Tag Archives: europeanbarging

Rhine and Mosel Wine Cruise hosted by Texas Winery – Messina Hof

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Europeanbarging Presents a German Wine Cruise From November 7 – 14, 2023.

Mosel Riv

Europeanbarging, announced a SPECIAL DISCOUNT of $2500 per cabin on a Wine Cruise for its clients, slated for late fall, starting from November 7 to 14, 2023. Discounted rates start at $2249 per person.

The cruise, scheduled on the AMA Prima ship will be hosted by the owners of Messina Hof Winery – Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo, who will offer several tastings and discussions on their wines and winery, as well as wine making. A pairing of their wines will be offered with a special AmaWaterways gourmet meal. In addition to the many wine themed excursions, there are multiple included excursions offered in each port, including hiking and cycling tours. This will be the sixth wine cruise that Paul and Merrill have hosted with AmaWaterways.

From the Medieval towns of Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg and Wertheim, on the meandering Main to the UNESCO-designated Upper Middle Rhine Valley and Rhine Gorge with its multitude of castles dotting its shores to the vineyard-clad hills – flowing past the wine villages of Cochem, Zell and Trier on the Mosel, before ending the cruise in Luxembourg. Enjoy Europe at its most picturesque during this fall itinerary. Savor the many flavors of Germany with a chance to sample the world-famous wines of the Rheingau and the hearty smoked beer of Bamberg.

Messina Hof is the most awarded and renowned Texas wine in national and international competitions. In a community steeped in tradition, Messina Hof Winery & Resort holds its own with a 200-year history of award-winning wines. Although the winery itself was officially established with the first vintage release in 1983, the rich wine heritage of Winemaker Paul Bonarrigo dates back six generations to Messina, Sicily. Merrill Bonarrigo’s family originates from Hof, Germany. Together they have pioneered the Texas wine industry in creating premium wines of distinction and a landmark wine country destination.

There is an optional pre cruise land program to Prague, Czech Republic and a post cruise land program to Champagne France. There will also be a special pre cruise land program to Hof Germany offered – more details later.

Cruise rate includes all sightseeing, meals, wine with dinner, daily happy hour before dinner, free internet, use of bicycles on board. The special $1250 per person discount offer ends December 30, 2021. Port tax an additional $210 per person. Deposit of $400 per person due with booking, balance due 90 days before departure. Payment plan available.

Europeanbarging was founded in 1998 and specializes in European barge and river cruise products. Located in Texas, Europeanbarging is an ARC accredited company. AmaWaterways, the only cruise line that has the privileged of being inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world most prestigious culinary organizations and Tables et Auberges, leading the way in the cruise industry as one of the most innovative food and wine experiences both on-board and on-shore.

For more information contact Europeanbarging at: 888-869-7907 or http://www.europeanbarging.com

Danube Wine Cruise hosted by Texas Winery – Barons Creek

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Europeanbarging Presents a Danube Wine Cruise From November 5 – 12, 2023

Europeanbarging, a Texas-based company offering barge and river cruises in Europe, today announced a SPECIAL DISCOUNT of $1000 per person on a Danube Wine Cruise for its clients, slated for late fall, starting from November 5 – 12, 2023.  The discounted rates start at  $2809  per person.

Barons Creek

The cruise, scheduled on the AMA Lea ship will be hosted by the owners of Barons Creek Vineyards – Marc and Marta Chase, as well as their Certified Sommelier – Anthony Makoujy, who will offer several tastings and discussions on their wines and winery, as well as winemaking.  A pairing of their wines will be offered with a special Amawaterways gourmet meal.  In addition to the multiple included excursions offered in each port, there will be many wine-themed excursions as well.

Melk Abbey

Framed by rolling hillsides, lush vineyards, and medieval castles, the Danube River has captivated musicians, artists, and poets throughout the centuries. Travel to legendary destinations on your cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen. Explore a 2,000-year-old city, savor Wachau Valley wines, and experience the timeless beauty and fascinating history of Budapest and Vienna.  Featured stops include:  Budapest • Bratislava • Vienna • Dürnstein • Melk • Linz • Passau • Vilshofen.

Pre-cruise land program in Budapest and post-cruise land program in Prague available.

