Tag Archives: Rhine River

European Barging to Offer 5 Day Rhine River Cruise at 10% Off

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With the 2019 5 day Rhine River Cruise sold out, European Barging is offering a 10% discount for travelers booking a 2020 cruise before August 25th

SPRING, TX, UNITED STATES, July 4, 2019 /EINPresswire.com/ — In its recent website post, European Barging is slashing the $1404 ticket price by 10%, a great deal considering the itinerary for the five-day mini Rhine River cruise.

The five-day cruise begins in Strasbourg, where tourists embark the ship. A welcome cocktail and dinner is served as the ship picks up the route to Breisach, Germany, located along the Rhine River.

La Boheme cruising the Rhine River

The river lends itself to a good view of the Rhine Gorge, a World Heritage Site, and Rhine Valley. But by the second day, the cruise is quickly topped with an excursion through the Automobile Museum in Mulhouse France. A home to the most expensive car displays in the world, the Automobile Museum is also considered the largest of its kind in Europe.

Meanwhile, Day 3 features a trip aboard the Glacier Express Train, from Andermatt to Tiefencastel, before returning to the ship in Basel. The scenery along the route features valley and snow covered mountains and charming villages. Andermatt it’s self is a cute village as well.

The itinerary for Day 4 offers a clear and close view of the Rhine Falls – the biggest in Europe — and Lake Constance. Mid-day is spent at Mainau Island, where tourists eat their lunch and watch birds fly about in the green park.

The cruise ends on Day 5, when tourists are return back to Strasbourg early in the afternoon.

“The UNESCO city of Strasbourg is well worth a day or 2 of exploring. Strasbourg has one of Europe’s largest medieval quarters. Also there is the famous Cathedral, (known as one of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals in Europe), the Alsatian Architecture as well as charming canals and the historical old town known as Petite-France.”
Jan Baumgartner, Europeanbarging

While the description of the cruise already sounds enticing, the prospect of getting a discount for this inclusive cruise is a great deal. The rate includes the 5 day Rhine River cruise, all meals, beverage package, Wi-Fi and listed excursions. European Barging, however, stands out with its great price deal. So long as interested tourists are able to book before August 20th, a ten-percent discount will be in effect. An affordable monthly payment plan is also available.

For more information contact Europeanbarging at 888-869-7907 or jan@europeanbarging.com, River Cruise and Barge specialist since 1998.

Oberwesel and the Germany River Cruise

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A Germany River Cruise takes you across the romantic Middle Rhine Valley. As you cruise down this stretch of the dreamy River Rhine, you will see medieval towns and castles dating back to the late 18th and 19th centuries. You will see the verdant vistas that inspired many writers to wax poetic about the region’s natural magnificence.

A Rhine River Cruise offers a vast landscape of natural beauty. You will see the lush vineyards of the valley, the thick woods of the mountain ridges, the magnificent rocks of the riverbanks, and the side-valleys cutting into the banks of the Rhine River.

Oberwesel Name Plate

A stop on a Middle Rhine cruise might include a tour of Oberwesel in its itinerary.

Oberwesel is a Medieval town that has preserved its medieval silhouette. It takes pride in two Gothic churches – the Church of Our Lady on one end of the town and the Minorite Monastery on the other end.

The Church of Our Lady in Oberwesel is regarded as one of the finest examples of the extraordinary architecture that marked the cathedrals of the Middle Ages.

The church is positioned loftily at the southern part of Oberwesel. It looks very impressive even from a distance, living up to its distinction as one of the most significant high Gothic churches in the Rhineland.

The structure is stark and unadorned. It is defined exclusively by clean and sharp geometric shapes. The interior is impressive. The ceiling looks incredibly high, its heights made more pronounced by the soaring central nave.

The church has a high gothic shrine altar. The triptych altarpiece looks remarkably like the impressive façade of a medieval cathedral. It is intricately ornamented with columns, gables, arcades, and roses amidst a gold background.

The presbytery is spanned by vaults standing on willowy pillars. The rood screen stands at the end of the presbytery. You can imagine the medieval priests of that time reading the gospels from behind this screen.

