September is the Best Month to Cruise in Europe

Cruise through Europe in September

Heidelberg Castle at Sunset

Heidelberg Castle

Summer is generally considered the beach season and prime vacation time for families in Europe. Every part of Europe has its own specific cruise season length but usually, the shoulder months offer both fair weather as well as fair prices.

When the tourists head home, and the humidity is lower, Europe offers pleasant weather across the continent. September might be an extension of summer’s oppressive heat but the weather is usually just about right.

In Western Europe, September is still considered peak season, with tourists and residents enjoying the last outdoor festivals, trade shows, and outdoor activities. While temperatures can reach up to the mid-70s, it is very pleasant for the most part. The barge and river cruise ships experience their greatest demand in September because of the mild temperatures Throughout France and Germany there are many wine festivals going on at this time and other parts of Europe are also offering many types of fall festivals. French barge cruise, German river cruise, Spain river cruise, and Douro river cruise and so on will be perfect for cruising Western Europe in September and enjoying various kinds of wine festivals, music festivals, and fall wine harvests.

Other parts of Europe such as Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic situated near Germany and Austria are also attractive destinations that can be comfortably cruised during fall.

Barge Cruises

Cycling in Burgundy FranceSeptember through early October is the end of the barging season.  Barge cruising is primarily in France, Germany on the Mosel in September and October; Italy on the Po River, and in Holland and Belgium.  Great weather for cycling along the towpaths of the canals.

Many travelers agree that September is one of the best months for cruising Europe. The weather’s gorgeous and you’ll have an easier time getting into main attractions.

Tourist information offices normally stay open year-round but have shorter hours in the winter. Opening times are less predictable, so call ahead to double-check hours and confirm your plans!

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

Visit Cochem traveling along the Mosel River

The Charm of Cochem and the Mosel River

cochemCochem is popularly known as the pearl of the River Mosel. An adorable gem of German culture, it is situated in the most idyllic part of the Mosel Valley where the river curls between Eifel and Hundsruck. Ranked as one of the most charming villages along the Mosel, Cochem inspired even the Romans to sing its praises. There are a handful of towns in Germany which are as beautiful and charming as Cochem. Its vivid and striking beauty attracts countless visitors who fall in love with the place at the very first sight. Wherever you go every nook and corner of this attractive village speaks volumes about its rich history, legend and folklore.

Cochem is encircled by towering elevations, steep vineyards and quintessential wine villages. You can enjoy wine tastings, festivals and authentic hospitality offered by these quaint wine villages.

Centuries of History in Cochem

Cochem, for centuries, has been steeped in beauty and culture and probably stays so even today. It takes pride in its several exquisite buildings, picturesque cottages, black and tan guild houses and meandering streets. One of the greatest attractions of the place is town square marked with its half-timbered houses. Another high point of the town is Cochem Castle or Schloss Reichsburg which spectacularly soars above the town. This German castle is more than a castle. It is the biggest hill-castle on the Mosel and looks like a typical fairy tale castle.

Cochem also boasts of being the heart of the Mosel wine trade. It is popularly renowned for its topical wines due to the existence of many vineyards and small family run wineries in the neighboring towns along Mosel.

As a tourist destination, Cochem got recognition first in the early 19th century when it received its first actual tourists. They were predominantly English artists who immortalized the beauty and allure of the Mosel Valley in their drawings and paintings. Cochem grew into the first genuine tourist spot on the Mosel during 1930s.

Mosel River Cruises

The pretty village of Cochem is a must see. Book your holiday on one of our Mosel River cruises and have an unforgettable experience of its beauty, history and wines!
.

Majestic Jewel of the Mosel River Valley

COCHEM’S Reichsburg Castle- Majestic Jewel of the Mosel River Valley 

There is perhaps no better way to tour the historically rich, scenic towns of Rhineland Germany than by river cruise. The cruises usually feature relatively small cruising vessels that have limited passenger capacity but are large on amenities, style, and service. ID-100163279Quaint villages and conspicuous German castles are thoroughly enjoyed by the 360 degree views provided on the sun decks of most river cruise ships and barges. A favorite tour among discerning travelers is the Mosel River cruise which meanders past beautiful Cochem Germany. These unique trips often climax with memorable shore excursions to popular attractions like those found on the Mosel bike and barge cruise.

Mosel River Cruise

The Mosel river or “Moselle” river as the French call it is a peaceful tributary of the Rhine River that flows from France to Germany. The area surrounding the Mosel River in Germany is known as the Mosel River Valley, and the towns located there are reminiscent of storybook tales of the medieval era. For those who find romantic villages complete with cobblestone streets surrounded by lush vineyards and Germany castles appealing, then a Mosel River cruise is an ideal choice for a holiday trip.

Cruising down the Mosel River gives holiday travelers the opportunity to see many of the oldest towns in the heart of Europe in grand style. Depending on the chosen itinerary, passengers get to view the cities of Koblenz, Cochem, and Bernkastel just to name a few.

The cities visited are not the only appeal of this type of holiday choice; the cruises themselves are absolutely exquisite. Many cruises are taken on luxury river or barge vessels that feature five-star dining and stellar service. The all-inclusive travel packages ensure that passengers completely relax while travelling from the time they board until disembarking at the end of the journey.

cochem germany

A popular river cruise itinerary includes a trip to the town of Cochem. The Mosel Bike and Barge cruise allows passengers to conduct a shore excursion that gives them the best of both worlds when it comes to scenic views. After leaving the river cruise barge, active passengers bike to Cochem to explore the popular town.

The town of Cochem holds a very interesting past as an imperial estate complete with a castle and fortifications that was eventually lost in its entirety to the French during the 1600’s. French troops razed the original Reichsburg Castle to the ground, and the castle was only rebuilt in its current neo-Gothic style architecture in 1868 by a wealthy Berlin business person who used the renovated castle as a summer home for his family. Since 1978, tourists have been able to take tours of the Reichsburg Castle. For more information about booking a cruise to the romantic Reichsburg Castle, contact us.