Tag Archives: River Cruises

Visit Nantes on a Loire River Cruise or French Barge Cruise

Posted on by

Nantes is a vibrant and innovative city situated on the banks of Loire River, 50km from the Atlantic coast. The sixth largest city in France, Nantes is popularly known as the green wonder of western France. It was named as ‘the most liveable city in Europe by Time Magazine in 2004 and in 2013 it received the title of European Green Capital.

Nantes is the capital city of the Pays de la Loire region. It was one of the most important cities of the historic province of Brittany, and the ancient Duchy (capital) of Brittany. Though Nantes was officially separated from Brittany in 1789, it continues to be culturally Breton and still largely considered as its capital city. The fact is that you can separate Nantes from Brittany due to the regional boundaries created during WWII, but you can never separate Brittany from its long-time capital, Nantes which is called Naoned in Breton.

Nantes was the leading port of France by the 18th century. It prospered on the triangular trade with Africa and the West Indies. During the 19th century when the slavery was scrapped, Nantes transformed into a front line industrial centre. It has the honor of being the place where the world’s first public-transport service, the omnibus, started in 1826. Shipbuilding was a thriving industry which secured the city’s economy until the late 20th century. With the relocation of shipyards westwards to St-Nazaire, Nantes converted itself into a flourishing student and cultural center. Nantes also takes pride in being the home of the science fiction writer Jules Verne.

Frequent rainfalls take place throughout the year and temperatures are cool. Even if it is sunny, always stay prepared as it is common for short but fierce tempests to appear all of a sudden. It is always desirable to carry an umbrella or raincoat when you step out. Winters are generally mild.

Place du Commerce is the wonderful medieval center of the city and anybody can guide you towards it. Nearby, you will find la Place Royale, le Quai de la Fosse and la rue Crébillon famous for its exclusive shops.

Nantes has so much to offer. Book your European family vacation on our French barge cruise, French river cruise or Loire river cruise for an unforgettable cruising experience!

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

French River Cruise in Angers, France

Posted on by

The city of Angers is a French city situated in the north west of France. It is the capital of the Maine-et-Loire department of the French region Pays de la Loire. Before the French revolution, Angers was the capital of the province of Anjou, and so the residents of both the city and the province are called Angevins.

The historic city of Angers greatly appeals to the historians and visitors who want to explore France’s rich medieval history as it is a part of the French region which was known as Anjou in the Middle Ages. Angers is a busy and vibrant city today which is inhabited by approximately 150,000 people in the city itself and around 270,000 people in the greater metropolitan area.

Angers offers several places of attraction and the best way to explore the city is by foot. Almost all the major tourist attractions and shopping areas are situated close to one another except for the nearby lake, Lac de Maine, which is around 30 minutes from outside of the center of the city. But that too can offer you a wonderful experience when you walk to the lake on a summer evening and come back to your place.

The castle fortress of Angers is the most dominating of all the attractions held by the city. It is an amazing defense work with 17 towers and a massive mediaeval tapestry of the Apocalypse. This tapestry is probably one of the most impressive artworks that the Middle Ages have graciously passed on to us.

The Regional Angers Marcé Air Museum is another prominent attraction in Angers. It was created by some local aviation aficionados with the aim to let the generations know about the role of those great men of the great flying adventure, such as Roland Garros, René Gasnier and so on. The purpose of this museum was to provide the visitor a chance to recognize the second national collection of light and winged aircraft in France. The museum often holds temporary exhibitions, guided conferences, and restoration of the “vieux coucous” demonstrations in order to provide a delightful experience to the visitors.
The Museum of Fine Arts (Beaux Arts) is yet another attraction in the city. It has been accommodated in the Barrault residence, a late 15th century private home since 1796. The museum’s collection displays many paintings among which are the paintings by eminent painters such as Chardin, Watteau, Fragonard, Boucher, David and Ingres. The collection also encompasses Goldsmith’s work, enamel, and ivory arts.

Book your European family vacation on our French river cruise and visit Angers France for an enjoyable family experience!

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

Iron Gates and River Danube

Posted on by

Iron Gates or the “Gorge” on the River Danube

danube riverIron Gates refers to a gorge on the River Danube. This wonderful landmark is nestled between Romania in the north and Serbia in the south and marks the location where the Danube divides the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains.

Iron Gates contributes to the part of the boundary between Romania and Serbia. In a comprehensive way, it covers a route of 134 km; while in a restricted way, it covers just the last barrier on the same route, just beyond the Romanian city of Orsova. Orsova is well-known for having two hydroelectric dams, with two power stations, Iron Gate I Hydroelectric Power Station and Iron Gate II Hydroelectric Power Station.

Derdap National Park

The Iron Gates gorge, towards its Romanian side, constitutes the Iron Gates natural park, whereas towards its Serbian part, it constitutes the Đerdap national park. In Serbia, the gorge is popular by the name Đerdap (Ђердап), with the last part named Đerdapska klisura.

