Cruise in England on the Thames River aboard the Deluxe Hotel Barge MAGNA CARTA

SEVEN DAYS / SIX NIGHTS

The 8-passenger Magna Carta…Many of the hotel barges which cruise in Europe carry 10, 12 or even 20 passengers and are no larger than Magna Carta and often smaller! The Magna Carta deliberately chose to take just 8 guests and give each one the maximum in terms of service and space. The end results are cabins each averaging 200 sq ft with king-sized beds and extra spacious en-suite facilities.

The saloon and sun decks are also much larger than expected and give our guests the space to really relax and unwind. Service is second to none with a crew of four that includes the captain/owner, a master chef, a hostess and deck hand.

The captain will meet you at a top London hotel for tea, before personally escorting you to the Magna Carta where he will be both your captain and private tour guide for the week. While you are aboard, your every need will be taken care of and you will be served the finest cuisine and excellent wines. Your cabin has underfloor heating and individually controlled air-conditioning, while flush with the upper sun deck, the jacuzzi with numerous massage jets exists for your pleasure.

The Magna Carta now has two decks, the lower deck boasting four full width luxurious Staterooms each averaging 200 square feet. All staterooms have under floor heating, air conditioning and sumptuous en-suite shower rooms, enjoying oversized showers and basins with fully tiled walls and floors, shaver point, heated towel rail, fluffy towels, bathrobes and fine guest amenities. Each Stateroom has beautiful hard wood finishes to floors and walls and are equipped with hair dryers, ample hanging and drawer space, television with DVD, comfortable beds with finest cotton bedding. Three Staterooms are Super king or Twin and the fourth is King Size.

The upper deck is the saloon with tinted picture windows offering the finest panoramic views to three aspects. Four Italian leather sofas provide extremely comfortable seating adjacent to fully stocked bar, library with many reference books, a compendium of games, comprehensive CD collection with music to suit many tastes and a fine fining area close to the fully fitted professional galley from which the most exquisite dishes are delivered. The saloon has air-conditioning for comfort when necessary.

Leading from the saloon are the split-level sun decks offering hard wood table with parasol, chairs and steamer chairs. There are safety railings all round and sunk within the upper level is a large Jacuzzi, hot and bubbling, to render complete relaxation for our passengers.

The wheelhouse is the nerve centre of the ship and for anyone interested, another view of Magna Carta with the opportunity to hear river tales and gossip or even try their hand at the wheel.

The captain's suite is an original part of the ship comprising living room, bedroom and shower room. The suite is fully panelled with mahogany, incorporating the finest marquetry and marble. For charter only this accommodation may be made available, thus enabling Magna Carta to carry 9 or 10 passengers.

Experience a unique cruise combining the City and Great Britain's most famous river. Take in the Capital's most famous sights and enjoy a unique look at the spectacular waterway that has been so important in London's history. From the Thames Barrier, erected to prevent flooding, cruise westwards to Windsor Castle, the largest inhabited castle in the world. This is a cruise of great contrasts that takes guests from beautiful bustling cultural London into the pastoral English countryside of Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.

Imaging a sense of relaxation and enjoyment aboard the Magna Carta, as you float gently down the beautiful River Thames. Take in a stroll by the water along the Thames Path. Chat to the lock keepers who are legendary for their knowledge and stories. Drift past peaceful water meadows rich in wildlife. Visit the world of "Wind in the Willows" and "Three Men in a Boat" or explore the history and pageantry of Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle. Wherever you choose to start your journey you will encounter constantly changing scenery and discover fascinating delights. No stress, no hassle - just complete relaxation.

Features

• Size of barge: 117 ft by 16.5 ft
• Number of Passengers: 8
• Number of Cabins (all with private bath): 4
• Crew: 4.
  
• Air Conditioning and Central Heating: Yes
  
• Salon: The salon/dining room has 10 picture windows, 4 sofas and dining table.
  
• Bar: Open bar
  
• Deck: Split-level sundeck with dining table, steamer chairs, recliners, parasols and jacuzzi.
  
