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European Waterways - Magna Carta - England - 2011 Season

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THE ROYAL RIVER THAMES ENGLAND
HAMPTON COURT TO HENLEY-ON-THAMES

2011 Early Bird Offer
5% OFF 2011 Charter Cruises if deposited by August 31 2010

Rates are for six nights on either: A whole boat charter basis or per person based on double occupancy per cabin for our GoBarging luxury hotel barge cruises with departures every Sunday, from April to November

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2011 Rates in EUR ( Euros )
ACCOMMODATION VALUE REGULAR
Charter 6 guests wholeboat €18,000 €20,700
Charter 7 guests wholeboat €19,100 €22,200
Charter 8 guests wholeboat €20,200 €23,700
Suite per person €2,750 €3,270
Single Supplement €850 €1000

Child Discount - €200 is offered to children aged 0 - 17 inclusive

Rates, additional charges and conditions are subject to change, and to
currency fluctuation, without notice - Errors and Omissions Excepted

DEPARTURE DATES - (sundays) RATE ROUTE
January, February, March Value Middle Thames
April 3, 10, 17, 24 Value Middle Thames
May 1,8, 15, 22, 29 Regular Middle Thames
June 5, 12, 19, 26 Regular Middle Thames
July 5, 10, 17, 24, 31 Regular Middle Thames
August 7, 14, 21, 28 Regular Middle Thames
September 4, 11, 18, 25 Regular Middle Thames
October 2, 9, 16, 23 Value Middle Thames
November & December Value Middle Thames

Magna Carta Barge Information

THE 8 PASSENGER MAGNA CARTA …
is one of the finest, most luxurious vessels cruising the British Isles. The ambience created by combining a traditional barge hull (1936) and fine mahogany, teak and oak woods is outstanding.

The most sophisticated modern amenities include 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.


ITINERARY

Cruise highlights:

  • All-inclusive - open bar, free wines, gourmet cuisine, entry fees to excursions
  • Visit London's world famous sites
  • Moor in beautifully restored St Katharine's dock
  • Visit Tudor Hampton Court Henry VIII's palace
  • Moor beneath Windsor's Royal palace
  • Visit the Stanley Spencer Art gallery
  • Lunch at a top London hotel
  • Optional Hot Air Ballooning

Cuisine Aboard:

  • regional specialities
    Loch Fyne Bradon roast Salmon, Malt whisky and horseradish sauce, Roast spiced Duck breast accompanied by pink Grapefruit and Calvados
  • wine cellar
    A good selection of French and New World wines
  • cheese board
    Red Leicester, Caerphilly, White Cheshire

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Magna Carta Itinerary - HAMPTON COURT PALACE TO HENLEY-ON-THAMES

Sunday, Day 1
LONDON – HAMPTON COURT PALACE

Meet the Captain or a crew member 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 moored outside Hampton Court, former Tudor Palace of Henry VIII, where we remain overnight. Dinner aboard.

Monday, Day 2
HAMPTON COURT PALACE - 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 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 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 to Shepperton. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday, Day 3
SHEPPERTON - RUNNYMEDE

After breakfast we cruise to Runnymede and moor at Bell Weir Lock adjacent to a luxury spa hotel where after lunch we have the option to use the spa 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, Day 4
RUNNYMEDE - 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 Dolls 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 humour.

Thursday, Day 5
WINDSOR - 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, Day 6
COOKHAM – 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 been 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 Captains Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday, Day 7
HENLEY-ON-THAMES - LONDON

Following breakfast, disembark at 10 am 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.

MEETING POINT: Sunday 3pm, The Stafford Hotel, St James Place, London for afternoon tea. (Tel 020 7493 0111 Web site www.TheStaffordHotel.co.uk Email infor@TheStaffordHotel.co.uk)

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Magna Carta Golf cruise Itinerary England Golf vacation and Luxury cruise

Hampton Court Palace to Henley-on-Thames
Imagine you and your friends combining your love of golf with a leisurely cruise aboard Magna Carta, a fully-crewed luxury hotel barge, drifting along tranquil waterways past some of the most beautiful scenery in England, along the Royal river Thames. Your floating hotel is furnished with every modern comfort

The finest gourmet cuisine is prepared by your on-board master chef, complemented by a wide array of fine regional wines and an open bar, and of course, the experienced and knowledgeable crew is there to attend to your slightest need.

Sunday
Day 1 Kingston-on-Thames
Hampton Court Palace Meet the Captain at The Stafford Hotel at 3pm for afternoon English Cream Tea, before being transferred to the Magna Carta at 4pm. Champagne reception and welcome by the Captain. Early evening cruise to Hampton Court Palace, former Tudor Palace of Henry VIII, where we moor for the night. Dinner aboard.

