Tag Archives: short river cruise

EXPERIENCE THE FAMED CHRISTMAS MARKETS OF EUROPE WITH EUROPEANBARGING.COM CHRISTMAS CRUISES

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If you are in the mood for a traditional Christmas, visit the Christmas markets of Europe with Europeanbarging.com’s European Christmas market cruises. These street markets are a holiday tradition that dates back centuries and draw visitors to the continent from all over the world.

Christmas markets are held during the four weeks of Advent, and signal the start of the holiday season. They usually start in the last week of November and last until the third week of December. Some markets, however, may stay open until New Year’s.

The first Christmas markets were held during the Late Middle Ages in what is now Germany. Today, you can find Christmas markets not only all over Europe, but in many other parts of the world as well. They are known by various names, including Christkindlmarkt and Weihnachtsmarkt.

Guests not only can enjoy seasonal food and drinks but also shop for traditional crafts to take home as souvenirs or gifts. There is no better way to experience Europe than by wandering through the various markets, enjoying foods such as roasted chestnuts and warm stollen and sipping hot cups of mulled wine.

These markets also feature open-air entertainment from stages scattered throughout the site. You can enjoy performances ranging from gospel music to modern and traditional Christmas tunes. There may also be rides and other things to do such as skating.

Europeanbarging.com offers several cruise itineraries, which go down the Danube River or the Rhine River. These cruises allow you to visit multiple Christmas markets over the course of the cruise.

Its four-night Rhine South cruise starts in Cologne, Germany, where the biggest Christmas market is held in front of its historic Cathedral. You can also visit the Medieval Christmas Market, which is held on the banks of the Rhine and features jesters, minstrels and other forms of traditional entertainment.

Cologne Christmas Market

The cruise then takes you to other German Christmas markets, including Koblenz, where you can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride; Rudesheim, where the “Christmas Market of the Nations” has 120 stalls from twelve countries; and Fussen. You then proceed to France, where you visit markets in Strasbourg, Colmar and Mulhouse.

The four-night Danube Cruise allows you to visit Passau; Vienna, where there are more than 25 markets all over the city; Budapest, where one of the oldest markets in Hungary is held; and Bratislava.

Although the major itineraries last around seven days, there are shorter ones available. The five-day Rhine and Dutch cruise starts in Strasbourg, continues to Cologne and ends in Amsterdam. The five-day Seine cruise lets you visit Christmas markets all along the Seine, starting in Paris, and then continuing on to Rouen, Caudebec en Caux and Honfleur.

The inclusions for the seven-day itineraries include the cruise, free Internet on board, use of bicycles on the ship and meals with wine provided during dinner. The shorter itineraries include a beverage package.

There are some offers from Amawaterways and Arosa Cruise lines. Amawaterways is offering $1000 off per person on the Dec 18th departure of the Iconic Christmas Markets and $1000 off per person on the Dec 19th departure of the Christmas Markets on the Rhine. Discounted prices start at $2499 for the 7 night cruise, all meals, wine with dinner as well as a 1 hour daily happy hour, free Wi-Fi and all excursions. Discount offer ends Sept 29th 2023.

Arosa has a 4 night Danube Christmas Markets with 20% off departing Nov 29; Dec 3, 7, 11, 14,15, 18 and 19th. On the Rhine River, there is the 5 night Rhine Christmas Markets departing Nov 23, 28; Dec 3, 8, 13 an 18th. The 5 night Rhine Christmas Markets City Experience is offering cruises on the new Arosa Sena, departing Nov 23, 28; Dec 3, 8, 13 and 18th. Both cruises are offering 20% off. Discounted prices start at $578 for 4 nights and $895 for 5 nights. Discount offer ends Aug 29th 2023.

To learn more about the various European Christmas market cruises available, visit https//www.europeanbarging.com/Christmas_market_cruises.htm or contact us at 888-869-7907 or jan@europeanbarging.com

EUROPEANBARGING IS OFFERING 20% OFF FALL 2021 EUROPE RHINE AND MOSEL RIVER CRUISE

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Save 20% on a European Rhine, Neckar, Sarre and Mosel river cruise featuring the ports of Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Rudesheim, Cochem, Trier, Saarburg and Remich, departing Oct 5, 11 (R), and 17, 2021. Rates start at $1300 for a 7 day cruise.

