – A Starting Point for Short River Cruises

After the excitement of the holidays have settled down, start planning your get away with  our marvelous Rhine River cruise!  One of Europe’s major rivers, the Rhine flows through Switzerland, Germany, France and Holland. The area around the river – Rhineland – has a natural beauty that is simply stunning.  Picturesque mountain ranges, enchanting forests, mysterious castles and traditional vineyards provide a wonderful backdrop to a river cruise.

Strasbourg is one of the various beautiful destinations on Rhine River. The city is a starting point for various short river cruises such as Strasbourg to Koblenz etc. The port of Strasbourg is the second largest on the Rhine River.

Situated in the north-east of France, Strasbourg is the ultimate European city. It is a great metropolis and very cosmopolitan. Strasbourg is located on the border of France and Germany and absorbs the flavor of both the countries.  A unique thing about the city is that residents have mixed feelings of being French or German and they often agree that they are not totally either French or German, but a mix of both. As you visit this city, you too will be amused to see that the signs are in both languages and find it hard to decide which country you are visiting- France or Germany!

The intellectual and cultural capital of Alsace, and the official seat of the European Parliament, Strasbourg is famous throughout the world for its sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its renowned astronomical clock and nearby one of the finest collections of museums anywhere in France. The medieval cityscape of Rhineland with black and white timber-framed buildings is truly captivating.

Strasbourg also has the distinction of being famous for its beautiful historical Centre – the Grande Île – which was the first city center to be classified entirely as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.  And not only this, the place is the best area in France when it comes to delicious cuisine as the dishes here have a boldness that originates from its German roots. You’ll find there is always attention to quality and detail that is the essence of the French food. Visitors will also have a wonderful time shopping here.  There is a wide range of markets and great shopping venues such as the new shopping Centre Rivetoile at Place d’.Etoile that was opened at the end of 2008.

Being so unique, beautiful and amazing, Strasbourg is a must visit destination. Your trip to Strasbourg will be an experience for a lifetime!