Tag Archives: France Cruise

Avignon: Home to the Grandest Medieval Monuments in France

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Between the bustling French cities of Lyon and Marseille sits the picturesque city of Avignon – home to several medieval monuments that are now protected as UNESCO Heritage Sites.

 

Avignon rests quietly along the left bank of the Rhone River, making it accessible to all those who go on a Rhone River Cruise. Several of these cruises, including the Arosa Stella, make it a point to stop at Avignon and allow tourists to enjoy the breathtaking vistas unique to the city.

Avignon's Popes Pa;ace

One of the most popular destinations in Avignon is the Palais des Papes, also known as Palace of the Popes. This is the largest gothic structure that exists to this very day.

This palace was home to seven popes from the year 1309 to 1377. These popes fled from Rome, knowing it was becoming corrupt and hoping to put the Catholic Church back on the right path. Today, the magnificent palace still stands and is a beautiful showcase of medieval artists’ architectural talents and creativity. It is already breathtaking from the outside, but tourists are welcome to tour inside the palace and admire 25 elaborately decorated rooms.

Aside from the pope palace, other attractions in Avignon include the Pont d’Avignon, the Place du Palais, Place de l’Horloge, and grand cathedrals including the Basilique Saint-Pierre d’Avignon.

 

Avignon Sightseeing tram

The best way to go around the city is by riding the Petite Train, which goes around the city and passes by all the picturesque attractions that Avignon has to offer. A ride around the city will take you 40 minutes and leave you wonderstruck.

The next time you decide to go on vacation on European river cruises, choose a route that includes the city of Avignon in its itinerary, like the A-ROSA Stella. You can never find other cities whose medieval architecture equals those found in Avignon.

A-ROSA CRUISE LINE cruises the Rhone, aboard the A-ROSA Stella, featuring short river cruises with English and German language onboard.  There are no fixed seating or table arrangements on board.  All meals are served as a buffet.  There are chefs at all meals with an open kitchen preparing these dishes as you watch – so everything is fresh.

The ships have bicycles with helmets on board for cycling tours.   A-ROSA is also known for its superior spa facilities onboard.  A-ROSA offers 5-night, and 7-night round-trip Lyon river cruise itineraries.  There is also a 7-night Southern Med itinerary.  A-ROSA also allows children 15 and under to cruise free with their parents in the same cabin in Cat S cabins.  There is limited availability on the A-ROSA STELLA.

Prices include the cruise, all meals, a beverage package with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and Wi-Fi.  Excursions are additional.

For more information on any of the Danube River cruise itineraries or other rivers, please call or email:713 240 6753 or 888 869 7907  jan@europeanbarging.com

 

 

Burgundy Wine Cruise hosted by Texas Winery – Messina Hof

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Europeanbarging, a Texas-based company offering barge and river cruises, today announced a SPECIAL DISCOUNT of $750 per cabin on a Wine Cruise for its clients, slated for Spring, starting from March 20 – 27, 2025. Book by March 31, 2024 and Discounted rates start at $3280 per person, including port tax.

 

The wine cruise is scheduled on the AMACello ship and will be the 8th wine cruise hosted by the owners of Messina Hof Winery – Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo, who will offer several tastings and discussions on their wines and winery, as well as winemaking. A pairing of their wines will be offered with a special AmaWaterways gourmet meal. In addition to the many wine-themed excursions, there are multiple included excursions offered in each port, including hiking and cycling tours.  Excursions feature Gentle, regular, active, and late-riser tour options.

YOUR JOURNEY ALONG THE SAÔNE RIVER

Experience the viticultural pleasures of the Burgundy region on this river cruise curated for new and experienced wine enthusiasts alike. Indulge in wine tastings set against the backdrop of picturesque destinations. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes of graceful vineyards and storied landmarks along the Saône River. Delve into the techniques that shape the renowned wines of this region, gaining insight into traditional processes that have stood the test of time. Hosted by a dedicated wine expert, this journey is a must for anyone interested in the best of Burgundy’s wines.  Cruise ports include:  starting in Dijon, Seurre, Beaune, Chalon-sur-Saône, Tournus, Brancion, Mâcon, and ending in Lyon.