Paintings which date back to the Middles Ages adorn the walls of the church. These paintings bear the beauty and richness that marked the works of art that flourished during the medieval period.

The Minorite Monastery is another Gothic church in Oberwesel. It is well-known for its beautiful ensemble that includes the sacristy, the church ruins, and the monastery garden.

The sacristy is famous for its unique architectural form. It took extensive reconstruction work during 2006 to restore the 15th century sacristy to its original glory.

Oberwesel has a remarkable townscape that echoes what life was like during the Middle Ages. It still has its medieval town wall. Sixteen of the original defensive towers still run along the stretch of this wall, earning the town its name of “Town of Towers.”

Medieval Defensive Tower

The wall and towers were built to protect the townspeople from attacks. They also provided defense against ice drift and floods. On top of all these, the high wall and towers which could be seen from miles away were important to Oberwesel’s reputation. They marked the town as one with wealth and great power.

You can climb up the peak of the wall and enjoy the view of the quixotic Rhine River.

Europeanbarging can assist with finding the best Rhine River Cruise.  For more information:  jan@europeanbarging.com   888-869-7907   Barge and river cruise specialist since 1998.

Rhine and Moselle Fairytales River Cruise

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Europe’s Rhine River is known as one of the most popular cruising paths. It is referred to as “Old Father Rhine” which offers breathtaking glimpses to castles, villages and vineyards. The spellbinding views bring a sensation of living in a fairytale and anticipating a meeting with the royalties.

Embarking on a fairytale journey of a lifetime begins from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Basel, Switzerland. This river cruise itinerary will be passing through spectacular towns of Cochem, Strasbourg, Bernkastel and Riquewihr. Every town has its own colorful history and tales that will be a delight to know.

Travel in style and comfort with AmaWaterways’ Rhine & Moselle Fairytales cruise package. It is an 11-night Germany River Cruise which provides luxury accommodation, world-class amenities, award-winning dining and a promise of extensive tour in every point of destination.

Mosel River Cruise town of Cochem

With an 11-night cruise, you are able to visit more towns and see more than is usually possible on a 7 night river cruise.

The cruise starts in Amsterdam and there is the option to explore more of Amsterdam with a 2 night pre cruise stay.  Featured sites include a visit to Zaanse Schans, a city tour of Amsterdam, including a canal cruise thru the city.  You will enjoy the sights of Skinny Bridge, the tall and narrow houses along the river banks, and the opportunity to take a glimpse of Anne Frank’s home. In Begijnhof, walk around the city and enjoy the Middle Age Era buildings.

Afterwards, the cruise ship will be embarking outside Amsterdam and take you to the next destination of Cologne.  Here you can enjoy a guided walking tour to visit the UNESCO designated and revered Gothic masterpiece Cologne Cathedral and the Old Town will be the day’s highlight. Enjoy beer tasting in Kölsch. Try Reibekuchen, a potato pancake with apple sauce. You can also join a bike ride tour and see Stadtgarten.

Next stop Lahnstein, with the possibilities of discovering the rich history of Koblenz, located at the junction of the Rhine and Mosel Rivers. A guided day tour will bring you to Clock Tower, Monument of Emperor Wilhelm I and other cultural monuments. You can explore the place with the guided “Two Rivers Bike Tour” or ride a cable car to give you an aerial view of Ehrenbreitstein Fortress or a Castle Lahnstein hike.

Heading onto the Mosel river, you come to the town of Cochem, with half-timbered homes and the Reichsburg Castle.

Continuing along the Mosel river, is Trier, the oldest city of Germany where you can find the ancient Roman Amphitheater, the Basilica of Constantine and the Roman Baths. Unravel the secrets of Porta Nigra Gate. Listen to stories of barbarians and bishops which crossed the famous gate way back 180 A.D.  For more active travelers, there is a Trier bike tour or a hike to point Petrisberg – located above the Roman Amphitheater amidst the vineyards.

Heading back toward the Rhine River, the next stop is the cute town of Berkanstel – enjoy a day filled with wine-tasting activities because Moselle Valley is popular wine-producing region for over 500 years.  Walking, cycling or hiking excursions are available to choose from.

