Luxury Cruises on River Thames
A 100th anniversary discount is available too, for 2007 bookings made by 31st December
European Waterways offers cruises on England's River Thames on the barge Actief, visiting Oxford, Henley-on-Thames, Eton College, England's oldest inn and Windsor Castle
When people think of European river cruises they tend to think of continental Europe and rivers like the Rhine, the Rhone and the Loire. But there's lovely cruising to be had on the upper reaches of England's River Thames. Luxury cruises too, on the hotel barge Actief, operated by European Waterways.
The Actief is 100 years old in 2007, and to celebrate that fact, European Waterways is offering a special discount on all its 2007 Actief cruises, if bookings are made before 31st December. The discount of £270 per person will apply to all bookings, whether you're booking as a single traveler, a couple or chartering the entire vessel for a special group event.
The six night cruises start for most people by being picked up after Sunday lunch at the Goring Hotel in central London, which I've written about elsewhere (click here). After a visit to the medieval village church at Ewelme, where Chaucer's grand-daughter is buried, there's time for an English cream tea and later a Champagne reception.
On Monday you cruise to Oxford, and on Tuesday through the countryside which inspired Kenneth Grahame's classic book, A Wind in the Willows. The week continues with visits to Henley-on-Thames and the River and Rowing Museum, and to the medieval village of Hurley. Here Ye Olde bell claims to be England's oldest inn, founded by monks in 1135.
After a visit to a boatyard it's on to Cliveden, former home of the Astor family and with fabulous gardens to visit. the final day's mooring is right below Windsor Castle, from where there's a visit to Eton College, founded in 1440 and alma mater to the royal princes, Prince William and Prince Harry. After free time for shopping and touring, there's a farewell dinner and next morning a return transfer either to Heathrow Airport or back to the Goring Hotel. So if you're thinking of exploring the European Waterways in 2007, don't forget the River Thames!
To find out more about the cruise and European Waterways visit their website at www.gobarging.com.
The Goring: London's best hotel? Read my Article about the Goring here: http://ukirelandtravel.suite101.com/article.cfm/london_s_best_hotel_
