dossier

Magna Carta - Hampton Court to Henley on Thames

Day 1: LONDON –  HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Meet the Captain at 4 pm at the 18th Century Stafford Hotel, once owned by Lady Lyttleton, Nanny to Queen Victoria's children.  Enjoy an English afternoon cream tea at 3 pm, before being transferred to the Magna Carta moored at Hampton Court Palace, the Tudor home of King Henry VIII. Champagne reception and welcome by the crew.  Dinner aboard.

Day 2: HAMPTON COURT PALACE - SHEPPERTON
Morning excursion to visit the state apartments of Henry VIII, whose 5th wife Catherine Howard is said to haunt the Great Hall and Gallery of Hampton Court, the finest Tudor Palace in existence. Wander through the beautiful Royal gardens and maze. In the afternoon enjoy a meandering cruise upstream following the course of the Thames to Shepperton. Dinner aboard.

Day 3: SHEPPERTON - RUNNYMEDE
Morning cruise after breakfast to Runnymede. We moor by a luxury spa hotel, where passengers may visit the spa and use the pool and elaborate leisure facilities.  Visit the Bunnymede, JFK and Air Force Memorials above the birthplace of the British and American constitutions where King John faced the powerful barons and signed the 'Magna Carta' in 1215.  Also enjoy the splendid flora, trees and shrubbery of Savill Gardens.  Dinner aboard.

Day 4: RUNNYMEDE - WINDSOR
This morning we cruise to Windsor before enjoying lunch on board. After lunch we have an afternoon excursion to Windsor Castle. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and inhabited for over 900 years by the Royal Family. Evening cruise past stunning Castle views.  Dinner aboard

Day 5: WINDSOR - COOKHAM.
Leaving Royal Windsor behind us we cruise past fabulous waterside homes through the spectacular Clivedon reach and the open English countryside. We moor in Cookham, once described as ‘Heaven on Earth’ by artist Stanley Spencer, one of England’s greatest and most eccentric painters, whose gallery we visit. Dinner aboard

Day 6: COOKHAM – HENLEY ON THAMES
A morning cruise to the village of Hurley where we have time to wander Peter Freebody’s boatyard where we can watch in wonder at the traditional craftsman at work. Return to the barge for lunch before cruising to Henley on Thames, along the famous Henley Regatta Course. Once we arrive in Henley there is plenty of time to explore the town for shopping opportunities and browsing in antique shops before returning to Magna Carta for the Captains Farewell Dinner aboard.

Day 7: HENLEY-ON-THAMES - LONDON
Following breakfast, disembark at 10 am and return to London
NOTE: On alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.

MEETING POINT: Sunday 4 pm, Stafford Hotel, St James Place, London  SW1A 1NJ     Tel: 44 207 493 0111 Fax: 44 207 493 7121

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