Burgundy Wine Cruise hosted by Texas Winery – Messina Hof

Europeanbarging, a Texas-based company offering barge and river cruises, today announced a SPECIAL DISCOUNT of $750 per cabin on a Wine Cruise for its clients, slated for Spring, starting from March 20 – 27, 2025. Book by March 31, 2024 and Discounted rates start at $3280 per person, including port tax.

 

The wine cruise is scheduled on the AMACello ship and will be the 8th wine cruise hosted by the owners of Messina Hof Winery – Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo, 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 many wine-themed excursions, there are multiple included excursions offered in each port, including hiking and cycling tours.  Excursions feature Gentle, regular, active, and late-riser tour options.

YOUR JOURNEY ALONG THE SAÔNE RIVER

Experience the viticultural pleasures of the Burgundy region on this river cruise curated for new and experienced wine enthusiasts alike. Indulge in wine tastings set against the backdrop of picturesque destinations. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes of graceful vineyards and storied landmarks along the Saône River. Delve into the techniques that shape the renowned wines of this region, gaining insight into traditional processes that have stood the test of time. Hosted by a dedicated wine expert, this journey is a must for anyone interested in the best of Burgundy’s wines.  Cruise ports include:  starting in Dijon, Seurre, Beaune, Chalon-sur-Saône, Tournus, Brancion, Mâcon, and ending in Lyon.

Messina Hof is the most awarded and renowned Texas wine in national and international competitions. In a community steeped in tradition, Messina Hof Winery & Resort holds its own with a 200-year history of award-winning wines. Although the winery itself was officially established with the first vintage release in 1983, the rich wine heritage of Winemaker Paul Bonarrigo dates back six generations to Messina, Sicily. Merrill Bonarrigo’s family originates from Hof, Germany. Together they have pioneered the Texas wine industry in creating premium wines of distinction and a landmark wine country destination.

The cruise rate includes all sightseeing, meals, wine with dinner, a daily happy hour before dinner, free internet, and the use of bicycles on board.  There is an optional pre-cruise land program in Paris France ($1485 per person), and a post-cruise land program in Geneva Switzerland ($1530 per person).  The special $750 per person discount offer ends March 30, 2024. Port tax is an additional $231 per person. A deposit of $400 per person is due with booking, balance is due 90 days before departure. Payment plans are available.

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 privilege of being inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious culinary organizations and Tables et Auberges, leading the way in the cruise industry as one of the most innovative food and wine experiences both on-board and on-shore.

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

 

Danube Wine Cruise hosted by Texas Winery – Messina Hof

Europeanbarging, a Texas-based company offering barge and river cruises, today announced a SPECIAL DISCOUNT of $2000 per cabin on a Wine Cruise for its clients, slated for Spring, starting from March 18 – 25, 2024. Discounted rates start at $1999 per person.

The wine cruise is scheduled on the AMAVerde ship and will be the 6th wine cruise hosted by the owners of Messina Hof Winery – Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo, 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 many wine-themed excursions, there are multiple included excursions offered in each port, including hiking and cycling tours.  Excursions feature Gentle, regular, active, and late-riser tour options.

Touch history and learn about winemaking traditions while sailing along the lower Danube River through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Ilok. Visit local wineries in the Calafat wine region, and in Szekszárd, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary. With a wine expert to guide you, indulge in wine tastings and a specially curated food and wine pairing dinner on board.

 

Messina Hof is the most awarded and renowned Texas wine in national and international competitions. In a community steeped in tradition, Messina Hof Winery & Resort holds its own with a 200-year history of award-winning wines. Although the winery itself was officially established with the first vintage release in 1983, the rich wine heritage of Winemaker Paul Bonarrigo dates back six generations to Messina, Sicily. Merrill Bonarrigo’s family originates from Hof, Germany. Together they have pioneered the Texas wine industry in creating premium wines of distinction and a landmark wine country destination.

The cruise rate includes all sightseeing, meals, wine with dinner, a daily happy hour before dinner, free internet, and the use of bicycles on board.  There is an optional pre-cruise land program in Vienna, Austria, and a post-cruise land program in Romania or Istanbul.  The special $1000 per person discount offer ends September 30, 2023. Port tax is an additional $220 per person. A deposit of $400 per person is due with booking, balance is due 90 days before departure. Payment plans are available.