Back on the Rhine River, you come to the famous Loreley and the Rhine Gorge – a UNESCO designated area where breathtaking views of vineyards are located. At Rudesheim, take a gondola ride to Niederwalddenkmal Statue. Taste the town’s famed Rüdesheimer Coffee or explore Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum.  Alternatively, enjoy a Schloss Johannisberg bike tour or a hike through the vineyards.

The next stop of Ludwigshafen has so many options to enjoy in the area – a visit to Romantic Heidelberg Castle,  a visit to one of the largest Baroque palaces – the Mannheim Baroque Palace (closed between March 4, 2019 to January 26, 2020 for remodeling). Mark Twain has written about it in one of his novels. Another option is a visit to the beautiful Schwetzingen Palace Gardens, or a Ladenburg bike tour or Heidelberg Philosopher’s Path hike – located on the northern side of the Neckar River – opposite of Heidelberg Castle.

Continuing along the Rhine toward Basel, a stop at the charming city of Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace. The fairytale-like sights of “La Petite France” will captivate your senses. Other iconic structures are Place de la République, Parc de l’Orangerie and the European Parliament. Being on the border between France and Germany, there is a great combination of architecture that has a beautiful canal meandering thought the old town.  The Strasbourg Cathedral  of Notre Dame, offers it’s famous astronomical clock as well beautiful stained glass windows – the beautiful Rose window and some from the 13th and 14th centuries.  Today it is the sixth-tallest church in the world and the highest surviving structure built entirely in the Middle Ages.

The stop at Breisach has many options for touring.  The Alsatian town of Riquewihr offers the enchanting sight of a medieval hamlet and other well-preserved architecture, looking like it did in the 16th century. Another option is the Black Forest town of Freiburg – home of the most beautiful spire on earth, as well as impressive stained glass windows – the Gothic cathedral known as Freiburg’s Münster.  Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions.

Last stop – Basel Switzerland.  After breakfast, your Germany River Cruise ends.

If you have the time, AmaWaterways has put together a great little extension in Switzerland featuring the lovely cities – Lucerne, Vitznau and Zurich.  Your excursions include a tour of Basel, followed by a bus transfer through the country between Basel and Lucerne, where your overnight. Excursions include a city tour and also you see the famous Lion Monument; another overnight then a scenic cruise from Lucerne to Vitznau on Lake Lucerne, followed by a transfer to Zurich where you overnight for 2 night and enjoy a tour of this international city.

This cruise itinerary offers only a few departures each year, so call soon to check availability.  Europeanbarging can assist with availability and check for promotions.  888-869-7907   Barge and River Cruise Specialist since 1998.

Cologne Chocolate Museum- Taste Greatness

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Cologne Chocolate MuseumA Variety of Chocolate to be found at Cologne Chocolate Museum

Anyone who loves chocolate is sure to fall in love with Germany. Cologne, Germany’s fourth largest city is Germany’s chocolate capital as it is the proud home of the world famous Imhoff-Stollwerck Museum or Chocolate Museum. The museum, founded just 25 years ago, has attained a worldwide fame and reputation. As the Visitors step into the cologne museum,  they overwhelmingly smell  the chocolate fragrance. Your visit is sure to keep getting better after that first step.

The Chocolate Museum, located on the Rhine River, is shaped in a wonderful ship shaped building of glass and metal. The museum is spacious, well aerated and modern inside. The chocolate museum started as an exhibit aimed at celebrating the 150th anniversary of Stollwerk. The event was so successful that the idea of creating a full-scale chocolate museum automatically originated and the chocolate museum opened its doors on October 31st, 1993.

The Cologne Chocolate Museum is A Great Attraction for Many Visitors

More than five million visitors come to the Cologne Chocolate Museum every year. They come to have a look at the grand museum; Also, to see the process of shaping the chocolate through various stages. This self-financed museum was established as an interactive experience. Here, visitors can learn about the history of chocolate starting with Mayan’s chocolate “drink of the gods” to today’s chocolate commercials.

The greenhouse of the Cologne Chocolate Museum is a delightful experience as travelers stroll through it, looking at the cocoa trees. In the mini-production unit of the museum, visitors can see the incredible transformation of cocoa beans into chocolate bars through various stages.

