Why the Bamberg Dom Is a Must-Visit When You’re on a Danube River Cruise

A Danube River Cruise in Bamberg, Germany will give you glimpses of well-preserved buildings. One of these buildings is the Bamberger Dom (Official name is Bamberger Dom St. Peter und St Georg. Also dubbed as the Bamberger Cathedral, it’s a must-visit site for many reasons.   Since 1993, the cathedral has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site  “Town of Bamberg”.

 

Bamberg Dom

History Encompassing Two Millennia

Before he became a king and an emperor, Heinrich II had his favorite home in Bamberg. Years later, he offered the property as a gift to his wife, Cunigunde.

Around 1002, Heinrich II became Germany’s King. He liked Bamberg so much that he did most of his governing duties therein. Aside from his fondness for the town, he and his wife were known for being pious. It wasn’t a surprise when they initiated the creation of a diocese in Bamberg.

Building began in the same year. It was declared holy on May 6, 1012, as part of the founder’s birthday celebration.

However, the initial cathedral was burned down decades later. It was replaced but it was also destroyed by fire. The current structure was built in the 1200s.

The Remaining Germany-Based Papal Grave

It’s known that many popes are buried in Italy, specifically in Rome. However, not all former popes are buried therein. Some papal graves are in France. There’s also one in Bamberg, Germany.

Before the 1800s, two papal graves were situated in Germany. The first one is that of Pope Clement II. Before he became the leader of the entire Catholic Church, he served as bishop of Bamberg. His body was first buried in Rome but was eventually moved to Bamberger Dom. The marble tomb of Clemens II is located in the west choir.

The second Germany-based papal grave belonged to Pope Benedict V. His tomb was in Hamburg. However, it was destroyed around the 1800s. This left Pope Clement II’s tomb the only other papal grave that was not based in Italy or France.

The Tomb of the Imperial Couple Turned Saints

The bishops of neighboring dioceses opposed the creation of the initial Bamberg diocese. However, then-king Heinrich II insisted.

Twelve years after becoming a king, Heinrich II was recognized as the Holy Roman Emperor. When he died in 1024, his wife planned his interment in the Bamberg Cathedral. Almost 16 years later, Empress Cunigunde also died. She and her husband shared a carved, marble tomb splendidly carved by Tilmann Riemenschneider.

The imperial couple didn’t have a child. As a result, the Ottonian dynasty of Emperors ceased to exist.

Nevertheless, the legacy of the former emperor and empress lives on. The Bamberg Cathedral is among the reminders of their contributions. Moreover, they were also canonized as saints by the Roman Church.

Works of Art

The cathedral itself is a work of art. Romanesque and Gothic styles were used in designing the structure. Aside from this, the sculptures you can find in the famed tombs are also worth seeing. The statues are noteworthy for their refined details as well.  The most noteworthy treasure is the slender equestrian statue of the Bamberger Reiter (Bamberg Horseman), whose identity remains a mystery.  This statue, possibly depicting the Hungarian king Stephen I, most likely dates to the period from 1225 to 1237. The Reiter is probably the oldest statue of a horseman created in post-Roman Germany.  Nearby, the Virgin Mary altar by Veit Stoss also warrants closer inspection.

Bamberger Dom is among the best sites to visit, not just in the town of Bamberg, but in the entire German country. Everyone can bask in the solemnness the cathedral and its rich history offer. You can also enjoy the breathtaking architecture, sculpture and other works of art you can see therein.

Bamberg is a stop offered on river cruises itineraries that feature a Main and Danube River itinerary.  Featured cruises are AmaWaterways Medieval Treasures; Europe’s Rivers & Castles; as well as the 14-night Magnificent Europe.  Arosa’s  “Romance on the Rhine” cruising between Cologne and Engelhartszell, Austria as well as Cologne and Regensburg also makes a stop in Bamburg.

Europeanbarging can assist with finding the perfect river cruise for you.  Contact them for promotional offers and details on payment plans.  Europeanbarging are barge and river cruise specialist since 1998.  For more information:  jan@europeanbarging.com  888-869-7907

All About AmaWaterways

Europeanbarging represents one of the best river cruise lines in the world – Amawaterways river cruises.

