Classic River Cruise – England - The River Thames

Description

England and the United Kingdom are amongst the most popular travel destinations in the world. However, the magical waters of the stunning island are often overlooked as tourists opt for the big cities such as London to go sightseeing and see sights such as Big Ben, Westminster, The Tower Of London, The London Eye, Tower Bridge, and other sights that tourists typically associate with England. However, in doing so they are missing the opportunity to see the true beauty of classic England.
A far cry from the hustle and bustle of London, the English waterways offer a serene and quaint way of seeing the rustic elegance of the country as it sails through the green landscape of the countryside and also some of the most important sites in the identity of the historic country.
Throughout your journey, you will get the chance to see gorgeous riverside towns, villages and through the River Thames Royal and past numerous royal palaces. The majority of your journey will be through the picturesque royal towns in Surrey and Berkshire. Along the way, there will be multiple stops allowing you time to explore the natural beauty that these areas have to offer.
England Barge Cruise Highlights
Hotel Barge Magna Carta cruises the royal river Thames between Hampton Court Palace and Henley on the Thames. Along the way, you will pass through the quaint English waterways surrounded by the natural beauty of the green countryside.
As you cruise the historic Royal River Thames you will get the chance to see stunning riverside towns and villages. In addition to this, these stunning waterways take you past iconic Royal landmarks such as Windsor Castle and Hampton Court, which was once the residence of King Henry VIII.
The English countryside boasts some of the most beautiful scenery that the world has to offer. You can pass through the picturesque landscape before stopping for drinks at a traditional local pub where you can take in the tremendous culture of the stunning island.

Trip Name

Classic River Cruise – England - The River Thames

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Luxury Hotel Barge Length: 117 feet Passenger Capacity: 8 Built: 1930 Hotel barge Magna Carta will take you on a slow, meandering journey along the prettiest stretches of England’s River Thames, past Royal Palaces, quaint riverside towns and villages – a captivating mixture of olde worlde England and the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. From Henry VIII’s Hampton Court past Windsor Castle to Henley, with frequent stops allowing plenty of time to wander and explore as we follow this old Viking trading route through some of England’s prettiest counties. During the cruise aboard hotel barge Magna Carta, there is a diverse programme of escorted visits along the way – art galleries, stately homes including the real “Downton Abbey”, even a boatyard that has been building traditional river craft for centuries. There are also good cycling and walking opportunities along the ever-present Thames Towpath. Hotel barge Magna Carta accommodates 8 guests and is one of the finest vessels cruising the waters of the British Isles today. Originally built in the 1930’s, today she is a luxurious and spacious ‘floating country hotel’ boasting a combination of traditional and contemporary features that create a very inviting ambience on board. There is great attention to detail with the use of fine mahogany, teak and oak woods throughout, complemented by modern amenities such as under floor heating and TV/DVD players in the cabin suites. The large saloon and dining area feature picture windows and stylish furnishings, and the sense of refined space continues in the four very generous, air-conditioned twin/double suites, with their combination of period furniture and contemporary en-suite shower rooms. Outside you can unwind in the heated spa pool, or enjoy a mouth-watering alfresco lunch prepared by your onboard master chef as you get admiring glances from passers-by.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Sunday, Day 1 Hampton Court Palace

Guests are met at the Stafford Hotel in central London for afternoon English Cream Tea, before being transferred to the Magna Carta. Champagne reception and welcome by the Captain and crew. Dinner on board.

Day 2 - Monday, Day 2 Hampton Court Palace to Shepperton

This morning we explore the magnificent Hampton Court Palace. We tour Henry VIII’s apartments and the Royal Chapel, feel the chill in the haunted gallery and wonder at the Tudor kitchens. Outside, the gardens are breathtaking with The Great Vine, the oldest in the country still producing grapes and the famous maze. After lunch aboard we cruise through Molesey, Sunbury and Shepperton Locks to our private mooring. Optional pub visit before dinner on board.

Day 3 - Tuesday, Day 3 Shepperton to Windsor

After breakfast, we cruise through Runnymede to Windsor, past the Magna Carta Memorial and Magna Carta Island where in 1215, King John was forced to meet the powerful barons and seal the historic document. Our afternoon excursion is to Windsor Castle. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and a royal home for over 900 years by the Royal Family, this is the largest inhabited castle in the world. We explore the State Apartments, see Queen Mary’s Dolls House, St George’s Chapel and enjoy the far-reaching views. Dinner on board.

Day 4 - Wednesday, Day 4 Windsor to Cliveden

This morning we take a short drive to the Tudor manor house of Dorney Court, a very special home that has been owned by the Palmer family for more than 450 years and used regularly as a film location. Later, we cruise upstream past the fabulous waterside houses of Bray and through the spectacular Cliveden Reach to our exclusive mooring on the Cliveden estate. Once home to the Astor family, it has amazing gardens and was, of course, the scene of much political scandal and intrigue. Dinner on board.

Day 5 - Thursday, Day 5 Cliveden to Hurley

After breakfast, we tour the grounds of Cliveden and learn about the history of the house and stories of intrigue and scandal! We take a short drive to Cookham to visit the Stanley Spencer Gallery and enjoy a walk around the village he once described as ‘Heaven on Earth’. After lunch we cruise through Cookham and Marlow and up to the 11th century village of Hurley. We tour Peter Freebody’s boatyard and watch in wonder as the traditional craftsmen build and restore classic wooden craft. There is an optional visit to the Olde Belle, one of the oldest inns in the country before dinner on boar.

Day 6 - Friday, Day 6 Hurley to Henley-on-Thames

A morning cruise to Henley-on-Thames through fabulous countryside to our final mooring along the famous Henley Regatta Rowing Course. Then, an earlier lunch, followed by a drive to Oxford for a fascinating tour of Christ Church, Oxford’s grandest college, founded by Cardinal Wolsey and then again by King Henry VIII. The magnificent surroundings were also where Lewis Carroll wrote Alice in Wonderland. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Day 7 - Saturday, Day 7 Henley-on-Thames

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to central London.

Day 8 - Please Note:

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Travel through the historic Viking trading route of the English waters.
Cruise the Thames River Royal past royal landmarks such as Windsor Castle and Hampton Court, once occupied by Henry VIII.
Experience the incredible natural beauty of the English Countryside.