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)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Magna
Carta Golf Cruise Itinerary
England Golf Vacation and Luxury cruise
aboard Magna
Carta
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
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
European
Waterways - Magna Carta Hotel Barge 2010 Rates 