• Spa Tub: Yes
• Cabin Features: Three suites have twin beds or king and one (William Shakespeare suite) has a fixed king; all are 200 sq ft. including ensuite bathroom with oversized shower and heated towel rack
  
• Vehicle for Transfers/Excursions: Minivan
  
• Accessibility: Steps to salon/cabins
  
• Bicycles: 4 mountain bikes. (more bikes are available on request)

Magna Carta's Deck Plan

Passenger Comments:

Magna Carta was a very positive experience. The trip on the Thames from Henley to Hampton Court was wonderful. Excursions were interesting and well planned. We had the opportunity to allow our Captain to tailor some excursions to our personal interests such as a trip to a boat building company along the Thames. Cabin accommodations were excellent, plush and large. Meals and wines were excellent. The cook was very talented and explained all the meals. The crew described the wine selection in delightful ways. We had a great time with lots of personal attention, we felt thoroughly pampered.
-- R & P C., Minnesota, USA, October 2010

The barge trip was fantastic - the cabins, meals, wines, excursions and barge route were all great. The high points were the service and the scenery.
-- G.K., Australia

What a wonderful honeymoon! Thanks for your witty sense of humour! Thanks for treating us like gold. Thanks for your creative genius in the kitchen. We will never forget our stay in your company.
-- M, Toronto, Canada

Thank you so much for a wonderful trip on your beautiful boat on the River Thames. It was a unique and exciting experience. Your hospitality, attention to detail and knowledge of theatre made a great difference for all of us. You are the perfect hosts and we appreciate everything you did to make our trip memorable and joyous.
-- T.& L., New York, USA

THANK YOU for making this trip to England very memorable. Very relaxing with lots of things to see. The service was incomparably efficient and very pleasant. The quality and presentation of the food were superb. Because of our nutritional needs we needed to request a little more protein and fiber at lunch and dinner. This adjustment was made immediately. Although I'm not an expert on wines, the flavor of each was pleasing. I was gratified that the Captain stocked some Prosecco, at my request.
-- J.S., Connecticut, USA

The barge trip was extremely comfortable; I had a wonderful cabin with a king-sized bed and had a good night's sleep every night of the cruise. I have to add, of course, that the ever-flowing "Cosmopolitans" contributed to the sleep! The meals were prepared by an excellent young chef, Ryan, and it was a delight to look forward to his imaginative and delicious cuisine. The two girls on staff, Laura and Jane, were incredibly hospitable and efficient. Our Captain was a real gentleman, who made us quite "at home" throughout the cruise. The fact that we were blessed with good weather contributed to the experience of the wonderful Thames, with its many locks and charming houses along the way. The various places we visited along the way were very interesting, beginning at Henley down through Cookham to Windsor Castle and the magnificent Hampton Court, whis was described as "having been *acquired* by Henry VIII from Cardinal Wolsey", although we didn't see any document of the "gift"!!

The cabins were very comfortable and spacious, with plenty of room for clothing. The bathroom and toilet facilities were exceptionally comfortable, with wonderful marble walls and under-the-floor heating; the cabin also had the same type of heating which was easily controlled by thermostat. There was plenty of fresh air with good windows. The service left nothing to be desired; we were made quite comfortable as they waited on us "hand and foot". The meals were splendid, served with an excellent choice of wines; there wasa no limit to the availability of wines and spirits throughout the journey. The excursions were well organised and informative; wheel-chair availability was well provided for at most of the excursion stops. It was necessary to do some walking in various places, but we could set our own pace; mini-van and taxi service was well provided for as well.
E.K., June 2009

The Middle Thames offers a slow meandering journey past Royal Palaces, quaint riverside towns, villages, a mixture of old world England and the natural beauty of Surrey, Berkshire and Oxfordshire. From Henry VIII’s Hampton Court past Windsor Castle to Henley with frequent stops allowing plenty of time to wander and explore while we follow this old Viking trading route deep into rural countryside. Gentle exploration are the keywords, with good cycling and walking opportunities as the elegant and spacious air-conditioned 8 passenger Magna Carta finds her way inland.

Sunday - London to Hampton Court
Meet the Captain or a crew member at the designated meeting point in London for afternoon English Cream Tea, before being transferred to the Magna Carta. On arrival receive your 'Champagne Welcome' aboard the Magna Carta moored outside Hampton Court, former Tudor Palace of Henry VIII, where we remain overnight. Dinner on board.

