Category Archives: General

Wine Themed River Cruises on the Rhone and Seine Rivers of France

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Cruise through some of France’s premier wine regions while enjoying the comforts of a deluxe river cruise vessel.

If you want to indulge in the world-renowned Burgundy wines along France’s Rhone River, sip great Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône wines, and explore the wine region of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, our deluxe river cruise vessel is the right choice.  The cruise includes stops in Arles, the city where Vincent Van Gogh lived near the end of his life. From Arles, you cruise to Avignon, where a wine tasting excursion takes you to the renowned Châteanueuf-du-Pape. Continue to Viviers and Tournon, where you will visit the L’Hermitage Winery and enjoy a chocolate tasting.  In Vienne, you will visit the Chateau Rousillion before cruising to Tournon for a Beaujolais evening. The following day you can enjoy a winery visit and tasting.  Your Rhone River cruise comes to an end in Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France.

On the Seine River cruise, begin your voyage in Paris, then cruise to Vernon , for an excursion to Monet’s house at Giverny. Continue to ancient Rouen, where Joan of Arc was martyred. From Rouen, you can visit the Normandy Beaches or choose instead an excursion into Calvados country, to taste the region’s famous apple brandy. The following day, visit the harbor town of Honfleur, immortalized in a number of Impressionist paintings, or travel to Fecamp, home of the famous Benedictine liqueur. Continue your cruise to Les Andelys, site of Richard the Lionhart’s Château Gaillard. Your voyage will conclude in Paris.

Your wine cruise is hosted by a renowned wine or food expert, and your host will present three or four insightful wine-themed lectures that may also address other local specialties, such as the production of sparkling wines, the sampling of French champagnes and the uniqueness of Calvados.

Barging and History on the Canal du Midi in France

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 The Canal du Midi in France is three hundred years old. It skirts the sunny, shining shores of the Mediterranean before meandering inland through ancient villages, Roman fortifications and famed vineyards. The Canal du Midi is famous for its beauty as it is lined with beautifully planted plane trees and crossed by pretty arched bridges. Adding to the charm of this canal is the Mediterranean weather and pace of life that is so relaxed; magical enough to let you open up and see your life from a totally new perspective as you cruise along.

Canal du Midi is the ideal place whether you want to simply relax on the deck with a cool drink, enjoy the scenery passing by, or cycle or walk along the scenic tow paths. As you look into the distance, you can see the Pyrenees where nearby are the vineyards that stretch for thousands of square miles. You can enjoy private wine tastings at chateaux en route, locations that vary with your choice of barge.

History of the Canal du Midi

 Built under the reign of Louis XIV, the Canal du Midi has great historic importance and remarkable beauty in the south ofFrance. It connects theGaronneRiver to theMediterranean. To do so, the canal is 240 km in length and runs from the city ofToulouse down to the Mediterraneanport ofSète. The actual purpose for building Canal du Midi was to be a shortcut between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, avoiding the long sea voyage around hostileSpain,Barbary pirates, and a trip that in the 17th century required a full month of sailing.

The Canal du Midi was opened officially as the Canal Royal de Languedoc on May 24, 1681. It was designed and built under the supervision of Pierre-Paul Riquet, a rich tax-farmer who bankrupted himself in the personal undertaking and died destitute in 1680, just months before the canal was opened to navigation. Riquet was not alone in the undertaking. In fact, 12,000 workers toiled for fifteen years to create this great canal.

The Canal du Midi is built of 328 structures consisting of locks, aqueducts, tunnels, bridges, etc. and constitutes a major example of hydraulic engineering of the modern age.

As you cruise along the Canal du Midi, you will discover an amazing blend of ancient Gallo-Roman and traditional influences reflected throughout this region of historical importance. The Cité of Carcassonne in the Languedoc-Roussillon region in the South of France is a great attraction. The walled city ofCarcassonne is a region you would love to explore as this is the most complete medieval fortified city in existence today.

Canal du Midi meanders through a vast region of diversity ranging from rugged, rural Languedoc regions to the sun-drenched, azure blues of the Mediterranean. Within this vast region, you will find a land of poetry and of proud people devoted to the soil and of course the wine … a passion they will share with you in private tastings of the local Minervois and Corbières wines.

