Category Archives: General

Enjoying 3 Bordeaux Wines – on a River Cruise

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When taking a European River Cruise through Bordeaux, you can experience a one-of-a kind wine tour all throughout the journey.

The cruise will take you to different wine destinations that offer a variety of world-renowned wines in the area.  There is the opportunity to experience 3 Bordeaux Wines – Medoc, Cotes de Bourg and Sauternes

Other than savoring the taste and aroma of good quality wines, a Bordeaux River Cruise will be a treat for the eyes as you enjoy magnificent views of lush vineyards, historic landmarks, and natural landscapes.

MEDOC WINES
There are a number of vineyards in the Bordeaux area and you must not miss trying out some of the most popular wines. The full-bodied red wines in the Medoc region are recommended. The world-famous wines in this region are made at family-owned chateaus producing signature blends and grand cru wines.

Visit the Margaux and St. Julien vineyards and cellars to also gain insight of several centuries of winemaking tradition. Admire the scenic view of rolling vine-covered hills as you go from one place to another.

BOURG WINES
Northwest of the city of Bordeaux is the Cotes de Bourg, one of the oldest wine producing regions in France. You can find around 400 winemakers in this area, the majority of which are family-owned. Cotes de Bourg is known for Merlot-based red wines but it also produces dry white wine in small quantities.

SAUTERNES WINES
Another popular wine in the Bordeaux region is the Sauternes. It is known for being a timeless classic when it comes to white wines. A tour to the Sauternes area will give tourists a taste of this sweet wine as they are learning about the “noble rot” process involved in making it. In this winemaking process, the grapes are left on the vines to rot to maintain the concentration of sugar and acidity.

Taking an AmaWaterways River Cruise in the Bordeaux region will indeed satisfy wine lovers. At the same time, it showcases the number of attractions that has earned its slot in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Europeanbarging is offering a $1000 discount per person off a Baron’s Creek winery cruise departing  Aug 14 – 21, 2025. Offer good thru March 30th 2024. CALL NOW for best selection. Europeanbarging.com 888-869-7907

The Northern Dutch City of Hoorn

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Europeanbarging presents Arosa Cruises to Hoorn on the Arosa Flora and Silva

Hoorn is a town in North Holland and was once the capital of West Friesland. It features many beautiful houses from the Golden Age, when the Dutch East India and the West India Companies had offices here. Cape Horn, is the the most southerly point of the Americas and was discovered by Willem Schouten  The cape was named after his home town.  Another famous explorer from Hoorn was Jan Coen, who founded Jakarta in Indonesia.

Dutch City of Hoorn

Enjoy a stroll along the Hoorn Harbor and see the diversity of ships in the harbor. There are some very old sailing vessels that are still sailed today.  As you walk into town there is a fortified gate from 1532 that was originally a defense tower. It was named Hoofdtoren, In front of Hoofdtoren stands a wooden landing made in 1464 named the Houten Hoofd.  In 1651 a bell tower was constructed on top of the tower. The lock to the main harbor dates back to 1778. There are several canals leading from the main town and many shops and bars at the harbor.  Walking along the cobbled and brick streets and along the canals you will find lots of interesting architecture and shops.  While we were in Hoorn there was a world soccer game going on and I think the whole town was in a bar at the harbor so we had the whole town to explore mostly on our own.  Everyone started coming out of the bar as we headed back to our ship and they were in good spirits leading us to think their team won.

Sites of interest include Staten Parliament, built in 1632 and located in the town square – Rode Steen.  It is now the Westfries Museum.  The museum has an extensive collection of paintings, silver objects, porcelain, historic firearms etc. The exhibition of this vast collection covers 25 rooms, one of which is a style-room. In 1953, 15th century cellars were discovered under the building. These cellars are now part of the exhibition for archaeological objects from Hoorn and its surroundings.

St. Jans Gasthuis museum holds temporary exhibits.  Near this museum is  the Bossehuizen  which is a collection of 3 houses built in 1612 and featuring friezes depicting the defeat of the Spanish Admiral Bossu in 1573.

Arosa offers 2 Northern Rhine itineraries that stop in Hoorn. The 7 night Experience the Northern Rhine cruising Holland and Belgium, and  the 9 night Experience the Rhine and the Sea, which cruises northern Holland as well and Holland and Belgium.  April departures on these North Rhine River cruise itineraries include Amsterdam and the Keukenhof Gardens. Rates from $1484 for 7 night.  Rates include all meals, beverage package, Wi-Fi and use of the ship’s fitness and spa facilities.

Taking in this fabulous city of historical and architectural wonders will be a great delight. Book your trip with us today!  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.

Save 20% on Normandy Beaches and Seine River Cruise on Amawaterways Nov 4, 2016.

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HonfleuerRates start at $2798. Book by May 15th and receive a FREE pre cruise hotel stay in central Paris.

For travelers looking to spend a few days in Paris and also see the French countryside, tour Monet’s Giverny, stroll through Honfleur or Rouen, and see the Normandy Beaches, a Seine River cruise is a perfect way to experience the region.

“A cruise on the Seine River is a great cruise itinerary for any cruiser, with the added bonus of the history of WWII and earlier Norman times, famous scenery painted by great impressionist artists as well as wine enthusiasts.” Jan Baumgartner of Europeanbarging.

As Amawaterways offers multiple included excursions in most ports (at no additional costs), there is a tour for most every interest – including independent and escorted bicycle touring.

From Vernon, the first port, the excursion is to Monet’s Giverny gardens – a site that does not have enough words for description. The expected lilies and bridge are there but so much more, including the house he lived in as well as a splendid combination of flowers.