AmaWaterways ship on the Rhine

Ama waterways introduces 2 new river cruise ships in Cologne Germany

These cruises allow you to discover the most scenic waterways in the world. Amawaterways Europe river cruise also allows you to explore the most historic cities in the world including, Prague, Paris, Normandy, Bordeaux, Amsterdam, Budapest, Munich, Zurich, Lisbon, and more.

Here are some of the Amawaterways river cruises that you should try:

1. The Enchanting Rhine
This is a seven-night cruise along the Rhine River. The cruise starts in Amsterdam and ends in Zurich. But, it has a number of stopovers including Cologne, Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim, Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach, Basel and Lucerne. During this tour, you’ll get to enjoy the different attractions around Europe, including the Basel Old Town, the Rathaus and Marktplatz, the Basel Minster, Spalentor, Lake Luzern, Old Town Lucerne, and many more. You’ll also cruise along the beautiful castles along Rhine and go wine tasting in Rudesheim. You can also bike around Strasbourg. This is a cruise that you should not miss.

2. Blue Danube Discovery
If you have a lot of time to spare, you can spend a couple of nights in Budapest, explore Prague for three nights, and go on a 7-day cycling cruise along Danube via the Blue Danube discovery cruise. You’ll get to visit many cities when you take this cruise, including Bratislava, Budapest, Durnstein, Linz, Melk, Nuremberg, Passau, Pilzen, Prague, Regensburg and Vienna. You’ll enjoy the scenic and panoramic view of Linz, Melk, and Passau. You’ll also get to visit the different tourist spots in Budapest and Prague including, the Prague castle, the Clementinum, St. Vitus Cathedral, the Municipal House, Josefov, The Petrin Lookout Tower, Budapest Castle Hill, Magnificent Margaret Island, and the Inner Ring.

3. Gems of the Southwest Cruise
If you’re planning for a grand vacation, the Amawaterways Gems of the Southwest Cruise is perfect for you. The Gems of the Southwest Cruise is a 12-day cruise and land tour that starts in Vienna and ends in Bucharest. When you take this cruise, you’ll get to explore a number of beautiful cities including Vienna, Budapest, Mohac’s, Pecs, Vilany, Vukovar, Novi Sad, Belgrade, cruising through the Iron Gates, Vidin, Giurgiu, Bucharest Rousse, Brasov. You can even tour around these cities using a bicycle, free of charge.

4. The Enticing Douro Cruise
The Enticing Douro Cruise is an 11-day cruise from Lisbon to Porto. This is a wine cruise so there are a number of wine tasting courses along the way. You’ll get to enjoy the beautiful cities of Lisbon, Porto, Regua, Barca d’Alva, Vega Terron, Pinhao, and Entre-os Rios.

There are a lot of Amawaterways River Cruises that you can try including the Ultimate River Cruise, the Magnificent Europe Cruise, Holland Tulip River Cruise, Christmas Market Cruises, Wine Themed Cruises and the Melodies of the Danube. Each cruise provides a unique experience. Plus, Amawaterways is the only river cruise that carries a number of safety helmets and bicycles. You can join a bike tour or you can explore the cities on a bicycle on your own. You can cycle along the Danube and Wachau Valley. You can also join the cycling tour in Antwerp if you choose to go on Holland Tulip River Cruise or along the Seine River.

Europeanbarging can assist with finding the perfect river cruise for you. Contact them for promotional offers and details on payment plans. Europeanbarging are barge and river cruise specialist since 1998. For more information: jan@europeanbarging.com 888-869-7907

 

Top 3 Reasons Why you should Experience a Europe River Cruise with AmaWaterways Today

Imagine this; you and your loved ones sitting on the deck of a luxurious river cruising ship, taking some time off and simply enjoying the moment. Warm and friendly staff offering you exquisite wine and foods, and you are provided with top-notch services like no other. This is something that you can get if you decided to avail of the Europe River Cruise offered by AmaWaterways.

AmaLyra Ship

3 major reasons why you should try to get these wonderful things from AmaWaterways.

