Category Archives: General

Visit the Great Town Chioggia

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Chioggia – A Miniature Version of Venice

Chioggia is a port and fishing town in the southern part of the Lagoon of Venice. It is located in the Veneto region on Italy’s east coast; about 25 km south of Venice .The town of Chioggia is separated from the Sottomarina beaches on the Adriatic sea by Laguna del Lusenzo.

Chioggia is a miniature version of Venice and so popularly known as Little Venice. During Chioggiasummer season, Chioggia makes a good base for exploring Venice. The hotels, restaurants and bars in this town are less expensive than those in Venice.

Italy Barge Cruise- Explore the Beautiful Tradition

Situated on a small island, the town of Chioggia is linked to the mainland by several low bridges, at the SE extremity of the Venetian Lagoon. Chioggia has a medieval maze like appearance with narrow lanes which abruptly end in canals or waterfront promenades with views over the lagoon or the sandy spit of land that protects Chioggia from the strong force of the Adriatic.

The town of Chioggia is renowned for the traditional lace making skills of its women. However, today the town mainly survives on fishing and tourism. Along with its companion seaside resort town of Sottomarina half a mile E, Chioggia offers several safe and secure berthing options for yachts.

Italy Barge Cruise- Book Your Cruise Today

If you book your holiday on one of our Italy barge cruises, one of your stops will be at Chioggia. This miniature version of Venice has few canals and Canale Vena is main among them. The town also has characteristic narrow streets known as calli. Chioggia has several medieval churches, much modified and developed in the period of its greatest prosperity in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The church of S. Maria, founded in the eleventh century, became a cathedral in 1110, and then was rebuilt from 1623 by Baldassare Longhena. Low pretty houses, long arcades and the beautiful cathedral of S. Maria give this region of Venice a very special atmosphere and make it a must visit place.

Another attraction in Chioggia is church of St. Andrew (18th century) which has a bell tower from the 11th-12th centuries, provided with the most ancient tower watch in the world. The interior of the church has a Crucifixion by Palma the Elder.
Chioggia is a delightful place with its Venice character and other wonderful attractions. Book your holiday on one of our Deluxe Barges or Casual Bike and Barge Cruises to Italy and enjoy a trip to this wonderful Little Venice! For more information, please contact us!

Romanian Capital of Bucharest

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 Romanian Capital of Bucharest

Romanian capital of bucharestRomanian Capital of Bucharest is known for its large boulevards lined with trees. Bucharest is also well known for the night life. The elegance of the town has been nicknamed “Little Paris” and has lived up to the hype by being Romania’s largest city and surviving as a metropolis. Paris is known for its elegance so with the nick name “little Paris” many tourist are enticed to take a trip to Bucharest.

The months, May until September presents the nicest weather in Bucharest. The transportation in Bucharest is good for visitors – there is good bus system, taxis and metros are available as well.

Bucharest features several outstanding buildings and many museums and art galleries, which highlight the lifestyle of Romania. Popular sites include: Patriachs Church dominates the Bucharest skyline, Patriarchs Palace, Royal Palace Square, the Village Museum and one of the largest buildings in the world (largest civilian building in the world) – the Parliament Building. The structure combines elements and motifs from multiple sources, in an eclectic neoclassical architectural style. The building is constructed almost entirely of materials of Romanian origin.

Romanian Legend and Capital of Bucharest

Bucur is the name of the Shepard that is known to have founded Bucharest. It is said that he founded the beautiful town on the river, the Dambovita River. Bucur name actually means “joy”. Bucur played the flute and gained the attention of many whom he brought joy to and his wine allowed him to trade with the most profound locals.

Danube River Cruise

Exploring this timely town from the lower Danube cruise on an AMA Waterways, “Black Sea Voyage” may be the best idea yet. The Danube river makes for a great way to view this incredible town.

For more information contact: Europeanbarging, 888-869-7907, jan@europeanbarging.com

Fortified City of Carcassonne

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Southern France City of Carcassonne

Carcassonne_by_AndreLeVattepMany architects try to simulate the Fortified City of Carcassonne such as those who built the castles of Disneyland and any other amusement park. The fortified walled city of Carcassonne is located in Southern France and is a top sight to see while traveling on any Canal du Midi barge cruise.

Known for its durability and the will of the times to keep this fortress standing tall, people from all over the world are in awe to see such a site. The protection and defenses that took great pride in protecting this Fortress embodies the history of the Medieval times and brings others back to a place where they can feel the energy of the battles. Famous people like Pierre Vidal have visited and stayed at this beautiful Southern France castle. This Medieval Fortress is a World Heritage UNESCO Site and features lovely winding streets and local shops in addition to the fort. Find your souvenirs and historical pieces at these shops and sites when visiting Carcassonne.