Originally, the Iron Gates comprised of four narrow gorges and three wide basins expanded over several miles of the river dividing Romania and Serbia. In order to control the speed of the river and make sailing though this part of the Danube River safer, a huge lock and dam was built in the 1960s. Presently, the river flowing through the Iron Gates is peaceful, and it is 130 feet higher than earlier to the dam and power station.

While cruising in Hungary, as you journey from Budapest to Iron Gates, you will enjoy watching the stunning landscapes and historic towns along the way. As you cruise through the Iron gates of the Danube, you will have an amazing experience of some of the most spectacular scenery that Danube has to offer.

Book your vacation on our Danube River cruise and enjoy watching the wonders of the beautiful Iron Gates gorge from the comforts of our cruise!

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

The Romantic City of Verona

Posted on by

Prosper in Italy in Verona

veronaVerona is one of the most prosperous cities in Northern Italy. Though the city is best known for its romantic ties to Romeo and Juliet, the town has the largest collection of Roman remains and artifacts in northern Italy

Walking Around the Romantic City

The town has many Roman ruins as well as medieval buildings. In additional to the association with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, there are many other attractions to seek: the Castelvecchio, Skaliger Palace, Piazza della Erbe and the Arena, a Roman amphitheater from the 1st century AD. The 2000 years old arena offers summer a summer of Opera’s hosting over 20,000 viewers.

In addition to the Arena, the Piazza Bra also includes the Palazzo Municipale (town hall), a Baroque exhibition hall and many cafes and boutiques; From the piazza, there is a pedestrian zone – Via Mazzini that leads to more cafes, boutiques antique shops and art galleries. You can find many of Verona’s citizens strolling along the Piazza and pedestrian area.

Romeo and Juliet in Verona

In “Letters to Juliet”, we saw the legendary house in Verona with Juliet’s balcony, located on Via Cappello, formally a 13-century tavern. Additionally, the town of Verona has designated a house for Romeo on the Via Arche Scaligeri and Juliet’s tomb in the Romanesque church of San Francesco al Corso, near the Piazza Bra.

Italy Po River Cruises

Verona is a port stop on many Italy Po River Cruises. Excursions will feature a walking tour of Verona or sometimes excursions of Verona are offered from other ports – such as Polesella and Venice.

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

View The Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

Posted on by

museum viennaCulinary Treats from the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna

Kunsthistorisches Museum is one of the most eminent museums in the world. It is also known as the “Museum of Fine Arts.” The rich holdings of the museum include artworks from seven millennia – from Ancient Egypt to the late 18th century. Among all its treasures, the collections from the Renaissance and Baroque art periods are of particular significance. You can’t find a better place to view and understand Vienna art.

The museum was built by Emperor Franz Joseph to house the stupendous Habsburg collections. Around 120 years ago, Emperor Franz Joseph changed Vienna’s cultural landscape forever with the opening of the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna.

View European Art History At Kunsthistorisches Museum

Kunsthistorisches Museum displays numerous major art works from European art history, such as Raphael’s “Madonna in the Meadow”, Vermeer’s “The Allegory of Painting”, the Infanta paintings by Velazquez, masterworks by Rubens, Rembrandt, Dürer, Titian and Tintoretto, which are housed in the paintings gallery. The Egyptian and Near Eastern Collection include captivating treasures from mysterious cultures of a bygone era. While going through this particular collection, you will stand in the shadows of ancient statues and reliefs, mummy-shaped coffins, and massive papyrus-stalk columns. On Ringstrasse, from the home of the museum, you can travel in time and space, from the Bronze Age to the Dark Ages, from Cyprus to Greece, Italy and finally back to Austria.

Kunsthistorisches Museum remains a crowning achievement of 19th century architects Gottfried Semper and Karl Hasenauer. It stands as a great symbol of Austria art and culture.

Enjoy The Museum Amenities

There is a lot to see and do at the museum, as well. It’s devoted to indulging your senses. After an elaborate tour of the fabulous collection, you can take a break at the café in the museum’s amazing Cupola Hall. As you relax in its awe-inspiring architectural setting, the café presents a menu of traditional savory specialties, as well as different varieties of tea and coffee, and popular Viennese pastries.

Thursday evenings are particularly special as visitors can enjoy a gourmet dinner in the elegant setting of the restaurant in Cupola Hall and then take an after-hours tour of the Picture Gallery. Sundays at the museum are equally exciting, when visitors can start with a leisurely brunch and then enjoy a stroll through the incomparable collections.

The Kunstkammer Museum Vienna has the most important collection of art of its kind in the world. After being closed for over 20 tears, this unique collection is now again open to the public since March 1, 2013.

Our Danube River cruise is the right choice for visiting Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna. Call us for more information! Europeanbarging.com 888-869-7907