You deserve it

An exciting array of amenities awaits the lucky passenger who will be on board an AmaWaterways River Cruises as they will be welcomed by a group of warm, friendly, and hospitable people who will take care of their needs while on vacation. On top of the warm and friendly service is an exhilarating experience as the cruise takes you to famous landmarks, and allows you to take pleasure in city-hopping while docking at the heart of these cities, and taste their sumptuous gourmet dishes. Several daily shore excursions and adventures also await you.

With AmaWaterways, you no longer have to wait in line just to get to the famous landmarks in Europe. You do not need to worry about getting lost because you are not familiar with the place. You do not also need to think about language barriers since you will be guided with tour guides and crew who speak English.

It gives you enough reasons to celebrate.

On board a Europe river cruise is a brand new experience that will make you believe that every day is a day to celebrate life and all its glory. You will be treated like royalty as you get to experience Europe in the comfort of your own magnificent room. AmaWaterways newest ships feature twin balconies, which is only exclusive to AmaWaterways. It features an innovative design, which you can find in almost all staterooms. It has a French Balcony and an Outside Balcony where you can enjoy your moments in private. You can also enjoy a relaxing morning with a drink or coffee in your full-size outdoor balcony. There are also a few connecting cabins, Chef’s Table, heated swimming pools and many more innovative features.

It allows you to have fun

The stress and challenges associated to daily living are not reasons to stop having fun. You only live once, so you might as well make the most out of it. The once in a lifetime Europe river cruise experience from AmaWaterways will surely be a memorable one. Aside from town and city-hopping, this cruise will treat you with exquisite and fine-tasting wines that will make you forget all troubles behind. So think about it – you have fine wine on the table, gourmet foods on the menu, exhilarating scenery on the side, and warm and friendly service to top all these. What more can you ask for?

So if you are still thinking twice whether or not you will take advantage of what this priceless getaway will offer, stop! You deserve this. You want this. You have to get on that Europe river cruise today.

AmaWaterways is rated one of the top river cruise lines in the world.  In addition to offering many different itineraries, they have many themed cruise itineraries such as wine, art, food and music.  The rates include 7 night cruise with multi choice excursions, use of bicycles to cycle the area, free Wi-Fi,  all meals including wine with lunch and dinner as well as a one hour happy hour each evening before dinner.  A wide variety of food choices available onboard.  Rates start at $2999 per person in low season, often with discounts up to $750 off.

Give us a call to find the perfect cruise or you.  Europeanbarging.com  888-869-7907  Barge and River Cruise Specialist since 1998.

Europeanbarging Offering 10% Discount For All Military Personnel

Europeanbarging, an ARC accredited agency, is offering a Military Discount of 10%, for both active or veterans, on its’ full line of barge and river cruise products.

Their products include: European river cruises, Short European river cruises (4, 5, 6 and 7 days) Luxury European Barge cruises and Casual Bike and Barge cruises.

The river cruise itineraries include the countries of  France, Germany, Italy, Holland, Austria, Hungary, Portugal and Spain.

The luxury barge cruises are offered on the canals of France, Mosel River in Germany, Venice lagoon in Italy, Thames River in England, Scottish Highlands of Scotland and the Shannon River in Ireland.

The casual bike and barge cruises take place in Holland and Belgium, Germany, France and Italy.

“A  river cruise is one of the easiest ways to visit multiple cities throughout Europe, while still enjoying enough downtime to have the relaxed holiday getaway you deserve.  Our spectacular cruise packages are the ideal way to travel in style and beauty.”  Jan Baumgartner, Europeanbarging

AmaWaterways is rated one of the top river cruise lines in the world.  In addition to offering many different itineraries, they have many themed cruise itineraries such as wine, art, food and music.  The rates include 7 night cruise with multi choice excursions, use of bicycles to cycle the area, free Wi-Fi,  all meals including wine with lunch and dinner as well as a one hour happy hour each evening before dinner.  A wide variety of food choices available onboard.  Rates start at $2999 per person in low season, often with discounts up to $750 off.  Military discount would be additional.

AmaLegro docked at night

Europeanbarging offers two different international cruise lines for their short river cruises:

While onboard the German/English cruise line Arosa, you will enjoy a multitude of amenities including all meals, a beverage package, free Wi-Fi and discounts on spa services.  Meals feature food stations offering regional specialties with lots of options.

