Category Archives: General

Cruise Along the Seine River and Visit France Harbor Town of Honfleur

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river cruise1Seine River Cruise France’s Harbor Town of Honfleur

The town of Honfleur surrounds a beautiful little 17th-century harbor, set in a sheltered cove off the Seine’s tidal estuary, in Calvados, Lower Normandy. Honfleur is still active as a fishing port and marina. The town has a great historic and cultural value, as it has preserved many historic and traditional buildings and takes pride in housing some interesting museums, churches and monuments.

Do Not Miss Out On The Medieval Seaside Town of Honfleur

The medieval seaside town of Honfleur has a tremendous appeal – with its narrow half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets. Unlike many other villages in Normandy, Honfleur was spared during the bombing of World War II as there was no manufacturing. For centuries, the old harbor has attracted many people with different interests. Here, you’ll find fishermen, artists, tourists and locals alike enjoying the same scenery that attracted celebrated painters like Delacroix, Sisley, Corot and Monet. Honfleur is as enchanting as the Impressionist paintings it often inspired.

Honfleur offers much to delight you. The tidy, picturesque streets of the town house many art galleries, artists’ studios, boutiques, restaurants and fine souvenir shops. You also can find some remarkable historical buildings, such as the largest wooden church in France, salt warehouses dating back to the 17th century, and the Lieutenance, the last existing part of a 16th century castle that fortified the town.

In fact, Honfleur today is both a river port and a seaport, providing modern facilities deep enough to accommodate big cruise ships. But there is an important fact to know that, while the boats now moored along the quays of the Vieux Bassin are mostly leisure craft along with the odd fishing boat, in bygone years, Honfleur’s military fleet was the pride of France.

Experience the Seine River Cruise

In spite of it’s prestigious past dating back 1,000 years, Honfleur has that special something which, even today, keeps it fresh, appealing and exciting. Honfleur is still a very popular tourist destination. Cruisers from the Seine River cruises frequently come to view her old world charm, picturesque port basin filled with sailing ships, and the winding alleys with half timbered houses. Contact us for more information. Europeanbarging.com 888-869-7907

The Benefits of Buying Travel Insurance for Overseas Travel

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Travel InsuranceBe Sure To Have Travel Insurance Before Traveling Out of The Country

“I did not always buy travel insurance for myself, but then I mis-stepped off a step on a train in Marseilles and fell and twisted my ankle really bad. This was not a serious fall, but it made me realize how something serious could happen. So I always have travel insurance now. For several years I bought the annual program that my American Express card offered but then I realized that this gives me good medical coverage while I am overseas but does not reimburse any of my travel expense, so I now have a regular travel policy.

Do Not Be Alarmed Travel Insurance Is Normal

When I mention travel insurance to travelers, I tell them that they might not need the insurance for themselves, but if they have teenagers (especially in sports), or elderly parents, then you should get the insurance in case you need to cancel or return from a trip for them.
In the last few years, there have been policies offered that let you cancel for work related reasons (often offering a full refund of travel funds) and even canceling for any reason (getting about 50% of your money back). Another benefit of a Gold or Platinum type policy is that the insurance coverage becomes your primary insurer – this means that when you go into a hospital for treatment, that the hospital calls the insurance company and get approval for payment rather than you laying out the money and filing out paper work when you get back to get reimbursed. As with all offers these days, there are some restrictions.
Travel insurance does not just cover medical expenses. There is reimbursement if your luggage is delayed or lost, if you lose your passport, need legal assistance. Some programs even include Concierge services that assist with all types of travel needs, such as tickets to special events, travel recommendations, changing travel arrangements and such. Be sure to ask about travel insurance next time you travel out of the country as most policies in the US will not over you overseas.”

Barge Cruise Along the Thames River on the Magna Carta

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8 passenger Magna Carta offers a 3 night barge cruise on the Thames River

Enjoy a brief but luxurious float down the Thames River. Europeanbarging offers a 3 night Thames barge cruise on a sumptuous river barge. When you book a deluxe barge cruise, you get to experience adventure during the day while having travel details taken care of for you. The friendly crew delights in sharing their knowledge of the area while pampering passengers with top-notch service.

3 night Thames barge cruise

Drink champagne and watch the shores of England glide by. The first night, after your Thames river 2champagne reception, a one-hour cruise takes you past the regal Windsor Castle, the largest occupied castle in the world. Your barge docks overnight at Boveney Lock. While away the first evening of your deluxe barge cruise, enjoying beverages in the open bar or resting up for the next day’s adventure. Short river cruises afford you the opportunity to relax or pack as much adventure into your cruise as you’d like.

The Magna Carta Travels to Cliveden Estate

The Magna Carta Barge meanders past lavish riverside homes before passing under the widest brick arch in the world, Brunel’s railway bridge. Have a peek at the Eton College Rowing Lake while floating past Dorney. The barge moors at the Cliveden estate, almost 400 acres of formal gardens and woodlands. Enjoy afternoon tea in the house before touring the gardens; be on the lookout for the Fountain of Love and the Roman sarcophagi. You’ll have trouble pulling yourself away from the Chinese water garden and topiary, but a treat awaits you further down the Thames River: the picturesque village of Cookham, home of late artist Sir Stanley Spencer. Tour Sir Stanley Spencer’s Gallery, enjoying the eccentric painter’s love-tinged work.

