Category Archives: European Barging & River Cruises

Sens, The Cathedral town

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This historical town of Sens, is located at the French Compte region of France on the Yonne River. Its name was derived from one of the Celtic tribes, the Senones.

Sens houses one of the biggest Gothic cathedrals and one of the first to be built in France, the Cathedral of St. Etienne. This cathedral was the basis of other gothic churches and cathedrals around France; it is a marvel on its own. It is where Louis IX of France married Marguerite of Provence. It is popular for the magnificent stained-glass windows made in the 13th to 19th century.

The local government installed a light show in its façade and it is enjoyed by the tourists and locals every night. You can see the show while you’re on a French barge cruise like the La Nouvelle Etoile that offers a wine cruise.

Beside the famed cathedral, is the Palais Synodal, or the Archbishop’s palace, which was turned into a museum for ancient ornaments and relics from the time it was still the house of the Archbishops of France. The Palace also has a collection of archaeological finds and art. If you’re shopping for souvenirs, the Grande Rue is a bustling go-to shopping scene here in Sens located at the center of the town.

You can also visit the marketplace across the Cathedral for fresh produce. If you’re feeling hungry, you can head on to Place de la République where stalls sell cheese and wine and other traditional French food.

 

There are also various parks for an afternoon of reading a book or just admiring the nature. One of the famous parks in this town is is Parc du Moulin à Tan, a vast expanse of greenery, with greenhouses and some farm animals.

Sens will give you a hint of the vibrant history of France with its scenic infrastructures, myriad of traditional French cuisine and overflowing wine.

The La Nouvelle Etoile, offers 6 night cruises in Holland during Tulip season, France along the canals in Alsace Lorraine, Chablis and Champagne regions and Germany in the fall along the Mosel River. This ultra deluxe barge has 4 suites, an elevator and a mini van that is equipped to carry a wheelchair. All meals, wines of the regions and excursions are included in the rates, which begin at $8450 per person.  For more information contact jan@europeanbarging.com  or 888-869-7907

Europeanbarging Offers Discount River Cruises

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Europeanbarging, in cooperation with AmaWaterways, recently announced its newest promo that gives travelers the chance to save $1000 when ordering one of the company’s 2018 or 2019 Holiday River Cruise Specials. Moreover up to $50 ship board credit is also given per person, the company stated.
To receive the discount and other perks, customers must book on or before August 30, 2018. For convenience, the company also has several cruise payment plans for customers to choose from, as well as specially priced airfare.

About the Company
Europeanbarging is a company that specializes in European barge and river cruise products. Some of these include luxury river cruises, small ship cruises, and even casual bike cruises.

2018 and 2019 Holiday River Cruise Options
Europeanbarging has given several selections for its Affordable River Cruises in order to satisfy every traveler’s cruise demands. Each cruise has different itinerary, departure dates, as well as rates.

One river cruise option for travelers is the Iconic Christmas Market Cruise. The journey follows the beautiful Danube River, spending seven nights onboard from Budapest to Nuremberg, in addition to a total of three nights land tour in Prague and two nights in Budapest. Some of the most noteworthy stops in this tour are the St. Stephen’s Basilica, Mirbach Palace, and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, where the largest cathedral organ is located.

Another cruise choice is the Rhine River Cruise which spends seven nights in a trip from Amsterdam to Basel, as well as a tour of Switzerland for four nights. The tour begins in the scenic canal of Amsterdam where the house of Anne Frank is located. It then proceeds to several towns of Germany, France, and Switzerland. Some of the iconic sites to see in this cruise are the Cathedral Square in Germany, the Swiss Lion Monument, and the “La Petite France” neighborhood.

And for those who want to celebrate the Holiday season traveling, Europeanbarging also announced its Christmas on the Rhine Tour. The different departure dates for this cruise are set from November 26 to December 24, 2018. The journey includes seven nights cruising between Amsterdam and Basel, then an additional four nights of land tour in Switzerland. Aside from the different sceneries to be seen in the journey, the cruise also highlights its stops in different Christmas markets. Some of these include the Christmas market in Rudesheim, which boasts a collection of over 120 stalls from 12 countries, and the largest Christmas market in Europe, which is located in Zurich.
2018 Cruise Fare

Europeanbarging has released a list for its upcoming 2019 cruises. The rates depend on the type of cruise selected, the choice of room, and departure dates. Generally, the company stated that standard fares for cruise can go as low as $2499 for March departures.

