Sharing Our Knowledge of CroisiEurope Barge and River Cruises

Posted on March 4, 2025 by Jan European Barging & River Cruises

We have worked with CroisiEurope for over 22 years and we highly recommend them. CroisiEurope is one of Europe’s oldest river cruise companies and is still family-owned by the Schmitter family. With over 50 passenger-cruising vessels, they are also one of the largest. The cruise line offers French and English language to their international guests.

In Europe, CroisiEurope cruises many rivers and areas that many other cruise lines do not. The cruise line is known for its short river cruises which are particular area intensive. They stop at many ports that the other cruise lines do not.

Some unique itineraries are on the Guadalquiver in Spain, offering 6 and 8-day cruise itineraries; there are 5- day itineraries from Strasbourg, France that include a Swiss train ride or going to one of the high mountain tops in Switzerland, they have the only river cruise on the Loire river – an 80-passenger paddleboat. Another paddleboat is cruising the Elbe River, offering Berlin to Prague itineraries and round-trip Prague. New in 2025, another paddle boat will be cruising the four rivers of Germany: Rhine, Neckar, Mosel, and Saar.

A little more exotic cruise itineraries featuring Northern Europe cruises as far north as Copenhagen on the Oder and Havel, as well as Southern cruises on the Sava and Tisza rivers in Hungary, Serbia and Croatia.

On the Po River, there are cruises from 5-nights to 7-nights with special Carnevale cruises. On the 7-night itineraries, there are dates that offer a pre-land stay in Tuscany or post-stay in Lake Como.

There are many cruise itineraries from 3-nights to 8-nights on the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Rhone, and Holland canals.

In addition to river cruises, CroisiEurope has 6 barge vessels: Anne Marie in Provence, Daniele, Deborah, and Jeanine cruise Burgundy and Champagne France, Madeleine cruising Alsace, and the Raymond cruising Belgium. These cruises are 6-nights in length (some 4-night Christmas Market itineraries), featuring French cuisine, beverages, wi-fi, bikes for cycling the tow paths, and all excursions. Prices start at $3400 per person for double occupancy.

On a CroisiEurope river cruise, the day begins with a continental breakfast buffet, rich and varied: pastries, cereals, coffee, tea, fruit juice, a wide selection of breads, jams, cold meats, eggs, fresh fruits and yogurts.

Lunch and dinner are served at fixed times in one service. They offer a complete menu (starter – main course – dessert) composed by our chefs. They pay homage to French gastronomy and can satisfy the palates of our international clientele. The surprise is always there with finishing touches, and local flavors conducive to a culinary immersion in the visited country of the itinerary.

Produced daily on the spot, using mainly fresh products, they are accompanied by a selection of wines chosen for their quality and their compatibility with the dishes, and are included in the price of the cruise (except wines from the specific wine list).

Some of the ships feature single and triple occupancy cabins. Many of the ships offer French balcony cabins (sliding glass doors).

We have cruised on many of the CroisiEurope vessels and really recommend them for a good value cruise line.

Avignon: Home to the Grandest Medieval Monuments in France

Posted on June 5, 2024 by Jan European Barging & River Cruises

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.

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.

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

Spirit of Chartwell Offering Douro River Cruises

Posted on June 25, 2022 by Jan European Barging & River Cruises

Cruise the Douro River on the Deluxe 30 passenger Spirit of Chartwell. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a small vessel with great service while exploring the splendor of Portugal.

European Barging welcomes groups as well as couples to attend their Douro River cruise. The ship is perfect for small groups and charters. We have 3 dates in 2022 that we are offering a $600 per person discount – July 22, Aug 5th, and Nov 4th, 2022. The rate is $2200 for 7 nights.

This barge cruise sets the standard for service and quality. Guest experience the finest interior furnishings, an impressive amount of space, and a high number of staff members. The elegance that is a part of the Douro River Cruise creates a club-like atmosphere for experienced travelers; an environment where every need is predicted and promptly attended to during the calm passage through the majestic Douro River Valley for every guest to enjoy.

