Tag Archives: barging

Madeleine barge cruising Alsace France

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A Blend of Germany and France, the Alsace Region has a full complement of beautiful architecture and landscapes – including rich vineyards of delectable wine grapes.

A cruise aboard a canal barge promises a peaceful break where you take the time to discover “la douce France” in a different way. The MS Madeleine a true cocoon of charm, sails on the French canals and offers its passengers an original and authentic experience.

Madeleine Barge

The MS Madeleine is a beautiful Premium canal barge, measuring 38,50 meters long and 5,07 meters wide. It can accommodate 22 passengers, in 11 cabins spread over two decks. The size of the cabins is 9 m2 (including a PRM cabin of 11 m2) offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay.

On board, everything has been taken care of down to the smallest detail and the 6 crew members guarantee a personalized service. The decoration is stylish with an elegant and intimate atmosphere.

Located on the upper deck is the restaurant, which offers delicate cuisine in a refined setting, a lounge bar, and a relaxation area with a jacuzzi. Comfortable sun loungers are provided on the sun deck, the ideal place to relax and admire the surrounding landscapes. A journey aboard the MS Madeleine promises an unforgettable getaway on the water.

 

The Madeleine navigates in the beautiful region of Alsace / Lorraine France.  A journey through Alsace, perhaps the most picturesque province in France, means an endless string of discoveries – art and architecture, gourmet food and wine, history and heritage.

Prices are mid $3,000 – so a great value for all the inclusions of 6-night cruise, all meals, beverages, and excursions – including several visits to vineyards for wine tastings, Wi-Fi, and bicycles for cycling the towpaths.

For more information, to check availability,  or to book a cruise, please get in touch with  us at:  jan@europeanbarging.com  or   713-240-6753 /  888-869-7907

Anne Marie Barge Cruising Provence France

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Cruising Provence on the Anne Marie barge includes visits to such sites as Avignon and the Popes Palace,the hill side town of Les Baux de Provence, white Camargue horses, Roman arena of Arles, as well as several wine tastings.  Call us  888-869-7907

Visit the Baroque Stift Gottweig Monastery on a River Cruise to Austria

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The Benedictine Stift Gottweig Monastery stands on the eastern edge of the famous Danube valley area, the Wachau which is among Austria’s most famous wine regions. On the southern banks of the Danube, opposite to the town of Krems, the monastery is positioned 449 meters above sea level. Given its peculiar placement on the Göttweiger Berg mountain, it is also known as the “Austrian Montecassino”.

Established by Saint Altmann, the bishop of Passau in 1083, the Stift Gottweig Monastery was handed over to the Benedictines in 1094. Since then, forestry and wine-growing have substantially anchored the local economy with great emphasis on the development of the wine-growing industry.

The old cloister of the monastery was destroyed in 1718 following a great fire. After that, the construction of baroque buildings was executed according to the plans of architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt. The major attractions in the monastery are the museum in the imperial wing which is one of Austria’s most important museums; the imperial staircase under a marvelous ceiling fresco painted by Paul Troger in 1739; the monastery church with crypt and cloister and the imperial and princes’ rooms. All these attractions held in the Stift Gottweig Monastery rank high among Austria’s religious and artistic sites.

History of the Stift Gottweig Monastery

As stated earlier, the Stift Gottweig was founded by Saint Altmann, the bishop of Passau in 1083 as a monastery of canons regular and later handed over to the Benedictines in 1094. Prior Hartmann of St. Blaise’s Abbey in the Black Forest was elected abbot. Under his direction (1094–1114) the monastery transformed into a prestigious seat of learning and stern monastic observance He established a monastic school, set up a library, and built a nunnery at the foot of the hill where it is believed that Ava, the earliest German language poetess known by name (d. 1127), lived as an anchorite. The nunnery was later on shifted to the top of the hill and stayed there until 1557.

However, the abbey began to diminish so swiftly between the 15th and 16th centuries that it was without any abbot at all between 1556 and 1564. By 1564, there was not even a single monk left in the abbey. During these critical circumstances, an imperial deputation turned up at Göttweig, and elected Michael Herrlich, a monk of Melk Abbey, as abbot. The new abbot, who continued his office until 1604, reinstated the monastery both spiritually and financially. He got it rebuilt after it had been almost entirely engulfed by fire in 1580.

