Tag Archives: Cruise Experience

Explore Český Krumlov and it’s Castle

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Český Krumlov and its castle

Floating down the river on a luxurious AMA Waterways ship, you hear about the possibility of a Linz excursion to Český Krumlov. “Český Krumlov?” you think to yourself. “What a funny little name. Should I take an excursion there?” The answer is a resounding yes. Český Krumlov’s castle sits in a bend of the Vltava River like a pearl still on the half-shell. Take a trip to this beautiful castle and discover the beauty of this UNESCO Site.

 Historic Český Krumlov

Castle medievalOnce the seat of the House of Rosenberg, Český Krumlov’s roots stretch back to the 13th century. South Bohemian rulers, the Rosenbergs became enchanted by the Italian Renaissance style while building up their castle residence. Of all the castles in the Czech Republic, Český Krumlov’s is the second-largest. Its medieval core, uniquely preserved in its bend of the Vltava River, earns a place as a UNESCO Site.

Harmonious Renaissance Castle

Featuring Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, Český Krumlov is a woven tapestry of harmonious styles. Gaze at the sumptuous Renaissance castle. Get delightfully lost in the maze of medieval streets. Stroll in colorfully-designed gardens. Lift a pint in a pub or ale-house where knights of the Middle Ages once quenched their thirst. Tour the remarkably preserved Baroque theater with stage equipment dating back almost three centuries – and marvel that it still works. An excursion to this sight awards you the opportunity to view a tiny town with big history all stitched together in harmony with the beautiful countryside.

Danube River Cruise Experience

DanubeRiver cruises offer guests the relaxing experience of meandering down a scenic waterway. Look over the railing at green vineyards rolling across the countryside, castles perched atop hills and cities rich in history and culture. AMA Waterways ships feature luxurious amenities such as swimming pools, Jacuzzis and spas. The ships dock in the heart of historic cities such as Linz, affording guests the opportunity to step right into the heart of towns rich in culture.

Český Krumlov Castle is one of many Linz excursions. Contact us to book an Danube River cruise and accept a Linz excursion. This is experience is not to be missed.

Explore Cawdor Castle on the Highland Barge Cruise

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Experience Cawdor Castle and Explore MacBeth

MelkCawdor Castle is a splendid, turreted gothic castle situated amid gardens in the parish of Cawdor, around 10 miles east of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands. The castle was built around a 15th-century tower house, with generous additions in subsequent centuries. The castle was, originally, a property of the Clan Calder which passed to the Campbells in the 16th century. It continued to remain in Campbell ownership, and is now home to the Dowager Countess Cawdor, stepmother of Colin Campbell, 7th Earl Cawdor.

A curious feature of the castle is that it was built around a small, living holly tree, the remains of which may still be seen in the lowest level of the tower.

The castle is renowned for its stunning gardens, which include the WalledGarden which was originally planted in the 17th Century, the Flower Garden planted in 18th century and the WildGarden added in the 1960s. In addition to these gardens, the castle property includes a wood featuring numerous species of trees as well as over 100 species of lichen.

Shakespeare and Cawdor Castle

Cawdor Castle is best known for being immortalized in William Shakespeare’s tragedy Macbeth where the title character is made “Thane of Cawdor”. But the playwright has taken several artistic liberties and has highly fictionalized the story. The fact is that the castle itself was built many years after the life of the 11th-century King Macbeth.

Notwithstanding the fact that the real Macbeth never entered the castle – he died around 400 years before it was built – the atmospheric medieval keep and battlements are pervaded with a sense of romantic history.

Our 8 passenger scottish highlander barge will be a perfect choice for you if you want to visit Cawdor Castle. So get aboard our highland barge cruise and make a visit to the amazing and immortalized castle!