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’s most prestigious culinary organizations and Tables et Auberges, leading the way in the cruise industry as one of the most innovative food and wine experiences both on-board and on-shore.

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

Spirit of Chartwell Offering Douro 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.

Spirit of Chartwell

Queen Elizabeth II aboard the Chartwell during her Jubilee – before the barge moved to the Douro

 

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.

 

Spirit of Chartwell twin cabin

“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

Contact us at 888-869-7907  or jan@europeanbarging.com

Danube Wine Cruise hosted by Texas Winery – Barons Creek

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.

Getting Your Fill of San Sebastián, Spain

It’s a smorgasbord of sights, sounds, and tastes that you can feast on in San Sebastián, Spain. An interesting mix of activities can be enjoyed by tourists in this Spanish town known for its beaches, cultural events, local cuisine, and architectural landmarks. It’s a treat to stay here for a short vacation or for a few days right before a cruise.

San Sebastián, also known as the Basque city of Donostia, stretches 20 kilometers from the border of France through the coastal area of Bay of Biscay. The donostiarra population goes up to about half a million, with thousands more adding as tourists arrive. With everything that it offers for people of all ages, it is no wonder that this town is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Spain.

To satisfy you palate, local cuisine can be enjoyed in the many eateries in town. San Sebastián, Spain is also known for its Michelin-star restaurants, so don’t forget to make room in your budget and schedule for a meal or two in these dining places. At night, have a unique gastronomical experience at a Basque cider house and enjoy tapas and drinks in local pintxos bars.

Known as the ‘City by the Bay of Biscay,’ a trip to San Sebastián will not be complete without spending time lazing on the sand and basking under the warm sun. Try the La Concha Beach. It is touted as one of Europe’s most beautiful urban beaches. It lies on the edges of a shell-shaped bay, with its sands stretching one thousand three hundred fifty meters. Here, you can enjoy a host of activities like sea kayaking and swimming. Or, you can choose to simply relax, lounge around, and sunbathe.

For a bit of local flavor, a visit to the Mercado de la Brexta is a must. This is a fresh market with an assortment of bright colors as well as the sounds and smells that stimulate the senses. This market, conveniently located at a shopping center’s basement, is were many of Spain’s best chefs buy their ingredients. If you are looking for local treats that you can bring back to your home country, check out their oil and wine, olives, and Iberian ham.

Good-Shepherd-Cathedral-of-San-Sebastian

You also have to see the San Sebastián Cathedral right off Old Town’s southern area. Built in neo-Gothic architecture, this monumental cathedral boasts of richly colored stained glass windows that let ample light in and create an ambiance of reverence and solemnity.

When you’ve had your fill of San Sebastián, there’s more in store for you just an hour away in Bilbao, Spain. Travel through historic Guernica, be amazed at the works of art at the Guggenheim Museum, sample Bilbao’s brand of pintxos, and have a romantic stroll through the historic streets of Old Town.

With a little more time in your hands, it would be ideal to visit San Sebastián, Spain along with other destinations as Bilbao in cruise that takes you from one town to another. You can have a fixed itinerary for your cruise, yet have the freedom to explore each town at your own pace and doing the things that interest you most.

AmaWaterways offers a 7 night Taste of Bordeaux, which features a pre cruise land program with 2 nights in San Sebastian as well as 2 nights in Bilbao. The land program highlights will feature a tour of the town of Blboa and visit to the Guggenheim Museum. After your morning Guggenheim Museum visit, you will continue to Guernica, known throughout the world due to the painting by Pablo Picasso that bears the same name. Two of the most important political symbols of the Basque Country can be found in Guernica – the Biscayan Assembly House and the Guernica Tree. Afterwards arrive in San Sebastian where your stay will feature a visit of the great architecture of the town, including stops at spectacular Good Shepherd of San Sebastián Cathedral and breathtaking Mount Igueldo, as well as the Basilica of St. Mary of the Chorus and the Gothic St. Vincent’s Church, the oldest church in the city.

AmaWaterways offers several wine themed departures during the year and regular cruises on some other dates. Rates start at $3199 per person for a lower deck cabin with window and $4098 for a cabin featuring a French Balcony. Rates include: all sightseeing, meals, wine with dinner, daily happy hour before dinner, free internet and use of bicycles on board. Contact Europeanbarging for information on either the wine themed Bordeaux cruise or the Taste of Bordeaux cruise itinerary at 888-869-7907 jan@europeanbarging.com