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England -
Scotland Cruising Scotland and Barging in England River and Canal Cruising  It would be easy to assume that Great Britain and
Ireland have few “hidden corners” left. Just outside big cities like
Windsor, Oxford, or Inverness lie beautiful country filled with charming
waterside villages, manor homes and castles, gardens, nature parks and friendly
local people. Relatively few visitors see England, from a river- or canal-side
vantage point, and that’s part of its charm. Cruise in Luxury and Style An increasingly popular vacation concept among travelers who have “seen” the world through traditional land tours, barge cruising offers more intimate views of the surrounding countryside from the deck of a luxury “hotel” barge – and gives travelers a hands-on opportunity to experience the local lifestyle, culture, and cuisine. Leisurely cruises represent the ultimate in a luxury vacation, pampering guests on every vessel with regional cuisines created by master chefs, a knowledgeable tour guide, and an experienced, multilingual crew. An air-conditioned minivan follows the barge and takes guests in comfort to all sightseeing attractions on the itineraries; bicycles are also available to explore the region. Prices quoted are for cruise only and include all meals, wines with lunch and dinner, an open bar, and admission to daily excursions on the itineraries. Transfers to and from convenient pick-up locations are also included. Barge Cruise England on the Actief on the Upper Thames Actief Itinerary click for picture Sunday, Day 1 Private transfer from the Goring Hotel in London to our mooring at Shillingford Bridge. After a traditional English cream tea on arrival there is a late afternoon cruise and a chance to settle in to your comfortable and attractive cabins. The evening commences with a festive champagne reception followed by dinner and your first night aboard. Monday, Day 2 This morning’s cruise is through glacier formed hills to our mooring alongside the 17th century Swan Inn at Pangbourne. After lunch we 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 of Alice in Wonderland. This is followed by time for shopping and afternoon tea before returning to Actief. Tuesday, Day 3 This morning our cruise continues through sylvan countryside (setting for Kenneth Grahame’s ‘Wind In The Willows’) to the picturesque Mapledurham Estate. Here we privately visit Elizabethan Mapledurham House, home to descendants of the same family since 1490, and Mapledurham Mill, a 500 year old still working water mill (famously used during the filming of ‘The Eagle Has Landed’). Afterwards our cruise continues until reaching our overnight stop at Henley-On-Thames. Wednesday, Day 4 A picturesque early morning cruise brings us to elegant Henley-On-Thames. This morning we visit the spectacular new and interactive River and Rowing Museum. No ordinary museum, this is a wonderful chance to learn something of the secrets, mythology, history and traditions of the River Thames. After lunch there is time to catch up on some shopping in this fashionable town, home to the world famous annual Henley Royal Regatta. A late afternoon cruise takes us to the picturesque medieval village of Hurley.
Thursday, Day 5 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 Freebody’s traditional boatyard. Peter’s family has been involved in the river for 800 years! We then cruise to one of the most stunning reaches on the river at Cliveden and our private mooring at this magnificent estate, former home of the Astors. Our tour of the fabulous gardens with breathtaking views is most memorable.  Friday, Day 6 A delightful morning cruise takes us to
our final mooring below magnificent Windsor Castle. After lunch we visit Eton
College, founded in 1440 and current school to Prince Harry. The museum of Eton
Life gives a fascinating insight into the education of Britain’s premier
scions over the centuries. Following this there is time for you to browse the
many shops in Eton and Windsor. Tonight the Captain hosts his farewell dinner,
based on a period banquet.Saturday, Day 7 10.00am: Disembark and private transfer to London Heathrow Airport or the Goring Hotel. NOTE: On alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse Barging in England Cruises include: Fully air-conditioned suites, twin or double staterooms with private bath in all accommodations, gourmet meals aboard and ashore, fine wines and an open bar, fascinating daily excursions, local transfers, full use of vessel facilities such as jacuzzi, bicycles and sauna. Total 11 passengers. England - The Royal River Thames - Windsor Castle to Oxford - Actief
