Iconic Christmas Markets River Cruise

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Contrary to what most people think, river cruises can actually be inexpensive. This is especially true when travelers plan ahead of time. And with the offer of AmaWaterways and Europeanbarging.com regarding their 2019 Fall European Christmas Market River Cruise, one can save up to $1000 when booking early. Moreover, travelers are given free $50 ship board credit each. For added convenience, payment plans and special priced airfares are also available.

German Town Decorated for Christmas

Iconic Christmas Markets River Cruise

This 8-day tour starts from Nuremburg, Germany and ends in Budapest. More than a regular river cruise, the itinerary for this journey highlights the Christmas markets in every city that will be visited.

For those guests that book the pre cruise stay in Prague, Czech Republic, the first tour will include the 1000 year old Prague Castle. The Christmas market in the Old Town Square will also be visited. The next day, travelers are taken to Nuremberg, Germany, to explore the various colorful Christmas markets in the town and join the ship. One of these is the Christkindlesmarkt, one of the largest Christmas markets in the world. Following that, the city of Regensburg will be toured. The highlight for this city is the romantic Christmas market located in Thum and Taxis Castle. The next destination, Passau, is where tourists can explore various markets to get authentic Bavarian-style crafts. The next day, the Benedictine Abbey in Melk will be visited. This monastery is one of Europe’s largest and is also a UNESCO world heritage site. In the city of Vienna, travelers can go to several beautiful Christmas markets in Rathaus, Karlsplatz, and Theresapatz. And on the last day, tourists are taken to the Christmas market at Budapest, Hungary where shopping for traditional Hungarian treats can be made.

This cruise is only one of the Affordable River Cruises that Europeanbarging offers. For as low as $2499, everyone can finally enjoy Europe and some of its beautiful sceneries. The Iconic Christmas Market Cruise is a new itinerary for 2018. There is still good availability for 2018 with up to $500 off per person. Contact Europeanbarging with any questions or availability. 888-869-7907

Lyon: Home of Great Food and Architecture in France

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No tourist can say he has experienced the best of France without setting foot in the charming city of Lyon. Situated right in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, it is located where two rivers – the Rhone and the Saone – smoothly meet.

Because of this unique location, the Lyon has become a staple stopover in many Rhone River Cruises, including the Arosa Stella, offering short 5 – 7 night cruises.

The city has been around for quite a while. It was occupied as early as 43 BC, when the Romans turned the land into a village for refugees of war. Today, it is the third largest and most populous city in France, but the influence of the early settlers is beautifully preserved in architecture and art.

Lyon is primarily known today for their exquisite cuisine. But before you indulge in their great food, there are numerous sights you must definitely see.

One of these sights is the Opera Nouvel. This historical landmark showcases the architectural creativity of both the old and modern French. The horseshoe-shaped structure standing today was first built in 1756 and improved in 1985. Despite the different architectural trends, the designers decided to preserve the old building and only make minor renovations. The renovated building turned out to have more efficient use of space inside and has been hailed as one of the most genius works of engineering and architecture in the world.

Other scenic places include the Fourvière Basilica, where you can feast your eyes on grand architectural designs on the outside. Inside is the Museum of Sacred Art, where beautifully crafted masterpieces by talented goldsmiths abound.

The Lyon Cathedral, Basilique Saint-Martin d’Ainay, and Iglesia de St-Nizier are a few other cathedrals that are equally as remarkable.

When going on a Rhone River Cruise, make the most out of your stop in Lyon. The city is best explored on foot or by bike. See the sights, learn the history, and – more importantly – eat the food. Only then can you say that you experienced the best of France.  Check out the Arosa Stella video.

The Arosa Stella offers 5, 6 and 7 night round trip Lyon – Rhone River Cruises, starting at $1079 for 2018 cruises. Rates include the cruise, beverage package, all meals and free Wi-Fi.

For more information contact europeanbarging at 888-869-7907 or jan@europeanbarging.com River cruise and barge cruise specialist since 1998.

