CRUISING SOUTH OF FRANCE AND CANAL DU MIDI

Rates are for six nights on either: A whole boat charter basis or per person based on double occupancy per cabin for our GoBarging luxury hotel barge cruises with departures every Sunday, from April to November

2011 SPRING CHARTER DISCOUNTS
Cruise Area	Barge	Discounts	Departure Date	Deposit By
Canal du Midi	Anjodi	€2000 off charter price for 6 to 8 pax	April 24 2011	25 February 2011
Our vacations are all-inclusive, which means: * 6 Nights accommodation on board in an air-conditioned, en-suite cabin. * The services of an experienced Captain / Host, Chef, Housekeeper(s), Driver/Tour Guide. * Breakfast, lunch and dinner aboard. All lunch and evening meals aboard are a gastronomic adventure using local produce. * A local lunch ashore, once per week on most barges. * An excellent selection of fine regional and international wines and spirits, plus an all day open bar, tea and coffee. *Daily excursions by chauffeured minivan and inclusive entry fees to castles, vineyards, markets and other local places of interest. * Use of barge facilities such as bicycles, boules, barge library and on certain vessels, a spa pool. * Return transfers to and from local meeting/drop off point. Conditions Our normal Terms & Conditions apply. Some cruises may require a minimum of 4 passengers booked to guarantee the cruise. These special offers are subject to availability, apply to new bookings only and cannot be used in conjunction with other offers.

 

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THE 8 PASSENGER ANJODI ....
is of classic Dutch design, specifically rebuilt to navigate the 300 year old Canal du Midi. She has been completely re-furbished in the tasteful tradition of African hardwoods,hand-crafted panelling and shining brass, creating a comfortable and charming ambience
The well planned accommodation offers a choice of four air-conditioned twin/double staterooms with full en-suite facitlities. The sun deck is spacious and has a heated sunken Jacuzzi
Anjodi's highly professional crew of four is comprised of Master Chef, Tour guide and Stewardess, led by a knowledgeable and experienced Captain who will ensure your cruise is memorable and more.!

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THE BARGE HERSELF
FORMER PURPOSE: Ex Freight Barge carrying grain between Amsterdam and Paris
YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION: 1929
DIMENSIONS: Length 100 ' (30.48m) and width 16 ' 6" (5.05m)
YEAR CONVERTED INTO A HOTEL BARGE: 1983
GENERATORS: 2 x 220 volts generators and it is equipped with silent night running.
MAIN ENGINE: Main engine 185 HP PERKINS TURBO
MAXIMUM SPEED: Max. speed 10 knots
WATER AND FUEL CAPACITY: 9 tons of water and 3 tons of fuel

PERSONNEL
CREW: 4. Captain, Tour Guide/deckhand, Chef, Housekeeper. Our crew are generally British and speak both English and French, while some speak other languages as well.

ACCOMMODATION
CAPACITY FOR ACCOMMODATION: Up to 8 passengers
NUMBER AND TYPES OF CABINS: She has 4 staterooms, all with choice of 2 single beds or double bed

SIZES OF THE CABINS
They are all very similar sizes and are all equally comfortable.

When Romarin, Lavande and Thym are in TWIN bed configuration, they are in an L shape.
When Basilic is in TWIN bed configuration, the beds are side by side with a gap between them.

When Romarin, Lavande and Thym cabins are in DOUBLE bed configuration, you enter the bed from one side.
When Basilic is in DOUBLE bed configuration you enter the bed from the end.

BATHROOMS:
All cabins are fully tiled and have shower cubicle, toilet and basin. Supplied with: Towels, washing gel, hand soap, shampoo

CLOSET SPACE: Yes
HAIRDRYERS: Yes,
ELECTRICITY: 220 volt electricity (French two pin plugs)

SIZE OF THE BEDS: As singles they are all “2ft6 x 6ft (0.79m x 1.8m) and as doubles beds are 5ft x 6ft (1.5m x 1.8m), except Basilic which is 6ft7’ (2.04m)wide x 6ft (1.8m) long

CLIMATE CONTROL & ELECTRICITY

PUBLIC ROOMS
SALOON/DINING ROOM DIMENSIONS & DESCRIPTION: 13' x 21' (3.9m x 6.4m), 2 Sofas with coffee table. Fully stocked bar with bar stools, drinks cabinet and fridge. Dining table seating up to 9 people. Plenty of varnished hardwood and brass.
SUNDECK: 12' x 22' (3.6m x 6.7m), Sunken Jacuzzi heated, 2 steamer chairs, 8 reclining chairs and 2 parasols

GASTRONOMY
There is no assigned seating for meals and the dining room. Anjodi accommodates all guests at a single sitting. French cuisine is featured.

SPECIAL FOOD REQUIREMENTS:
Special food requirements (such as vegetarian or allergies) are catered for if requested in advance. Please give as much advance notice as possible – preferably 8 weeks prior to the cruise departure at least.

DRINKS WHICH ARE INCLUDED IN THE CRUISE PRICE:
There is an open bar on board with alcoholic & non-alcoholic drinks available 24 hours a day. Champagne and Special vintage wines are not included although you may purchase bottles at cost of Champagne and Premier and Grand Cru wines on board if you let us know in advance how many of each you would require.