Rates for your Rhine River Cruise, Danube River Cruise, Douro River Cruise, Rhone River Cruise or Seine River Cruise start as low as $1,429 per person for a 7 night cruise when booked through Europeanbarging.    For singles, there is a low single supplement charged.  Each ship has a few lower deck cabins with 3 beds that will hold 3 persons.  Children 15 and under CRUISE FREE with 1 or 2 adults in the cabin.

For the French/English cruise line Croisi, their rates include all meals, unlimited complimentary onboard beverages, including: beer, fine wine, spirits, mineral bottled water, soft drinks specialty coffees and tea as well as included Wi-Fi.  They offer optional, motorcoach and walking tours as well as active excursions of cycling and hiking.   Several of their ships feature single as well as triple cabins and elevators. A five day Rhine River Cruise starts at $909 per person.

Luxury barges range in price from low $3000’s to over $7000 per person.  There are several barges in the mid to high $4,000’s.  The rates include the 6 night cruise, daily maid service, bicycles on board for cycling, gourmet meals, wine and cheese of the region with lunch and dinner, open bar with alcoholic beverages and all the sightseeing.  Some barges will have a small swimming pool or spa/Jacuzzi.

Barge on Canal du Midi

The prices are based on the features of the barges and food/wines provided. On the lower priced barges, you will be looking at cabins around 90 – 100 sq. ft., compact bathrooms and small shower stall. The wines will be regional wines. The more expensive barges will have larger cabins – 170 – 230 sq. ft. with larger bathrooms, big shower stalls with a glass door. Some of the wines will be premier and grand cru.  Children are not allowed on the barges unless it is a specific children’s week or a family charter.

Many of the casual bike and barge cruises are 7 nights instead of the 6 nights on a regular full service barge.  Prices range from $1940 to $2378 per person.  These barges range from  6, 20, 21, 22, 24 and 34 passengers.

Barge and Bike In Italy

These cruises are typically for serious cyclist as the biking ranges from  20KM – 65KM per day.  Bikes on these barges are typically heavy duty bikes designed for cycling in the  area.  Many bike and barge cruises have electric bikes available at a cost of between $100 – $150 for a week.

Included in the price: 6 or 7 night cruise, guide for the cycling tours , breakfast buffet, including makings for your packed lunch, dinner (3 courses) on boat, water with meals, clean towels and  bed linen delivered half way through the cruise and bike rental (with helmets).  Children are allowed on the bike and barge cruises.

Europeanbarging welcomes all inquiries to help you find the perfect cruise.  888-869-7907

Rhine and Moselle Fairytales River Cruise

Europe’s Rhine River is known as one of the most popular cruising paths. It is referred to as “Old Father Rhine” which offers breathtaking glimpses to castles, villages and vineyards. The spellbinding views bring a sensation of living in a fairytale and anticipating a meeting with the royalties.

Embarking on a fairytale journey of a lifetime begins from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Basel, Switzerland. This river cruise itinerary will be passing through spectacular towns of Cochem, Strasbourg, Bernkastel and Riquewihr. Every town has its own colorful history and tales that will be a delight to know.

Travel in style and comfort with AmaWaterways’ Rhine & Moselle Fairytales cruise package. It is an 11-night Germany River Cruise which provides luxury accommodation, world-class amenities, award-winning dining and a promise of extensive tour in every point of destination.

Mosel River Cruise town of Cochem

With an 11-night cruise, you are able to visit more towns and see more than is usually possible on a 7 night river cruise.

The cruise starts in Amsterdam and there is the option to explore more of Amsterdam with a 2 night pre cruise stay.  Featured sites include a visit to Zaanse Schans, a city tour of Amsterdam, including a canal cruise thru the city.  You will enjoy the sights of Skinny Bridge, the tall and narrow houses along the river banks, and the opportunity to take a glimpse of Anne Frank’s home. In Begijnhof, walk around the city and enjoy the Middle Age Era buildings.