Barons Creek Vineyards was started back in 2016 as an extended family venture of the Chase Family. In 2018, Marc and Marta Chase took over full ownership and management of  Barons Creek with the help of Texas Wine Maker Russell Smith, Certified Sommelier Anthony Makoujy, and a team of over 50 employees that operate four separate locations throughout Texas.

Certified Sommelier Anthony Makoujy relocated from Napa Valley, CA to join the BCV team back in 2016 and will officially represent Barons Creek throughout all educational components of the cruise along with several other members of the Barons Creek Vineyards team. Club members tell us that Anthony has a very entertaining & engaging way of making wine much more approachable and fun for wine lovers across the board.

Europeanbarging was founded in 1998 and specializes in European barge and river cruise products. Located in Texas, Europeanbarging is an ARC accredited company.

AmaWaterways, the only cruise line that has the privileged of being inducted into La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, one of the world most prestigious culinary organizations, as well as Prestigious Tables et Auberges de France –  leading the way in the cruise industry as one of the most innovative foods and wine experiences both on-board and on-shore.

The $1000 per person discount ends September 30, 2021.

For more information contact Europeanbarging at:  888-869-7907  or   http://www.europeanbarging.com.

Exploring Heidelberg and Her Castle

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Heidelberg is a city located in southwestern Germany, along the canals of the Neckar River. It was first recognized in 1196. It was the capital city of the Rhenish Palatinate. Later, it became the place of residence of the electorate counts palatine up to 1720.

The city was devastated during the Thirty Years’ War in 1622. It was almost completely wiped out by the French in 1689 and 1693.

Heidelberg is a university town. Its 2016 census revealed that it has a population of 159,914, with roughly a quarter of that figure are students.

It is the fifth-largest city in Baden-Wurttemberg.

The oldest university in Germany and one of Europe’s most reputable universities is in this city, the Heidelberg University, which was founded in 1386. The university played a leading role in the era of humanism and Reformation.

The city’s library is the oldest existing public library in Germany, it was established in 1421. A few months after announcing his Ninety-five Theses, Martin Luther came to Heidelberg to defend them, that was in April of 1518.

During World War II, the city was the stronghold of the Nazi party. Between 1933 and 1945 was known as the Nazi period.

In 1934-1935 the State Labor Service and students at Heidelberg University built the Thingstätte Amphitheater in the northern part of the town. This amphitheater was where Nazi Party events were held. After just a few months, the sprawling Ehrenfiedhof Memorial Cemetery was opened, which completed the last project of the Nazi Party in the city. It was in the southern part of the old town.

German troops left the city on March 29, 1945, after destroying the old bridge, the city’s valued river crossing. Allied forces penetrated the town the next day and the civilian population voluntarily surrendered.

It was said that the city was not targeted by Allied bombing raids because the U.S. Army wanted to use it as a post-war garrison.

The city is known as the scientific hub in Germany as there are some internationally renowned research labs near Heidelberg University, including Max Planck Institutes and the European Molecular Biology Laboratory.

For centuries it has been an art hub, especially literature. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network even awarded it as a “City of Literature”.

The city is a favorite tourist destination because of its popular romantic cityscape, including The Philosopher’s Walk, the old Baroque town, and the Heidelberg Castle.

 

Heidelberg Castle at Sunset

Heidelberg Castle

The Heidelberg Castle

The popular landmark, Heidelberg Castle ruins are among the most important Renaissance buildings located north of the Alps. it was demolished in the 17th and 18th centuries and has only been rebuilt partially. The castle is a towering figure from the Konigstuhl hillside. Visitors can go there via the Heidelberger Bergbahn funicular railway which runs from Kornmarkt all the way to the summit of the Kongistuhl.

The earliest castle structure was built before 1214. A second structure was built in 1294. In 1537, though, a lightning bolt struck and destroyed the upper castle.

The present structures were improved in 1650, unfortunately, wars and fires destroyed these structures. Portions were rebuilt but another lightning bolt struck in 1764.

