Category Archives: European Barging & River Cruises

Festive Christmas Markets in Cologne

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The Christmas Markets in Cologne are one of the 2 most visited markets in Germany, following behind Dortmund, with over 4 million visitors each year. Cologne is a stop offered on Christmas Market themed Rhine River Cruises. In Cologne, you have a choice of seven Christmas Markets.  Each Christmas Market features a different theme.

The entire city of Cologne comes to life during the holiday season like a Christmas Celebration Theme Park. There are seven markets, each with a unique and fun twist, to entice visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Regional specialties like baked apples, cinnamon cookies, chocolate and mulled wine will enthrall the senses – as will a host of delicious, sugary desserts.

The largest and arguably most spectacular of the markets is the grand Cathedral Market. Centrally located in the Cathedral Square of the city center, next to the Cologne central train station, wooden pavilions offer: wood carvings, children’s toys, and other holiday specialties, as well a a great variety of holiday food and cider. A must stop is the delicious chocolate workshop.   The market stalls surround one of the largest Christmas Trees in the region.  Next to the tree is a large stage where a variety of live music performances are held.

Another popular Christmas Market is Neumarkt.  this is the oldest Christmas Market in Cologne ‘Market of Angels’ Angels dressed in white and glittering powder spread cheer as they walk past rows of charming booths featuring Holiday décor.

Next to the Chocolate Museum, the Harbour Christmas Market celebrates Cologne’s maritime history with a three-mast wooden boat 50 feet wide and docked in the harbor serving mulled wine specialties out of its hull. Pagoda tents with pointed, billowed roofs continue the maritime theme reminding you of the planks and sails of a ship. “Rhine Pirates” wander through the park, delighting guests with sailor’s yarns and pirate juggling.

At the Old Market or Alter Markt, Gnomes lurk in every nook and cranny here, celebrating the legend of a curious wife attempt to get a glimpse of the fabled creatures causing them to flee. There are alleyways of specialty foods, fashion accessories and artisanal gifts also, a roundabout puppet theater and a special Santa Claus Quarter.  Visitors will be thrilled to find a spectacular skating rink.

Christmas Avenue is another new Christmas market holiday celebrating the season in LGBT and old German style. The annual festival is located in the heart of the gay district. You will find Pink, purple and sometimes glittering chalets, pink nutcrackers and purple pottery.  Along with more traditional gifts.

The idyllic market on the Stadtgarten, full of unusual holiday handicrafts, and the charming Rudolfplatz are other fun spots. A small green train, the Christmas-Market-Express, drives through streets of the old city and links visitors to four of the major markets.

Typically the Christmas Markets open around the 3rd – 4th weekend in November and stay open till Christmas Eve.

Anytime of the year is a good time to book a Christmas Market River Cruise, whether a short 5 night or a longer 14 night.  When cruising on a Christmas Market themed cruise, you have the opportunity to visit Christmas Markets in several towns and countries.  Check out our Christmas Market Cruise itineraries and our Cologne Christmas Market video.

Europeanbarging.com   888-869-7907

Danube Serenade, New Itinerary for AmaWaterways

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Starting in 2018, AmaWaterways is offering a new Danube River itinerary – Danube Serenade.  Enjoy old-world Europe as you sail along the melodious Danube.  The cruise itinerary is between the Franconian city of Nuremberg and imperial city of Vienna.   Travel through Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Melk and more as you cruise between these 2 great cities.   In Vienna, you’ll have more time to immerse yourself in its bygone grandeur that will take your breath away.

With multi-choice included excursions, you can choose active excursions such as:  binging tours of Walhalla, Passau, Linz, Melk Durnstein and Vienna.  A hiking tour is also offered in Passau.  There are several wine and food specialty tours as well as walking and coach excursions.  Something for everyone.

On your AmaWaterways river cruise, in addition to the exceptional food, experience regional wines of the area with lunch and dinner and enjoy the daily happy hour before dinner.

You can also choose to extend your 7-night cruise vacation with 3 nights in Prague and two more nights in Vienna, the city you just can’t get enough of.

Check out our AmaWaterways Specials Page for special pricing on the 2018 Danube Serenade.

Europeanbarging.com  888-869-7907

6 Passenger Clair de Lune barge on the Canal du Midi

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When looking for a barge cruise in Southern France, an excellent choice would be the 6-passenger Clair de Lune, tastefully furnished with Mediterranean plane tree and American cherry wood furnishings. There is a stylish, modern salon with a comfortable sitting area, a large dining table and a well stocked bar. There are three spacious cabins, each of which can be configured with a queen bed or two twin sized beds. Each cabin has a large wardrobe, dressing table, and an ensuite bathroom, with large shower. The cabins and the salon all have large picture windows. The beds in each cabin face the windows, so that you can enjoy the scenery even from inside of the barge. For easy access, the boat has been built with as few stairs as possible.