Deluxe barge cruise return journey

Your deluxe barge cruise takes you back up the Thames. Observe the countryside from a different perspective, catching any of the historic sites you may have missed on the first journey. The dramatic site of Windsor Castle returns. You get to visit this important royal residence. Peep at the State Apartments, imagining life in the public eye. Tour around the Gothic St. George’s Chapel; make sure to look for the stone vaulting for which it is renowned. Ponder Queen Mary’s famous doll house, the largest, most beautiful doll house in the world.

The Incredible Magna Carta Barge Cruise

The deluxe Magna Carta Barge sleeps just eight guests, making for an intimate, friendly setting. The 3 night Thames barge cruise is just one of the short river cruises Europeanbarging offers. Contact us to today to book your barge cruise. Rates from $2095 per person.

Celebrating 200th Anniversary of Richard Wagner

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Richard Wagner 200th Anniversary celebration.

During 2013, the world celebrates the 200th birthday of German composer Richard Wagner. He is famed for his operatic compositions, especially his opera cycle “The Ring of the Nibelung.” He left his mark in the classical music world by employing leitmotifs in which a musical phrase recurs in association with a certain character, location or concept. His complex style of composition infused with drama heavily influenced German culture and music.

As the world’s classical music lovers mark the birth of this titan of opera, special excursions, cruises and festivals are planned throughout the year to showcase Wagner’s works. His operas have evoked powerful feelings among listeners. Fans and those new to opera will find his major masterpieces such as “Parsifal,” “Lohengrin,” and all four operas that constitute the “The Ring of the Nibelung” cycle.

Wagner Influenced German Culture and Music.

Born in Leipzig, Germany, Wagner’s career was at its height of popularity in 1849, when several German states rose in revolt against the German Confederation. During this time, Wagner began drafting an opera about Siegfried, a major figure in German mythology. Taking inspiration from ancient epic tales, wagner decided to extend the concept into “The Ring of the Nibelung.” The composer was instrumental in the rediscovery of ancient German culture.

Wagner also wrote extensive essays on art and how it should be responsive to the needs of the people; and, during the 1860s, he dictated his autobiography to his wife Cosima von Bulow. In 1865, wagner found sudden fame with the premiere of “Tristan and Isolde.” Fans formed Wagner Societies and young composers flocked to his new approach to opera and his unequaled orchestration. Reveling in his fame and the laurels1204580_river_mosel_-_treis-karden his work received, he decided that the full “Ring” cycle should be performed at a national theater. With major funding by Bavarian king Ludwig II, Wagner chose the town of Bayreuth as the site of his theater. So begins the start of the Wagner Festival.

The World-Renowned Bayreuth Festival

The most famous Wagner festival is the Bayreuth Festival, which takes place each year in the town of Bayreuth. The town is situated on the Red Main River. Wagner himself oversaw the design of the theater, known as Bayreuth Festspielhaus. People from around the world make pilgrimages to the festival each year. To enjoy the sights and sounds of the Bayreuth Festival, contact us today.

Explore Český Krumlov and it’s Castle

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Český Krumlov and its castle

Floating down the river on a luxurious AMA Waterways ship, you hear about the possibility of a Linz excursion to Český Krumlov. “Český Krumlov?” you think to yourself. “What a funny little name. Should I take an excursion there?” The answer is a resounding yes. Český Krumlov’s castle sits in a bend of the Vltava River like a pearl still on the half-shell. Take a trip to this beautiful castle and discover the beauty of this UNESCO Site.

 Historic Český Krumlov

Castle medievalOnce the seat of the House of Rosenberg, Český Krumlov’s roots stretch back to the 13th century. South Bohemian rulers, the Rosenbergs became enchanted by the Italian Renaissance style while building up their castle residence. Of all the castles in the Czech Republic, Český Krumlov’s is the second-largest. Its medieval core, uniquely preserved in its bend of the Vltava River, earns a place as a UNESCO Site.

Harmonious Renaissance Castle

Featuring Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, Český Krumlov is a woven tapestry of harmonious styles. Gaze at the sumptuous Renaissance castle. Get delightfully lost in the maze of medieval streets. Stroll in colorfully-designed gardens. Lift a pint in a pub or ale-house where knights of the Middle Ages once quenched their thirst. Tour the remarkably preserved Baroque theater with stage equipment dating back almost three centuries – and marvel that it still works. An excursion to this sight awards you the opportunity to view a tiny town with big history all stitched together in harmony with the beautiful countryside.

Danube River Cruise Experience

DanubeRiver cruises offer guests the relaxing experience of meandering down a scenic waterway. Look over the railing at green vineyards rolling across the countryside, castles perched atop hills and cities rich in history and culture. AMA Waterways ships feature luxurious amenities such as swimming pools, Jacuzzis and spas. The ships dock in the heart of historic cities such as Linz, affording guests the opportunity to step right into the heart of towns rich in culture.

Český Krumlov Castle is one of many Linz excursions. Contact us to book an Danube River cruise and accept a Linz excursion. This is experience is not to be missed.