BARGE CRUISING CLASSIC ENGLAND
Luxury barge cruise
Price NZD $10,180
Tour Description
A far cry from the hustle and bustle of London, the English waterways offer a serene and quaint way of seeing the rustic elegance of the country as it sails through the green landscape of the countryside and also some of the most important sites in the identity of the historic country.
Throughout your journey, you will get the chance to see gorgeous riverside towns, villages and through the River Thames Royal and past numerous royal palaces. The majority of your journey will be through the picturesque royal towns in Surrey and Berkshire. Along the way, there will be multiple stops allowing you time to explore the natural beauty that these areas have to offer.
HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS
Luxurious Barge Experience: Cruise aboard the elegant Magna Carta, a spacious and comfortable vessel offering personalized service, gourmet dining, and stunning views from every angle.
Windsor Castle: Begin your journey with a visit to the iconic Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Explore the magnificent State Apartments and the historic St. George's Chapel.
Cliveden House: Discover the grandeur of Cliveden House, an exquisite stately home set amidst beautiful gardens, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
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Day 1 : London > Hampton Court Palace
Guests are met at the Stafford Hotel in Central London for afternoon English Cream Tea, before being transferred to the Magna Carta. Champagne reception and welcome by the Captain and crew. Dinner on board.Day 2 : Hampton Court Palace > Shepperton
This morning explore the magnificent Hampton Court Palace. Tour Henry VIII’s apartments and the Royal Chapel and the breathtaking gardens including The Great Vine, the oldest in the country still producing grapes. After lunch cruise through Molesey, Sunbury and Shepperton Locks. Optional pub visit before dinner on board.Day 3 : Shepperton > Windsor
After breakfast, we cruise through Runnymede 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.Day 4 : Windsor > 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.Day 5 : Cliveden > Hurley
After breakfast, we tour the grounds of Cliveden and learn about the history of the house and stories of intrigue and scandal! We take a short drive to Cookham to visit the Stanley Spencer Gallery and enjoy a walk around the village he once described as ‘Heaven on Earth’. After lunch we cruise through Cookham and Marlow and up to the 11th century village of Hurley. We tour Peter Freebody’s boatyard and watch in wonder as the traditional craftsmen build and restore classic wooden craft. There is an optional visit to the Olde Belle, one of the oldest inns in the country before dinner on board.Day 6 : Hurley > 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.Day 7 : Henley-on-Thames > London
After breakfast, guests are transferred by private chauffeured minibus to central London. -
6 nights’ onboard the 5-star Magna Carta barge
All meals onboard your cruise
Open bar onboard available 24/7 with a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
Arrival and departure transfers between London and the barge
Excursions and entrance fees as per the itinerary
Use of the barge facilities including bicycles and hot tub
Not Included
Gratuities
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Booking and Payments
Deposit: A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to confirm your booking.
Final Payment: The balance must be paid in full 90 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your booking.
Cancellations and Refunds
Cancellation by Client:
More than 90 days before departure: Loss of deposit.
30-90 days before departure: 65% of the total tour cost.
Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total tour cost.
Cancellation by Company: We reserve the right to cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, a full refund will be provided.
Changes to Itinerary
Flexibility Required: Weather and road conditions may necessitate changes to the planned route and itinerary. Flexibility is essential.
Substitutions: We reserve the right to substitute accommodations and services of similar standard when necessary.
Travel Insurance
Mandatory: Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, personal injury, and emergency evacuation is mandatory for all participants.
Proof Required: Proof of insurance must be provided before the tour begins.
Health and Safety
Fitness Level: A reasonable level of fitness is required for participation in the activities outlined in the tour itinerary.
Medical Conditions: Participants must disclose any pre-existing medical conditions at the time of booking.
Liability
Responsibility: The company will not be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage to personal property that occurs during the tour.
Third-Party Services: The company is not responsible for the actions or omissions of third-party providers, such as airlines or accommodation services.
Visas and Documentation
Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
Visas: Obtaining necessary visas and travel documents is the responsibility of the participant.
Conduct
Respect for Culture: Participants are expected to respect local customs and cultures.
Behavior: Disruptive or harmful behavior may result in the participant being asked to leave the tour, with no refund provided.
Complaints
Immediate Reporting: Any complaints should be reported immediately to the tour leader to allow for a timely resolution.
Post-Tour Complaints: Complaints must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the tour's conclusion.
By booking this tour, you agree to adhere to these terms and conditions.