Cruise Close to Home on the Thames!

Home comforts: cruise the Thames in the lap of luxury   This year, treat yourself to a holiday close to home and enjoy a unique perspective of the River Thames from the comfort of a hotel barge or all-new cruiser. Whether it's the chocolate box country scenes, the array of historic landmarks adorning the river-front or the buzzing vibe of central London, the Thames Valley is the foundation of England past and present and right on your doorstep. So, allay your travel fears, stay close to home and embark on a fascinating cruise along the Thames in the comfort and style of two of the UK's very best ships - the luxuriously appointed Magna Carta and the all-new Spirit of Chartwell.           4-night cruise aboard Spirit of Chartwell Itinerary Day 1: Meet at Hampton Court Railway Station and transfer to the ship. Embark and enjoy Captain's welcome reception and dinner. Moor Sunbury overnight. Day 2: Sail after breakfast upstream on the sister vessel 'Passepartout' via Shepperton, Staines to Runnymede and onwards to Windsor Castle. Later drive to Sunbury and sail on the Spirit of Chartwell to Hampton Court. Moor Hampton Court overnight. Day 3: Morning visit to Hampton Court Palace, later cruise downstream via Kingston and Richmond (for Kew Gardens) and then into the tidal river at Teddington. Cruise downstream via Putney, Chelsea, Westminster to Greenwich ' see the Cutty Sark, Maritime Museum and Observatory before sailing to Tower Bridge. Evening reception on board the 'Havengore'. Moor Tower Bridge overnight. Day 4: Morning at leisure in London with afternoon sail upstream via Kingston, Moseley to Sunbury-on-Thames. Evening Captain's farewell reception and dinner. Moor Sunbury overnight. Day 5: Disembark the ship after breakfast. 6-night cruise aboard the Magna Carta Itinerary Day 1 Meet at the Stafford Hotel in London at 3pm for afternoon tea, before being transferred at 4pm to the Magna Carta. Champagne reception and welcome moored outside Hampton Court. Dinner aboard. Day 2 Explore Hampton Court Palace. After lunch enjoy your first cruise, up through Molesey Lock and following the meandering path of the river to Shepperton. Dinner aboard. Day 3 After breakfast cruise to Runnymede and moor at Bell Weir Lock adjacent to a luxury spa hotel where, after lunch, you have the option to use the spa facilities. In the afternoon take a short drive to Savill Gardens. Dinner aboard. Day 4 Cruise to Windsor before enjoying lunch on board. Your river journey takes you through Runnymede where King John was forced to put his seal on the Magna Carta. Afternoon excursion to Windsor Castle. Dinner aboard followed by an optional pub night. Day 5 Cruise up to Boveney Lock and take a walk to Dorney Court. Continue past the waterside homes of Bray, through the spectacular Clivedon reach and open English countryside. Moor up in Cookham and visit Sir Stanley Spencer's newly renovated gallery. Dinner aboard. Day 6 Explore the 11th century village of Hurley and marvel at Ye Olde Belle. Next, cruise to Henley on Thames and either visit Dorney Court or the award-winning River and Rowing Museum. For your final night, enjoy the Captain's Farewell Dinner aboard. Day 7 Following breakfast, disembark at 10 am and return to the Stafford Hotel in London. To book, call 0808 168 1458 toll free Cruise pricing: All prices are per person and based on double occupancy Spirit of Chartwell 2010 departures: 1-5; 5-9; 13-17*; 17-21*, 29-2** October Category 1: £580 Category 2: £680 Category 3: £780 Single occupancy: On request *A reduction of £50 applies on these dates **A reduction of £80 applies on this date Includes Full board, excursions indicated in the day by day itinerary, all port taxes and dues. Magna Carta - save up to £300 2010 departures 30 May was £2,520 NOW £2,220 27 Jun, 1, 15 Aug, 12 Sep was £2,520 NOW £2,370 10 Oct was £2,120 NOW £1,970 Includes: Full board, open bar, free wines, gourmet cuisine, entry fees to excursions. ...Or, choose a charter Charter the whole ship with just you and your family and friends from £16,100-£18,500 for 6-8 guests. Ask about early booking discounts and pre-sailing drinks parties for anniversaries and birthday celebrations and other special occasions for groups before you sail. Terms and cancellation A 30% deposit due on confirmation. Balance due 90 days prior to departure. Cancellation charges apply. For full booking conditions please visit our Terms and Conditions page                     The Spirit of Chartwell   Spirit of Chartwell boasts the sumptuousness of a classic luxury yacht: teak decks, rich mahogany finishes and 20 luxury cabins. Newly configured in 2009, she is the only cruise vessel capable of navigating both the upper courses of the Thames and the open sea. She has two lounges, open-air viewing areas and a unique third floor dining area, which serves first-class cuisine. All cabins are outside facing with views.     Magna Carta   The 8 passenger Magna Carta is one of the finest, most luxurious vessels cruising the British Isles. The ambience created by combining a traditional barge hull (1936) and fine mahogany, teak and oak woods is outstanding. Magna Carta has the most sophisticated modern amenities, including air conditioning, underfloor heating, and spacious contemporary en-suite facilities in the four full width staterooms. The upper deck saloon and dining areas sport picture windows and stylish furnishings, and there is a jacuzzi on the upper sun-deck.

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