Europeanbarging Offers Discount River Cruises

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Europeanbarging, in cooperation with AmaWaterways, recently announced its newest promo that gives travelers the chance to save $1000 when ordering one of the company’s 2018 or 2019 Holiday River Cruise Specials. Moreover up to $50 ship board credit is also given per person, the company stated.
To receive the discount and other perks, customers must book on or before August 30, 2018. For convenience, the company also has several cruise payment plans for customers to choose from, as well as specially priced airfare.

About the Company
Europeanbarging is a company that specializes in European barge and river cruise products. Some of these include luxury river cruises, small ship cruises, and even casual bike cruises.

2018 and 2019 Holiday River Cruise Options
Europeanbarging has given several selections for its Affordable River Cruises in order to satisfy every traveler’s cruise demands. Each cruise has different itinerary, departure dates, as well as rates.

One river cruise option for travelers is the Iconic Christmas Market Cruise. The journey follows the beautiful Danube River, spending seven nights onboard from Budapest to Nuremberg, in addition to a total of three nights land tour in Prague and two nights in Budapest. Some of the most noteworthy stops in this tour are the St. Stephen’s Basilica, Mirbach Palace, and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, where the largest cathedral organ is located.

Another cruise choice is the Rhine River Cruise which spends seven nights in a trip from Amsterdam to Basel, as well as a tour of Switzerland for four nights. The tour begins in the scenic canal of Amsterdam where the house of Anne Frank is located. It then proceeds to several towns of Germany, France, and Switzerland. Some of the iconic sites to see in this cruise are the Cathedral Square in Germany, the Swiss Lion Monument, and the “La Petite France” neighborhood.

And for those who want to celebrate the Holiday season traveling, Europeanbarging also announced its Christmas on the Rhine Tour. The different departure dates for this cruise are set from November 26 to December 24, 2018. The journey includes seven nights cruising between Amsterdam and Basel, then an additional four nights of land tour in Switzerland. Aside from the different sceneries to be seen in the journey, the cruise also highlights its stops in different Christmas markets. Some of these include the Christmas market in Rudesheim, which boasts a collection of over 120 stalls from 12 countries, and the largest Christmas market in Europe, which is located in Zurich.
2018 Cruise Fare

Europeanbarging has released a list for its upcoming 2019 cruises. The rates depend on the type of cruise selected, the choice of room, and departure dates. Generally, the company stated that standard fares for cruise can go as low as $2499 for March departures.

For more information, visit their website at www.europeanbarging.com or to book a cruise contact: Jan@europeanbarging.com or call 888-869-7907

Viviers: Enjoying Medieval France in the Modern Day

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Nestled on the right bank of the Rhone River in the South of France, Viviers is a lovely city that is known for its fascinating historical landmarks, stunning lavender fields, and friendly folk that will always greet you with a smile. Because of all these, it is well worth a visit.

It is not very difficult to reach this city. It is a stop in many European River Cruises, especially on a Rhone River Cruise offered by the Arosa Stella. When you catch glimpse of narrow cobblestone streets, a labyrinth of stone houses, and a few looming structures, you’ll know that you’ve arrived.

Sights to See in Viviers

Much like Lyon, old cathedrals that date back to the medieval period are plentiful in Viviers. In fact, they are one of the main reasons why many love to visit the place. These aged structures showcase the impressive architecture of the medieval French and, more importantly, continues to tell the story about their struggles and triumphs in the past from the dark ages to the Renaissance.

Some of the most remarkable cathedrals include the grand Saint-Vincent Cathedral, Saint-Michael Tower, Saint-Ostian Chapel, and the ruins of the Saint-Martin Tower. It is with no argument that these cathedrals are stunning from the outside, but they are just as beautiful inside. Enter and you will definitely admire the elaborately carved grottos and sophisticated interiors.

The House of Knights, Hotel de Lestrade mansion, and the Place de Chateauvieux are a few other estates you should not miss.