There are two days spent docked in Caudebec-en-Caux. The first day offers a choice of two different tours. (1) The first option is to visit Honfleur, a historic and picturesque port with pastel-colored houses that was a favorite subject of artists such as Courbet, Boudin and Monet. The town’s medieval Sainte-Catherine church, with its separate bell tower, is the largest wooden church in France. (2) As an alternative, choose the “Routes des Abbayes” excursion spotlighting Normandy’s famous abbeys, more than 100 of which once covered this region. You will visit the ruined abbey in Jumièges as well as St. Wandrille, still a working monastery.

From Caudebec-en-Caux, on the second day, there are three different excursions. (1) “D-Day Remembered” is a full day excursion to the US sector. Your first stop will be the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the WWII landings can be seen. You will have free time to see the museums before visiting the US Cemetery and Omaha Beach at St. Laurent-sur-Mer. Your last stop is the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer before returning to the ship in Caudebec. (2) As an alternative, you can tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors. Your first stop will be the Pegasus Monument in Ranville followed by Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer. You will also have the chance to visit the Juno Beach Centre, Canada’s WWII museum, with a final stop at Arromanches. (3) A third option is an excursion to rural Normandy, which includes a visit to the Pays d’Auge and “Routes du Cidre” (the Cider Road). You will visit beautiful Norman towns and villages, such as Beuvron-en-Auge, Crevecoeur-en-Auge and Cambremer, and tour a Calvados distillery where you may sample apple cider and apple brandy.

Following Caudebec-en-Caux, a visit to the medieval town of Rouen – with it’s imposing Notre Dame Cathedral and the square where Joan of Arc was martyred. The next morning cruising to Les Andelys (known for Chateau Gaillard – the former strong hold of Richard the Lionheart) for a brief stop then continue on to Conflans.

Conflans offers a choice of two excursions. (1) The first option is to visit Château Malmaison, former home of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his wife Josephine. Your tour includes the Château’s interior, gardens and museum. (2) Alternatively, travel to Auvers-sur-Oise, a town famous for the Impressionist painters who lived there in the 19th century, such as Paul Cézanne and Camille Pissarro. Your “Artists’ Walk” tour will include many sites associated with their work, including the Auberge Ravoux, former home of Vincent van Gogh. The upstairs room where Van Gogh died has been meticulously preserved. He and his brother Theo are both buried in the nearby town cemetery. The ship departs this afternoon for Paris, arriving in the evening.

Discounted rates for the Seine River Cruise, start as low as $2,798 per person for a 7 night cruise when booked through Europeanbarging, departing Nov 4 – 11, 2016. Book by May 15th and receive 1 pre night hotel stay in central Paris before the cruise. If guests would like to extend their trip in Paris, Amawaterways offers a 2 night post hotel stay in Paris including breakfast daily and a city tour for $600 per person. Otherwise, Europeanbarging can assist in putting together a land tour of interest for guest. For more information: 888-869-7907 http://www.europeanbarging.com/AMA/AMAPARPAR.htm 

Why You Should Go on a Short River Cruise

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A Short River Cruise in Europe is a great way to check out river cruising without costing a lot of money. A 4 day Rhine River Cruise or a short Danube Cruise are great first cruise itineraries to experience.

Arosa Silva

Arosa Silva

Traveling throughout Europe is fun and exciting — it is one of those adventures that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Europe gives travelers that beautiful balance of both ancient and modern times.

If you like to have a more intimate and cozy travel experience around this timeless and beautiful continent, then you should go for a short river cruise. It will surely be an unforgettable journey as you traverse astounding waterways such as the Danube, the Main, and the Rhine and see historic cities and beautiful villages by the shore.

Here are some of the advantages of traveling on a short river cruise.
1. They’re brief.
Short river cruises in Europe usually last 3 to 7 days, depending on the cruise you choose. You will be able to enjoy the scenery and bask in European culture without having to stay too long on the ship. It is the perfect vacation for families with small children, an add-on to an existing trip, or for those who simply want a quick getaway. You will be able to experience so much in a short time.
You don’t have to spend more than a month in Europe to enjoy its luxurious culture and beautiful landscapes. For instance, you can visit Budapest, Hungary and Vienna, Austria in a three-night Danube river Cruise or view the castles along Germany’s Rhine River on a four to six day river cruise.
2. They are more personal.
Compared to ocean cruises, a short river cruise lets travelers enjoy smaller vessels, which is a more intimate setting — the best retreat for those on a romantic vacation. In most big cruise vacations, you will find yourself amidst at least 2000 travelers.
3. You don’t have to unpack multiple times.
If you want to travel around multiple locations in Europe and you are going by land, you will find that you will have to unpack and pack again multiple times. The river cruises will bring you to as many locations as you want and you have to unpack only once — it is such a convenience.
On the other hand, if you don’t mind exploring while on water but you want to sleep and rest on land, you can still enjoy a short river cruise.
4. They offer guided visits on various tourist spots.
Don’t think that you will stay on the cruise while you are traveling — there will be stops, shore excursions, and guided tours when you reach particular tourist attractions. Cruises also allow travelers to explore the towns by themselves. And since you are in fascinating Europe, some interesting stops that will highlight your trip may include outdoor museums, churches, castles, cheese factories, vineyards and even tulip gardens. Of course, you still have the option to stay on the vessel all day if you prefer.

Our international cruise line rates include the nights cruise, all meals, beverage package of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks as well as included Wi-Fi.  Rates start at $648 – $1068 for a 5 day cruise.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money or a lot of time to enjoy Europe. Plan short excursions such as a 4 day Rhine river cruise with your loved ones, family, and/or friends today!

Europeanbarging has been in business since 1998 and has experience in helping travelers find the perfect cruise experience. Check out our website or give us a call for short river cruises  888-869-7907   – http://www.europeanbarging.com/Group_River_Cruises/3_7_day_european_river_cruises.htm