Monday
Day 2 Hampton Court Palace
Shepperton This morning we leave the barge by foot and take the very short walk to Hampton Court Palace Golf Course situated on the River Thames. This is the only golf course in Great Britain where you can play golf in the grounds of a royal palace. This unique inland links design is a deceptively challenging test for golfers of all abilities. The course has a wide variety of flora and fauna including a magnificent herd of 300 fallow deer and an oak tree, probably over a thousand years old. In the afternoon enjoy a meandering cruise upstream following the course of the Thames to Shepperton. Dinner aboard. (18 holes Par 71 5953m)

Tuesday
Day 3 Shepperton
Runnymede Today's golf is at the famous Walton Heath Golf Club. Famous for staging the Ryder Cup and European Open Championships. Once owned by the News of the World, Sir Elmsley Carr would invite Mp's, Lords and members of the press to Walton heath. Designed by Herbert Fowler in 1903. Afternoon cruise to Runnymede hotel where we have use of the excellent spa facilities including swimming pools, saunas, steam rooms and beauty treatments. Dinner aboard. (18 holes Par 72 6198m)

Wednesday
Day 4 Runnymede Windsor
This morning we have an option. We can take a short drive to view the Magna Carta memorial where King John faced the powerful barons and was made to sign the document from which our barge takes her name. We also visit the commonwealth air force memorial, opened by the queen to commemorate those 20000 airmen who have no known grave. (Or Optional Golf at Wentworth to be paid for by guests directly to the club. Wentworth is considered one of Europe's finest clubs and almost needs no introduction. Famous for the PGA and World Match Play Tournaments as well as many other events-approx cost $390 (£235) per person). Afternoon cruise through beautiful countryside to Windsor. We see Windsor Castle, built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and inhabited for over 900 years by the Royal Family. Our mooring is on a private island with a unique view of the Castle. Dinner aboard. (18 holes, Par 73 6142m)

Thursday
Day 5 Windsor
Cookham Today's golf is at Sunningdale Golf Club, established in 1901 and ranked as one of the top 20 courses in the world. The Old Course founded in 1901 was designed by Willie Park. It is classic course with gorse and pine trees, silver birch, heather and immaculate turf. This afternoon we leave 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. Dinner aboard. (18 hole Par 70 5526m)

Friday
Day 6 Cookham
Henley-on-Thames This morning we cruise to Henley on Thames, and along the famous Henley Regatta Course. Golf this afternoon is at Temple Golf Club. This gently undulating course has panoramic views of the Thames valley and is noted for its firm, fast greens. Captains Farewell Dinner aboard. (18 hole Par 70 5697m)

Saturday
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.

Magna Carta Meeting point:
Sunday 3 pm, The Stafford Hotel, St James's Place, London, SW1A 1NJ Tel 020 7493 0111 Fax 020 7493 7121 Email info@thestaffordhotel.co.uk Web Site: www.thestaffordhotel.co.uk

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Magna Carta Tennis cruise Itinerary- Hampton Court Palace to Henley-on-Thames

Sunday

Day 1 LONDON - KINGSTON-ON-THAMES - HAMPTON COURT PALACE You may begin your cruise with lunch at the Cadogan Hotel at 1pm, before being met at the Cadogan Hotel at 4pm to be escorted to Magna Carta. Champagne reception and welcome by the Captain. Early evening cruise to Hampton Court Palace, former Tudor Palace of Henry VIII, where we moor for the night. Dinner aboard.

Monday
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 Tennis at the private Lensbury Club grass courts at Teddington. Return to Magna Carta as we meander upstream following the course of the Thames to Shepperton. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday
Day 3 SHEPPERTON - RUNNYMEDE Morning cruise after breakfast to Runnymede. We moor at Bell Weir Lock adjacent to a luxury spa hotel, The Runnymede, where we have the opportunity to visit the spa and use the pool and elaborate leisure facilities. Time for tennis at the Runnymede Hotel's outdoor hard courts before another cruise past Runnymede, where King John faced the powerful barons and signed the 'Magna Carta" in 1215 as well as viewing the J F Kennedy Memorial. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday
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. Moor on a private island with a unique view of the Castle. Tennis this afternoon at Windsor Lawn Tennis Club. Dinner aboard

Thursday
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. Tennis this afternoon at the Royal Berkshire. This private club has fabulous indoor courts and outdoor grass courts. Dinner aboard

Friday
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.

Saturday
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.

Available for whole boat charters of 6-8 passengers only.

Magna Carta Meeting point:
Sunday 3 pm, The Stafford Hotel, St James's Place, London, SW1A 1NJ Tel 020 7493 0111 Fax 020 7493 7121 Email info@thestaffordhotel.co.uk Web Site: www.thestaffordhotel.co.uk

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Magna Carta Walking cruise Itinerary- Hampton Court Palace to Henley-on-Thames
THE RIDGEWAY is thought to be the oldest existing road in the world and this is a walking experience that cannot be missed during your cruise this week.

