Category Archives: Arosa

Avignon: Home to the Grandest Medieval Monuments in France

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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.

Avignon's Popes Pa;ace

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.

 

Avignon Sightseeing tram

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

 

 

Cologne Cathedral, a Renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site

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Situated in the vibrant city of Cologne, Germany along the banks of the Rhine River is the Cologne Cathedral, a High Gothic five-aisled basilica that is considered a masterpiece of world architecture. Its immense twin spires soar to 157 meters, making this renowned cathedral visible from many parts of the city.

 

Cologne Cathedral at Night

Construction first began on this iconic church in 1248 in order to house the purported relics of the Biblical Three Kings. However, it was not officially completed until 1880, over 600 years later! Despite this lengthy construction timeline, Cologne Cathedral remains largely unchanged since medieval times and provides visitors with an authentic look into Gothic architecture and design.

In 1996, this magnificent cathedral gained recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional universal value as an outstanding example of Gothic cathedral design.

Key reasons this site earned its prestigious status include:

Architectural History: As the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, the Cologne Cathedral gives profound insights into medieval design practices with features that influenced many other churches in the region.

Religious Importance: The Cathedral has been a renowned pilgrimage destination since the alleged relics of the Three Kings arrived in 1164. To this day, the church remains highly significant to the Catholic faith.

Landmark Status: Its immense size and striking twin towers established the cathedral as a tangible icon of Cologne’s identity, even inspired folklore that attributed magical protection to the city.

 

What to See at the Cologne Cathedral

A tour of the Cologne Cathedral allows visitors to take in elements from over seven centuries of design:

Impressive Exterior: The cathedral’s facade stretches almost 160 meters long and features soaring pointed arches, flying buttresses, and pinnacles. The design epitomizes classic Gothic style.

Elaborate Interior Treasures: Inside, flickering candlelight illuminates the fantastic stained glass, gilded sarcophagi of past archbishops, and glittering choir stalls.

Treasures of the Three Kings: In the famous Shrine of the Three Kings, visitors can glimpse the ornate sarcophagus said to hold the relics that have made this cathedral so significant to religious pilgrims.

Views from the South Tower: After climbing over 500 steps up endless medieval staircases, visitors who brave the South Tower are rewarded with sweeping views over Cologne’s majestic spires and rooftops.

 

Legacy as an Architectural Wonder

As one of Europe’s most acclaimed cathedrals renowned for its size, beauty, and completeness, Cologne Cathedral leaves a lasting imprint. The soaring Gothic towers rising dramatically over the Rhine River skyline serve as testaments to visionary medieval architects who designed one of history’s architectural wonders.

 

A-Rosa Clea out door lounge

A-ROSA Cruises
When booking an A-ROSA Rhine River cruise, the cruises start and end in Cologne, so you have time to explore this great Cathedral.  The pick up and drop off point for the cruise line is the Cologne Train Station, which is next to the Cathedral.  A-ROSA offers 5-night, 7-night and 9-night cruises, offering such itineraries as:

Amsterdam and Rotterdam on the A-ROSA Sena
Holland on the A-ROSA Alea, Clea, and Aqua
Rhine and Mosel Rivers aboard the A-ROSA Alea, Clea, Silva,  and Aqua

 

 

A-ROSA Sena Family CabinOn most cruises, children 15 and under cruise free with at least 1 adult.  During the summer there are several dates that the ships offer a children’s program with activities.  All ships (except Alea and Clea), feature really relaxing spa services with hot tub/jacuzzi and treatment rooms.

From May 1 – May 31st, 2024, if you book one of the Rhine A-Rosa cruises, you will receive a 14% discount.  Rate includes, beverages, all meals, Wi-Fi and 1 excursion on a 7 night cruise or longer.

For more information on the A-ROSA Cruise line, please contact us at  europeanbarginging.com  or 713-240-6753  /  888-869-7907  or jan@europeanbarging.com

Valrhona Chocolate in Tain L’Hermitage

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chocolate-1360809-mValrhona Chocolate – A Chocolate Lovers Dream

“Being the chocoholic that I am, whenever I am in Europe I scope out all I can on chocolate. My first introduction to the really fine Valrhona Chocolate was when I was on a Provence River cruise several years ago and I stopped into a chocolate shop along the Rhone River. I bought a few pieces of several brands. Unbeknownst to me, the Valrhona chocolate company was just across the river. By the time I returned to Paris after the cruise, I was ready to find more. As I have mentioned before, I love dark chocolate and Valrhona has a nice selection. I know most people think the chocolate squares are the true chocolate but I like something with my chocolate – such as chocolate covered almonds, hazelnuts, (and my favorite) dark chocolate covered orange rind and so on.

Enjoy Chocolate and Wine in Train L’Hermitage

As Valrhona has contracts with cocoa bean growers in South America and Africa, they have some really fine quality chocolate. As they are in the Cote du Rhone Wine region of France, they call some of their chocolates Grand Cru. While in Galleries Lafayette, who has a Valrhona Candy department, I was looking for a business gift and found a special wooden box of special limited chocolates – Like great wines, Vintage Single Origin chocolates bear the name and sensory signature of their specific terroir. Highly anticipated by connoisseurs, Valrhonas Vintage Single Origin chocolate bars are produced in limited quantities depending on the crop. This was the perfect gift for a fellow wine and chocolate lover. Again, as Valrhona is in the wine region of France, they have many recommendations for chocolate and wine pairing and even chocolate and beer pairing.

Cruise the Rhone River and Taste Fine Chocolate at Valrhona

While on a barge or river cruise on the Rhone River, A-ROSA river cruises offer a tour and tasting at Valrhona. We also offer several barge and river cruises with chocolate as the theme. Give us a call for more information at 713-240-6753 / 888-869-7907  or email jan@europeanbarging.com  or visit our website:  europeanbarg.com

Traveling on A-ROSA Cruises with children

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Traveling with children is an incredible opportunity to witness their growth and development. Each day brings new experiences, flavors, and adventures that they get to discover for the first time. And the best part? Everyone can embark on this adventure together – from the littlest toddler all the way up to the beloved grandparents! These are moments you’ll cherish forever as unforgettable memories made in each other’s company. So why not plan your next vacation with everyone on board? You won’t regret it!

 

A-ROSA SENA family cabin

A-ROSA SENA family cabin

Kids Club takes place on select departures on family ships, including A-ROSA  AQUA on the Rhine, A-ROSA SENA in Holland and Belgium, and A-ROSA VIVA on the Seine.

ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM:

There are up to 3 club meetings a day, depending on how many children and teens are on board.  Weather can also play a part in outdoor activity options.  Indoor activities can include Design  Creative Studio,  Ship Rally, Face Painting, Theme days, such as Pirate Day, Board Games, Painting and Crafting, Different Exercises, Photo and Movie Activities, and Ship Newspaper.

Children up to 15 years travel free of charge.*

For 2024 cruises, children up to and including 15 years of age travel free of charge when accompanied by at least one (two in Cat. G) supervising adult on Deck 1. From Deck 2 children receive a 30% discount. Furthermore, children up to 7 years of age accompanied by 2 supervising adults can use a sofa bed free of charge on A-ROSA SENA in categories B – D. On A-ROSA ALVA, children accompanied by at least one supervising adult receive a 30% discount. The children’s discount is only valid for the cruise itself. Limited availability

A city break sounds good.  But a city break in multiple cities sounds even better. And this is exactly what you can look forward to when you get on board an A-ROSA ship. The best crêpes in the city?  Shopping streets that will set your heart racing? Or how about that quirky museum you’ve heard so much about?

Everything is literally at the doorstep of your hotel room. Our berths in the major cities of Europe are mostly in the very center of the city. So, arrive at a destination, grab your handbag or backpack, and get going! Take photos, make memories, and experience a new place! Alone or on guided tours. By foot or on an A-ROSA bicycle. Your holiday, your decision.

Some samples of kid-friendly excursions on the A-ROSA SENA include the  Miniature World Madurodam in Rotterdam; the Antwerp Royal Zoo with rides and the Efteling Theme Park.  There are also bike excursions available but arrangements need to be made in advance for a child’s bike or tandem bikes.  Check out our A-ROSA’s video from a child’s point of view.

As your premium hotel moves from city to city, you have everything you would expect from a premium hotel on deck – views of the spectacular landscape, delicious drinks, mini-golf, a spa, and a whole lot of sunshine. Whether you’re in your spacious cabin, at the pool, or in our restaurant. Simply drift along and enjoy your dream holiday, which has just become a reality.

The A-ROSA SENA offers 5 night cruises through Holland and 7 night cruises through Holland and Belgium.  The ship has children’s activities on board but they have special family departures with more activities.  The following dates are for 2024 7 night family cruise itineraries:   March 30; Apr 6; July 13, 20, 27; Aug 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Oct 5, 12, 19, 26; Dec 22, 29, 2024.

Available now, are promotional discounts for the 2023 Fall cruise and 2024  cruises booked by November 30th, 2023.

For information or to check availability, contact us at 888-869-7907 / 713-240-6753 or jan@europeanbarging.com.

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