Rate based on double occupancy and includes the cruise, all meals, beverage package of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and Wi-Fi. The excursion package is additional but may be pre booked at a discount or individual excursions can be pre purchased.

“This Four River Cruise visits 4 countries and cruises by historic castles, charming villages and beautiful vineyards. Catch a view of the famous Lorelei as your cruise to Rudesheim; walk among the ruins of the famous Heidelberg Castle, visit the 4h century ruins of Trier – the oldest city in Germany; tour Cochem Castle.” Jan Baumgartner of Europeanbarging

 

Canal of Strasbourg

Strasbourg Canal

You will want to arrive a day early so you can experience the wonderful city of Strasburg with her Cathedral and Alsatian architecture and canals.

DAY 1: Strasbourg
You’ll board our ship at 6 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we’ll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail reception. Our ship will cast off at 7:00 p.m. for Mannheim. Join us for an evening of entertainment.

Heidelberg Castle at Sunset

Heidelberg Castle

DAY 2: Mannheim – Heidelberg -Rudesheim
We’ll arrive in Mannheim early in the morning. This will be our starting point for the optional excursion to Heidelberg. Known as the most romantic city in Germany, it has inspired many painters and poets by its beauty. You will have the opportunity to visit the partially ruined, red sandstone castle that sits majestically above the city, overlooking the Neckar River. Up to the Thirty Years’ War, Heidelberg boasted one of the most notable ensembles of buildings in the Holy Roman Empire. While time has taken its toll, this castle’s fame lives on to this day. The giant wine barrel is one of the most popular attractions. There is also time to explore the historical town of Heidelberg.

The afternoon will be spent cruising along the Neckar and Rhine Rivers towards Rudesheim, where we’ll arrive in the evening. The famous Drosselgasse with its numerous cafes, bars, and music awaits you tonight!

Rudesheim Wine Tavern

DAY 3: Rudesheim – Cochem
This morning, join us for an optional guided tour of Rudesheim.
Featured in the optional guided tour is a tour of the local vineyards on a tourist train. Then, you will participate in a wine tasting in the historic rooms of the Bassenheimer Hof. Then head to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum, located in a lovely, 15th-century building. This museum holds a collection of fascinating musical instruments ranging from tiny, delicate music boxes to an enormous orchestrion. This museum is really worth a visit. This is a cute town with lots of little wine tasting shops and souvenir shops. Several streets behind the main river front street are some streets with great gelato and more shops.

This afternoon, we’ll pass through the beautiful and romantic Rhine Valley. We will arrive in Cochem during the evening. Join us for an evening of entertainment.

DAY 4: Cochem – The Mosel Valley
This morning, Take part in our optional guided tour of Cochem Castle. There is a mini bus to take up to the castle or you can walk up – same for the return. The Imperial Castle sits on a mighty crag over the Mosel River. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of this magnificent building that dates back to 1000. After being destroyed by the French in the 17th century, it was rebuilt from scratch in a Neo-Gothic style by a local German businessman. There is time to explore this cute town.

We’ll spend the afternoon cruising to Trier.

Trier Porta Negra

Porta Negra in Trier

DAY 5: Trier – Saarburg – Remich
Arrive in Trier during the night. This morning, join us for an optional guided tour of Trier. Discover the Roman vestiges and heritage in Trier, the splendid view the city offers of the Mosel, and its magnificent landscape. Trier is known for its well-preserved Roman and medieval buildings, but it is also home to some impressive churches as well. We’ll have a look at the amphitheater, the imperial baths, the Roman basilica, and the Porta Nigra, one of the best-preserved Roman city gates. After our visit, you’ll have some free time to sight see on your own before heading back to the ship in Saarburg.

The afternoon will be spent cruising along the Sarre and the Mosel towards Remich. Join us for an evening of entertainment.