We will also enjoy walks at Royal Parks, England's most famous school, lakes, tiny villages and hunting grounds.

The Thames, England's longest river, meanders through unspoilt countryside, the wildlife abounds and the lock-keepers have time to chat as we pass through.

Magna Carta cruises on literally 2000 years of liquid history and offers floating luxury beyond your expectations. The walks, the food and wine, the accommodations and the high level of friendly service await.


Sunday
Day 1 By road, LONDON - KINGSTON-ON-THAMES. Cruise 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. Early evening cruise to Hampton Court Palace, former Tudor Palace of Henry VIII, where we moor for the night. Dinner aboard.

Monday
Day 2 Cruise HAMPTON COURT PALACE - SHEPPERTON. Walk Richmond Park. This morning we walk in RICHMOND PARK. Here at the top of Richmond Hill we find 2500 acres of undulating grassland and bracken, dotted with coppiced woodland and wilder than anything for miles around. Eight miles across at its widest point, it is famed for its red and fallow deer, which roam freely, and for its ancient oaks. For the most part untamed, the park does have a couple of deliberately landscaped plantations. In the afternoon enjoy a meandering cruise upstream following the course of the Thames to Shepperton. Dinner aboard.

Tuesday
Day 3 Cruise SHEPPERTON - RUNNYMEDE.
Walk Windsor Great Park and Virginia Water. Morning cruise to Runnymede. We moor at Bell Weir Lock adjacent to a luxury spa hotel, where we have the opportunity to visit and use the pool and elaborate leisure facilities. After lunch we visit WINDSOR GREAT PARK. Comprising about 4800 acres of wooded parkland and gardens, we walk around VIRGINIA WATER LAKE, a large ornamental lake fringed by trees, paths and rides. This glorious walk perfectly reflects the changing seasons and never strays far from the water's edge. Virginia Water covers about 160 acres and was developed in the middle of the 18th century for the Duke of Cumberland after his victory at Culloden. Dinner aboard.

Wednesday
Day 4 Cruise RUNNYMEDE - WINDSOR. Walk the Runnymede Memorials and the Playing Fields of Eton. After breakfast we take a short cruise to the Runnymede pleasure grounds and then stroll across the meadows to theMagna Carta memorial.

This commemorates the place where in 1215, King John faced the powerful barons and was forced to seal the Magna Carta. We then start climbing towards the JFK MEMORIAL and continue up Coopers Hill to the COMMONWEALTH AIR FORCES MEMORIAL, a most fitting site to remember the 20,000 or so commonwealth airmen who have no known grave.

We then continue back to the boat before a spectacular cruise to Windsor. After lunch we walk the PLAYING FIELDS OF ETON. Beginning with a worthy stroll along the Thames path we soon head for the famous playing fields where, according to Wellington, the battle of Waterloo was won. For the duration of this walk we are aware of Windsor Castle, its high defensive position dominating the view. After walking we take a late afternoon cruise to our private mooring. Dinner aboard.

Thursday
Day 5 Cruise WINDSOR - COOKHAM. Walk Cookham Dean and Winter Hill. 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. This afternoon we take you for a ramble up the old packhorse way to COOKHAM DEAN, where Kenneth Graham lived and was inspired to write 'The Wind in the Willows'. Look out for muntjac deer and other wildlife in this beautiful setting, and then climb to WINTER HILL for panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. Dinner aboard

Friday
Day 6 Cruise COOKHAM - HENLEY ON THAMES. Walk the Ridgeway, Kingston Lisle - Ashbury. A morning cruise to the village of Hurley where we have time to wander Peter Freebody's boatyard and watch in wonder at the traditional craftsmen at work. Return to the barge for lunch before cruising to Henley on Thames, our final approach being along the famous Henley Regatta Course.

This afternoon we finish with a truly magnificent walk along the RIDGEWAY. Between Kingston Lisle and Ashbury are the undisputed highlights of the entire Ridgeway. Iron Age Uffington 'Castle', the White Horse of Uffington and the Wayland's Smithy Long Barrow. The countryside surrounding the Ridgeway is rich in wild flowers and bird life, and traces of early man are everywhere. As if what we have done is not enough, our return walk is along footpaths linking three of the lovely settlements that lie at the foot of the downs: Ashbury, Compton Beauchamp and Woolstone. Captains Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday
Day 7 HENLEY-ON-THAMES - LONDON Following breakfast, disembark at 10 am and return to London.

The Walking Charter Cruise Price includes a professional guide for the duration of the cruise.

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

Magna Carta Meeting point:
Sunday 3 pm, The Stafford Hotel, St James's Place, London, SW1A 1NJ Tel 020 7493 0111 Fax 020 7493 7121 Email info@thestaffordhotel.co.uk Web Site: www.thestaffordhotel.co.uk

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

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