For more information, visit their website at www.europeanbarging.com or to book a cruise contact: Jan@europeanbarging.com or call 888-869-7907

Viviers: Enjoying Medieval France in the Modern Day

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Nestled on the right bank of the Rhone River in the South of France, Viviers is a lovely city that is known for its fascinating historical landmarks, stunning lavender fields, and friendly folk that will always greet you with a smile. Because of all these, it is well worth a visit.

It is not very difficult to reach this city. It is a stop in many European River Cruises, especially on a Rhone River Cruise offered by the Arosa Stella. When you catch glimpse of narrow cobblestone streets, a labyrinth of stone houses, and a few looming structures, you’ll know that you’ve arrived.

Sights to See in Viviers

Much like Lyon, old cathedrals that date back to the medieval period are plentiful in Viviers. In fact, they are one of the main reasons why many love to visit the place. These aged structures showcase the impressive architecture of the medieval French and, more importantly, continues to tell the story about their struggles and triumphs in the past from the dark ages to the Renaissance.

Some of the most remarkable cathedrals include the grand Saint-Vincent Cathedral, Saint-Michael Tower, Saint-Ostian Chapel, and the ruins of the Saint-Martin Tower. It is with no argument that these cathedrals are stunning from the outside, but they are just as beautiful inside. Enter and you will definitely admire the elaborately carved grottos and sophisticated interiors.

The House of Knights, Hotel de Lestrade mansion, and the Place de Chateauvieux are a few other estates you should not miss.

A guided tour – on foot – is best when in Viviers. It allows you to experience the city at its finest and learn about its unique history, which mainly involves wealthy bishops and their lavish lifestyles.

Now, imagine walking through narrow tree-lined streets while taking in scenic views and enjoying fresh lavender scented air from expansive fields that surround the old city. What a refreshing way to spend a day.

The Arosa Stella includes a stop at Viviers on their 5 night and 7 night cruises. For more information contact Europeanbarging.com 888-869-7907

If Wurzburg is a stop on your Main Danube River Cruise, you have many architectural delights awaiting you

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Located on both banks of the Main River, Wurzburg is a town in the region of Lower Franconia in northern Bavaria, Germany. The town serves as the capital of the administrative district of Lower Franconia. Spoken in the region is the Franconian dialect.

Würzburg is celebrated for its beautiful art scene and abundance of wines and wineries. In contrast with the old-fashioned cobbled streets and striking baroque architectures, it also boasts a hip and lively nightlife.

However, before it became the city it is now, Würzburg used to be a Franconian duchy until 686, when it was Christianized by three Irish missionaries named Kilian, Kolonat, and Totnan.

Their mission, although successful, ended up killing them. They all eventually became saints. Saint Kilian at one point appeared on the city seal for 300 years, and the Würzburg Cathedral was also dedicated to him.

The Würzburg Residence, the city’s crowning glory
For centuries, the prince-bishops seated in the diocese of Würzburg commanded much wealth and power. Under their reign, the city grew in luxuriousness, best exemplified by a vast compound in the city’s center.

Two prince-shops commissioned the construction of the grandiose palace compound, known as the Würzburg Residence or Residence in 1720. With funding from the von Schönborn brothers, Johann Philipp Franz and Friedrich Carl, the construction was supervised by many people including Baroque architects Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt and Maximilian von Welsch. The principal architect was Balthasar Neumann. It was also Neumann who created the palace’s Baroque grand staircase.

The vast frescoes adorning the interior of the building were painted by two Venetian painters, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and his son Domenico, who served as his assistant. In fact, the palace’s immense ceiling fresco is widely considered to be the largest in the world.

The Würzburg Residence was completed in 1744, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the finest Baroque structures in Europe.
Although the palace, along with 90% of the city center, was destroyed by British bombers during an air raid in World War II, an ambitious rebuilding project spanning 20 years since, restored the city’s landscape and structures.

