Tag Archives: Melk Abbey

Discover the Wachau Valley on a Danube River Cruise

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Nestled along the majestic Danube River, UNESCO’s Wachau Valley is a place of pure enchantment. Steeped in history and brimming with natural beauty, this picturesque region in Austria offers a truly immersive experience for travelers seeking a journey off the beaten path. With its rolling vineyards, medieval castles, and charming villages, the Wachau Valley is a delight for the senses. Explore the terraced vineyards and sample the renowned local wines, or take a leisurely boat ride down the Danube, allowing the stunning landscape to unfold before your eyes.

Rich in cultural heritage, the Wachau Valley is home to captivating towns such as Melk and Dürnstein. Marvel at the grandeur of Melk Abbey, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, and relive history as you stroll through the cobblestone streets of Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned. Whether you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply in search of tranquility, the Wachau Valley offers a truly unforgettable experience. Lose yourself in its timeless beauty and discover why this UNESCO World Heritage site remains an undisputed gem along the Danube.

 

Melk Abbey in Autumn

THE TOWNS

You will be mesmerized in the town of Melk with the sleepy and elegant atmosphere under its huge abbey. The restored Melk Abbey, which shines proudly over the Danube Valley, is one of Europe’s most attractive sights

Krems Town Square

Krems is renowned for being the center of the Wachau wine industry as well as one of the most beautiful towns in lower Austria. This old town is also a shopper’s wonderland. As you walk around the town, you will encounter one fantastic church after another – Piaristenkirche features an extensive collection of paintings by Martin Johann Schmidt (Kremser Schmidt); Pfarrkirche St. Viet features large ceiling frescoes and All Souls Alter by Kremser Schmidt.  In the former Dominican church, you will find a museum of history and wine of the area including sculptures, paints and etchings from the medieval to baroque periods.

 

Durnstein on the Danube River

Durnstein is yet another beautiful town in the Wachau Valley that will delight you with its traffic-free quaintness.  You can explore this attractive town only on foot.  Though it is a small town, Durnstein has lots of interesting history – the most famous being the Kuenringerburg, where Richard I of England was held captive in the 12th century. You can reach the ruined castle above the town by a 20 minute hike with great river views. The Stiftskirche (Monastic Church) has one of the finest baroque towers in Austria, covered in light blue and white.

Indulge your taste buds with the region’s renowned wines and culinary delights. Experience the unique flavors of apricot brandy, Wachau’s famous delicacy, and savor traditional Austrian cuisine in cozy taverns nestled among the vineyards.

RIVER CRUISES

Viewing the Wachau Valley from a river cruise is a great way to experience the enchanting beauty of this area.  We offer 5-day, 6-day and 8-day Danube River Cruises with AmaWaterways, A-ROSA and Croisi cruise lines.

Cruise from Vienna to Budapest, Budapest and Vilshofen, Nuremberg and Budapest, as well as round trip Passau, Vienna and Budapest.

Be sure to check out our Wachau Valley video.

Contact us for more information or questions:  https://www.europeanbarging.com  or jan@europeanbarging.com  or 713-240-6753 / 888-869-7907.

Danube Wine Cruise hosted by Texas Winery – Barons Creek

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Europeanbarging Presents a Danube Wine Cruise From November 5 – 12, 2023

Europeanbarging, a Texas-based company offering barge and river cruises in Europe, today announced a SPECIAL DISCOUNT of $1000 per person on a Danube Wine Cruise for its clients, slated for late fall, starting from November 5 – 12, 2023.  The discounted rates start at  $2809  per person.

Barons Creek

The cruise, scheduled on the AMA Lea ship will be hosted by the owners of Barons Creek Vineyards – Marc and Marta Chase, as well as their Certified Sommelier – Anthony Makoujy, 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 multiple included excursions offered in each port, there will be many wine-themed excursions as well.

Melk Abbey

Framed by rolling hillsides, lush vineyards, and medieval castles, the Danube River has captivated musicians, artists, and poets throughout the centuries. Travel to legendary destinations on your cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen. Explore a 2,000-year-old city, savor Wachau Valley wines, and experience the timeless beauty and fascinating history of Budapest and Vienna.  Featured stops include:  Budapest • Bratislava • Vienna • Dürnstein • Melk • Linz • Passau • Vilshofen.

Pre-cruise land program in Budapest and post-cruise land program in Prague available.

Barons Creek Vineyards was started back in 2016 as an extended family venture of the Chase Family. In 2018, Marc and Marta Chase took over full ownership and management of  Barons Creek with the help of Texas Wine Maker Russell Smith, Certified Sommelier Anthony Makoujy, and a team of over 50 employees that operate four separate locations throughout Texas.

Certified Sommelier Anthony Makoujy relocated from Napa Valley, CA to join the BCV team back in 2016 and will officially represent Barons Creek throughout all educational components of the cruise along with several other members of the Barons Creek Vineyards team. Club members tell us that Anthony has a very entertaining & engaging way of making wine much more approachable and fun for wine lovers across the board.

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 privileged of being inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world most prestigious culinary organizations, as well as Prestigious Tables et Auberges de France –  leading the way in the cruise industry as one of the most innovative foods and wine experiences both on-board and on-shore.

The $1000 per person discount ends September 30, 2021.

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

Cruise the Wachau Valley on a Danube River Cruise

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Wachau Valley Cruise Along the Danube

Enjoy a lovely experience as you board a Danube River Cruise. The Wachau Valley of Austria is one of the most beautiful sections of the Danube River. This wonderfully scenic valley lies between the Benedictine Abbey of Melk and the lovely town of Krems. There are many charming towns, terraced vineyards, castles, and monasteries along the narrow Wachau Valley.

Due to its mild climate, the area of Wachau Valley grows the grapes and apricots used to produce white wines and apricot schnapps as well as apricot cakes and desserts, which are served in nearby restaurants. The paths along the Danube are great for biking and walking through the splendid scenery and exploring the old robber baron castles, and the legends and customs of the area.

Cities To Visit In The Wachau Valley

You will be mesmerized in the town of Melk with the sleepy and elegant atmosphere under its huge abbey. The restored Melk Abbey shining proudly over the Danube Valley is one of Europe’s most attractive sights.

Krems is renowned for being the center of the Wachau wine industry as well as one of the most beautiful towns in lower Austria. This old town is also a shopper’s wonderland. As you walk around the town, you will encounter one fantastic church after another – Piaristenkirche features an extensive collection of paintings by Martin Johann Schmidt (Kremser Schmidt); Pfarrkirche St. Viet features large ceiling frescoes and All Souls Alter by Kremser Schmidt.  In the former Dominican church, you will find a museum of history and wine of the area including sculptures, paintings and etchings from the medieval to baroque periods.

Visit Durnstein by Foot in the Wachau Valley

Durnstein is yet another beautiful town in the Wachau Valley that will delight you with its traffic-free quaintness.  You can explore this attractive town only on foot.  Though it is a small town, Durnstein has lots of interesting history – the most famous being the Kuenringerburg, where Richard I of England was held captive in the 12th century. You can reach the ruined castle above the town by a 20 minute hike with great river views. The Stiftskirche (Monastic Church) has one of the finest baroque towers in Austria, covered in light blue and white.

Visits to these beautiful towns of the Wachau Valley are featured on almost all Danube River Cruises. We also offer short river cruises to these wonderful destinations. Call today to book your holiday with us!