Kids Enjoy Interactive Activities at The Chocolate Factory

The Chocolate Museum hosts several interactive activities for kids. The most attractive feature of the museum is a 10-feet high chocolate fountain: The employees at the museum will happily dip waffles into the warm chocolate to give visitors a generous try.

Many take home delicious chocolates from the shop inside the museum where visitors can choose from a wide range of German and Swiss chocolate.  There is a big assortment of imported chocolates as well as fresh made chocolates on premisses.

Be sure to check out the decadent chocolate desserts in their cafe.

Cafe in the Cologne Chocolate Museum

Your visit to the Chocolate Museum will be an exciting, delightful and knowledgeable experience. People who love to travel should not miss the opportunity to book their holiday on Europeanbarging’s Rhine river cruise. Do not forget to make a visit to the marvelous Chocolate Museum in Cologne!

Rhine River Cruises with stops in Cologne include short 4 – 7 day river cruises on Arosa and  Croisi Europe as well as 7 – 15 days cruise on AmaWaterways.

Contact Europeanbarging so they assist you in finding the perfect cruise for you.  info@europeanbarging.com  or 888.869-7907

Questions and Answers on AmaWaterways European River Cruise

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Our questions and answers on AmaWaterways European River Cruises are to provide information on what make AmaWaterways a great River Cruise company for your European River Cruise  We can assist in finding the perfect cruise.  Call us  Europeanbarging.com   – 888-869-7907

 

AmaLegro docked at night

AmaLegro docked at night

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is Internet available onboard?
High-speed Internet service is available free of charge as part of the in-stateroom “Infotainment System.” Additionally, AmaWaterways offers complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship.

What is the dress code?
We recommend country club casual for dinner. Guests typically wear dressier attire for the Captain’s Gala dinner.

Is there an elevator on board?
Elevators are available onboard all vessels reaching the two highest passenger decks, reception area and restaurant. Elevator does nto go down to the lower cabin decks. Staircase from lower deck to 2nd deck is a spiral staircase.

What time is embarkation?
Official embarkation time is 3 p.m. for all ships. This allows the staff to prepare your stateroom and have the ship ready for the next departure. If you arrive earlier, you may check your luggage on board, and then explore the embarkation port city.

What time is disembarkation?
Official disembarkation time is 9 a.m. You may disembark earlier if the ship is moored in the location you are disembarking in, and you may disembark later providing you have vacated your stateroom and checked out before 9 a.m.

What language is spoken on board?
The official language on board is English on all ships. Most crew members speak fluent English. All announcements and lectures will be presented in English. All locals guides are fluent in English.

What are the tipping guidelines?
Gratuities to your Cruise Manager and ship crew are not included in the vacation price. While the amount of these gratuities will depend upon your degree of satisfaction for services received, many of our clients have asked us for general tipping guidelines. Here are our recommendations:

For good service, we recommend 3 Euros per passenger, per day for the Cruise Manager and 12 Euros per passenger, per day for the crew, which will be divided up among the ship’s personnel. It is also customary to acknowledge a particularly good performance of a local guide by leaving a tip of 1-2 Euros per tour. Gratuities on most vessels, but not all, may be charged on credit card as well as cash.

Is smoking allowed on board?
Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside any of the ships. Smoking is only permitted on the Sun Deck. For the safety and comfort of all passengers on board, your cooperation in observing the no-smoking policy is greatly appreciated.

What amenities are available in the staterooms?
Each stateroom is equipped with a hair dryer, plush terry bathrobes, slippers and a safe. Your bathroom offers a magnifying mirror and spa-quality toiletries including soaps, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion.

Are there phones in the staterooms?
Each stateroom has its own telephone, along with instructions for use. Phones may be used to call from stateroom to stateroom and ship to shore. Since the telephone system functions via GSM, there may be times, depending on location, when service is unavailable. Any charges for calls will be billed to your shipboard account. Please inquire at the reception desk for rates.

Is air conditioning available in the staterooms?
All staterooms in are equipped with individual climate control. If you have any questions regarding your stateroom’s temperature control, please refer to the instructions or check with the reception desk.

