The Experience

The Thames River runs throughout the tapestry of English history. On your cruise aboard ‘Magna Carta’ through Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, visit historic sites, including Hampton Court, a former palace of Henry VIII, and Windsor Castle, still in use by the royal family. Along the way, discover a world filled with picturesque villages, winding backwaters, tidy locks and paddling ducks.

Day 1: SUNDAY
Meet in London for a traditional English cream tea before transferring to Magna Carta moored at Hampton Court. After a champagne reception and captain’s welcome, sit down to a gourmet dinner on board.

‘Magna Carta’ | Meals: D
Day 2: MONDAY
Visit Hampton Court Palace, built by Cardinal Wolsey in the early 16th century. Wander through the 60 acres of beautiful riverside gardens with its famous maze before an afternoon cruise to Shepperton.

‘Magna Carta’ | Meals: B L D
Day 3: TUESDAY
Cruise to Runnymede, where King John signed the historic Magna Carta in 1215, and moor at Bell Weir Lock. You may use the fitness and spa facilities at the adjacent luxury hotel. In the afternoon, visit Savill Gardens, part of The Royal Landscape at Windsor Great Park.

‘Magna Carta’ | Meals: B L D
Day 4: WEDNESDAY
Follow the Thames to Windsor, with its royal castle built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and inhabited by the royal family ever since. After dinner tonight, visit a local pub where entertainment is provided by musician Stephen Carroll.

‘Magna Carta’ | Meals: B L D
Day 5: THURSDAY
Visit Dorney Court, a country house that has been in the Palmer family for 13 generations and was a setting for the film The Other Boleyn Girl. After a private tour with the owner, cruise through Cliveden Reach and the open English countryside. At Cookham, visit the newly renovated Stanley Spencer Gallery with time to stroll through the village.

‘Magna Carta’ | Meals: B L D
Day 6: FRIDAY
Cruise this morning to the village of Hurley-on-Thames. Observe traditional craftsmen at work in Peter Freebody’s boatyard, a fixture on the Thames for more than 300 years. Explore the 11th-century village, perhaps visiting the public bar at Ye Olde Belle, reputed to be the oldest inn in the country. Return to Magna Carta as she heads to Henley-on-Thames, site of the annual Henley Royal Regatta since 1839. Gather tonight for a captain’s dinner to celebrate and remember your week on the Thames.

‘Magna Carta’ | Meals: B L D
Day 7: SATURDAY
After breakfast, transfer back to London where your journey ends.

Meals: B
Cruise itinerary operates in reverse direction on alternate weeks.

Canal Barge Cruising in Europe is a relaxed way of travel that is inherently flexible and subject to change. The above itinerary is an example of the places you may see and visit during your cruise; your actual itinerary may vary.

7 Days Luxury Canal Barge Cruise

Thames River, England

Dates Call for dates
Priced From Call TravelWizard
Destinations England
Trip ID AK
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