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Sunday, Day 1: London to Shillingford

Private transfer from the Goring Hotel in London to our mooring at Shillingford Bridge. After a traditional English cream tea on arrival there is a late afternoon cruise and a chance to settle in to your comfortable and attractive cabins. The evening commences with a festive champagne reception followed by dinner and your first night aboard.

Monday, Day 2: Shillingford to Pangbourne

This morning’s cruise is through glacier formed hills to our mooring alongside the 17th century Swan Inn at Pangbourne. After lunch we visit Oxford - ‘City of Dreaming Spires’. View the grandest of all Oxford’s Colleges, Christchurch, founded by Henry VIII in 1525 and the setting for the tale of Alice in Wonderland. This is followed by time for shopping and afternoon tea before returning to Actief.

Tuesday, Day 3: Pangbourne to Henley on Thames

This morning our cruise continues through sylvan countryside (setting for Kenneth Grahame’s ‘Wind In The Willows’) to the picturesque Mapledurham Estate. Here we privately visit Elizabethan Mapledurham House, home to descendants of the same family since 1490, and Mapledurham Mill, a 500 year old still working water mill (famously used during the filming of ‘The Eagle Has Landed’). Afterwards our cruise continues until reaching our overnight stop at Henley-On-Thames.

Wednesday, Day 4: Henley on Thames to Hurley

A picturesque early morning cruise brings us to elegant Henley-On-Thames. This morning we visit the spectacular new and interactive River and Rowing Museum. No ordinary museum, this is a wonderful chance to learn something of the secrets, mythology,history and traditions of the River Thames. After lunch there is time to catch up on some shopping in this fashionable town, home to the world famous annual Henley Royal Regatta. A late afternoon cruise takes us to the picturesque medieval village of Hurley.

Thursday, Day 5: Hurley to Cliveden

A gentle walking tour around Hurley, home of Ye Olde Bell, reputedly England’s oldest Inn founded for visiting monks in 1135, is followed by a visit to Peter Freebody’s traditional boatyard. Peter’s family has been involved in the river for 8oo years! We then cruise to one of the most stunning reaches on the river at Cliveden and our private mooring at this magnificent estate, former home of the Astors. Our tour of the fabulous gardens with breathtaking views is most memorable.

Friday, Day 6: Cliveden to Windsor

A delightful morning cruise takes us to our final mooring below magnificent Windsor Castle. After lunch we visit Eton College, founded in 1440. The museum of Eton Life gives a fascinating insight into the education of Britain’s premier scions over the centuries. Following this there is time for you to browse the many shops in Eton and Windsor. Tonight the Captain hosts his farewell dinner, based on a period banquet.

Saturday, Day 7: Windsor to London

After breakfast, depart at 9.30am and return to hotel or Heathrow Airport.

NOTE: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternative weeks the cruise operates in reverse direction.