A guided tour – on foot – is best when in Viviers. It allows you to experience the city at its finest and learn about its unique history, which mainly involves wealthy bishops and their lavish lifestyles.

Now, imagine walking through narrow tree-lined streets while taking in scenic views and enjoying fresh lavender scented air from expansive fields that surround the old city. What a refreshing way to spend a day.

The Arosa Stella includes a stop at Viviers on their 5 night and 7 night cruises. For more information contact Europeanbarging.com 888-869-7907

If Wurzburg is a stop on your Main Danube River Cruise, you have many architectural delights awaiting you

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Located on both banks of the Main River, Wurzburg is a town in the region of Lower Franconia in northern Bavaria, Germany. The town serves as the capital of the administrative district of Lower Franconia. Spoken in the region is the Franconian dialect.

Würzburg is celebrated for its beautiful art scene and abundance of wines and wineries. In contrast with the old-fashioned cobbled streets and striking baroque architectures, it also boasts a hip and lively nightlife.

However, before it became the city it is now, Würzburg used to be a Franconian duchy until 686, when it was Christianized by three Irish missionaries named Kilian, Kolonat, and Totnan.

Their mission, although successful, ended up killing them. They all eventually became saints. Saint Kilian at one point appeared on the city seal for 300 years, and the Würzburg Cathedral was also dedicated to him.

The Würzburg Residence, the city’s crowning glory
For centuries, the prince-bishops seated in the diocese of Würzburg commanded much wealth and power. Under their reign, the city grew in luxuriousness, best exemplified by a vast compound in the city’s center.

Two prince-shops commissioned the construction of the grandiose palace compound, known as the Würzburg Residence or Residence in 1720. With funding from the von Schönborn brothers, Johann Philipp Franz and Friedrich Carl, the construction was supervised by many people including Baroque architects Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt and Maximilian von Welsch. The principal architect was Balthasar Neumann. It was also Neumann who created the palace’s Baroque grand staircase.

The vast frescoes adorning the interior of the building were painted by two Venetian painters, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo and his son Domenico, who served as his assistant. In fact, the palace’s immense ceiling fresco is widely considered to be the largest in the world.

The Würzburg Residence was completed in 1744, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the finest Baroque structures in Europe.
Although the palace, along with 90% of the city center, was destroyed by British bombers during an air raid in World War II, an ambitious rebuilding project spanning 20 years since, restored the city’s landscape and structures.

“While in port, during our AmaWaterways cruise, we really enjoyed the
Residence as well as the beautiful gardens in the back and the rose
garden to the side. Be sure and take a look if you have the time”
– Jan Baumgartner, Partner, Europeanbarging.com

Würzburg’s majestic Baroque and Romanesque churches
Like the Residence, all the city’s churches were demolished during the war, but fortunately they were all restored as well.

Among these churches is the Käppele, a chapel built in 1748 in late Baroque style. It used to be a small altar until Balthasar Neumann made plans to expand it into the chapel it is today. Its full name is Wallfahrtskirche Mariä Heimsuchung, or the Visitation of Mary, and serves to this day as a pilgrimage church.

Another church to visit is the Würzburg Cathedral which serves as the diocese of Würzburg’s seat. This Cathedral was dedicated to Saint Kilian and has served as the resting place for Würzburg’s prince-bishops for centuries. It is one of the largest Baroque-Romanesque church buildings in Germany and is considered a masterpiece of German architecture from the Frankish dynasty.

Many more churches, monuments, and works of art grace the streets and landscapes of Würzburg, making it one of the most scenic cities in Germany, due in part to its rich and grand history. Its old-fashioned charm mixed with the luxury of its past have branded this town as an undisputed must-visit.

To visit Wurzburg from a river cruise, we offer the Medieval Treasures, Europe’s Rivers and Castles, and Magnificent Europe itineraries on Amawaterways. For more information contact Europeanbarging.com 888-869-7907