Bohemian City of Prague

Posted on by

Prague – one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world

Prague was the ancient capital of Charles IV’s Bohemian Kingdom, and has played a pivotal role in the development of Central Europe since the Middle Ages. No wonder, the prominent city boasts of several landmarks, monuments, cathedrals, museums and palaces, most of which have proud identity of existing on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

For some time, the number of tourists visiting Prague has increased substantially which has given a boost to the economy of the city. In 2011, Prague was the sixth most visited city in Europe. The tourism has positively influenced the city of Prague as there has been a lot of reconstruction and regeneration in order to attract more tourists. Old buildings have been transformed into fine restaurants and stylish hotels in order to accommodate visitors comfortably.

You can easily get around in Prague, as the city is suitable for pedestrians and is amazingly scenic. The Czech capital has an incomparable appeal when it comes to culture, manners and nightlife.  Prague Castle, The National Museum, The Mucha Museum, The Dancing House, Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge and The Lennon Wall are some of the topmost attractions in the city of Prague.

A visit to Prague is easily added before or after a Danube or Elbe River cruise. For example, you can choose a Danube river cruise from Passau to Budapest. there are shuttle transfers between Passau and Prague.   Your tour representatives will receive you in Prague and will transfer you to your hotel. You can join your local guide on a walking tour of the Old Town where you will see the Astronomical Clock and walk across the Charles Bridge as well explore other attractions in the city.

Prague is possibly Europe’s most attractive city. You can enjoy exploring this magnificent city at your leisure where your tour representatives will always be there to help you. Apart from visiting the landmark places in the city, you can also visit Ruckl Crystal, which today manufactures an extensive range in a wide variety of decorations.  Ruckl Crystal is linked to a 300 year long tradition in glass making as a family.

So why wait? Book your Germany river cruise with us and start with the cradle of Bohemia, and continue your travels to other wonderful destinations aboard our equally wonderful river cruise!

The Imperial City of Vienna

Posted on by

Along with being the capital of Austria, Vienna is also the largest city in the country. Vienna, known as Europe’s cultural capital, is a metropolis with unique charm, vibrancy and flair. It takes pride in its outstanding infrastructure, it is clean and safe, and has all the inspiration that you could wish for in order to discover this amazing part of Europe.

Vienna is situated on the banks of magical Danube.  Visitors from all over the world make it the most popular urban tourist destination in Austria.  In 2001, Vienna’s Historic Centre was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city offers up plenty of charm, historic sites, and friendly citizens who are forward-thinking, yet strongly proud of their rich heritage.

Your river cruise ship will dock near the city’s Centre at the Reichsbrucke. Once in Vienna, you will find many places to visit as well as things to do and see in this imperial city. Getting around in the city is easy due to the walkable nature of the city. You can also cycle around to visit the places nearby.

Most people visit Vienna with a vivid image of the city in their minds: a monumental vision of Habsburg palaces, trotting white horses, old ladies in fur coats and mountains of fat cream cakes. And they’re unlikely to be disappointed, for the city positively feeds off imperial nostalgia. Wander along narrow, medieval alleyways or across imperial squares, view Schönbrunn Palace or the Imperial Palace (Hofburg) in the footsteps of Sissi and Emperor Franz Josef, and wonder at the majestic architecture along the Ring Boulevard.  Be mesmerized by an atmosphere steeped in history – which also boasts of the comforts and infrastructure of a modern city!

The imperial character of the City of Vienna is further intensified by high Baroque churches and aristocratic mansions that pepper the central Innere Stadt. The postcards of the Emperor Franz-Josef and his beautiful wife, Elisabeth, still sell by the sackful. Just as compelling as the old Habsburg stand-bys are the wonderful Jugendstil and early Modernist buildings, products of the era of Freud, Klimt, Schiele, Mahler and Schönberg, when the city’s famous coffeehouses were filled with intellectuals from every corner of the empire.

Vienna is a dream city for anyone who has an interest in history or has a romantic streak. This is just irresistible with its imperial atmosphere, mild and moderate climate, excellent infrastructure and its own “coffee house literature.”

Contact us today for more information about an exciting Danube River Cruise or click here.

