The 8 passenger Magna Carta is one of the finest, most luxurious vessels cruising the British Isles. The ambiance created by combining a traditional barge hull (1936) and fine mahogany, teak and oak woods is outstanding. Magna Carta has the most sophisticated modern amenities, including air conditioning, underfloor heating, color tv/dvd and exceptionally spacious contemporary en-suite facilities in the four full width staterooms. The upper deck saloon and dining areas sport picture windows and stylish furnishings, and there is a jacuzzi on the upper sun-deck. Her experienced Captain knows the Thames well and your Master Chef will produce a range of mouth watering dishes, whilst you enjoy the sights of London and the home counties from your luxury floating hotel, navigating England's Royal River. Two house keepers complete the crew of four.
Tour Itinerary:
Sunday, Day 1: London to Cookham. Meet the Captain at the Stafford Hotel in London at 3pm for afternoon tea before transferring to our mooring at Cookham, once described as 'Heaven on Earth' by artist Stanley Spencer, one of England's greatest and most eccentric painters. Champagne welcome on arrival with time to take a stroll before dinner on board.
Monday, Day 2: Cookham to Cliveden. A morning cruise, which brings us to one of the most beautiful reaches on the river and our mooring at Cliveden Estate and Gardens. This magnificent estate, former home of Lord and Lady Astor, boasts amazing views and incredible gardens. First laid out in the 18th century they include a formal parterre, a wonderful water garden with a restored Pagoda made for the Paris Exhibition of 1867, a long garden with topiary and 18th century Venetian statues. Truly stunning. Dinner on board.
Tuesday, Day 3: Cliveden to Windsor. A morning cruise past fabulous waterside homes through the spectacular open English countryside. After lunch we make a visit to Eton College, founded in 1440 and currently school to Prince Harry. Here a beautiful new footbridge not only allows splendid views of the collect and river but takes you to Luxmore's Garden, an island garden created by an Eton Housemaster in 1880. There is also time to view the Provost's and Fellow's Gardens. Return to Magna Carta for dinner on board.
Wednesday, Day 4: Windsor to Runnymede. Today commences with a cruise to Runnymede followed by a visit and morning coffee at stunning Saville Gardens. Saville Gardens comprises of over 1,500 hectares of Windsor Great Park and is maintained by the Crown Estate and contains a diverse range of land uses. Over 60% of the Great Park is open to the public and it is estimated that more than 3 million visits are made each year. The Gardens Department is responsible for 600 hectares of the Great Park including the Savill Garden. There is also an optional visit to the nearby Wisley Gardens which is 200 acres of botanic gardens, famous for their trials of new varieties. Dinner on board.
Thursday, Day 5: Runnymede to Hampton Court. Early morning cruise to Hampton Court which takes us to the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, set in 25 acres of Royal parkland, where ingenious design, original ideas and creative flair, combine to inspire. Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, nurseries, societies and charities create 25 colour filled traditional and contemporary gardens in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace, including spectacular water gardens. There are also stunning floral displays in 8 huge marquees, including the British Rose Festival, plus much, much more. After this heady and colourful assault on your senses we return to Magna Carta for dinner on board.
Friday, Day 6: Hampton Court to Teddington. This morning we visit the famous Kew Gardens. With the new Bonsai collection, Palm House where all the plants have their first flush of new growth and tropical water lilies are opening their exotic blooms in the nearby Waterlily House. Plants of a smaller stature or scale can be seen in the Rock Garden and here plants from the world's mountain ranges are grown alongside Mediterranean species, both enjoying the open, sunny position and free-draining soil. Return to Magna Carta and continue our cruise to our final mooring at St Katharines Dock in London. Farewell Captains Dinner on board. Saturday, 10.00am: disembark and transfer back to the Stafford Hotel or Heathrow Airport.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Open bar
- Free wines
- Gourmet cuisine
- Entry fees to excursions
Suite per person from $3,800
Single supplement – Suite $1,200 - $1,400
Charter 6 passengers whole boat from $24,900
Charter 7 passengers whole boat from $26,550
Charter 8 passengers whole boat from $28,200
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
England
Local Culture
Garden Tours
Camel Riding
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