DAY 6: Remich – Luxembourg – Remich
This morning, join us for an optional visit to a winery complete with a tasting. Seven pioneering men of the region recognized the magic of the huge calcareous rock downstream from Remich. They cultivated the first vineyards now infamous for its sparkling wines. In 1919, in the aftermath of World War I, they set up the Caves St. Martin. You’ll discover the secrets to wine making while strolling through the underground passages that seem to go on for miles. After our tour, we’ll go to the historical center of Remich where you can enjoy some free time on your own. Also called the “Pearl of the Mosel,” this charming city is surrounded by an outstanding panorama of vineyards and forests. Take a stroll along the several miles of promenade in the shade of the trees along the Mosel or sit back on a cozy terrace for some more wine.

This afternoon, Join us for an optional guided tour of Luxembourg. Leave from Remich for Luxembourg by coach. Luxembourg is a real mix of styles and cultures. We’ll set out on a guided tour on foot to get a closer look at some of the sites, including the Place des Armes, Place de la Constitution, capital buildings, Corniche, old city, Grand Ducal Palace (exterior), and Place Guillaume II. After our tour, enjoy some free time before returning to the ship in Remich.

After our excursion, we’ll return on board our ship. Tonight is our festive gala evening.

DAY 7: Remich
Buffet breakfast on board. Disembark at 9:00 a.m

River cruises in Europe offers a great opportunity to see so much more of Europe than on your own and with a river cruise, most of your costs are includes – such as food, transportation, accommodations and touring. You travel with others that you can share this wonderful experience with and have staff that can assist in independent exploring if you want to go off on your own.

We have many cruise itineraries to offer on the many rivers of Europe – from 3 night to more than 14 nights. We have promotions throughout the year on various cruises – so check with us for the perfect cruise. 888-869-7907 jan@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

Siegfried’s Music Museum

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Have you ever dreamed of visiting an enchanting land of castles and rolling countryside?  If so, Rudesheim, Germany is the place for you to visit.  It lies along the Rhine River, it’s decorated with an abundance of castles and it is one of the most romantic cities you will visit in Germany.  A Rhine River cruise will take you to this amazing land and where you can indulge in its wonders.

Rudesheim is one of the Rhineland’s best known wine villages and offers many sightseeing attractions to its visitors. This fascinating village is on the route of many Rhine river cruises.

History of Rudesheim

The original name of Rudesheim is Rudesheim am Rhein. It is situated in the Rheingau region at the foot of the Taunus Mountains and is a primary center of the Rhine wine industry. It was first mentioned in 864. The Brömserburg, an early castle of the archbishops of Mainz, was rebuilt as a residence around 1200 and later belonged to the knights of Rudesheim. Now, it is home to amazing historical collections and a wine museum. Half-timber houses, narrow streets, and old inns give the town its medieval look.

What to see in Rudesheim

One of the attractions in this riverside town is Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. This is the first museum collection of automated musical instruments in Germany. You will be mesmerized as you look at this impressive collection.

Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum is housed in Brömserhof, a noble court built in 1542.  It covers an exhibition space of more than 400 square meters and has one of the largest and most beautiful collections of mechanical music boxes. There are around 350 exhibits of mechanical instruments dating back to the 18th to the 20th century – from delicate musical boxes to a huge piano-orchestrion. The museum also collects tools and machines for manufacturing barrel organs, cardboard music, piano rolls and musical box plates.

Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum displays music boxes of the past as well as traditional techniques in making the musical boxes and music rolls.  It’s interesting to learn how these instruments work and how their place in society has evolved.   The museum is located above the river front area of shops and tasting rooms.  Near the museum you will find more shops, tasting rooms and restaurants.

“I had no idea such musical instruments existed in the past – this was my highlight in one of my visits to Rudesheim.  Jan Baumgartner”

The village of Drosselgasse is another sightseeing attraction in Rudesheim. Here you can stroll along the cobble-stone streets and enjoy the village atmosphere. Drosselgasse has a number of taverns and tempting beer gardens. The Rheingau’s famous Rieslings, Sekt and locally distilled brandies are readily available if you are interested to taste them all.  Wine enthusiasts can learn how wine is produced in the Rheingau, can visit the wine museum at the Bromserburg castle.

The mighty slate rock Lorelei in the Romantic Rhine Valley is yet another pride of Rudesheim. This rock rises up almost vertically to 145 yards/132m above the water-level. Downstream the river is squeezed into its narrowest and deepest point 24 yards/22m. So the Middle Rhine at this point used to be very difficult to navigate and the correct passage, today, is clearly marked with buoys.