“The inspiration behind the riverboat’s public areas is the Rene Lalique 1929 Pullman car ‘Cote d’Azur’ operated by the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits. The river between Régua and Barca d’ Alva is one of the more scenic parts of the cruise route. As Barca d’Alva is the last Portuguese town before the Spanish border, this section of the cruise is at the greatest distance from Porto. Along the route, the steep hills are covered in grape vines and there are several locks and dams, built to slow down the fast-running river.” Jan Baumgartner

For more information about the wonderful Douro River cruise on the Spirit of Chartwell ship check out Europeans Barging’s video it showcases the Spirit of Chartwell and the Douro River http://youtu.be/lavTjJTlK6Y

Siegfried’s Music Museum

Posted on March 4, 2021 by Jan European Barging & River Cruises

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

Visit Istanbul in 2020 on a Gem’s of the Southeast Danube Cruise

Posted on September 30, 2019 by Jan European Barging & River Cruises

Europeanbarging is pleased to announce, that with the 2020 departures of AmaWaterways Gem’s of the Southeast Europe, clients have the chance to experience Istanbul with a 3 night pre or post cruise land program.

Gems of the Southeast river cruise itinerary covers the lower Danube cruising between Budapest Hungary and Giurgiu Romania and includes 5 countries. In addition to Hungary and Romania, guests will visit Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria on the cruise and Turkey and Austria for pre or post cruise programs

Istanbul, once known as Constantinople is a city rich in cultures and history with much to offer. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited spots of the world, it’s exotic architecture including mosques, colorful basilicas, cathedrals and centuries old ancient bazaars. Istanbul is located on the Bosphorus peninsula and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Istanbul lies at the crossroads between the East and the West, Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city and a city with vibrant mix of cultures

Some of the sites to experience in Istanbul during your land program include:

Visit the great sites including the iconic Blue Mosque and beautiful Hagia Sophia (cathedral-turned-museum) it was the center of the Roman and Byzantine city and is a great place to begin exploring Istanbul. At the Hippodrome, see the Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius (the oldest monument of Constantinople) and the Serpent Column from the Delphi oracle remain, having been in this same location since the 4th century. The four bronze horses that used to be on top of the emperor’s box were looted during the crusades at this ancient chariot-racing arena. They are now on the façade of Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice.

The Old City reminds one of the ancient times of the Roman Empire. The centuries-old city walls stand out. Extending for nearly 14 miles (22 kilometers) and stretching from the Sea of Marmara to the Golden Horn, these walls have stood for centuries. They were demolished twice in their history: first, by the Latin Crusaders who intended to head toward the Holy Land in 1204 and again in 1453 by the Ottoman Turks in their attempts to conquer the city.

The Valens Aqueduct (located within the old walls), was once part of the Roman aqueduct. It was the single longest ancient aqueduct system ever to be built – nearly 270,000 square feet (250,000 meters). Completed by Roman Emperor Valens in the late 4th century AD, it was used by the Byzantines and later the Ottomans, and was operational until the end of the 19th century.

Topkapi Palace, dating back to the 15th century, is rich in the history of the Ottoman Empire. Overlooking the ocean, from it’s hillside location, its 27 towers and three miles of stone wall were at one time an official royal residence of the Ottoman sultans and the seat of the Turkish government. It is a museum now and considered the largest and oldest palace in the world. Inside, take a look at the harem’s quarters, and the seat of government. Some of the artifacts inside the museum include: collection of old weapons used by the sultans, palace kitchens with their huge porcelain collections, and the treasury with its collection of jewels and clocks, including the Topkapi Dagger and the stunning 86 carat Spoonmaker’s diamond.

With the 3 night land program in Istanbul, guests will embark on a walking tour that will visit the Hagia Sophia, formerly a church, then a mosque before becoming a museum; the Blue Mosque and for those interested a guide will take you to the Grand Bazaar. The second day spend at the spectacular Ottoman Sultans’ Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every Sultan from the 15 – 19th centuries.

Cruise departures start in March and conclude in November. March 22, November 1 and 8 are also Wine Themed itineraries. Cruise rates start at $2899 per person and include the 7 night cruise, all meals, wine with meals, daily happy hour, multi choice excursions and Wi-Fi.

Experience Istanbul in all its splendor as part of your pre- or post-cruise hotel/land extension on 2020 Gems of the Southeast cruises!

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

European Barging Blog

Barge and River Cruises in Europe

Tag Archives: Wine Region