Cruising along the Canal du Midi, the village of Minerve is yet another region you must visit. It offers a magnificent view with its unspoiled natural setting, its bridge and its houses perched on a rocky mountain. The village of Minerve is known for its Palaeontology and Archaeology museum. Besides, Minerve is a favorite place for walkers with its natural bridges and real tunnels dug into the cliff.

Several barges cruise on Canal du Midi and you can choose one according to the regions you want to explore. Canal du Midi, Paul Riquet’s masterpiece of engineering, is and will always remain a great place to visit and explore. No wonder, it has been recognized as the world heritage site by UNESCO.

 

October is National Cruise Month

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October is back! And it’s raining offers at AMA Waterways. To coincide with the National Cruise Month October, AMA Waterways has come up with some exciting offers. So celebrate your vacation with AMA waterways by taking advantage of the latest offers.

AMA Waterways offers $500 off per person on many 2013 Europe River Cruises. We have cruises on Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Mosel, Seine and Douro. You can avail our River Cruise sale on following cruises:

  • Tulip Time Cruise
  • Blue Danube Discovery
  • Christmas Time Cruise
  • Enticing Douro
  • Port Wine and Flamenco
  • Europe’s Rivers and Castles
  • Magnificent Christmas Time
  • Magnificent Europe
  • Provence and Spain
  • The Enchanting Rhine
  • The Legendary Danube
  • The Romantic Danube
  • Ultimate River Cruise
  • Vineyards of the Rhine and Mosel

Our River Cruise Specials are:

  1. Rhine River Cruise-The itinerary for Rhine River Cruise is mentioned under the name The Enchanting Rhine. The name of the ship is AmaCello and it is scheduled to sail on 11/15/2013 and 11/22/2013. The sale price per person is $ 1,899.00.

 

  1. Danube River Cruise- The itinerary for Danube River Cruise is mentioned under the name Blue Danube Discovery, The Legendary Danube and The Romantic Danube.

 

Blue Danube Discovery

Name of the ship- AmaDolce

The ship is scheduled to depart on following dates. Rates are also mentioned along with the dates

-On 7/18/2013 rates starting at $ 2,299.00 per person
-On 8/22/2013 rates starting at $ 2,299.00 per person
-On 10/24/2013 rates starting at $ 2,099.00 per person
-On 8/22/2013 rates starting at $ 2,299.00 per person
-On 10/24/2013 rates starting at $ 2,099.00 per person

Name of the ship-AmaLyra

The time of departure and rates are mentioned below

-On 8/6/2013 rates starting at $ 2,299.00
-On 8/20/2013 rates starting at $ 2,299.00

Name of the ship-AmPrima

-On 11/20/2013 rates starting at $ 1,899.00

Name of the ship- AmaBella

-On 11/23/2013 rates starting at $ 1,899.00

The Legendary Danube

Name of the ship-AmaLyra

-On 8/27/2013 rates starting at $ 2,299.00

Name of the ship-AmaCerto

-On 11/4/2013 rates starting at $ 1,899.00

The Romantic Danube

Name of the ship-AmaDolce

-On 3/28/2013 rates starting at $ 1,699.00
-On 4/4 2013 rates starting at $ 1, 799.00
-On 4/11/2013 rates starting at $ 1,999.00
-On 4/25/2013 rates starting at $ 2,299.00
-On 7/4/2013 rates starting at $ 2,299.00

Name of the ship-AmaBella

On 4/20/2013 rates starting at $ 2,199.0
-On 11/9/2013 rates starting at $ 1,899.00
-On 11/16/2013 rates starting at $ 1,899.00

Name of the ship-AmPrima

-On 10/30/2013 rates starting at $ 2,099.00
-On 11/13/2013 rates starting at $ 1,899.00

Name of the ship-AmaCerto

-On 11/11/2013 rates starting at $ 1,899.00
-On 11/18/2013 rates starting at $ 1,899.00
-On 12/23/2013 rates starting at $ 1,999.00

The sooner you book your vacation with AMA Waterways, the best offers you can avail!