The four walled city has been restored to showcase the history of the medieval times. The towns people wanted to share their Fortress, which their ancestors had fought to preserve. They are proud of what they have to offer and encourage others to visit at all times.

Canal du Midi in Autumn

Festival of Carcassonne

Get some of the best views of Carcassonne traveling along the river on the Canal du Midi barge cruise. The summer time brings a lot of tourist to the area and the small community that resides in the southern France town are sure to have enough entertainment for their guest.  During July, the Festival of Carcassonne is held and features fireworks. The festival takes place during the 2nd half of July.  This is the 2nd largest festival in France.

 

 

Roi Soleil barge

These barges cruise the Canal du Midi and visit Carcassonne – the 6-passenger Roi Soleil; 8 passenger – ultra-deluxe Enchante and the deluxe 8-passenger Anjodi.

For more information contact: Europeanbarging, 713-240-6753 / 888-869-7907, jan@europeanbarging.com

The Portuguese UNESCO City of Sintra

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Tourist are Welcomed by Sintra

sintraThe beautiful city of Sintra is just what anyone needs to give them a feel of romanticism and feel refreshed for days to come. This romantic city gives off an aura of uniqueness and individuality. Perhaps, many tourists enjoy returning to Sintra because of these qualities
The Royal Palace is undoubtedly the dominant architectural feature of Sintra, situated in the center of the town. Probably constructed on the site of the Moorish Alcazar, its buildings result from two main periods (15th-16th centuries). The interior contains much painted and tiled decoration, but one of the most important features is the facing with tiles (azulejos ), the finest example of this Mudejar technique on the Iberian Peninsula.

Choose Romantic Features to View

Sintra is well known for its romantic architecture after Ferdinand II decided to transform a ruined monastery into a romantic castle. The castle featured many styles, Renaissance, Moorish, and Egyptian. Ferdinand II is well known for his incredible work and will forever be remembered by the town of Sintra where he put his mark. There is something for every visitor to catch each eye laid on the beautiful masterpiece. The interesting parks took over the scenery with elegant beauty that formed a visual with exotic and local tree species.

Other structures, built along the same lines in the surrounding area, created a unique combination of parks and gardens which influenced the development of landscape architecture throughout Europe.

Duoro Cruise

Located between Lisbon and Oporto, a visit to Sintra can be made as a pre or post Douro Cruise visit. We offer several cruise lines with cruises ranging from 5 – 7 nights on the Douro River.

For more information contact: Europeanbarging, 888-869-7907, jan@europeanbarging.com

Explore the Flemish City of Ghent

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The Flemish City of Ghent

The beautiful landscape and culture of Belgium can be best seen by a bike and barge or river cruise vessel. While cruising through Belgium, visitors will have some great experiences learning about the history, art, culture, gastronomy and beauty of the country. Europeanbarging offers a couple of itineraries that feature Ghent as a stop from a cruise vessel. The Arosa ship offers 7 night Holland Belgium cruises through the summer and fall months; Amawaterways offers a 7 night Holland Tulip cruise between March and May,  and there are 24 passenger casual bike and barge vessels that offer cruises throughout the year, which will take travelers through the wonderlands of Belgium for an amazing and unforgettable experience.

Experience The Flemish City of Ghent’s Well Known Art Museum for Knowledge Ghentand Culture

The flemish city of Ghent features in the “Art Cities” itinerary of Johanna. Ghent is predominantly a city of art and culture. Ghent takes pride in being home for 8 museums out of which three are most prominent such as S.M.A.K. (housing contemporary art), the Design Museum and the Museum of Industrial Archaeology and Textiles. Also, there are 2 art halls, 7 art centers, 5 theatres and 5 concert halls, 1 music hall, 1 opera and 22 film screens. Additionally there are dozens of subsidized and recognized organizations located either in one of the above or elsewhere in the city.  Check out our video on Ghent.

The central motto of Ghent is “city of knowledge and culture accessible for everyone.” Ghent has a university and 3 university colleges where over 60.000 students of higher education study, making Ghent the education capital of Flanders.

Explore Famous Art in the Flemish City of Ghent

Ghent is world famous for its art and culture and art lovers cherish it fondly. The impressive medieval Castle of the Counts gives visitors a peek into the splendid past of the castle.  The unique masterpieces of the Flemish Primitives will make visitors spellbound as visitors stand staring at them.

Ghent is a famous flemish city, which people know for its Burgundian nature. There are 426 restaurants and eating-houses and 346 cafés and pubs. So the city of Ghent is a nice place to spend time and have a drink with your friends!

Contact Europeanbarging to find the best cruise for you.   info@europeanbarging.com  or  888-869-7907  Barge and River Cruise specialist since 1998.