You can visit Heidelberg and her castle from most Rhine River Cruises.  We offer from 4 – 15 day cruises.  Checkout our website for  cruise itineraries.   Contact us for more information and current promotions:  888-869-7907 or jan@europeanbarging.com

AmaWaterways Bordeaux Wine Cruise Hosted by Messina Hof Winery

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NEW DATE FOR 2021 BORDEAUX RIVER CRUISE
AND A $750 PER PERSON DISCOUNT

Due to the Covid-19 virus, we have moved our March 2021 wine cruise to August.

Paul and Merrill Bonarrigo from the Messina Hof Winery are hosting a Bordeaux wine cruise aboard AmaDolce.  Messina Hof is the most awarded and renowned Texas wine in national and international competitions. In a community steeped in tradition, Messina Hof Winery & Resort holds its own

Grapes on theVine

Lush, Ripe Wine Grapes on the Vine Ready for Harvest.

with a 200- year history of award winning wines. Although the winery itself was officially established when with the first vintage release in 1983, the rich wine heritage of Winemaker Paul Bonarrigo dates back six generations to Messina, Sicily. Merrill Bonarrigo’s family originates from Hof, Germany. Together they have pioneered the Texas wine industry in creating premium wines of distinction and a landmark wine country destination.

“In addition to the $750* per person discount off the cruise, Europeanbarging is offering each cabin a $25 on board credit.” Jan Baumgartner, Europeanbarging

Ama cabin with French Balcony

Ama cabin with French Balcony

 

The AmaDolce was built in 2009 and spans 360 feet long and 38 feet wide. There are 73 Staterooms aboard the ship and could accommodate a total of 199 people – 144 passengers and 45 crew members. The ship guarantees a comfortable cruise with plenty of room to socialize and enjoy the time aboard.

AmaWaterways 7 night Bordeaux Wine Cruise starts at $3,349 per person. (This includes the $750* per person discount). This fare is good for 7 nights’ stay in an river view stateroom. Those who will opt to join the cruise will enjoy the following: Fine dining at The Chef’s Table and Main Restaurant, and Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour. Experience and socialize at a Captain’s Gala Dinner and Cocktail Reception Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Complimentary Wi-Fi access on board A variety of tours, guided shore excursions, wine tastings, and discussions. Free use of helmets and bicycles are also provided during shore tours and excursions while the ship is in port.

The AmaWaterways Cruise departs on August 5th and will disembark on August 12th, 2021. The 7- day cruise promises a great time aboard the ship and on land during each scheduled porting. There’s no more fitting starting point for this sailing along the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers than Bordeaux, an undisputed wine capital. Enjoy exquisite tastings just as unforgettable as the wines you’ll sip. Visit the renowned vineyards of Saint-Émilion, Pauillac and Libourne, discovering timeless wine-making traditions, and visit the Bordeaux Wine Museum, a spectacular sensory experience with the power to turn even the most hesitant wine drinkers into connoisseurs. Various cities and sights are part of the AmaWaterways Wine Cruise destinations that includes: Bordeaux, Libourne, Saint-Emilion, Blaye, Bourg, Pauillac and Cadillac. Each day promises a new experience that should not be missed.

The following Multi-Choice excursions are available: in Saint-Emilion, choose from a tour of Saint-Emilion and Grand Cru Classe wine tasting OR Saint Émilion bike tour and wine tasting OR Château de Vayres; in Libourne choose from a Walking Tour OR Bastide town and market visit OR Château Boutinet hike with wine & tapas tasting OR Bike tour; in Blaye, a visit to the Citadel OR Blaye bike tour towards Les Etauliers Blaye to Bourg bike tour. Bourg offers a walking tour, Carriage Museum and WWII Petrol Cistern, as well as an Exclusive wine festival. In Pauillac Medoc Grand Cru Classé wine tasting and scenic vineyard tour; Cadillac features the Roquetaillade Castle with Sauternes wine tasting and in Bordeaux a Illuminations cruise in the evening and Bordeaux UNESCO city tour and Wine Museum OR Bordeaux bike tour.

The wine cruise promotes a wide range of activities throughout the whole trip to appreciate wine heritage more through a series of tastings, discussions, and tours around each port. Also included in the cruise are special tours and tastings at local wineries and private cellars where passengers can get to appreciate and learn more about wine making in renowned vineyards. There are also on board wine pairings with award-winning cuisine, and a wine expert who will be leading the tastings and discussions.