Messina Hof is the most awarded and renowned Texas wine in national and international competitions. In a community steeped in tradition, Messina Hof Winery & Resort holds its own with a 200-year history of award-winning wines. Although the winery itself was officially established with the first vintage release in 1983, the rich wine heritage of Winemaker Paul Bonarrigo dates back six generations to Messina, Sicily. Merrill Bonarrigo’s family originates from Hof, Germany. Together they have pioneered the Texas wine industry in creating premium wines of distinction and a landmark wine country destination.

The cruise rate includes all sightseeing, meals, wine with dinner, a daily happy hour before dinner, free internet, and the use of bicycles on board.  There is an optional pre-cruise land program in Paris France ($1485 per person), and a post-cruise land program in Geneva Switzerland ($1530 per person).  The special $750 per person discount offer ends March 30, 2024. Port tax is an additional $231 per person. A deposit of $400 per person is due with booking, balance is due 90 days before departure. Payment plans are available.

Europeanbarging was founded in 1998 and specializes in European barge and river cruise products. Located in Texas, Europeanbarging is an ARC-accredited company. AmaWaterways, the only cruise line that has the privilege of being inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious culinary organizations and Tables et Auberges, leading the way in the cruise industry as one of the most innovative food and wine experiences both on-board and on-shore.

For more information contact Europeanbarging at 888-869-7907 or http://www.europeanbarging.com.

 

Visiting French Chateaux on a 5 Night Loire Paddleboat Cruise

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The picturesque views of the Loire Valley are truly enticing enough to make you want to experience the romance and heritage of a Loire paddleboat cruise. There’s not a minute wasted in these cruises as you explore one chateau after another discovering their secrets and hearing stories about their past.

Aptly so, Loire may be referred to as France’s Valley of the Kings. The French court has been held in different areas within this location for several periods in Loire’s history. Art consequently flourished along this European waterway as well as evidenced by the extensive collection of privately owned works housed in royal chateaus.

New for 2022 is a 5-day Loire River Cruise aboard the Loire Princess – an 88-passenger paddle boat, cruising round trip Nantes, in addition to the current 6-day cruise.  Some of the most popular chateaux that you are likely to visit on a Loire paddleboat cruise or barge cruise are:

Château d’Azay-le-Rideau – built on a small island in the middle of the Indre River, the château as it is seen today was built under Francis I by Gilles Berthelot, a wealthy financier who wanted to incorporate its medieval past alongside the latest architectural styles of the Italian renaissance. The chateau is a French national monument and possesses all the refinement found in the French Renaissance.

Gardens of VillandryChateau de Villandry — the Renaissance gardens are the most popular attraction of this chateau, known even throughout the world as Jardins a la Francaise. To get to this chateau, guests get off at Larcay as the cruise barge moors beneath a canopy of weeping willows. French heritage is distinct in the decor, art, and furnishings throughout the interior. Outside, the gardens are lush and beautifully arranged in patterns combining water gardens, flower gardens, as well as vegetable gardens.

Chateau UsseChâteau d’Ussé – rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries, this stronghold with fortified towers, turrets, and steeples looks like something out of a fairytale. The castle is still inhabited today and takes visitors back to a time of legends and fairytales. It is thought to have inspired Charles Perrault when writing “Sleeping Beauty”.

Château de Brissac, known as the tallest royal residence in France, contains 204 rooms, monumental staircases, and never-ending hallways. Acquired by René de Cossé in the 16th century, Château de Brissac is still owned by the Cossé-Brissac family. Its park contains some magnificent shady spots under centuries-old trees, and the castle’s spectacular decorations and the breathtaking Belle Époque theater are not to be missed!

