Cruising on the Moselle

http://www.europeanbarging.com – 713-240-6753 / 888-869-7907  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 simply onboard a barge or a combination of bike and barge.

 

Cochem on the Mosel River

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. Contact European Barging and River Cruises to book your amazing cruise on the Moselle today!

For years the Mosel River was vital for commerce and transport, with many settlements, such as the town of Cochem, springing up on its banks.  Along with Reichsburg Castle.

Castles such as Burg Eltz near Koblenz were built for both protection and as a sign of wealth and power.

During the Industrial Revolution, The Mosel region underwent significant changes when became more connected with rail and roads.  During WW2  the region suffered from heavy bombing.

Post-war reconstruction and modernization have brought prosperity. Today, the Mosel River region is known for its wine production, beautiful landscapes, and rich historical heritage.

 

Porta Negra Gates in Trier Germany on the Mosel River

In Roman times Trier had thermal baths, places of assembly, and an amphitheater today the colossal Porta Negra town gate, the imperial baths, and the impressive basilica keep that history alive. Trier is also the largest Roman city north of the Alps.

Cruises on the Moselle River, include:

BARGE CRUISES:

8 passenger L’Nouvelle Etoile

SHORT RIVER CRUISES

A-ROSA offers 5-night and 7-night cruises
Croisi River Cruise offers 4-night cruises

7-NIGHT RIVER CRUISES

AmaWaterways

Contact European Barging and River Cruises to book your amazing cruise on the Moselle today! Europeanbarging.com  713-240-6753  jan@europeanbarging.com

 

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 hotel barging. Its beautiful canals and rivers roll through diverse landscapes, from picturesque lagoon islands with their colorful houses, to wild beach dunes and pine woods with an abundance of birdlife. These waterways were once used for trade by Romans and early Mediterranean settlers before them and are ideal for gaining knowledge about many cultures, including Roman, Etruscan, Istrian, Byzantine and of course Renaissance, that have influenced the arts, architecture and history of the region over many centuries.

If you want to explore the beautiful landscapes and get an insight into the ancient culture of Italy, an Italy Cruise is the perfect choice. Aboard the Italy Cruise, you can enjoy exploring Northern Italy in a royal and relaxing way.

Venice is the highlight of any Italian cruise. The lagoon surrounding Venice, the Venice Lido beach, Hemingway’s influence and the fabulous waterside Villas; all add to the attractions of Venice. Delicious seafood, local culinary specialities, fine wines and attentive service complete the picture of this fairytale adventure. You can cruise between the romance and architecture of Venice, to the captivating lakeside setting of the Renaissance city of Mantua. Mantua is in central northern Italy, and has been a hub of art, culture and music for centuries. The route inland takes you along the River Po and the Bianco Canal through the Po Valley.

European Barging offers different cruise options and you can choose according to your interest and convenience. Our Venice cruise offers barges overnight with free time for you to explore the city. It is very enjoyable and affordable at great hotel rates. Our Michelangelo offers a winter cruise in the Venice lagoon and often cruises at the Carnival. Like Venice, Michelangelo is also quite affordable as it offers reasonable hotel rates including the meals. We also offer casual bike and barge cruises for active people. Such types of cruises are a good value and appeal to people who love adventure and exploration. Cycle enthusiasts can mingle their passion for cycling with sailing aboard our fantastic cruises.

Our Ave Maria cruise offers yet another innovative program. Here one of the passengers in a cabin can enjoy the bike and barge while the other has excursions by mini-coach at additional costs. Ave Maria is, therefore, suitable for both active and non-active couples.

So, get ready to explore enchanting Italy aboard our marvelous Italy cruises. Here you get best possible enjoyment, comfort and convenience at reasonable rates. We keep in mind the interests and tendencies of different people and design our programs accordingly. Get aboard our cruises and have the most enjoyable and unforgettable experience of your life!

Meanderer 2013-Guided Biking Tours! Flexible choice of Excursions

Have you ever thought you can experience one of the most relaxing and luxurious ways to explore France? If you want to cruise its beautiful canals and rivers in a royal style and discover the green countryside, Meanderer 2013 is what you are looking for. Aboard this luxury barge cruise in France, you’ll get an opportunity to experience life there from a truly unique perspective. Carrying between 1-6 guests, this spacious barge cruise is ideal for a group of family or friends. You can charter your own barge or reserve a cabin with other guests.

Meanderer 2013 is known as one of the best crafts plying the European waterways. These floating hotels take you from great cities to remote landscapes of forests, fields and hidden villages you never knew. This all- inclusive cruise gently glides along while you relax and enjoy gourmet cuisine, fine wines and the company of fellow passengers.
Multiple Excursions Options is the latest offering on Meanderer 2013. It is a whole new concept introduced by this luxury barge cruise. It allows you to choose a specific program according to your interest. The most exciting is fully guided cycling tours as part of the multiple excursions options. The small region in Burgundy between Montargis within the Loire Valley and Nevers is suitable for both cycling and sailing. Following the flow of the Loire River, the bike route gently rolls through green countryside with charming little villages sporadically intermingled. The rich landscape bears many fruitful vineyards. The famous ones are the wines from Pouilly-sur-Loire and Sancerre; and of course there are the Burgundy (Bourgogne) wines, said to be among the most prestigious in the world.
This wholly new program can be expanded at will to include full Barge and Biking charters. The biking options are available to all or individual guests on any given day and custom designed in accordance with biking skills and level of comfort. Maps, GPS, water bottles, helmets and essential spare parts are available. Cyclists can also bring their own shoes and clip-on pedals.
Our biking program is designed to allow as much flexibility as possible. We shall always try to accommodate any specific group and individual preferences. However, there is only 1 guide available and therefore majority rules (GPS is available)
Combine your passion for cycling with one of the most pampered ways to travel — aboard our floating hotel Meanderer 2013 on the canals and waterways of France!