 

Basel Switzerland Extension after a River Cruise

Posted on by

After you disembark your Amsterdam to Basel river cruise, there is an opportunity to explore this second biggest city in Switzerland. Part modern, part old world charm, Basel is in northern Switzerland along the Rhine River. The town of Basel is split into two distinct areas. The right bank is mainly a residential area, where the grossbasel, or left bank, contains the old town.

If you happen to begin or end your cruise in mid-July in Basel, be sure to attend the Military Tattoo.  It’s only 2nd in size and budget to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.  The Tattoo was started in 2006, it now features military bands from around the world and hosts more than 200,000 people.

Basel is also known for its medieval and renaissance gabled houses, theatres and concert halls.  There is a lovely 18th century square (Munsterplatz), featuring a 12th century Gothic Munster (cathedral).  Some of the cathedrals date from 1031 and were the seat of prince-bishops who ruled the German imperial city.

A visit to the Kunstmuseum, one of the most prestigious art institutions in Europe is a must. Kunstmuseum has one of the largest art collections in Switzerland. According to Museen Basel, the Kunstmuesum showcases Flemish paintings, a collection of works by the Holbein family, Rennaisance collections, as well as works by Van Gogh, Gaugin, Cezanne, and cubist paintings by Picasso, Braque and Leger. There are also German expressionist paintings on display.

If you have a few additional days, Switzerland is a great country to explore by train and you can cover the whole country in a few days.  From Basel, it is a short train ride to Interlaken, which is a great starting point for several high mountain adventures – climbing the mountains by various modes of transportation – such as trains, cable cars and cog trains.  The view from the top of these mountains is breath taking.  Taking a scenic train is a great treat and there are also 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 day escorted bus tours of the country.

The country is so clean and the air so fresh that it makes you feel good.  The Swiss are a friendly group of people and English is spoken everywhere. You do not have the crime in this country that can be found in some other countries. There is nothing in Switzerland that would discourage most from visiting this beautiful country. This beautiful, mountainous country is the heart of Europe and you can’t miss visiting it as it remains one of the most popular travel destinations on the planet.

Luxury Barge Cruising Northern Italy – Europe River Cruises and Barging

Posted on by

http://www.europeanbarging.com ~ 713-240-6753 ~ 888-869-7907 :: Cruising Northern Italy by luxury barge cruise, casual bike and barge cruise or river cruise. Being one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Italy, is an ideal place for luxury barge cruising. Contact European Barging to plan Continue reading →

The Two Cities of Budapest

Posted on by
On our Danube river cruises, voyages start from Passau, Germany (near Munich), and cruise to the Austrian and Hungarian capitals of Vienna and Budapest. These “Floating Hotels” cruise by beautiful cities, villages, castles and vineyards. Once you get aboard our river cruises, your excitement and joy knows no limits as you are overwhelmed with the sight of fascinating places coming into view and the wonderful amenities provided on the cruise vessel. You will often find a swimming pool, beauty salon, gift shop, dancing and entertainment on board. The rates are affordable and include all sightseeing tours, meals, wine with dinner, free internet and use of bicycles on board.
Budapest is the capital and the largest city of Hungary. Budapest is made up of the two cities – Buda and Pest, and is located on the Danube River. This is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities.  Featuring a stunning Parliament building, eight beautiful bridges crossing the Danube River and Castle Mount, Budapest is worth several days of exploration.  Known for centuries as a spa town and relaxation resort, special wellness facilities, such as specialized hotels and wellness centers have opened in Budapest during the past eighteen years. These wellness centers offer a wide range of services in every category – dental treatments, plastic surgery, eye clinics, beauty salons, spa, wellness and fitness.
For more active travelers, Budapest has added lots of outdoor activities such as bicycle tours, canoe and walking and swimming tours – even kick scooter tours.

Budapest also offers kayaking at the The Római Coast, located in the northern side of Buda on the riverside of the Danube. This area is one of the most popular centers of the rowing, kayaking and canoeing sport on the Danube in Budapest.

Budapest has so much to experience and enjoy; a passing by trip will not likely be sufficient.  If you really want to know and feel what the city is about, plan well in advance and take adequate time off from your busy schedules to tour the area. Staying a few days before or after a Danube River Cruise will give you a bit more time to explore this fascinating town.