OVERVIEW

CLASSIC ITINERARY – ENGLAND 

Magna Carta, a luxurious hotel barge, offers a leisurely journey along the scenic River Thames, cruising past historical landmarks such as Hampton Court and Windsor Castle to Henley. This path traces an ancient Viking trading route, winding through England’s picturesque counties. The journey includes several stops, providing ample opportunity to explore quaint riverside towns, villages, art galleries, stately homes like the real “Downton Abbey”, and even a traditional boatyard.

The barge accommodates eight guests and melds the elegance of the 1930s with modern comforts. Its interior features exquisite woodwork of mahogany, teak, and oak, enhancing its traditional charm. Each of the four spacious cabin suites offers air conditioning, period furniture, and contemporary en suite facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay. Modern amenities such as underfloor heating and TV/DVD players are standard across the cabins.

The communal areas, including a large saloon and dining space, boast large picture windows and stylish furnishings, creating an inviting atmosphere. Outside, guests can relax in a heated spa pool or enjoy alfresco dining prepared by the onboard master chef, all while receiving admiring looks from those ashore.

Guided by a knowledgeable captain and attentive crew, your cruise aboard Magna Carta is set to be an unforgettable voyage of discovery and elegance on one of Britain’s most historic waterways.

 

 

 

     7 days

     From $7,973 per person, twin share

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Cruise Package includes all meals catered for by the on-board Master Chef and an open bar with a large selection regional wines. Chauffeured and guided sightseeing plus the use of all barge facilities such as bicycles is also included.

Inclusions

  • 6 Nights accommodation in air-conditioned, en suite cabins
  • All excursions and admittance fees
  • All gourmet meals aboard and ashore
  • Champagne welcome
  • Local transfers to and from the designated meeting point
  • Open bar
  • Other hotel barge facilities such as a spa pool
  • Selected regional wines
  • Use of bicycles

City: Hampton Court Palace

Country: England

 

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

 

 

City: Runnymede

Country: England

 

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, we cruise through a number of locks including Sunbury and Molesey to moor at Runnymede. Dinner on board.

 

 

 

City: Runnymede

Country: England

 

After breakfast, we have the option to use the spa facilities of the newly refurbished Runnymede-on-Thames Hotel. Then we cruise 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.

City: Windsor

Country: England

 

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.

City: Cliveden

Country: England

 

After breakfast, we cruise further upstream to visit the Stanley Spencer Gallery in Cookham and take a walk around the village he once described as ‘Heaven on Earth’, before cruising through Marlow to Hurley. We tour Peter Freebody’s boatyard nearby and watch in wonder as the traditional craftsmen build and restore classic wooden craft. We have time to explore the ancient village, including Ye Olde Bell, reputed to be the oldest inn in the country, before returning to the hotel barge. Dinner on board.

City: Hurley

Country: England

 

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.

City: Henley-on-Thames

Country: England

 

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

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