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into his spotless galley for an impromptu demonstration of the pasta he’s preparing for dinner. Each day we meander from town to town. Depending on where Panache is sailing, you can sometimes hop off to walk or cycle between locks. Or if you’re not feeling energetic, you can sightsee and soak in bubbles in the hot tub. We also enjoy the chance to join Captain Willy in the wheelhouse as he chats about life on the Dutch waterways and expertly manoeuvres the 128ft Panache into docking spots, often observed by interested bystanders.
IMMERSIVE EXCURSIONS One of the most atmospheric moorings is in the heart of Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum of 17th and 18th-century windmills, houses and buildings. On other days, we head out on excursions within walking distance from Panache or on two minibuses that follow us. As our spring sailing coincides with the tulip season, highlights include a visit to the dazzling gardens of Keukenhof to marvel at its seven million blooms. In many places there’s time to explore alone, but it’s another thoughtful personal touch to see Bryan offering to accompany a solo passenger. The next day, it’s well worth getting up early for a visit to
the incredible Aalsmeer flower auction. In a cavernous building, about 17 million flowers are sold each day. From the aerial walkway, we gaze down at a mesmerising army of forklift trucks and robotic driverless trains moving crates bursting with the kaleidoscopic colours of flowers from around the world. In Zaanse Schans, we’re equally intrigued to discover the
area was once home to the biggest concentration of industrial windmills in the Netherlands, producing not only grain but oil, spices, paint, sawn wood and even paper. You can even buy some of the latter in the souvenir shop. It’s yet one more thing to write home about on a cruise that was a visual and gastronomic feast. And with all that cheese, no wonder we are smiling in every single photograph taken during our time aboard Panache.
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europeanwaterways.com
Boost your barge knowledge f The main player, European Waterways, pays commission on all fares and agents can earn substantial commission booking full charters. The company also offers training, presentations and fam trips.
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f CroisiEurope offers Clia and Tipto training and events, agent rates and fam trips.
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travelweekly.co.uk/cruise 20 September 2023
travelweekly.co.uk/cruise
PICTURES: MG STAVELOT; SHUTTERSTOCK/MARINA DATSENKO, TRAVEL-FR
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