Is there a Fitness Center on board?
Each ship has a fitness room with a selection of exercise equipment. Use of the equipment is at the sole risk of the user. Hours of operation vary according to the ship. There is no attendant on duty and therefore, without limitation, AmaWaterways and its affiliates are not responsible for any injuries sustained during the use of the fitness room.

What electrical current is on the ship?
Electricity on board all ships is 220v, with 2-pin power outlets. You will need an adapter, and/or converter depending on which electrical appliances you bring with you.

Is there laundry service on board?
Laundry services are available on board for a fee. Price lists are available in your stateroom. Please note that clothes cannot be dry cleaned on board.

Are there medical facilities on board?
There are no medical facilities on board. However medical services can easily be called from shore if required.

Are bicycles available?
Each ship has a limited number of bicycles and helmets available for use when the ship is docked. When appropriate, a sign-up sheet is used to request the bicycles. Use of the bicycles is at your own risk. Therefore, without limitation, AmaWaterways and all of its affiliates are not responsible for any injuries sustained during their use.

Are all meals included on board?
All meals on board the ships are included in the cruise price. Meals are served in the dining room in a single seating. For dinner, passengers will be seated by a dining room host.

What type of cuisine is served on board?
All meals are skillfully prepared by European chefs and consist of Continental cuisine
made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. Breakfast is buffet-style with selections available from the menu as well. Lunch is also buffet-style with salads, soups and a selection of hot buffet items, hot entrees and desserts. Dinner is a multi-course meal with a choice of delicious entrees, including a vegetarian option.

What is the beverage policy on board?
Coffee and tea are available free of charge throughout the day and during meals. Specialty coffees, such as espresso and café latte are also available free of charge. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available at additional cost. During lunch and dinner, local wines soft drinks and beer are available on a complimentary basis. Complimentary bottled water is replenished daily.

Are excursions included?
A sightseeing tour is included in each city or town you visit, along with free time to explore the city according to your own interests. The sightseeing tours can take place on foot, via motor coach, or a combination of the two. Each tour is led by a qualified, licensed English-speaking local guide or your Cruise Manager. In addition to our Gentle and Active Walkers groups noted in our Health and Well-Being section, for some excursions, we have a “Late Starter” option for guests who wish to sleep in but do not want to miss key tour highlights. For those guests interested in exploring Europe from an exciting new perspective, we offer guided bicycle tours in select cities (capacity controlled). In the event of water level problems on certain stretches of the river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motor coach or to alter the daily program as determined by the ship’s Captain.

Are audio sets provided during the tours?
During shore excursions, we provide a sophisticated audio headset system that allows guests to comfortably listen to their tour guide while taking photos or admiring some of Europe’s hidden gems.

Is there a beauty salon on board?
Various beauty and hair treatments as well as massages are available on board. Please inquire at the reception desk for a list of services and to schedule an appointment.

Is there a gift shop on board?
The ship has an onboard gift shop that sells accessories, souvenirs, gifts, and a limited selection of personal and toiletry items. Opening hours vary according to itinerary.

Is there a pool on board?
All ships are equipped with a whirlpool or heated swimming pool, perfect for a refreshing dip. Saunas are available on select ships. There is no attendant on duty and use of these facilities is at the sole risk of the user. AMAWATERWAYS and its affiliates are not responsible for any injuries sustained during the use of the whirlpool, pool or sauna.
Please note there is no attendant on duty and use of these facilities is solely at your own risk.

What is the minimum age to travel with AmaWaterways?
All guests under the age of 18 are to be in a cabin with an adult, and must remain supervised at all times, and their safety is the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s). Children between the ages of 4 – 10 at the time of embarkation may share a cabin with 2 adults provided the child is able to share the bed with the adults – no additional bed will be provided. Please be aware that balcony cabins of any kind may be unsafe for small children if left unsupervised. Children 4-7 years old are not recommended on any program and on our Africa program, due to safety precautions, there is a minimum age limit of 12 years old, unless otherwise agreed upon by AmaWaterways. AmaWaterways does not provide child-specific programs or child-minding facilities. Please let us know if you need anything else.