MAGNA CARTA
FAMILY CRUISE
Hampton Court Palace to Henley-on-Thames
Day 1, Sunday
Your Captain meets you for Afternoon Tea at 3pm at The Stafford Hotel
in London before all departing at 4pm for Magna Carta, moored in
Henley, to be shown to your Suites before a Champagne Reception on
board. Dinner on board
Day 2, Monday
Henley-on-Thames is surely one of the most picturesque riverside towns
and famous for the annual regatta, the most important amateur rowing
tournament in the world. We have time this morning to explore the
fantastic River and Rowing Museum. Learn in a hands on environment, see
the story of Henley – its people and history and experience the thrills
of rowing – its quest for speed.
This
afternoon we cruise down the famous Regatta mile, through spectacular
countryside and to the ancient village of Hurley where we tie to mature
trees adjacent to a field and stay overnight. Plenty of time for a
cycle ride or a game of boules by the riverside. Dinner on board.
Day 3, Tuesday
We start the day with a walk around the village Hurley. We visit Peter
Freebody’s boatyard where craftsmen build and restore wooden launches,
the men will lay down their tools for a moment to share with us their
love of their trade. Within the village we discover the church (1067)
and Ye Olde Bell (1135), the oldest inn in the country. Back aboard
Magna Carta we cruise down through Marlow and Bourne End to Cookham.
This
afternoon we are taken to Bekonscot, an unforgettable day out for
everyone. This unique piece of our heritage is just waiting to be
explored by children and adults alike. The world famous model villages
and model railway continue to delight. Dinner on board.
Day 4, Wednesday
Our morning cruise to Windsor takes us through some of the most
spectacular river scenery in existence. Below Maidenhead some fine
riverside dwellings are home to the rich and famous, while the
approaches to Windsor give the finest views of the Castle.
This
afternoon we have two options: A tour of Eton College. Founded by King
Henry VI in 1440 Eton now educates 1270 boys between the ages of 13 and
18. The history is tangible as we explore the Chapel, Cloisters, Museum
and other fascinating areas OR A visit to Legoland. This award winning
park has every thing needed for a magical afternoon. Educational
attractions, fantastic rides, 4D Theatre, Stunt shows, Boat driving
schools etc. Dinner on board.
Day 5, Thursday
Again
this morning we have two options: Ice skating at a local rink, OR a
visit to Windsor Castle. Built by William the Conqueror soon after
1066, the castle is the largest inhabited in the world, and one of the
present Queen’s favourite homes. We see the State Apartments, St
George’s chapel, Queen Mary’s dolls house and the grounds.
In
the afternoon we cruise to Runnymede. The river forms a natural mote
around the castle and our view of it keeps changing as we cruise
through Datchet and Old Windsor. We pass Magna Carta Island where in
1215 the powerful barons confronted King John and forced him to sign
the document from which our barge takes her name. Moored outside the
Runnymede hotel we can visit the luxurious spa and make use of the
pool. Sauna and steam rooms. Dinner on board.
Day 6, Friday
Morning cruise via Shepperton and Sunbury to Hampton Ct Palace. This
afternoon once again we have a choice: Hampton Court Palace OR Thorpe
Park. -
Hampton Court Palace is best known through its connection with King
Henry VIII between 1528 and 1547 but it has seen 500 years of royal
occupation. Adults will be enthralled by the history, architecture and
gardens while the younger guests may get lost in the world famous maze
or enjoy a tour with an expert guide in full historical costume.
- Thorpe
Park - a fabulous theme park - here are just a sample of the rides…
feel the heat on the Nemesis Inferno, fall through time on the Quantum,
Colossus- the world’s first ten looping roller coaster, defy gravity
and plummet 100ft on Detonator.
Captain’s gala dinner aboard Magna Carta.
Day 7, Saturday
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.
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