A very large sundeck takes command on the exterior of the barge, where you can lounge in comfort on reclining chairs. Sun-lovers can soak up the sun and cool down in the Jacuzzi, while those who prefer the shade can relax under the awning while watching the picturesque scenery unfold. The sundeck is a perfect setting to enjoy an al fresco lunch or a leisurely candlelit dinner on beautiful summer evenings.

In the spring and fall the Clair de Lune cruises on the quaint Canal du Midi between the charming village of Le Somail and the fortified city of Carcassonne, discovering some of the most beautiful scenery in the south of France along the way. During the cruise you will visit historical sites such as the spectacular Cathar village of Minerve, the elegant city of Narbonne and enjoy wine tastings at renowned local domaines. In the summer it cruises an alternative itinerary on the Canal du Midi passing Carcassonne and Castelnaudary. Excursions include a visit to Limoux for a private wine tasting, the medieval Cathar town of Mirepoix and beautiful Lac de Saint-Ferréol.

The Clair de Lune team is led by its French owner, Yves Pastor, who is accompanied by an English-speaking crew: a professionally trained Chef who will be responsible for all of the meals on board, a tour guide who will lead all of the excursions, and a hostess. Yves’ lifelong love of boating and desire to provide a luxury barge experience to passengers from all over the world is what drives his passion for barging. While on board, the crew invites you to relax and enjoy the landscapes and natural beauty of this magnificent canal.

Europeanbarging.com   888-869-7907

Cruising the Danube on AmaWaterways

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We invite you to take one of our Danube river cruises and see the world in luxury and comfort. River cruises in Europe are an excellent way to explore a destination. Discover local tourist  sights on included tours, and then arrive back on your luxurious river cruise ship and sail to the next city or village.  Included in the price of our river cruises are shore excursions in every port, all dining on board, fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner are included as well as a daily happy hour; Wi-fi and internet access are included and there are bicycles that you can use to explore the countryside  or you may decide to join one of the guided bike tours.

In Europe, one of our most popular itineraries is a Danube river cruise.  A typical itinerary for a Danube river  cruise would include destinations such as: Vienna, Austria;  Regensburg, Germany;  Belgrade, Serbia and  Budapest, Hungary.

Cruise the Danube, one of Europe’s most beautiful  rivers, as you travel from Nuremberg through the Main-Danube Canal and across the Continental Divide. Visit centuries-old towns and marvel at the beautiful scenery slowly gliding past. In  Austria you will  cruise through the lush Wachau wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  At either end of the Wachau Valley are two grand capitals, Vienna and Budapest.

On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In most ports, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.

Europeanbarging.com   888-869-7907

Choosing the Right European River Cruise

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If you’re up for a romantic getaway or perhaps a unique and wonderful vacation, you might want to consider a European river cruise. A river cruise may be exactly what you need to relax far from your busy and stressful life, away from your job and the hustle of a fast-paced city life. There is nothing more peaceful than floating down a scenic river on a lovely cruise ship.

River Ship on the Elbe River in Dresden Germany

River Ship on the Elbe River in Dresden Germany

A river cruise allows you to see more and do more than touring from a bus, a train or a car. You can see breathtaking landscapes more comfortably, whether you are in your cabin, on the open decks, the lounge or even while dining. Plus, you don’t have to worry about transportation from point to point, packing or unpacking your bags to every place you visit. You get to see a lot of places conveniently and comfortably.

You can be as active as you like on a river cruise as there is a wide range of activities on board and ashore to keep you interested and occupied.
So if you decide to treat yourself to one of the European River Cruises, of course, you will need to consider a lot of things. If you want to end your vacation with pleasant memories and go home satisfied, you have to choose the right travel date, the right ship, and the right itinerary.

Most European river cruising companies provide a high quality experience for the traveler. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best European river cruise line:

Itinerary. The first thing you should consider would be the itinerary. Which companies offer the itinerary that suits you the best? Which itinerary are you interested the most? One of the most popular European river cruise itinerary is the Danube River Cruise.

Features and Inclusions. Does the company provide entertainment for the guests, like TVs, movies, or music? Does it have a free internet access on board? Does it offer free drinks? Is the food good? Are the cabins conducive for rest and relaxation? Does it have pampering services like a spa or a massage? These are some of the things you would want to consider if you want a relaxing and hassle-free river cruise experience.

Cost. River cruise lines vary in cost, though there are differences in quality of product and services. You should check the fine print and hidden charges. And also check for surcharges on some services and amenities offered. Some companies also offer discounts if you book in advance.

Most European river cruise companies have already built their reputation in offering high quality and wonderful river cruise experiences. AmaWaterways River Cruises is known for its high quality services and extras. You can enjoy riding a bicycle and multiple choice excursions in each port, free of charge. And not only that, their crew and staffs are friendly, outstanding, efficient, and welcoming to ensure you a great experience on board.

Europeanbarging, with over 20 years experience specializing in European river cruises and luxury barging, can assist in finding the perfect cruise vessel and itinerary. Europeanbarging.com; 888-869-7907