DRINKS WHICH ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE CRUISE PRICE:
Champagne and Special vintage wines are not included although you may purchase bottles at cost of Champagne and Premier and Grand Cru wines on board if you let us know in advance how many of each you would require.

TAP WATER
Tap water in and on board Anjodi is potable and bottled water is available on board.

LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT
6 person Jacuzzi heated to 40 degrees
Hi Fi system and compact discs. Guests are welcome to bring their favourite compact discs from home
Boules. 8 touring bikes. Children’s bikes and child bike seats can be arranged if required. Please let us know at least 8 weeks prior to departure. Board games etc, a small library of books, Binoculars for watching the bird life

CYCLING
Passengers are welcome to walk or cycle using the on board bicycles as often as they like. Most people choose to disembark the barge at a lock and then visit local villages and then return to the canal and meet the barge a little further along. The barge travels very slowly and therefore “catch up” will not be a problem. .

HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES
We are afraid that the region Anjodi cruises in is not suitable for hot air ballooning.

EXCURSIONS BY MINIBUS
9-seater (including driver) long wheelbase VW Caravelle minibus - air-conditioned.

EXCURSIONS FOR CHARTER GROUPS
If you are chartering, the itinerary can be adapted to suit your group’s particular needs. If the excursion is within a reasonable distance of the barge we will do everything we can to arrange it. Please advise our office in advance and the Captain can be informed.

FOR THOSE NOT WISHING TO ATTEND EXCURSIONS
You are welcome to stay behind on the barge if you would like. You can use the bikes, go for a walk or just sit on the shaded sundeck or Jacuzzi

THEMED CRUISES
Golf, wine appreciation, cycling, walking, family cruise week.

Although most themed cruises are aimed at charter bookings, we do also allocate certain weeks for individuals to book and join other likeminded passengers on activity weeks, subject to availability. All pre-arranged theme cruises have a supplement and prices can also be found on our web site or you can ask our reservations team for more information at sales@gobarging.com

PASSENGERS WITH MOBILITY RESTRICTIONS
Anjodi has a boarding ramp with two rope handrails from the bank and then one step to the deck. There are then 8 steps from the deck to the saloon and 3 steps to the cabins. There are adequate handrails inside to assist. The crew will assist in every way they can. If you would like us to hire a wheelchair so that it is available on your arrival, please notify our Reservations Department at the time of booking at sales@gobarging.com. The small hire charge should be paid directly to the barge captain on arrival. If you have any mobility problems we highly recommend you booking 2 single beds as access is easier.

MEDICAL ATTENTION AND MEDICINES
The crew are unable to administer medicines to you during the cruise but can accompany you to a chemist for you to purchase necessary medicines. Due to our cruises being in rural locations we highly recommend that you bring the necessary medication with you.

CLOTHES, LUGGAGE
Practical comfort and relaxed is the norm aboard the ‘Anjodi’ and for most shore excursions. Dress codes for dinner are relaxed and informal; however, for the Captain's Dinner you may prefer to dress up a little. Passengers can generally choose their own standard of dress on board.

Suggested items to pack: Light clothing including shorts and T Shirts. A sweater or lightweight jacket for evenings and air-conditioned interiors. During spring and autumn you may need medium weight clothing. A lightweight raincoat for showery times would be advisable. Comfortable walking shoes with textured non slip soles. Anjodi has a spa pool so you may wish to bring you bathing suit.

The weather in the South is generally warm. June, July, and August is usually the warmest often being in the mid 30’s.

Once you have unpacked your cases will be safely stored. Please try and fit everything for your cruise into one reasonably sized suitcase per person. Soft bags are preferable.

LAUNDRY FACILITIES
Laundry facilities are limited. It is advisable to bring sufficient clean clothing for your cruise. We generally cruise through rural areas and launderettes are few and far between.

SMOKING
Our barges have a strict non-smoking policy. We ask smokers not to smoke inside the barge as this may give offence to your shipmates. We categorically do not permit smoking in the cabins for safety reasons. If you would like to smoke we request that you smoke outside on deck away from fellow passengers.

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Cruise highlights:

Cuisine Aboard

ITINERARY - Le Somail to Marseillan

Sunday, Day 1 - Le Somail
Passengers are met at Montpellier TGV station or Pullman Hotel Antigone in Montpellier, if guests are staying there the night before the cruise, by the Captain at 4pm and escorted by minibus to Anjodi, moored in the port of Le Somail. Champagne welcome followed by time to walk around the charming and historical village. Dinner aboard.

