Magna Carta luxury barge cruises

Hampton Court Palace

Sunday
We meet our guests in central London at the Stafford Hotel.  Enjoy a traditional English Cream Tea before being transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Magna Carta where a champagne reception awaits.
Dinner on board.

Hampton Court Palace to Runnymede

Monday
After a hearty breakfast, we will tour the lovely Hampton Court Palace this morning. We explore the Royal Chapel and Henry VIII's rooms, experience the eerie atmosphere of the haunted gallery, and marvel at the Tudor kitchens. The Great Vine, the oldest grapevine in the nation still bearing fruit, and the well-known maze are two stunning features of the outside gardens. Following lunch, we moor at Runnymede after cruising through several locks, including Sunbury and Molesey.
Dinner on board.

Runnymede to Windsor

Tuesday
This morning, you may choose to make use of the spa after breakfast at the recently renovated Runnymede-on-Thames Hotel. After that, we cruise to Windsor, passing by the Magna Carta Memorial and Magna Carta Island, where King John was compelled to meet with the influential barons in 1215 to seal the historic charter. Windsor Castle is the destination of our afternoon excursion. This is the world's largest inhabited castle, constructed in 1066 by William the Conqueror and used as the Royal Family's residence for more than nine centuries. We take in the expansive views, see the State Apartments, and visit Queen Mary's Dolls' House and St. George's Chapel.
Dinner on board.

Windsor to Cliveden

Wednesday
We take a quick journey this morning to Dorney Court, a very special Tudor manor house that has been owned by the Palmer family for almost 450 years and is frequently used as a film location. Later, we travel upstream to our unique mooring on the Cliveden estate, passing by the magnificent Bray waterfront homes and through the breathtaking Cliveden Reach. It features beautiful grounds and was, of course, the site of much political controversy and intrigue when it was the Astor family's residence.
Dinner aboard.

Cliveden to Hurley

Thursday
Following breakfast, we continue upstream to Cookham, where we visit the Stanley Spencer Gallery and stroll around the village that he famously referred to as "Heaven on Earth." From there, we continue through Marlow to Hurley. While on a tour of the adjacent boatyard owned by Peter Freebody, we observe with amazement how the skilled artisans construct and repair antique wooden objects. Before heading back to the hotel barge, we have time to visit the historic village, which includes Ye Olde Bell, which is said to be the oldest inn in the nation.
Dinner on board.

Hurley to Henley-on-Thames

Friday
We follow in the oars of many a famous rower this morning, along with the Henley Regatta Rowing Course, a morning voyage through breath-taking scenery, to our mooring at Henley-on-Thames.
After an early lunch, travel to Oxford for a fascinating tour of Christ Church, the university's most illustrious college, which was founded by both King Henry VIII and Cardinal Wolsey. Alice in Wonderland, written by Lewis Carroll, was set in these amazing settings.
We return to Magna Carta in time for a fabulous Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.

Henley-on-Thames

Saturday
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to their choice of location in central London.