“While in port, during our AmaWaterways cruise, we really enjoyed the
Residence as well as the beautiful gardens in the back and the rose
garden to the side. Be sure and take a look if you have the time”
– Jan Baumgartner, Partner, Europeanbarging.com

Würzburg’s majestic Baroque and Romanesque churches
Like the Residence, all the city’s churches were demolished during the war, but fortunately they were all restored as well.

Among these churches is the Käppele, a chapel built in 1748 in late Baroque style. It used to be a small altar until Balthasar Neumann made plans to expand it into the chapel it is today. Its full name is Wallfahrtskirche Mariä Heimsuchung, or the Visitation of Mary, and serves to this day as a pilgrimage church.

Another church to visit is the Würzburg Cathedral which serves as the diocese of Würzburg’s seat. This Cathedral was dedicated to Saint Kilian and has served as the resting place for Würzburg’s prince-bishops for centuries. It is one of the largest Baroque-Romanesque church buildings in Germany and is considered a masterpiece of German architecture from the Frankish dynasty.

Many more churches, monuments, and works of art grace the streets and landscapes of Würzburg, making it one of the most scenic cities in Germany, due in part to its rich and grand history. Its old-fashioned charm mixed with the luxury of its past have branded this town as an undisputed must-visit.

To visit Wurzburg from a river cruise, we offer the Medieval Treasures, Europe’s Rivers and Castles, and Magnificent Europe itineraries on Amawaterways. For more information contact Europeanbarging.com 888-869-7907

Cruising the Canal du Midi on the 6 Passenger Roi Soleil

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Converted to a  hotel barge in 1999, the Roi Solei is a deluxe six passenger barge cruising the Canal du Midi in Southern France.

The Roi Soleil  offers cruises in the Canal du Midi area in France, some of the highlights include: Medieval Carcassonne, a fortified Medieval fortress with a walled city and preserved ramparts, Narbonne (Roman capital), historic Cathar hilltop towns, as well as the experience of cruising on the man made Canal du midi – finished 350 years ago, and featuring 91 working locks.  Cruise through the magnificent vistas vineyards as far as the eye can see to the snow capped Pyrenees.

The Roi Soleil also offers special wine charter themed cruises.  With their contacts the owners can help you find some special vintages, they can offer daily wine tasting or even comparison tasting with other wine regions – at additional cost.

Family cruise charters are another specialty of the Roi Soleil.   Excursions can include cycling (bike and helmet sizes can be arranged in advance for children), horse back riding, 4 wheel riding, hot air balloon swimming at the beach, in the river or on the barge.  Excursions can be arranged for the children at the same time as the adults are out on excursions.

With a large saloon on the upper deck, with a fireplace, bar and elegant dining area, the barge has an open feel with many windows and skylights. The barge has two sundecks with a retractable canopy and a jacuzzi tub at one end.  The cabins can be configured for queen or twin, and ensuite bathroom with large showers, lave stone floors, and heated towel racks.  There is limited Wi-Fi depending on reception.

For excursions there is an air-conditioned eurovan with seating for 8, and there are six Giant Boulder Breeze Hybrid bikes and six helmets.

Continental breakfast includes fresh breads, pastries, cereals, fresh fruits, yogurt, freshly brewed coffee and tea.

  • Atypical lunch might consist of: Smoked duck and granny smith apple salad with fresh raspberry dressing,  braised quail served on creamy porcini mushroom risotto, and lemon soufflé.
  • A typical dinner might consist of: home made foie gras au torchon with pear and date, Charollais beef fillet on braised beetroot and fresh asparagus with chunky basil pesto and plum, apple chutney. Chilled blackberry & vanilla soup with caramel & balsamic ice cream on a chocolate truffle with pistachio spun sugar, followed by coffee, tea or liqueurs with fine chocolates. The galley on the Roi Soleil was specifically designed with an open plan to accommodate passengers who may be interested in participating in our Chef cooking demonstrations to learn new techniques or pick up a few tricks.

Included in the rate is 6 nights/7 days in a cabin with a private bath, all meals – from dinner the first night to breakfast the last morning, all wines with lunch & dinner open bar, daily escorted excursions and use of onboard bicycles.  Check out the Roi Soleil itinerary and our videos on the Roi Soleil barge and the Roi Soleil Dining.

For more information contact us at 888-869-7907   or europeanbarging.com   European River Cruise and Barge specialists since 1998.