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.
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., NY, 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., CT, 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
Sunday - London to Hampton Court Palace
Meet the Captain at the Stafford Hotel in London at 3pm for afternoon English Cream Tea, before being transferred at 4pm to the Magna Carta. Champagne reception and welcome by the Captain at your evening mooring located just outside Hampton Court, former Tudor Palace of Henry VIII. Dinner aboard.
Monday - Hampton Court Palace to Shepperton
This morning we have ample time to really explore Hampton Court Palace, the most fabulous Tudor home, once belonging to Cardinal Wolsey until acquired by Henry VIII. We walk through the 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 oldest growing grape vine and the famous maze. After lunch we enjoy our first cruise up through Molesey Lock and follow the meandering path of the river to Shepperton. Dinner aboard.
Tuesday - Shepperton to Runnymede
After breakfast we enjoy a morning cruise to Runnymede. We moor at Bell Weir Lock adjacent to a luxury spa hotel. After lunch we have the opportunity to visit the spa and use the facilities including pool, sauna and steam room. Beauty therapies, massages and other treatments are available but are best booked in advance. In the afternoon we take a short drive to Savill Gardens. These beautiful gardens have something to offer all year round and form part of Windsor Great Park. The stunning new visitor centre was built using sustainable timber from the royal estates and makes a unique architectural statement with its grid shell design inspired by leaf form. Dinner aboard.
Wednesday - Runnymede to Windsor
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 Doll House and St George's Chapel and enjoy the far-reaching views from its elevated fortress position. Dinner aboard followed by an optional pub night (all pubs are now non-smoking) with live entertainment from Stephen Carroll. Steve is a very talented Irish musician who has appeared at the Vienna Folk Festival. He plays a selection of Irish and American folk music along with many of his own songs and has a fantastic wit and sense of humor.
Thursday - Windsor to Cookham
This new itinerary includes a special private visit to a country house which may be Dorney Court this morning or Milton Manor on Friday afternoon. 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 enjoy a tour usually with Jill Palmer, the present owner. We continue our cruise past the fabulous waterside homes of Bray, through the spectacular Clivedon reach and open English countryside. We moor in Cookham, once described as 'Heaven on Earth' by artist Sir Stanley Spencer, one of England's greatest and most eccentric painters. Spencer would transpose biblical scenes into his surroundings and was knighted by the Queen shortly before his death in 1959. We visit his newly renovated gallery and take a walk around the village he loved so much and painted so frequently. Dinner aboard.
Friday - Cookham to Henley-on-Thames
A morning cruise to the village of Hurley where we wander through 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. We cruise to Henley on Thames, our final approach being along the famous Henley Regatta Course. Once we arrive in Henley we have a choice. If we were able to visit Dorney Court earlier in the week we will visit the award winning River and Rowing museum, after which there is plenty of time to explore the 18th century town. Otherwise we take a short drive to Milton Manor, an extraordinarily beautiful family home designed by Inego Jones with Gothick library, Catholic Chapel and a wealth of fine and interesting antiques. The present owner, Gwendoline Mockler-Barrett gives us a private guided tour. For our final night we enjoy the Captain's Farewell Dinner aboard.
Saturday - Henley-on-Thames to London
Following breakfast, disembark at 10am and return to the Stafford Hotel.
Note: On alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
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*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.
| MAGNA CARTA 2010 SEASON PRICES in US DOLLARS | ||
|---|---|---|
| ACCOMMODATION | VALUE Mar 7 thru May 1 Oct 3 thru Dec 18 |
REGULAR May 2 thru Oct 2 |
| Suite (per person, double occupancy) |
$3,800 |
$4,500 |
| Suite Single Supplement |
$1,200 |
$1,400 |
| Charter for 6 |
$24,900 |
$28,800 |
| Charter for 7 |
$26,550 |
$30,900 |
|
Charter for 8 (ask about special rates for up to 10) |
$28,200 |
$33,000 |
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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