Luxury Barge Tour London and Oxford

Hampton Court Palace.

Guests are met at the Stafford Hotel in central London for afternoon cream tea before being transferred to the barge moored at Hampton Court. Champagne reception and welcome by the Captain and crew. Dinner on board.

Hampton Court Palace to Runnymede.

This morning we explore the magnificent Hampton Court Palace. We tour King 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 Molesey Lock and moor at Runnymede. Dinner on board.

Runnymede to Windsor.

After breakfast, we have the option to use the facilities of the 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 barrons 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, this is the largest inhabited castle in the world. We explore the State Apartments, Queen Mary's Dolls House, St George's Chapel and enjoy the far-reaching views. Dinner on board.

Windsor to Cookham.

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. Then we cruise upstream past the fabulous waterside houses of Bray and through the spectacular Clivedon Reach to moor en route at Cliveden House itself. Once home to the Astor family it has amazing gardens and was, of course, the scene of political scandal and intrigue. Dinner on board.

Cookham to Hurley.

After breakfast, we visit the Stanley Spencer Gallery 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 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 Belle, reputed to be the oldest inn in he country, before returning to the barge. Dinner on board

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 early 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 where Lewis Carroll wrote Alice in Wonderland. Captain's farewell dinner on board.

Henley-on-Thames.

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the designated drop-off point in London.

This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction