Category Archives: European Barging & River Cruises

Lisbon

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Lisbon – A European River Cruise Destination

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a city of hills with up and down geography that lends a great attraction to it. As Europe’s westernmost capital, Lisbon lies on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and the Tagus River. This city is Portugal’s cultural hub with so many attractions associated with it. The city is a wonderful combination of must-see museums, castles and cathedrals. Its charming neighborhoods feature houses decorated with colorful tiled facades, sidewalk cafes along pedestrian thoroughfares and enchantingly original boutiques. The sidewalks are usually paved with black and white volcanic stones in patterns specific to this city.

Lisbon fascinates you with its easy-going charm reflected in its old-fashioned, non- commercial and relaxed atmosphere. One of the oldest cities in the world, Lisbon is rich in Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Modern and Post-Modern constructions. Lisbon has experienced a renaissance in recent years, with a contemporary culture that is alive and thriving and making its mark in today’s Europe. Lisbon is one of the rare Western European cities that face the ocean and uses water as an element that defines the city.

Many cruise ships dock at several places along the river on the Lisbon side, with variably good access to public transport throughout the city. Many lines offer shuttles to key points nearby. You can get aboard some Europe river cruise such as Porto cruise or Douro River cruise to visit Lisbon. It’s an excellent sightseeing opportunity crossing the river Tagus to Lisbon.

Lisbon is more affordable than many of the other capital cities of Europe when it comes to prices of meals, wine and entrance fees to the main attractions. If you like fish and shellfish, Lisbon is the right city. There are so many pastry shops, usually with lovely storefronts, providing sit-down respite for coffee, tea and something sweet.

With so many attractions held within it, the city is a destination you shouldn’t miss.  Lisbon is also known as the white city due to its unique light. The clear light and the kind climate allow for marvelous walks all over the city. The city possesses a beauty that extends beyond its famous monuments that can be felt in the streets, embraced by all the senses!

The Landscape of Scotland

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Tartan plaid, Whiskey, Castle Ruins and Heather:  All on our Scottish Barge Cruise

For centuries, Scots and many thousands of young lovers, writers, painters and travelers have recognized and relished the beauty, magic, mystery and the special tranquility of the Scottish landscape which can be summed up in the word “romantic”. The romance of Scotland is endless and more you explore this country, more you fall in love with it.

Scots are famously proud of their amazing history and rich culture. The stereotypical Scot wearing a kilt with tartan patterns, playing bagpipes and eating haggis is not as widespread as visitors might hope, but if you know where to look you won’t be disappointed.

Tartan is particularly associated with Scotland. It is a pattern consisting of crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors. Scottish kilts usually have tartan patterns. Tartan is one of the patterns known as plaid in North America, but in Scotland, a plaid is a tartan cloth slung over the shoulder or a blanket.  Several years ago kilts came back into fashion and young men started wearing them again. They’re very popular at rugby matches, especially the international matches at Murrayfield.

If you want to indulge in the romance of Scotland, get onboard our eight passenger Scottish Highlander which has the atmosphere of a Scottish Country House with subtle use of tartan furnishings and landscape paintings. This Scottish barge cruise is spacious and has every comfort needed for year round cruising. She is also equipped with eight bikes and your tour guide will be happy to recommend the best routes to explore.

Cruise the length of the Great Glen on the ‘Scottish Highlander,’ through lochs and down the scenic Caledonian Canal. This is inland cruising at its finest, with ancient castles and heather-clad hillsides along the way. Pass stunning highland countryside and visit battlegrounds of the Jacobite Rebellion; then stop at Glen Nevis distillery, where you learn whiskey-making secrets and enjoy a dram or two.

The Caledonian Canal links the west of Scotland to the East, and makes it possible to navigate right through Scotland’s Great Glen, between William and Inverness Fort. It is scenically spectacular along its whole length, surrounded as it is by Scotland’s highest mountains and most beautiful scenery.

The cruise highlights are Cawdor Castle, home of Shakespere’s Macbeth, Culloden Moor, the last British based battleground in 1746, Cruise Lochs’ Ness, Oich, Lochy and the Caledonian Canal, spectacular scenery, Wildlife and Folklore. You also get the chance to visit Glencoe, treachery between the Campbell and MacDonald clans as well as to see Eilean Donan and Urquhart castles.

The tour of the Ben Nevis Whisky distillery is so exciting; you will get an insight into the secrets of the various stages of whiskey preparation and taste a wee dram or two.

The Scottish Highlander, with some variations in the stops discussed above, offers cycling and golf cruises as well.

Scottish Highlander cycling cruise

Aboard your bike barge cruise, your ride begins from Culloden to Inverness where you take views over Moray Firth. You come across General Wade’s military road on the east shore of Loch Ness, the village of Dores, Urquhart Bay and the ruins of Urquhart Castle. At Foyers, you stop to enjoy the spectacular Falls of Foyers. Fort Augustus is also on your cycling route and you enjoy watching the lovely village. On your way from Fort Augustus to Invergarry, you come across mighty Ben Nevis, Scotland’s highest mountain. You also get the chance to join part of the Great Glen Cycle Route. The cruise takes you to Gairlochy. You get a chance for more cycling along the towpath to Banavie, then back to your barge for dinner.

Scottish Highlander golf cruise– From Dochgarroch, your golf barge cruise arranges for a visit to Royal Dornoch Golf Course for a round on the Championship Golf Course. Designed by Tom Morris, Royal Dornoch is one of Scotland’s famous links courses.  Dornoch dates back to 1616 and is internationally acclaimed. Back to barge, you cruise to Fort Augustus. Nairn Golf Club- a one hour drive – is your next golf destination where you play on the Championship Golf Course. Nairn’s reputation is well founded, hosting many professional and amateur events. You also get the chance to have a round of golf at nearby Fort Augustus Golf Course; probably the only course in the world kept manicured by a herd of sheep!  Later on, you cruise to Banavie and Neptune’s Staircase of locks. You are taken to Newtonmore Golf course. Newtonmore, established 1893, is a comparatively flat, easy-walking, parkland course full of exciting and invigorating challenges.  After your round on Newtomore, you return to your barge for a farewell dinner.

We offer golf cruise vacations in Scotland, Ireland, Germany and France.

Strasbourg

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Strasbourg – A Starting Point for Short River Cruises

After the excitement of the holidays have settled down, start planning your get away with  our marvelous Rhine River cruise!  One of Europe’s major rivers, the Rhine flows through Switzerland, Germany, France and Holland. The area around the river – Rhineland – has a natural beauty that is simply stunning.  Picturesque mountain ranges, enchanting forests, mysterious castles and traditional vineyards provide a wonderful backdrop to a river cruise.

Strasbourg is one of the various beautiful destinations on Rhine River. The city is a starting point for various short river cruises such as Strasbourg to Koblenz etc. The port of Strasbourg is the second largest on the Rhine River.

Situated in the north-east of France, Strasbourg is the ultimate European city. It is a great metropolis and very cosmopolitan. Strasbourg is located on the border of France and Germany and absorbs the flavor of both the countries.  A unique thing about the city is that residents have mixed feelings of being French or German and they often agree that they are not totally either French or German, but a mix of both. As you visit this city, you too will be amused to see that the signs are in both languages and find it hard to decide which country you are visiting- France or Germany!

The intellectual and cultural capital of Alsace, and the official seat of the European Parliament, Strasbourg is famous throughout the world for its sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its renowned astronomical clock and nearby one of the finest collections of museums anywhere in France. The medieval cityscape of Rhineland with black and white timber-framed buildings is truly captivating.

Strasbourg also has the distinction of being famous for its beautiful historical Centre – the Grande Île – which was the first city center to be classified entirely as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.  And not only this, the place is the best area in France when it comes to delicious cuisine as the dishes here have a boldness that originates from its German roots. You’ll find there is always attention to quality and detail that is the essence of the French food. Visitors will also have a wonderful time shopping here.  There is a wide range of markets and great shopping venues such as the new shopping Centre Rivetoile at Place d’.Etoile that was opened at the end of 2008.

Being so unique, beautiful and amazing, Strasbourg is a must visit destination. Your trip to Strasbourg will be an experience for a lifetime!

Louvre Museum

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A destination in France that should not be missed

The Louvre, the world’s most famous museum, was originally a royal palace. The greatness and popularity of this museum can be easily understood from the fact that it is the most visited museum in the world. So, no doubt, it is a must see destination for anyone who visits Paris and particularly for those interested in art and history. A visit to the Louvre after a French barge cruise is a great way to see famous artist’s renderings of some of the sites you have seen on your while on your cruise.   So, get on board a Paris river cruise and discover the wonders of artistic expression both inside and out.

Though the Louvre Museum is house to countless number of works, the most celebrated ones include the Mona Lisa and the Venus of Milo. One of the finest art galleries in the world, the Louvre takes pride in a collection of over one million classic and modern masterpieces. However, about 35 000 are on display, spread out over three wings of the former palace. The works include Near Eastern Antiquities, Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, Islamic Art, Sculptures, Decorative Arts, Paintings, Prints and Drawings. This is a jewel in the crown of French culture and a grand celebration of European history and civilization.

Some of the greatest works of art in the museum are the Venus of Milo, the Nike of Samothrake, the Dying Slave by Michelangelo and of course Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.

The Louvre Museum put up its first exhibition of works in the 16th century as the private collection of King Francis I. He purchased some of the works of art, one of which was the now famous Mona Lisa painting.

You enter the museum through the Louvre Pyramid or via the Carrousel du Louvre, thereon you have access to three large wings: Sully, Richelieu and Denon. As you walk through the museum, you feel as if you are walking through the history of France and into the minds of kings and revolutionaries. The major contribution towards making this museum what it is today is attributed to the reigns of Louis XIII and Louis XIV. During their reigns, there was major expansion and a linking of the palaces and halls.

The iconic pyramid building of the Louvre Museum is surrounded by Carrousel gardens. These gardens are enchanting and are a fascinating area in France to relevant to discuss Paris art and reflect on the wonders of the great Louvre Museum!

 

AMA Douro Wine Themed River Cruises

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Europe has an extensive wine region, very scenic and captivating. The travel enthusiasts have always felt the allure to visit this beautiful and exciting region. AMA Waterways is well aware of people’s fascination with the wine region and has made wine trips an essential part of its cruises ever since the company was founded in 2002.

AMA Waterways offers special wine cruises as “In Celebration of Wine” cruises” which have been quite popular for some time. The latest wine cruise series offered by AMA is more extensive than ever with new excursions like Portugal’s Douro river cruise and the Seine River in France. And, the cruises that have already been established will remain as before.

The Douro River is one of the most renowned wine rivers in Europe comparable with the Rhine, the Loire and the Mosel. The river begins in Spain where it is known as “Duero”, and the Ribera del Duero wine region stretches along its banks and for over 200 kilometers into Portugal where is exits out into the Atlantic Ocean from the city of Oporto. The most beautiful part of the Douro is the Portuguese stretch between Mesão Frio and Pinhão, where you have an awesome view of vineyards clinging to the steep terraces on either side of the river.

Wine lovers will have a great time aboard our luxurious Douro river cruise and can immerse themselves in the wine culture and traditions of one of Europe’s top grape-growing regions.   Cruise through one of the wildest and unexplored regions of Europe, filled with vineyards, dramatic gorges and steeply terraced hillsides. Visit the small town of Pinhão, a Mecca for wine lovers; then travel on to the beautiful region of Tras-os-Montes and the village of Bitetos with its 11th-century monastery.

On our deluxe wine cruise, you will also have insightful and entertaining lectures and discussions with renowned wine experts. You will have a wonderful time enjoying inspired wine and food pairings featuring unique regional dishes and carefully selected local wines. Sit back and savor your favorite vintage of the moment on your wine cruise as you gaze out at the picturesque wine villages of Portugal!