Loire Paddleboat CruiseIf you are looking for a laid-back getaway that puts romance and history together, booking a barge cruise and going on excursions from a Loire Valley cruise is one of your best vacation options.   The 5-day cruises start at $1400 for 2022.  The rate includes the cruise, all meals, beverages, and Wi-Fi.  As these ships have a smaller capacity, departures will sell out quickly.  Call now to book a great scenic river cruise.  888-869-7907

AmaWaterways Bordeaux Wine Cruise Hosted by Messina Hof Winery

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NEW DATE FOR 2021 BORDEAUX RIVER CRUISE
AND A $750 PER PERSON DISCOUNT

Due to the Covid-19 virus, we have moved our March 2021 wine cruise to August.

Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo from the Messina Hof Winery are hosting a Bordeaux wine cruise aboard AmaDolce.  Messina Hof is the most awarded and renowned Texas wine in national and international competitions. In a community steeped in tradition, Messina Hof Winery & Resort holds its own

Grapes on theVine

Lush, Ripe Wine Grapes on the Vine Ready for Harvest.

with a 200- year history of award winning wines. Although the winery itself was officially established when with the first vintage release in 1983, the rich wine heritage of Winemaker Paul Bonarrigo dates back six generations to Messina, Sicily. Merrill Bonarrigo’s family originates from Hof, Germany. Together they have pioneered the Texas wine industry in creating premium wines of distinction and a landmark wine country destination.

“In addition to the $750* per person discount off the cruise, Europeanbarging is offering each cabin a $25 on board credit.” Jan Baumgartner, Europeanbarging

Ama cabin with French Balcony

Ama cabin with French Balcony

 

The AmaDolce was built in 2009 and spans 360 feet long and 38 feet wide. There are 73 Staterooms aboard the ship and could accommodate a total of 199 people – 144 passengers and 45 crew members. The ship guarantees a comfortable cruise with plenty of room to socialize and enjoy the time aboard.

AmaWaterways 7 night Bordeaux Wine Cruise starts at $3,349 per person. (This includes the $750* per person discount). This fare is good for 7 nights’ stay in an river view stateroom. Those who will opt to join the cruise will enjoy the following: Fine dining at The Chef’s Table and Main Restaurant, and Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour. Experience and socialize at a Captain’s Gala Dinner and Cocktail Reception Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board A variety of tours, guided shore excursions, wine tastings, and discussions. Free use of helmets and bicycles are also provided during shore tours and excursions while the ship is in port.

The AmaWaterways Cruise departs on August 5th and will disembark on August 12th, 2021. The 7- day cruise promises a great time aboard the ship and on land during each scheduled porting. There’s no more fitting starting point for this sailing along the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers than Bordeaux, an undisputed wine capital. Enjoy exquisite tastings just as unforgettable as the wines you’ll sip. Visit the renowned vineyards of Saint-Émilion, Pauillac and Libourne, discovering timeless wine-making traditions, and visit the Bordeaux Wine Museum, a spectacular sensory experience with the power to turn even the most hesitant wine drinkers into connoisseurs. Various cities and sights are part of the AmaWaterways Wine Cruise destinations that includes: Bordeaux, Libourne, Saint-Emilion, Blaye, Bourg, Pauillac and Cadillac. Each day promises a new experience that should not be missed.

The following Multi-Choice excursions are available: in Saint-Emilion, choose from a tour of Saint-Emilion and Grand Cru Classe wine tasting OR Saint Émilion bike tour and wine tasting OR Château de Vayres; in Libourne choose from a Walking Tour OR Bastide town and market visit OR Château Boutinet hike with wine & tapas tasting OR Bike tour; in Blaye, a visit to the Citadel OR Blaye bike tour towards Les Etauliers Blaye to Bourg bike tour. Bourg offers a walking tour, Carriage Museum and WWII Petrol Cistern, as well as an Exclusive wine festival. In Pauillac Medoc Grand Cru Classé wine tasting and scenic vineyard tour; Cadillac features the Roquetaillade Castle with Sauternes wine tasting and in Bordeaux a Illuminations cruise in the evening and Bordeaux UNESCO city tour and Wine Museum OR Bordeaux bike tour.