Sold out until July 6 July 6,13,20 Regular Upper Thames August 3,10,17,24 Value Upper Thames August 31 Regular Upper Thames September 7,14,21,28 Regular Upper Thames October 5,12,19 Value Upper Thames October 26 Regular Upper Thames Charter 11 passengers whole boat $31,450/ $35,650 By clicking here you will be redirected to our Cruise Tour Planners Site. Click here for Cruise Tour Planners Meeting Point: England - London - Goring Hotel - Beeston Place London - SW1 OJW - Sunday 2 pm. Family and theme charters are available. Theme departures (minimum of 6 passengers required to operate these hotel sailings): Antiques: Apr 08, Oct 21 Chelsea Flower Show: May 20 Henley Royal Regatta: Jul 01 Hampton Court Palace Flower Show: Jul 01 Family: Jul 22 Cruising and Barging in England River and Canal Cruising Canal and river cruising is one of the most relaxing and intimate ways to experience the beauty of Europe, without crowds and in great comfort. For those who appreciate fine food and wines, peaceful vistas and an exciting new destination each day without ever leaving “home,” this has become a favorite way to celebrate a special birthday, anniversary or time together as a family. 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 The most sophisticated modern amenities include underfloor heating. Accommodation is comprised of four full width staterooms that offer color tv/dvd and exceptionally spacious private bathroom facilities. The upper deck saloon and dining areas sport picture windows and stylish furnishings, and there is a jacuzzi on the upper sun-deck. Her experienced Captain knows the Thames well and your Master Chef will produce a range of mouth watering dishes, while you enjoy the sights of London and the home counties from your luxury floating hotel, navigating England's Royal River. Two housekeepers complete the crew of four. click for picture  Sunday, Magna Carta Day 1 LONDON – KINGSTON-ON-THAMES - HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Meet the Captain at the Stafford Hotel in London at 3pm for
afternoon English Cream Tea, before being transferred at 4pm to the Magna
Carta. Champagne reception and welcome by the Captain. Early evening cruise to
Hampton Court Palace, former Tudor Palace of Henry VIII, where we moor for the
night. Dinner aboard. Monday, Magna Carta Day 2 HAMPTON COURT PALACE - SHEPPERTON Morning excursion to visit the state apartments of Henry VIII, whose 5th wife Catherine Howard is said to haunt the Great Hall and Gallery of Hampton Court, the finest Tudor Palace in existence. Wander through the beautiful Royal gardens and maze. In the afternoon enjoy a meandering cruise upstream following the course of the Thames to Shepperton. Dinner aboard. Tuesday, Magna Carta Day 3 SHEPPERTON - RUNNYMEDE Morning cruise to Runnymede. We moor at Bell Weir Lock adjacent to a luxury spa hotel. After lunch we have the opportunity to visit the spa and use the facilities including pool, sauna and steam room. Beauty therapies, massages and other treatments are available but are best booked in advance. Our tour for the afternoon takes us a short distance to the Magna Carta memorial. Here in 1215 King John was forced to meet the powerful barons and seal this historic document which took away absolute power from the King and later became the basis for the American Bill of Rights. We also visit the JFK Memorial and the Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial before moving on to Savill Gardens, part of Windsor Great Park and containing a wealth of diverse plants and shrubs. Dinner aboard. Wednesday, Magna Carta Day 4RUNNYMEDE - WINDSOR This morning we cruise to Windsor before enjoying lunch on board. Afternoon excursion to Windsor Castle. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066 and inhabited for over 900 years by the Royal Family, this is the largest inhabited castle in the world. We explore the State Apartments, Queen Mary's Dolls House and St George's Chapel and enjoy the far-reaching views from its elevated fortress position. Late afternoon cruise to our private moorings. Dinner aboard. Thursday, Magna Carta Day 5 WINDSOR - COOKHAM Leaving Royal Windsor behind us we cruise past fabulous waterside homes, through the spectacular Cliveden reach and the open English countryside. We moor in Cookham, once described as ‘Heaven on Earth’ by artist Stanley Spencer. One of England’s greatest and most eccentric painters, Spencer would transpose biblical scenes into his surroundings. We visit his gallery and take a walk around the village he loved so much and painted so frequently. Dinner aboard.  Friday, Magna Carta Day 6 COOKHAM – HENLEY ON THAMES A morning cruise
to the village of Hurley where we have time to wander Peter Freebody’s
boatyard where we can watch in wonder at the traditional craftsman at work. We
have time to explore the ancient village including Ye Olde Belle, reputed to be
the oldest inn in the country, before returning to the barge. After lunch we
cruise to Henley on Thames, our final approach being along the famous Henley
Regatta Course. Once we arrive in Henley we will visit the award winning River
and Rowing museum. Afterwards there is plenty of time to explore the town for
shopping opportunities and browse in antique shops before returning to Magna
