Tag Archives: Elbe River

Italian Islands of Murano and Burano

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Italian Islands of Murano and Burano are Great Vacation Spots

Italian Islands of Murano and BuranoThe islands of Murano and Burano are located in the Venetian lagoon. They offer a perfect escape for visitors who want to discover the wonders of Venice. In addition to the picturesque UNESCO World Heritage backdrop, the islands are renowned for their ability to transport people back in time to an era of respected and genuine craftsmanship.

Whether you are on a barge cruise or river cruise from Venice, Italy, two ports of call will be the islands of Burano and Murano. It would be a wonderful experience to know the history, art and folklore of these islands. Situated in the north of the historic centre, Murano and Burano are the most famous small islands to visit near Venice. They stand as the faithful guardians of their culture and traditional handicrafts that have made them famous throughout the world.

Italian Islands of Murano and Burano are Wonderful Tourists Locations

Even though they are a bit touristy, they do have some really nice craft to offer. Murano is famous for its beautiful glass processing and Burano for lace making and the cheerful colorful buildings.

Murano is a great attraction for tourists who want to learn more about glass and purchase some souvenirs and artistic objects for home. “Murano Glass” is known as the finest glass in the world. In Murano-popularly known as the glass blowing island-you are usually taken directly to one glass blowing factory, where you will see some interesting glass blowing techniques and then have the opportunity to buy some glass ware, glass objects and such. The Italy glass you purchase here will add to the charm of your house as well as stay as the memory of the place forever.

While Murano’s claim to fame is glass, Burano’s is the lace. Burano is one of Europe’s most prosperous lace making centers. The women of Burano are famed as the best in Italy at creating all kinds of fine lace items, from clothing to fashionable accessories. Most of the shops carry the same products, but if you keep checking out the shops, you can find some really nice quality lace and linen items.

As you arrive in Burano, the first thing to catch your attention is the ensemble of colorful row house facades. According to a legend, the colorful houses helped fishermen recognize their homes in the thick mists that sometimes surrounded them. Today they brighten up the atmosphere and add to the unique charm of Burano.

Our Po river cruise and Italy barge cruise will be a great option if you want to visit the amazing Italian islands of Murzno and Burano. Call us for more details! Europeanbarging.com 888-869-7907

Explore the Wonderful Sanssouci Palace

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Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam

A brief hop over from the beautiful Elbe River is one of the most breathtaking historical culture sites in all of Germany. The elegant city of Potsdam is home to the Sanssouci Palace and the grounds of Frederick the Great. This German palace was the summer playground of the Prussian royalty, and has recently been renovated to some of its former glory. Sanssouci is one story tall and is designed in the Frederician Rococo style, so named after Frederick the Great. It is definitely worth taking a short bus ride from your Elbe river cruise to see the palaces, grounds and the nearby town.

894444_sanssouci2Why Sanssouci Palace is “care free”?

Unlike nearby Berlin, Potsdam was spared much of the bombing during World War II, so continues to display the charm and opulence that it has always had. The entire city is worth exploring, and they make sure that their crowning jewel of Sanssouci along with the surrounding grounds and other palace stay immaculate and ready for visitors year round. Every season is beautiful at these culture sites, and you can spend an entire day perusing this German palace and park. It is certain to be a day that you will never forget. Along with the Neue Palais and all the surrounding temples, statues, and unbelievable gardens, you will leave Sanssouci with a complete understanding of why Frederick the Great named this place “care free.” He designed Sanssouci to be a great escape from court life in Berlin, and you too might find it to be an excellent short retreat away from your Elbe River Cruise.

Berlin vs Sanssouci

If you have the time, you should definitely take the short train ride from Potsdam to the amazing capital city of Berlin. In stark contrast to the quiet of Sanssouci, Berlin is a bustling city full of vibrant life in every corner. You can continue with the royal theme by visiting Charlottenburg Palace and wandering around the beautiful gardens there sure to be full of picnickers  if the weather allows. You can travel to the city center and go up in the Television Tower to view the city in its entirety. Take a stroll around the city that has been at the center of so much history, and you are sure to be amazed.

Cruising the Elbe River

By the end of your Berlin and Sanssouci excursions, you will be ready to float away on your Elbe River Cruise once more. Contact us today to learn more about cruising the Elbe River.


Pre Douro River Cruise City of Madrid

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Pre Duoro River CruisePre Douro River Cruise Is A City of Madrid

Madrid is not only the capital of Spain, but is also the largest city in the country. It’s also the capital of the autonomous community of the same name (Comunidad de Madrid) and is located on the Manzanares River in the center of both the country and the Community of Madrid. Madrid is a globally important city with a great reputation for having the most modern infrastructures and is an economic, financial, administrative, and service center of the country. Madrid provides a multitude of opportunities for sightseeing and boasts of some world-class restaurants and a vibrant nightlife.

Madrid is renowned throughout the world for its great cultural and artistic heritage and has many Spain Culture Sites. The culture of this city is deeply influenced by its Royal history as the center of the Spanish Empire. Madrid has several landmark sites dating back to the times of Spanish Monarchy such as the Royal Palace, enormous cathedrals, and churches. The city boasts a rare level of medieval architecture and has a unique blend of historical and modern blends, comparable to what’s seen in London and Berlin.

Attractions in Madrid include Prado Museum Royal, Palace Plaza Mayor Sun Gate, Parque del Retiro, Torres KIO (Puerta de Europa) Cibeles, Plaza Santiago, Bernabeu Stadium and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum Galería 57.

Explore A Spectacular Pre Douro River Cruise

Madrid also takes pride in being one of the top European art destinations, including the Golden Triangle of Art, located along the Paseo del Prado.
The Thyssen Bornemisza Museum is another great museum which was established from a mixed private collection of artwork. Reina Sofía Museum is a one of a kind display where Pablo Picasso’s Guernica hangs, returning to Spain from New York after more than two decades.

An abode of history, art, and culture, Madrid is a must visit location. Our Pre Douro River cruise offers an optional 3 night land program in Madrid! Book your holiday on one of our Douro River cruises and make a trip to the amazing city of Madrid!

Bohemian City of Prague

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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!