The wine cruise promotes a wide range of activities throughout the whole trip to appreciate wine heritage more through a series of tastings, discussions, and tours around each port. Also included in the cruise are special tours and tastings at local wineries and private cellars where passengers can get to appreciate and learn more about wine making in renowned vineyards. There are also on board wine pairings with award-winning cuisine, and a wine expert who will be leading the tastings and discussions.

Uncork local traditions, savor intense flavors and enjoy palate-pleasing adventures during AmaWaterways Wine Cruises. The cruise promotes a great way to meet new people and fellow wine aficionados as they enjoy a 7-day cruise from Bordeaux along the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Book Now – as these wine cruises sell out.

*The $750 per person discount applies to bookings made by December 30, 2020.

For more information on the cruise and its activities, contact Jan Baumgartner of Europeanbarging.com at 888-869-7907, or send an email to jan@europeanbarging.com.

Experiencing History from a Loire Valley Paddleboat Cruise

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The Loire Valley is a treasure trove of historical attractions and architectural marvels to discover and explore. The Loire River is a little over a thousand kilometers long making it the longest among France’s waterways. It runs from the area of Mont Gerbier de Jonc through Nevers and through Tours then into Nantes before it empties out into the Atlantic at Saint Nazaire. It has several tributaries that can also be traversed by paddle boats or barges.

Excursions from a Loire Valley cruise give travelers a close look into French historical and cultural heritage. The beautiful landscape have attracted a good number of royals and aristocrats. Over the years, the Loire Valley has grown to be a favored spot for castles and chateaus that served as homes for the rich and powerful.

Croisi Europe Loire Princess Paddleboat

Saumur

The city of Nantes is the starting port for the Loire Princess paddleboat cruises. Nantes is known as Europes’ most livable city and is a convenient access to the Loire chateau attractions as well as the lush pastures and forests. The history of this city, spanning the 15th to the 18th century, is housed within the walls of the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany. Outside, the castle stands magnificent with its Renaissance facade. Inside, it is teeming with historical heritage meticulously curated in a museum.

A collaboration of the old and new, the Saint Machines of the Isles of Nantes is another must-see when you go on a Loire paddleboat cruise. Artistic machine builders took inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci’s mechanical world and combined it with the industrial heritage of Nantes. Some parts of the exhibition are interactive and can be operated by the guests. One of the popular attractions is the 12-meter high Gigantic Sultan’s Elephant.

Cruises and tours of the Loire may also include a guided tour of Angers. This is quite a modern city, but rich in history and culture. At the Chateau de Angers, you will find one of the most important pieces from the locale, the Apocalypse Tapestry. Other Loire chateau attractions that can be found in the Chateau of the Loire Valley include: the master piece of the first French Revolution, the Chateau d’ Azay-le-Rideau; the centenary trees and vineyards of Chateau de Brissac; the colorful patterned gardens of Chateau Villandry, and the fairy tale-like Chateau d’ Usse.

Chateau_Chaumont_sur_Loire

Many of the attractions and destinations in Loire Valley take you down memory lane into the pages of Loire history as far back as the Renaissance. The flourishing of arts and culture during that period is evident in the design and construction of the chateaus and structures all around the Loire Valley. The management of many of these chateaus is now in the hands of current generations of royalties.

The French and English language 96 passenger Loire Princess paddleboat offers 6 and 8 day cruises.  A pre cruise package visiting additional chateau is available on limited dates.  As the Loire Princess is the only passenger cruise ship on the Loire, and with her small size, she books up  well in advance.  The upper deck features private balconies.  Rates start at $2248 for the 8 day lower deck and $2700 for the upper deck.  The 6 day cruise starts about $2000 for the lower deck and  $2372 for the upper deck.  The per person rate includes the cruise, all meals, a beverage package, port taxes and Wi-Fi.  Sightseeing packages are not included and can be pre ordered or booked on board.

Contact  Europeanbarging.com for availability, pricing and special offers.  888-869-7907  Jan@europeanbarging.com