The Wine

Stift Gottweig has an extensive wine estate with the most important sites being Gottschelle, Silberbichl and Göttweiger Berg. This wine estate has the honor of being among the first producers to offer KREMSTAL DAC wines. The varietal breakdown consists of Grüner Veltliner, 60%; Riesling, 30%; Chardonnay, 4%; and Pinot Noir, 6%. The Göttweiger Messwein, or Altar wine, for centuries, has been a tradition in this Benedictine abbey.

The Silberbichl is a wide terrace vineyard positioned above the Danube River and was recognized as a site already in 1562. It is composed of “old Danube” gravel and weathered stone which are covered with loess. “Silber“ (silver) in the name Silberbichl possibly comes from “Glimmer” (mica-slate) which is present in large prices here while “Bichl” is a variation of “Bühel”, or hill.

The site which faces southeast is situated in the wine-growing region of Wachau. Riesling is largely planted here because it is perfectly suited to the soil.  Other wines grown in this area are Göttweiger Berg Wines and Gottschelle Wines.

Call us to book your holiday on our Danube River cruise to Austria and visit the splendid Benedictine Stift Gottweig Monastery!

For more information contact: Europeanbarging, 888-869-7907, jan@europeanbarging.com

Barging and History on the Canal du Midi in France

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 The Canal du Midi in France is three hundred years old. It skirts the sunny, shining shores of the Mediterranean before meandering inland through ancient villages, Roman fortifications and famed vineyards. The Canal du Midi is famous for its beauty as it is lined with beautifully planted plane trees and crossed by pretty arched bridges. Adding to the charm of this canal is the Mediterranean weather and pace of life that is so relaxed; magical enough to let you open up and see your life from a totally new perspective as you cruise along.

Canal du Midi is the ideal place whether you want to simply relax on the deck with a cool drink, enjoy the scenery passing by, or cycle or walk along the scenic tow paths. As you look into the distance, you can see the Pyrenees where nearby are the vineyards that stretch for thousands of square miles. You can enjoy private wine tastings at chateaux en route, locations that vary with your choice of barge.

History of the Canal du Midi

 Built under the reign of Louis XIV, the Canal du Midi has great historic importance and remarkable beauty in the south ofFrance. It connects theGaronneRiver to theMediterranean. To do so, the canal is 240 km in length and runs from the city ofToulouse down to the Mediterraneanport ofSète. The actual purpose for building Canal du Midi was to be a shortcut between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, avoiding the long sea voyage around hostileSpain,Barbary pirates, and a trip that in the 17th century required a full month of sailing.

The Canal du Midi was opened officially as the Canal Royal de Languedoc on May 24, 1681. It was designed and built under the supervision of Pierre-Paul Riquet, a rich tax-farmer who bankrupted himself in the personal undertaking and died destitute in 1680, just months before the canal was opened to navigation. Riquet was not alone in the undertaking. In fact, 12,000 workers toiled for fifteen years to create this great canal.

The Canal du Midi is built of 328 structures consisting of locks, aqueducts, tunnels, bridges, etc. and constitutes a major example of hydraulic engineering of the modern age.

As you cruise along the Canal du Midi, you will discover an amazing blend of ancient Gallo-Roman and traditional influences reflected throughout this region of historical importance. The Cité of Carcassonne in the Languedoc-Roussillon region in the South of France is a great attraction. The walled city ofCarcassonne is a region you would love to explore as this is the most complete medieval fortified city in existence today.

Canal du Midi meanders through a vast region of diversity ranging from rugged, rural Languedoc regions to the sun-drenched, azure blues of the Mediterranean. Within this vast region, you will find a land of poetry and of proud people devoted to the soil and of course the wine … a passion they will share with you in private tastings of the local Minervois and Corbières wines.

Cruising along the Canal du Midi, the village of Minerve is yet another region you must visit. It offers a magnificent view with its unspoiled natural setting, its bridge and its houses perched on a rocky mountain. The village of Minerve is known for its Palaeontology and Archaeology museum. Besides, Minerve is a favorite place for walkers with its natural bridges and real tunnels dug into the cliff.

Several barges cruise on Canal du Midi and you can choose one according to the regions you want to explore. Canal du Midi, Paul Riquet’s masterpiece of engineering, is and will always remain a great place to visit and explore. No wonder, it has been recognized as the world heritage site by UNESCO.

 

Golfing and Barging in Ireland

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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.