Magna Carta

8 passenger Deluxe

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Call 503-228-1954 or email EuroEscapes for Current Specials.

Description

Magna Carta will take you on a slow, meandering journey along the prettiest stretches of the River Thames, past Royal Palaces, quaint riverside towns and villages – a captivating mixture of olde worlde England and the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.

From Henry VIII’s Hampton Court past Windsor Castle to Henley, with frequent stops allowing plenty of time to wander and explore as we follow this old Viking trading route through some of England’s prettiest counties. During the cruise, there is a diverse programme of escorted visits along the way – art galleries, stately homes including the real “Downton Abbey”, even a boatyard that has been building traditional river craft for centuries. There are also good cycling and walking opportunities along the ever-present Thames Towpath.

Magna Carta is a hotel barge that accommodates 8 guests and is one of the finest vessels cruising the waters of the British Isles today. Originally built in the 1930’s, today she is a luxurious and spacious ‘floating country hotel’ boasting a combination of traditional and contemporary features that create a very inviting ambiance on board.

There is great attention to detail with the use of fine mahogany, teak and oak woods throughout, complemented by modern amenities such as under floor heating and TV/DVD players in the cabin suites.

The large saloon and dining area feature picture windows and stylish furnishings, and the sense of refined space continues in the four very generous, air-conditioned twin/double suites, with their combination of period furniture and contemporary en suite shower rooms.

Outside you can unwind in the heated spa pool, or enjoy a mouth-watering alfresco lunch prepared by your onboard master chef as you get admiring glances from passers-by.

Magna Carta is one of the most recognized vessels navigating the Royal River Thames today and her Captain who knows the river so well, together with his doting crew, will ensure your voyage of gentle exploration is an unforgettable experience.

Highlights include:

Explore Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace
Moor beneath and visit Windsor Castle
Visit the Tudor manor house of Dorney Court
Tour the Stanley Spencer Gallery at Cookham
English cream tea at the Stafford Hotel, London
Visit Henley-on-Thames, the Royal Regatta town
Tour of Christ Church College, Oxford
Great walking and bicycling opportunities along the Thames Footpath
Tour of Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) on selected departures

Downton Abbey Cruise Dates Confirmed

We are delighted to announce that once again we are offering a number of Downton Abbey cruises along the Royal River Thames aboard Magna Carta, with a tour of Highclere Castle, the real-life setting for the much-loved period TV drama.

The Downton Abbey cruises have proven very popular in the past and it’s sure to be the case again next year with initial departure dates scheduled for – May 3, 24; July 12; August 2, 9 & 16 2020 – further dates TBA.

General Information

Length: 117 feet
8 Passengers
4 crew
3 twin/double Suites
1 Double Suite
TV/DVD in Suites
Fully air conditioned
Central heat
Spa pool
Sun Deck
4 tour bikes
WIFi
Air conditioned mini-bus

Accommodations & Pricing 2020

Suite per person
$4,890. Value
$5,850. Regular

Single Supplement per person
$1,550. Value
$1,800. Regular

Charter Max. 6 pax.
$33,200. Value
$39,300. Regular

Charter Max. 7 pax.
$34,600 Value
$40,900. Regular

Charter Max. 8 pax.
$36,000. Value
$42,500. Regular

2020 Sunday Departure Dates

Value Season
April 5, 12, 19
October 4, 11, 18, 25

Regular Season
April 26
May 3*, 10, 17, 24*
June 7, 14, 21, 28
July 5, 12*, 19, 26
August 2*, 9*, 16*, 23, 30
September 6, 13, 29, 27

*Downton Abbey Cruises

Sample Itinerary

Sunday

Hampton Court Palace
Guests are met at the Stafford Hotel in central London** for afternoon English Cream Tea, before being transferred by private chauffeured minibus to Magna Carta. Champagne reception and welcome by the Captain and crew. Dinner on board.

Monday

Hampton Court Palace to Runnymede
This morning we explore the magnificent Hampton Court Palace. We tour Henry VIII’s apartments and the Royal Chapel, feel the chill in the haunted gallery and wonder at the Tudor kitchens. Outside, the gardens are breathtaking with The Great Vine, the oldest in the country still producing grapes and the famous maze. After lunch, we cruise through a number of locks including Sunbury and Molesey to moor at Runnymede. Dinner on board.

Tuesday

Runnymede to Windsor
After breakfast, we have the option to use the spa facilities of the newly refurbished Runnymede-on-Thames Hotel. Then we cruise to Windsor, past the Magna Carta Memorial and Magna Carta Island where in 1215, King John was forced to meet the powerful barons and seal the historic document. Our afternoon excursion is to Windsor Castle. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and a royal home 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, St George’s Chapel and enjoy the far-reaching views. Dinner on board.

Wednesday

Windsor to Cliveden
This morning we take a short drive to the Tudor manor house of Dorney Court, a very special home that has been owned by the Palmer family for more than 450 years and used regularly as a film location. Later, we cruise upstream past the fabulous waterside houses of Bray and through the spectacular Cliveden Reach to our exclusive mooring on the Cliveden estate. Once home to the Astor family, it has amazing gardens and was, of course, the scene of much political scandal and intrigue. Dinner on board.

Thursday

Cliveden to Hurley
After breakfast, we cruise further upstream to visit the Stanley Spencer Gallery in Cookham and take a walk around the village he once described as ‘Heaven on Earth’, before cruising through Marlow to Hurley. We tour Peter Freebody’s boatyard nearby and watch in wonder as the traditional craftsmen build and restore classic wooden craft. We have time to explore the ancient village, including Ye Olde Bell, reputed to be the oldest inn in the country, before returning to the hotel barge. Dinner on board.

Friday

Hurley to Henley-on-Thames
A morning cruise to Henley-on-Thames through fabulous countryside to our final mooring along the famous Henley Regatta Rowing Course. Then, an earlier lunch, followed by a drive to Oxford for a fascinating tour of Christ Church, Oxford’s grandest college, founded by Cardinal Wolsey and then again by King Henry VIII. The magnificent surroundings were also where Lewis Carroll wrote Alice in Wonderland. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday

Henley-on-Thames to London

After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to central London**.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.

**other locations available for private charter bookings

Your Cruise Includes:

Transfers between Central London and the hotel barge (approximate transfer duration 1 hour / 1 hour 30 minutes depending on the cruise direction),a luxury 6 night cruise, all meals on board catered for by the on board Master Chef, an open bar 24/7 with a large range of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, all wines served throughout the cruise, excursions and admittance fees as per the itinerary, the services of 4 crew and use of barge facilities, which include DVD players in each cabin, bicycles and a spa pool.