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Anjodi - South of France & the Canal du Midi

Day 1: BEZIERS
Passengers are met by the Captain at 4:00 pm in Beziers, which has excellent air and TGV fast rail links with Paris. Champagne Welcome aboard followed by an evening cruise across the impressive River Orb aqueduct and ascend the 100 foot flight of locks at Fontsderanes. Dinner aboard

Day 2: BEZIERS TO CAPESTANG
A morning visit to Beziers' 13th century fortified cathedral of Saint Nazaire, with a commanding view across to the Pyrenees Mountains. Explore l'Oppidum D'Enser-une, a pre-Roman hilltop settlement with Greek and Iberian excavations dating from 600 B.C. Cruise to Capestang in the afternoon, our route takes us through the world's oldest canal tunnel at Malpas to Domaine de Guery for a pre-dinner wine tasting. Dinner aboard.

Day 3: CAPESTANG TO LE SOMAIL
Today'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 Midi town, where you will have time to shop or simply absorb the relaxed atmosphere. Afternoon cruise to Le Somail, where we moor near the old stone bridge, a perfect setting to enjoy dinner aboard.

Day 4: LE SOMAIL TO HOMPS
Begin the day with a trip to Lezignan market, full of vivid colors and characters. Following a leisurely cruise we sample the full-bodied Corbieres wine of 17th century Chateau LaVoulte Gasparets. This evening we dine ashore, at a charming canalside inn, in the heart of the village of Homps.

Day 5: HOMPS TO MARSEILLETTE
Enjoy a morning cruise to Puicheric. This afternoon's excursion to Minerve, the ancient captial of the Minervois, hosts a 12th century Cathar fort that is 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 blood-thirsty Cathar rebellion and small museum complete the intriguing picture. Twilight cruise to Marseillette and dinner aboard.

Day 6: MARSEILLETTE TO TREBES
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 watch towers, portcullis and extraordinary repertoire of defenses which resisted the many armies that tried to storm this Camelot setting. Afternoon cruise to Trebes, through vineyards and pine trees. Captain's Farewell Dinner aboard.

Day 7: TREBES TO BEZIERS
After breakfast, return to Beziers at approximately 11am.

NOTE: In late autumn, Anjodi embarks on Roman architecture and wine appreciation cruises in the Camargue/Provence region. Visits include: Avignon, Van Gogh's Arles, and Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Golf, Tennis and Art charters are also available. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse direction.