Even in the 19th century, reefs and rapids made this area extremely dangerous for ships to pass. According to legend, a siren called “Lorelei” bewitched the hearts of the sailors and when they looked up to the rock, their boat crashed and they sank.

Rudesheim is so captivating you shouldn’t pass by without visiting it. It’s location, architecture, and wines make the town a favorite stop along the Rhine for tourists. So get on-board a Rhine River cruise and be prepared to explore this wonderland!

We offer short Rhine River Cruises of 4- 6 nights as well as 7 night and longer cruises along the Rhine River of  Germany.  Cruise lines we work with are AmaWaterways, Arosa Cruises, Croisi Europe and Viva Cruises. For information, please contact us at 888-869-7907  or jan@europeanbarging.com

Explore the Moselle River on a 5 night cruise

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Spring, TX – Europeanbarging has been in the travel business since 1998 specializing in European barge and river cruises. It represents most of the well-known companies in Europe offering simple to luxurious cruises and recommend the most appropriate based on the traveler’s interests.

There are many options for families and groups. This includes a Cologne to Cologne 5-night Rhine and Moselle River Cruise on an Arosa cruise, one of the leading short river cruise companies.

Ships docked on the Moselle River

Enjoy the picturesque scenery while having a Moselle river cruise and have a chance to taste the well-known Moselle wines.  The Moselle valley is the third largest region in Germany for wine production. Guests get to visit famous wine estates in the Moselle area that produce some of the most quality brands in the market.

Guests also get to see one of the great cities in Germany – Cologne. Famous for its Kölner Dom or Cologne Cathedral, seat of the Cologne’s Catholic Archbishop. It is a Gothic church and appointed a UNESCO  World Heritage site. It is believed that it holds the relics of the Three Kings who were mentioned in the Bible.

Other sites in Cologne are Cologne city hall which is the oldest city hall in Germany that is still in use, Malakoff Tower a monument built to be an observatory gateway for navy arsenals, The Great St. Martin’s Church which might have been a sacred temple for the ancient Romans, and the old abbeys that will take guests back in time.

Guests will visit the majestic castles in Cochem one of which is Reichsburg Cochem. King Konrad III once occupied the Reichsburg Cochem, also known as the Imperial Castle of Cochem. It was ruined during the Nine Years’ War. Louis Fréderic Jacques Ravené later bought and reconstructed it. The castle is now owned by the town of Cochem.

Guests can go shopping at the medieval marketplace with houses made of timber frames and visit the St. Michael’s Parish Church in Bernkastel and Keus. A bridge was built to join the once separated places in 1905. Dr. Loosen’s Wine Estate, one of the well-known wine producers is also located here.  If you visit at the end of August, you can look forward to the Bernkastel-Kues Middle Moselle Wine Festival.  From the crowning of a wine queen to a wine tasting evening to a parade and crafts, this is one of the best wine festivals in Germany.

During the tour, guests will be brought to popular sites in Trier, such as the High Cathedral of Trier, the largest roman city gate, Porta Nigra a UNESCO World Heritage site. Trier features 9 of the 35 UNESCO World Heritage sites found in Germany.  Travelers can also experience the Trier traditional wine festival in the Olewig district and enjoy the music, wine, and food.

Another ancient city included in the tour is the city of Koblenz. Guests get to visit the monument of Emperor William I at the Deutsches Eck, also referred to as the German Corner. See Alte Burg or Old Castle, which has a unique history of construction. Guests get to experience the traditional wine festival of Koblenz in the district of Lay.

The itinerary is subject to change and rates may vary depending on the chosen cabin or suite of the guests. Cruise and port taxes are included for regular rates, which start at $1040 per person. Also included on the Arosa cruises, are Wi-Fi,  all meals and a beverage package. Wine, cocktails and long drinks are available throughout the day and evening as well as soft drinks, juices, coffee and tea. Excluded are sightseeing excursions that can be booked on board.

For more information contact Europeanbarging.com at 888-869-7907 or jan@europeanbarging.com