Cruising Northern Italy by luxury barge cruise, casual bike and barge cruise or River cruise

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Being one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Italy is an ideal place for hotel barging. Its beautiful canals and rivers roll through diverse landscapes, from picturesque lagoon islands with their colorful houses, to wild beach dunes and pine woods with an abundance of birdlife. These waterways were once used for trade by Romans and early Mediterranean settlers before them and are ideal for gaining knowledge about many cultures, including Roman, Etruscan, Istrian, Byzantine and of course Renaissance, that have influenced the arts, architecture and history of the region over many centuries.

If you want to explore the beautiful landscapes and get an insight into the ancient culture of Italy, an Italy Cruise is the perfect choice. Aboard the Italy Cruise, you can enjoy exploring Northern Italy in a royal and relaxing way.

Venice is the highlight of any Italian cruise. The lagoon surrounding Venice, the Venice Lido beach, Hemingway’s influence and the fabulous waterside Villas; all add to the attractions of Venice. Delicious seafood, local culinary specialities, fine wines and attentive service complete the picture of this fairytale adventure. You can cruise between the romance and architecture of Venice, to the captivating lakeside setting of the Renaissance city of Mantua. Mantua is in central northern Italy, and has been a hub of art, culture and music for centuries. The route inland takes you along the River Po and the Bianco Canal through the Po Valley.

European Barging offers different cruise options and you can choose according to your interest and convenience. Our Venice cruise offers barges overnight with free time for you to explore the city. It is very enjoyable and affordable at great hotel rates. Our Michelangelo offers a winter cruise in the Venice lagoon and often cruises at the Carnival. Like Venice, Michelangelo is also quite affordable as it offers reasonable hotel rates including the meals. We also offer casual bike and barge cruises for active people. Such types of cruises are a good value and appeal to people who love adventure and exploration. Cycle enthusiasts can mingle their passion for cycling with sailing aboard our fantastic cruises.

Our Ave Maria cruise offers yet another innovative program. Here one of the passengers in a cabin can enjoy the bike and barge while the other has excursions by mini-coach at additional costs. Ave Maria is, therefore, suitable for both active and non-active couples.

So, get ready to explore enchanting Italy aboard our marvelous Italy cruises. Here you get best possible enjoyment, comfort and convenience at reasonable rates. We keep in mind the interests and tendencies of different people and design our programs accordingly. Get aboard our cruises and have the most enjoyable and unforgettable experience of your life!

Meanderer 2013-Guided Biking Tours! Flexible choice of Excursions

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Have you ever thought you can experience one of the most relaxing and luxurious ways to explore France? If you want to cruise its beautiful canals and rivers in a royal style and discover the green countryside, Meanderer 2013 is what you are looking for. Aboard this luxury barge cruise in France, you’ll get an opportunity to experience life there from a truly unique perspective. Carrying between 1-6 guests, this spacious barge cruise is ideal for a group of family or friends. You can charter your own barge or reserve a cabin with other guests.

Meanderer 2013 is known as one of the best crafts plying the European waterways. These floating hotels take you from great cities to remote landscapes of forests, fields and hidden villages you never knew. This all- inclusive cruise gently glides along while you relax and enjoy gourmet cuisine, fine wines and the company of fellow passengers.
Multiple Excursions Options is the latest offering on Meanderer 2013. It is a whole new concept introduced by this luxury barge cruise. It allows you to choose a specific program according to your interest. The most exciting is fully guided cycling tours as part of the multiple excursions options. The small region in Burgundy between Montargis within the Loire Valley and Nevers is suitable for both cycling and sailing. Following the flow of the Loire River, the bike route gently rolls through green countryside with charming little villages sporadically intermingled. The rich landscape bears many fruitful vineyards. The famous ones are the wines from Pouilly-sur-Loire and Sancerre; and of course there are the Burgundy (Bourgogne) wines, said to be among the most prestigious in the world.
This wholly new program can be expanded at will to include full Barge and Biking charters. The biking options are available to all or individual guests on any given day and custom designed in accordance with biking skills and level of comfort. Maps, GPS, water bottles, helmets and essential spare parts are available. Cyclists can also bring their own shoes and clip-on pedals.
Our biking program is designed to allow as much flexibility as possible. We shall always try to accommodate any specific group and individual preferences. However, there is only 1 guide available and therefore majority rules (GPS is available)
Combine your passion for cycling with one of the most pampered ways to travel — aboard our floating hotel Meanderer 2013 on the canals and waterways of France!