Monday - Hampton Court to Runnymede
This morning we have ample time to really explore Hampton Court Palace, the most fabulous Tudor home of Henry VIII! Though used as a Royal home until Victorian times. We walk through Henry’s great hall and haunted gallery and see his chapel, still used for worship today and with the finest Tudor ceiling in existence. There is much more to see including the stunning privy gardens, the world's oldest growing grape vine and the famous maze! After lunch we enjoy our first cruise, up through Molesey Lock and following the meandering path of the river through Sunbury, Chertsey, and Shepperton to our overnight mooring on Bell Weir Lock at Runnymede. Dinner on board.

Tuesday - Runnymede to Windsor
After breakfast we have the option to use the spa facilities of the newly refurbished Runnymede on Thames hotel including pool, sauna and steam room. Beauty therapies, massages and other treatments are available but are best booked in advance. This morning we cruise to Windsor before enjoying lunch on board. Our river journey takes us through Runnymede where King John faced the barons in 1215 and was forced to put his seal on the Magna Carta, the document which was the very first Bill of Rights and from which our vessel takes its name. From the boat we see the Magna Carta memorial and Magna Carta Island where the sealing took place. Our afternoon excursion is to Windsor Castle. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and lived in 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 and St George's Chapel and enjoy the far-reaching views from its elevated fortress position. Dinner on board.

Wednesday - Windsor to Cookham
Windsor to Cliveden leaving Royal Windsor behind us we cruise up to Boveney Lock and take a walk to Dorney Court. This very special home has been owned by the Palmer family for more than 450 years, passing from father to son through 13 generations. King Henry VIII has stayed here and the manor is regularly used for filming including "Poirot" and most recently "The other Boleyn girl." We are lucky to enjoy a private tour of the house. Our cruise continues past the fabulous waterside homes of Bray and Maidenhead, Boulter's Lock (made famous in Victorian times) and into the spectacular Clivedon reach where we have special permission to moor at the house itself. Cliveden was once owned by the Astor family, though the original house dates back to 1666. The gardens are simply amazing and include a Parterre, Chinese water garden and topiary. We discuss the political intrigue and scandal for which Cliveden is famous!!. A late afternoon cruise takes us to a stunning mooring at Cookham Lock. Artist Sir Stanley Spencer, one of England's greatest and most eccentric painters, once described Cookham as 'Heaven on Earth.' Much of his work was painted in and around Cookham. Dinner on board.

Thursday - Cookham to Hurley
After breakfast we visit Stanley Spencer's gallery and take a walk around the village before cruising through Bourne End and Marlow to Hurley. We tour Peter Freebody's boatyard and watch in wonder at the traditional craftsman at work, building and restoring wooden boats as they have done for generations. We have time to explore the ancient 11th century village including Ye Olde Belle, reputed to be the oldest inn in the country before returning to the barge. Dinner aboard.

Friday - Hurley to Henley on Thames
A morning cruise to Henley on Thames through fabulous countryside to our final mooring situated along the famous Henley Regatta Rowing Course. An earlier lunch followed by a 40-minute drive to Oxford. A fascinating tour of Christ Church, Oxford's grandest college, founded twice, once by Cardinal Wolsey and then by King Henry VIII. The magnificent surroundings were where Lewis Carrol wrote Alice in Wonderland. For our final night we enjoy the Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday - Henley on Thames to London
Following breakfast, disembark the barge for your transfer to the designated drop off point in London.

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

*Note: Cruise directions and sample itineraries may be in reverse and are subject to change and may depend on bookings and local navigation conditions. Alternate excursions of equal appeal are substituted when needed. For charter cruises special itineraries can be arranged.

What's Included

- 7 days and 6 nights on the barge, all cabins with private bath
- transfers from London to the barge and return
- all meals beginning with dinner on Sunday through breakfast on Saturday
- all wines with lunches and dinners
- open bar
- all escorted side-excursions (golf, etc. at additional cost)
- use of bicycles

What's Not Included

- overseas air transportation to London and return
- suggested 5-7% gratuity for the crew, to be paid in equivalent British pounds sterling to the captain

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