Afterwards, the cruise ship will be embarking outside Amsterdam and take you to the next destination of Cologne.  Here you can enjoy a guided walking tour to visit the UNESCO designated and revered Gothic masterpiece Cologne Cathedral and the Old Town will be the day’s highlight. Enjoy beer tasting in Kölsch. Try Reibekuchen, a potato pancake with apple sauce. You can also join a bike ride tour and see Stadtgarten.

Next stop Lahnstein, with the possibilities of discovering the rich history of Koblenz, located at the junction of the Rhine and Mosel Rivers. A guided day tour will bring you to Clock Tower, Monument of Emperor Wilhelm I and other cultural monuments. You can explore the place with the guided “Two Rivers Bike Tour” or ride a cable car to give you an aerial view of Ehrenbreitstein Fortress or a Castle Lahnstein hike.

Heading onto the Mosel river, you come to the town of Cochem, with half-timbered homes and the Reichsburg Castle.

Continuing along the Mosel river, is Trier, the oldest city of Germany where you can find the ancient Roman Amphitheater, the Basilica of Constantine and the Roman Baths. Unravel the secrets of Porta Nigra Gate. Listen to stories of barbarians and bishops which crossed the famous gate way back 180 A.D.  For more active travelers, there is a Trier bike tour or a hike to point Petrisberg – located above the Roman Amphitheater amidst the vineyards.

Heading back toward the Rhine River, the next stop is the cute town of Berkanstel – enjoy a day filled with wine-tasting activities because Moselle Valley is popular wine-producing region for over 500 years.  Walking, cycling or hiking excursions are available to choose from.

Back on the Rhine River, you come to the famous Loreley and the Rhine Gorge – a UNESCO designated area where breathtaking views of vineyards are located. At Rudesheim, take a gondola ride to Niederwalddenkmal Statue. Taste the town’s famed Rüdesheimer Coffee or explore Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum.  Alternatively, enjoy a Schloss Johannisberg bike tour or a hike through the vineyards.

The next stop of Ludwigshafen has so many options to enjoy in the area – a visit to Romantic Heidelberg Castle,  a visit to one of the largest Baroque palaces – the Mannheim Baroque Palace (closed between March 4, 2019 to January 26, 2020 for remodeling). Mark Twain has written about it in one of his novels. Another option is a visit to the beautiful Schwetzingen Palace Gardens, or a Ladenburg bike tour or Heidelberg Philosopher’s Path hike – located on the northern side of the Neckar River – opposite of Heidelberg Castle.

Continuing along the Rhine toward Basel, a stop at the charming city of Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace. The fairytale-like sights of “La Petite France” will captivate your senses. Other iconic structures are Place de la République, Parc de l’Orangerie and the European Parliament. Being on the border between France and Germany, there is a great combination of architecture that has a beautiful canal meandering thought the old town.  The Strasbourg Cathedral  of Notre Dame, offers it’s famous astronomical clock as well beautiful stained glass windows – the beautiful Rose window and some from the 13th and 14th centuries.  Today it is the sixth-tallest church in the world and the highest surviving structure built entirely in the Middle Ages.

The stop at Breisach has many options for touring.  The Alsatian town of Riquewihr offers the enchanting sight of a medieval hamlet and other well-preserved architecture, looking like it did in the 16th century. Another option is the Black Forest town of Freiburg – home of the most beautiful spire on earth, as well as impressive stained glass windows – the Gothic cathedral known as Freiburg’s Münster.  Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions.

Last stop – Basel Switzerland.  After breakfast, your Germany River Cruise ends.

If you have the time, AmaWaterways has put together a great little extension in Switzerland featuring the lovely cities – Lucerne, Vitznau and Zurich.  Your excursions include a tour of Basel, followed by a bus transfer through the country between Basel and Lucerne, where your overnight. Excursions include a city tour and also you see the famous Lion Monument; another overnight then a scenic cruise from Lucerne to Vitznau on Lake Lucerne, followed by a transfer to Zurich where you overnight for 2 night and enjoy a tour of this international city.

This cruise itinerary offers only a few departures each year, so call soon to check availability.  Europeanbarging can assist with availability and check for promotions.  888-869-7907   Barge and River Cruise Specialist since 1998.