Golfing and Barging in Ireland

If you are interested in golfing in Ireland and you want to cruise the waterways of Ireland, Shannon Princess II is the only luxury hotel barge available. Much thought has gone into designing this ten passenger hotel barge. The captivating interior of the barge has panoramic windows through which you can enjoy watching the scenery. The barge has a comfortable saloon, dining area and bar. Shannon Princess II also has a full length rooftop sun deck that is perfect for enjoying a drink or watching the sunset.

Shannon Princess II has five suites with en-suite facilities. You are given a choice of twin or double bed configuration.  The chef on the barge was trained at the Ballymaloe School and shows her perfection at every meal with her signature dishes. Your captain has piloted and managed the Shannon Princess II for several years.

Aboard Shannon Princess II, you will get some great food and wines while your luxury barge smoothly cruises the River Shannon. Baked Baby Lobster, Roast Shoulder of Lamb, Black Velvet Crepes filled with Raspberries and served with Champagne Sauce are some of the regional specialities. A wide selection of French and other European wines and fine Irish single malt whiskies are available. Some other delicious foods offered are: Cashel Blue Farmhouse Cheese, Boilie Goats Cheese and Carrigbyrne Soft Cheese.

Golf lovers will be particularly delighted that Shannon Princess II, during its course from Killaloe to Athlone, affords you an opportunity to visit some great golf clubs along with some spectacular sites.

Day 1 Sunday  Glasson
We meet you at the **designated meeting place and transfer you by coach to Shannon Princess moored moor right next to the 17th tee at Glasson Golf and Country Club. Your Captain and his crew welcome you on board with Champagne, Black Velvets or Irish Coffees, then time perhaps for a stroll. Dinner on board.

Day 2 Monday Glasson to Althone
This morning, enjoy a round of golf at Glasson Golf and Country Club, a Christy O’Connor design quoted as “the best he has done so far”. The course presents you with many challenges and treats, as well as spectacular views from all 18 holes.  (18 holes, 6400m, Par 72). After lunch back on board, we cruise around the beautiful Inner Lakes of Lough Ree and moor in Athlone. In the afternoon we visit the Kilbeggan Whiskey, dating from 1757 and the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, for a tour and, of course, a tasting.  Dinner on board.

Day 3 Tuesday Athlone to Banagher
This morning we cruise through a wild life flora and fauna reserve, mooring on the way at the ancient ruins of Clonmacnoise, a famed 6th century university and early Christian settlement.  After a guided tour we enjoy lunch on board, whilst cruising on north to Athlone through Europe’s richest example of “Callow” landscape, countryside little changed in over 1,000 years. After lunch we transfer to the K Golf Club, which hosted the 2006 Ryder Cup.  The Arnold Palmer designed course is one of the premier parkland golf courses in Europe. (18 holes, 6815m, Par 72). Return to the barge for dinner on board, followed by a session of golf lore and music at a local pub.

Day 4 Wednesday Banagher to Shannonbridge to Terryglass
After breakfast we cruise down through Meelick lock, pausing as Portumna swing bridge is opened to allow the Shannon Princess passage onto idyllic Lough Derg. We moor at Terryglass Harbour where there is time to explore this charming hamlet. In the afternoon, we visit Leap Castle, reputed to be Ireland’s most haunted house. You will be greeted by Sean Ryan and his family who will invite you into their unusual home and Sean, a renowned musician, will tell you the fascinating history of the castle and the part it played in founding the American Constitution. Sean will gladly play a few tunes with possibly the added bonus of being joined by his talented young daughter who will demonstrate her amazing dancing skills. Dinner on board.

Day 5 Thursday Terryglass to Mountshannon
A sunrise cruise before we transfer you to Adare Manor Golf Resort, an exquisite 18-hole Championship course featuring 230 acres of lush Irish countryside with lakes and a river meandering through it.  The Adare course was designed by legendary Robert Trent Jones Senior.  (18 holes, 6815m, Par 71). We return to Shannon Princess and set sail across beautiful Lough Derg, passing Forrest Park and ancient mountains to our mooring at Mountshannon, a lovely lakeside village perched above the Lough.  Dinner on board.

Day 6 Friday Mountshannon to Killaloe
This morning we continue our cruise south on Lough Derg past her many islands re-joining the River Shannon to our final mooring at Killaloe, once home to the court of the greatest High King of Ireland, Brian Boru. Before lunch, there is time for you to visit the town, then we transfer you to Lahinch Golf Club – ranked in the World’s top 100 and dating back to 1892, making it one of Ireland’s oldest clubs. The golf course is a 70 minute drive each way, but well worth it! (18 holes, 6115m, Par 72).Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Day 7 Saturday Killaloe
After breakfast you will disembark.  Departure for Dublin Airport or hotel.

Double the enjoyment by combining your love of golf with one of the most relaxing and luxurious ways to travel-aboard our luxury floating hotel Shannon Princess II. We assure it will be an experience of a lifetime!

Contact Europeanbarging for more details.  888-869-7907  or jan@europeanbarging.com  Barge and River Cruise Specialist since 1998.