Uncork local traditions, savor intense flavors and enjoy palate-pleasing adventures during AmaWaterways Wine Cruises. The cruise promotes a great way to meet new people and fellow wine aficionados as they enjoy a 7-day cruise from Bordeaux along the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Book Now – as these wine cruises sell out.

*The $750 per person discount applies to bookings made by December 30, 2020.

For more information on the cruise and its activities, contact Jan Baumgartner of Europeanbarging.com at 888-869-7907, or send an email to jan@europeanbarging.com.

All About AmaWaterways

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Europeanbarging represents one of the best river cruise lines in the world – Amawaterways river cruises.

AmaWaterways ship on the Rhine

Ama waterways introduces 2 new river cruise ships in Cologne Germany

These cruises allow you to discover the most scenic waterways in the world. Amawaterways Europe river cruise also allows you to explore the most historic cities in the world including, Prague, Paris, Normandy, Bordeaux, Amsterdam, Budapest, Munich, Zurich, Lisbon, and more.

Here are some of the Amawaterways river cruises that you should try:

1. The Enchanting Rhine
This is a seven-night cruise along the Rhine River. The cruise starts in Amsterdam and ends in Zurich. But, it has a number of stopovers including Cologne, Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim, Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach, Basel and Lucerne. During this tour, you’ll get to enjoy the different attractions around Europe, including the Basel Old Town, the Rathaus and Marktplatz, the Basel Minster, Spalentor, Lake Luzern, Old Town Lucerne, and many more. You’ll also cruise along the beautiful castles along Rhine and go wine tasting in Rudesheim. You can also bike around Strasbourg. This is a cruise that you should not miss.

2. Blue Danube Discovery
If you have a lot of time to spare, you can spend a couple of nights in Budapest, explore Prague for three nights, and go on a 7-day cycling cruise along Danube via the Blue Danube discovery cruise. You’ll get to visit many cities when you take this cruise, including Bratislava, Budapest, Durnstein, Linz, Melk, Nuremberg, Passau, Pilzen, Prague, Regensburg and Vienna. You’ll enjoy the scenic and panoramic view of Linz, Melk, and Passau. You’ll also get to visit the different tourist spots in Budapest and Prague including, the Prague castle, the Clementinum, St. Vitus Cathedral, the Municipal House, Josefov, The Petrin Lookout Tower, Budapest Castle Hill, Magnificent Margaret Island, and the Inner Ring.

3. Gems of the Southwest Cruise
If you’re planning for a grand vacation, the Amawaterways Gems of the Southwest Cruise is perfect for you. The Gems of the Southwest Cruise is a 12-day cruise and land tour that starts in Vienna and ends in Bucharest. When you take this cruise, you’ll get to explore a number of beautiful cities including Vienna, Budapest, Mohac’s, Pecs, Vilany, Vukovar, Novi Sad, Belgrade, cruising through the Iron Gates, Vidin, Giurgiu, Bucharest Rousse, Brasov. You can even tour around these cities using a bicycle, free of charge.

4. The Enticing Douro Cruise
The Enticing Douro Cruise is an 11-day cruise from Lisbon to Porto. This is a wine cruise so there are a number of wine tasting courses along the way. You’ll get to enjoy the beautiful cities of Lisbon, Porto, Regua, Barca d’Alva, Vega Terron, Pinhao, and Entre-os Rios.

There are a lot of Amawaterways River Cruises that you can try including the Ultimate River Cruise, the Magnificent Europe Cruise, Holland Tulip River Cruise, Christmas Market Cruises, Wine Themed Cruises and the Melodies of the Danube. Each cruise provides a unique experience. Plus, Amawaterways is the only river cruise that carries a number of safety helmets and bicycles. You can join a bike tour or you can explore the cities on a bicycle on your own. You can cycle along the Danube and Wachau Valley. You can also join the cycling tour in Antwerp if you choose to go on Holland Tulip River Cruise or along the Seine River.

Europeanbarging can assist with finding the perfect river cruise for you. Contact them for promotional offers and details on payment plans. Europeanbarging are barge and river cruise specialist since 1998. For more information: jan@europeanbarging.com 888-869-7907