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Anjodi Barge ~ Go Barging with European Waterways - by Rikki White

Anjodi Barge - For Great Golf Getaways - Go Barging With European Waterways

ANJODI first came to my attention when it was the venue for Rick Stein’s “French Odyssey” programmes on television. However, when I discovered ANJODI boasted a golf cruise, the blend of gourmet food, fine wines, meandering the canals of Europe, plus the bonus of four rounds of golf, it was just too good an opportunity to miss.

To the uninitiated barging might suggest rather cramped and basic accommodation, but let me enlighten you. The cabins on this luxury hotel barge are bijou, with en-suite shower rooms; they are very well equipped and there is tons of storage space.

View: Double Cabin ~ Twin Cabin ~ Sun Deck

The lounge bar and dining room is elegant and each meal is reminiscent of a country house party, although informality of dress is the order of the day, except for the Captain’s dinner on the last night when everyone likes to dress up a bit.

Lunches are on deck and are a gourmet’s delight – oysters, mussels, crevettes are in abundance and well supported by the chef’s gastronomical offerings. Dinner is accompanied by superb wines specially selected to complement the wonderful French cuisine prepared by the chef, Sarah. Her associate, Lauren, has the most comprehensive knowledge of French cheeses imaginable and a consuming passion for discovering the unusual.

Captain Julian Allsopp gave us a rundown each day on the wines he had selected and we had a sommelier who came on board to give us a wine tasting of the local varieties in the vast vine growing area of the Languedoc. The last member of the crew was Laurent who could and did turn his hand to any task on the barge, with a great sense of humour and the ability to keep us laughing.

We were six guests on board, two American couples, my husband and me, and we instantly made what I’m sure will be lasting friendships. Often the barges are hired by a group of family and friends, or you can, as we did, join other people with the same interests and make new friendships. Apart from golf, there are other themed cruises: painting, vineyards, walking, antiques, festivals and more.

ANJODI traveled the Canal du Midi in the South of France and the four golf courses we played were all challenging and very picturesque, but European Waterways cover a vast region from Ireland, Scotland, England, through Holland, Belgium and Italy as well as France, so you have a wide area to choose from.

Everything is included in the price – there is an open bar and all the wines and spirits are complementary, as are the meals when taken at local restaurants. There are excursions to places of interest and these too are included in the price. Bikes are available for those who wish to explore a little further.

The crew were as helpful as it is possible to be, with flexibility and attention to detail high on their list of priorities. I shall miss them – they helped to make this a perfect holiday for me.

Prices for a fully-inclusive 6 night/7 day cruise aboard the European Waterways hotel barge Anjodi are from £1,990 per person. Cruises aboard other barges are from £1,550 per person. To find out more:

Web: www.gobarging.com

Tel: 01784 482439

Email: sales@gobarging.com