Monday, Day 2 - Le Somail to Argeliers
Fascinating morning tour of Carcassonne. Dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, this is the most complete medieval fortified city in existence today with its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of defenses, which resisted the many armies that tried to storm this glorious Camelot setting. Afternoon cruise along the 330 year old Midi canal to Argeliers through vineyards and pine trees. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday, Day 3 - Argeliers to Poilhes
This morning’s excursion is to Minerve, the ancient capital of the Minervois, which boasts a 12th century Cathar fort surrounded by deep limestone gorges. Besieged by Simon de Montfort in 1215, its hilltop location affords spectacular views. A fascinating recreation in miniature of the bloodthirsty Cathar rebellion and small museum complete this intriguing picture. Cruise to Poilhes with magnificent views of the Pyrenees and enjoy a wine-tasting of the full-bodied Corbieres at the 500 year old vineyard Domaine de Guery. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday, Day 4 - Poilhes to Beziers
This morning’s excursion is to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy a visit to the Archbishop's Palace and Horreum. Explore the indoor market at the hub of this bustling canal side town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the relaxed atmosphere. After lunch we cruise to Beziers via the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas, mooring at the top of the flight of 7 locks at Fonserannes followed by the descent of the lock flight to Beziers, crossing the aqueduct over the River Orb. Dinner at a restaurant in Beziers.

Thursday, Day 5 - Beziers to Portiragnes
After breakfast we cruise to Portiragnes where the Canal du Midi is at its closest to the Mediterranean. This afternoon we have an informative visit to Perdiguier, a local chateau, famous for its 15th century frescoes, where the production of wine is explained and the end product can be tasted. Maybe tonight you will enjoy an evening swim in the Med! Dinner aboard.

Friday, Day 6 - Portiragnes to Marseillan
Anjodi sets off through the famous round lock and then the nature reserve of Bagnas, with potential sightings of flamingoes and other birds before heading out onto the inland saltwater lake of Thau, past the oyster beds. After mooring in the fishing village of Marseillan, we take an excursion out to Pezenas, a delightful village, mostly famous for its associations with the famous French playwright Moliere, who is said to have written many plays while staying here. Captain’s Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday, Day 7 - Marseillan to Montpellier
After breakfast depart Marseillan by minibus and return to Montpellier centre, airport or TGV station by 10am.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change

We recommend you reserve TGV6209 departing Paris Gare de Lyon at 11:20 on Sunday arriving Montpellier at 14:41. Make your way to the Bodega du Lezard café at the station. Recommended TGV on Saturday is TGV6208 departing at 10:21 from Montpellier arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 13:49

ITINEARARY - Marseillan to Le Somail

Sunday, Marseillan
You will be met at Montpellier TGV station or Pullman Hotel Antigone in Montpellier, if guests are staying there pre- cruise, at 4pm and escorted by minibus to Anjodi moored in the lake side fishing village of Marseillan, enjoying a view over the oyster beds and home of Noilly Pratt Vermouth. Champagne welcome followed by time for a relaxing stroll around this lovely fishing village before dinner aboard.

Monday, Marseillan to Portiragnes
This morning we visit Pezenas, a delightful village, mostly known for its associations with the French playwright Moliere, who is said to have written many plays while staying there. This afternoon we cruise from Marseillan to Portiragnes through the nature reserve of Bagnas with potential sightings of flamingoes and other birds. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday, Portiragnes to Beziers
This morning we cruise to the bottom of the Fonserannes 7 lock flight at Beziers where we continue along the 300 year old tree lined Canal du Midi. After lunch enjoy an informative wine tasting in the 14th Century Chateau de Perdiguier, famed for its 15th century frescoes and Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines Dinner in Beziers at a local auberge.

Wednesday, Beziers to Poilhes
This morning we cross the aqueduct over the River Orb and then ascend the 7-lock flight of Fonserannes before reaching the world’s oldest canal tunnel at Malpas. On arrival at the picturesque village of Poilhes we take an excursion out to Minerve, the ancient capital of Minervois, which boasts a 12th Century Cathar fort surrounded by deep limestone gorges. Besieged by Simon de Montfort in 1215, its hill-top location affords spectacular views. A fascinating recreation in miniature of the bloodthirsty Cathar rebellion and small museum complete the intriguing picture. Dinner aboard.

Thursday, Poilhes to Argeliers
A morning visit to Narbonne, a Roman Mediterranean capital where the Visigoth monarchs once lived. Enjoy the Archbishop’s Palace and Horreum. Explore the indoor market at the hub of this bustling town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the relaxed atmosphere. Return to the barge for a cruise along the shaded canal to Argeliers, stopping off en route at Chateau de Guery, a 500 year old canal side vineyard, for a pre-dinner wine tasting of the full-bodied Corbieres. Dinner aboard

Friday, Argelier to Le Somail
Morning visit to Carcassonne. Dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, this is the most complete medieval fortified city in existence today. With its 52 watchtowers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of defenses, it resisted the many armies that tried to storm this Camelot setting. In the afternoon we cruise along the historic Midi Canal to the delightful village of Le Somail. Captain's Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday, Le Somail to Montpellier
After breakfast, depart from Le Somail by minibus to Montpellier TGV station, airport or centre by 10am.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change

We recommend you reserve TGV6209 departing Paris Gare de Lyon at 11:20 on Sunday arriving Montpellier at 14:41. Make your way to the Bodega du Lezard café at the station. Recommended TGV on Saturday is TGV6208 departing at 10:21 from Montpellier arriving Paris Gare de Lyon 13:49

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