Spirit of Chartwell Offering Douro River Cruises

Cruise the Douro River on the Deluxe 30 passenger Spirit of Chartwell. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a small vessel with great service while exploring the splendor of Portugal.

European Barging welcomes groups as well as couples to attend their Douro River cruise. The ship is perfect for small groups and charters.  We have 3 dates in 2022 that we are offering a $600 per person discount – July 22,  Aug 5th, and Nov 4th, 2022.   The rate is  $2200 for 7 nights.

Spirit of Chartwell

Queen Elizabeth II aboard the Chartwell during her Jubilee – before the barge moved to the Douro

 

This barge cruise sets the standard for service and quality.  Guest experience the finest interior furnishings, an impressive amount of space, and a high number of staff members. The elegance that is a part of the Douro River Cruise creates a club-like atmosphere for experienced travelers; an environment where every need is predicted and promptly attended to during the calm passage through the majestic Douro River Valley for every guest to enjoy.

 

Spirit of Chartwell twin cabin

“The inspiration behind the riverboat’s public areas is the Rene Lalique 1929 Pullman car ‘Cote d’Azur’ operated by the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits. The river between Régua and Barca d’ Alva is one of the more scenic parts of the cruise route.  As Barca d’Alva is the last Portuguese town before the Spanish border,  this section of the cruise is at the greatest distance from Porto.  Along the route, the steep hills are covered in grape vines and there are several locks and dams, built to slow down the fast-running river.” Jan Baumgartner

For more information about the wonderful Douro River cruise on the Spirit of Chartwell ship check out Europeans Barging’s video it showcases the Spirit of Chartwell and the Douro River http://youtu.be/lavTjJTlK6Y

Contact us at 888-869-7907  or jan@europeanbarging.com

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

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

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.

Visiting French Chateaux from a 5 Night Loire Paddleboat Cruise

The picturesque views of the Loire Valley are truly enticing enough to make you want to experience the romance and heritage in a Loire paddleboat cruise. There’s not a minute wasted in these cruises as you explore one chateau after another discovering their secrets and hearing stories about their past.

Aptly so, Loire may be referred to as France’s Valley of the Kings. The French court has been held in different areas within this location on several periods in Loire history. Art consequently flourished along this European waterway as well as evidenced by the extensive collection of privately owned works housed in royal chateaus.

New for 2022 is a 5 day Loire River Cruise aboard the Loire Princess – a 88 passenger paddle boat, cruising round trip Nantes, in addition to the current 6 day cruise.  Some of the most popular chateaux that you are likely to visit on a Loire paddleboat cruise or barge cruise are:

Château d’Azay-le-Rideau – built on a small island in the middle of the Indre River, the château as it is seen today was built under Francis I by Gilles Berthelot, a wealthy financier who wanted to incorporate its medieval past alongside the latest architectural styles of the Italian renaissance. The chateau is a French national monument and possesses all the refinement found in the French Renaissance.

Gardens of VillandryChateau de Villandry — the renaissance gardens are the most popular attraction of this chateau, known even throughout the world as Jardins a la Francaise. To get to this chateau, guests get off at Larcay as the cruise barge moors beneath a canopy of weeping willows. French heritage is distinct in the decor, art, and furnishings throughout the interior. Outside, the gardens are lush and beautifully arranged in patterns combining water gardens, flower gardens, as well as vegetable gardens.

Chateau UsseChâteau d’Ussé – rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries, this stronghold with fortified towers, turrets and steeples looks like something out of a fairytale. The castle is still inhabited today and takes visitors back to a time of legends and fairytales. It is thought to have inspired Charles Perrault when writing “Sleeping Beauty”.

Château de Brissac, known as the tallest royal residence in France, it contains 204 rooms, monumental staircases and never-ending hallways. Acquired by René de Cossé in the 16th century, Château de Brissac is still owned by the Cossé-Brissac family. (Click here for more information on this interesting history of this family – you will need to click on the British Flag for English) Its park contains some magnificent shady spots under centuries-old trees, and the castle’s spectacular decorations and the breathtaking Belle Époque theater are definitely not to be missed!

