Cruise through a tapestry of English history on the stunning, non-commercial upper reaches of the Royal River Thames. Exquisite scenery, winding backwaters, quaint villages, locks, and weir streams make for the most relaxing holiday imaginable.

I T I N E R A R Y
SUNDAY, Day 1
London Transfer from London to the beautiful village of Ewelme for a brief tour of the medieval village church (where Chaucer's granddaughter is buried) and quaint almshouses, while your luggage is stowed aboard Actief. Afterward, continue to Shillingford Bridge, where the barge is moored and a traditional English cream tea awaits you. After settling in to your comfortable and attractive cabins, begin the evening with a festive champagne reception followed by dinner and your first night aboard.

MONDAY, Day 2
Pangbourne to Mapledurham This morning's cruise is through glacially formed hills to our mooring alongside the 17th-century Swann Inn at Pangbourne. After lunch, visit Oxford, City of Dreaming Spires. View the grandest of all Oxford's Colleges, Christchurch, founded by Henry VIII in 1525 and the setting for the tale Alice in Wonderland. Afterward, there's time for shopping and afternoon tea before returning to Actief.

TUESDAY, Day 3
Mapledurham to Henley-on-Thames This morning your cruise continues through sylvan countryside (the setting for Kenneth Grahame's Wind in the Willows) to the picturesque Mapledurham Estate. Here you will have a private visit of the Elizabethan Mapledurham House, home to descendants of the same family since 1490. and Mapledurham Mill, a 500-year-old working water mill. Afterwards your cruise continues to your overnight stop at Henley-on-Thames.

WEDNESDAY, Day 4
Henley-on-Thames to Hurley This morning, visit the award-winning River and Rowing Museum. No ordinary museum, this is a wonderful chance to learn something of the mythology, history, and traditions of the River Thames. After lunch there is time for shopping in this fashionable town, home to the world-famous Henley Royal Regatta. A late afternoon cruise along the renowned Regatta Mile takes you to the picturesque medieval village of Hurley.

THURSDAY, Day 5
Hurley to Cliveden A gentle walking tour around Hurley, home of Ye Olde Bell (reputedly England's oldest inn, founded for visiting monks in 1135), is followed by a visit to Peter Freeboy's traditional boatyard. Peter's family has been involved in the river for 800 years. You will then cruise to one of the most stunning reaches on the river, Cliveden, former home of the Astors. Your tour of the fabulous gardens is quite memorable.

FRIDAY, Day 6
Cliveden to Eton A delightful morning cruise takes you to your final mooring below magnificent Windsor Castle. After lunch you will visit Eton College, founded in 1440 and alma mater of princes William and Harry. The museum of Eton Life gives a fascinating insight into the education of Britain's premier scions over the centuries. Next, there's time to browse the many shops in Eton and Windsor. Tonight the Captain hosts a farewell dinner.

SATURDAY, Day 7
Eton Disembark and transfer to Heathrow Airport or the Goring Hotel.

On alternative weeks the cruise is in reverse direction. This itinerary is subject to change.

From $2,930* per person based on double occupancy

From $4,390* per person based on single occupancy

Whole boat charters are available, please inquire for prices.

Accommodation with private bath or shower All meals with selected regional wines All sightseeing tours and admittance fees as stipulated Use of vessels’ bicycles and other facilities Roundtrip transfers from specified meeting point

Optional golf, walking, antiques, Chelsea Flower show Gardens and Hampton Court Palace Flower show Gardens theme cruises can also be arranged.

2008 Departure Dates:

*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.  Seasonal supplements and blackout dates may apply.