Loire Paddleboat CruiseIf you are looking for a laid back getaway that puts romance and history together, booking a barge cruise and going on excursions from a Loire Valley cruise is one of your best vacation options.   The 5 day cruises start at $1400 for 2022.  Rate includes the cruise, all meals, beverages and Wi-Fi.  As these ships are smaller capacity, departures will sell out quickly.  Call  now to book a great scenic river cruise.  888-869-7907

Visit Istanbul in 2020 on a Gem’s of the Southeast Danube Cruise

Europeanbarging is pleased to announce, that with the 2020 departures of AmaWaterways Gem’s of the Southeast Europe, clients have the chance to experience Istanbul with a 3 night pre or post cruise land program.

Gems of the Southeast river cruise itinerary covers the lower Danube cruising between Budapest Hungary and Giurgiu Romania and includes 5 countries.  In addition to Hungary and Romania, guests will visit Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria on the cruise and Turkey and Austria for pre or post cruise programs

Blue Mosque in Instanbul

Istanbul, once known as Constantinople is a city rich in cultures and history with much to offer.  It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited spots of the world, it’s exotic architecture including mosques, colorful basilicas, cathedrals and centuries old  ancient bazaars. Istanbul is located on the Bosphorus peninsula and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Istanbul lies at the crossroads between the East and the West, Istanbul is Turkey’s largest city and a city with vibrant mix of cultures

Some of the sites to experience in Istanbul during your land program include:

 Visit the great sites including the iconic Blue Mosque and beautiful Hagia Sophia (cathedral-turned-museum) it was the center of the  Roman and Byzantine city and is a great place to begin exploring Istanbul. At the Hippodrome, see the Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius  (the oldest monument of Constantinople) and the Serpent Column from the Delphi oracle remain, having been in this same location since the 4th century.  The four bronze horses that used to be on top of the emperor’s box  were looted during the crusades at this ancient chariot-racing arena.  They are now on the façade of Saint Mark’s Basilica in Venice.

The Old City reminds one of the ancient times of the Roman Empire. The centuries-old city walls stand out. Extending for nearly 14 miles (22 kilometers) and stretching from the Sea of Marmara to the Golden Horn, these walls have stood for centuries.  They were demolished twice in their history: first, by the Latin Crusaders who intended to head toward the Holy Land in 1204 and again in 1453 by the Ottoman Turks in their attempts to conquer the city.

The Valens Aqueduct (located within the old walls), was once part of the Roman aqueduct. It was the single longest ancient aqueduct system ever to be built – nearly 270,000 square feet (250,000 meters). Completed by Roman Emperor Valens in the late 4th century AD, it was used by the Byzantines and later the Ottomans, and was operational until the end of the 19th century.

Topkapi Palace, dating back to the 15th century, is rich in the history of the Ottoman Empire. Overlooking the ocean, from it’s hillside location, its 27 towers and three miles of stone wall were at one time an official royal residence of the Ottoman sultans and the seat of the Turkish government. It is a museum now and considered the largest and oldest palace in the world. Inside, take a look at the harem’s quarters, and the seat of government.  Some of the artifacts inside the museum include:  collection of old weapons used by the sultans, palace kitchens with their huge porcelain collections, and the treasury with its collection of jewels and clocks, including the Topkapi Dagger and the stunning 86 carat Spoonmaker’s diamond.

With the 3 night land program in Istanbul, guests will embark on a walking tour that will visit the Hagia Sophia, formerly a church, then a mosque before becoming a museum;  the Blue Mosque and for those interested a guide will take you to the Grand Bazaar.  The second day spend at the spectacular Ottoman Sultans’ Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every Sultan from the 15 – 19th centuries.

Cruise departures start in March and conclude in November.  March 22, November 1 and 8 are also Wine Themed itineraries.  Cruise rates start at $2899 per person and include the 7 night cruise, all meals, wine with meals, daily happy hour, multi choice excursions and Wi-Fi.

Experience Istanbul in all its splendor as part of your pre- or post-cruise hotel/land extension on 2020  Gems of the Southeast cruises!

For more information contact Europeanbarging.com at 888-869-7907 or jan@europeanbarging.com