Carta for the Captain's Farewell Dinner aboard. Saturday, Magna Carta Day 7 HENLEY-ON-THAMES - LONDON Following breakfast, disembark at 10 am and return to London. NOTE: On alternate weeks, cruise will be in reverse direction. This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. Magna Carta Meeting point: Sunday 3 pm, The Stafford Hotel, St James's Place, London, England - The Royal River Thames - Hampton Court to Henley-on-Thames - Magna Carta
Sold out until July 20 July 20,27 Regular Middle Thames August 3,10,17,24 Mid Middle Thames August 31 Regular Middle Thames September 7,14,21,28 Regular Middle Thames October 5,12,19 Regular Middle Thames October 26 Value Middle Thames Nov, Dec Value Middle Thames By clicking here you will be redirected to our . Cruise Tour Planners Site |
| Cruising in Scotland  The 8 passenger Scottish Highlander was commissioned in 1999 and is the premier vessel cruising in Scotland's dramatic Great Glen, deep in the Highlands. Whether your choice is our classic Highland Discovery Cruise with fascinating daily minibus excursions or our Premier Golf Cruise featuring Gleneagles, Skibo, Nairn and Royal Dornoch our Highland Cruise selection offers something for everyone. Observation deck, Central Heating, Fish finder, Generous cabins. Choice of Twin or double suites. The 8 passenger Scottish Highlander was fully refurbished in 2000 and has the atmosphere of a Scottish Country House, with subtle use of tartan furnishings and landscape paintings At 117 feet she is spacious and has every comfort for year-round cruising. Her experienced crew of four ensure attention to your every need while you cruise the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness, arguably the finest inland cruising scenery in the world. The well planned accommodation offers a choice of one double suite and three twin/double staterooms with full private bath facilities. Scottish Highlander Caledonian Canal Cruise Itinerary Click for picture FURTHER INFORMATION FOR PRE AND POST CRUISE INTERNATIONAL CLIENTS: Many of our international customers fly in to Scotland's Glasgow Airport and then take a train to Inverness. The train journey takes about 3 hours and is 157 miles and travels through the most beautiful countryside and is highly recommended by us. End of cruise: Transfer will be to Fort William train station or a hotel in Fort William by about 10am. Many of our international clients stay in Fort William overnight and then organise onward travel the following day or they take a train to Glasgow for their flight home on the day of departure. Some take a taxi from Fort William to Inverness and we then recommend one of the taxi companies listed below to transfer you the 68 miles to Inverness and the cost is approximately £90 paid by the clients directly to the taxi company for up to 4 people with luggage.  Scottish Highlander Cruise Itinerary Sunday, Day 1 - Inverness to Dochgarroch At 4pm we meet at the Glenmoriston Town House Hotel in Inverness and transfer to Scottish Highlander moored at Dochgarroch. Champagne welcome followed by a short evening cruise along the heather-lined canal to the winding hole. Dinner aboard. Monday, Day 2 - Dochgarroch to Fort Augustus This morning we visit the 14th century fairytale Cawdor Castle immortalised by Shakespeare with Macbeth, housing a superb collection of tapestries, pictures and furniture with beautiful landscaped gardens. We also visit Culloden Moor, made famous by the MacDonald and Campbell battle in the 13th century. After lunch we cruise Loch Dochfour to Fort Augustus passing Urquhart Castle and the south shore of Loch Ness, where there is an abundance of wildlife, and moor near Fort Augustus Abbey. Tonight we often invite the local piper on board. Dinner aboard. Tuesday, Day 3 - Fort Augustus After breakfast we cruise up the staircase of five locks through the village of Fort Augustus, which gives us plenty of time to shop and look around this pretty Caledonian gem. After lunch we visit Urquhart Castle and Invermoriston Falls (or with family charters explore the Nessie Museum). There is also a picnic opportunity today. Fort Augustus has a charming heather-laced 9 or 18 hole golf course, where the official green keepers are sheep! We dine out tonight at a local restaurant. Wednesday, Day 4 - Fort Augustus to Cullochy Lock We leave Fort Augustus this morning and cruise to Cullochy Lock via Kytra. After lunch we drive through Glen Moriston and stunning highland countryside to romantic medieval Eilean Donan Castle, setting for the film Highlander. Eilean Donan Castle has an idyllic island setting with commanding views of three sea lochs and frequent sightings of otters, dolphins and the Isle of Skye. Following the abortive Jacobite rising of 1719, the ruins of the castle were abandoned for 200 years until the 20th century when a complete reconstruction was undertaken. Dinner aboard. Thursday, Day 5 - Cullochy Lock to Gairlochy Leave Cullochy Lock for a morning cruise via two locks at Laggan, and through Lochs Oich and Lochy to Gairlochy. In the afternoon there is a chance to see either the World War II Commando memorial, the woollen mill at Spean Bridge, selling traditional knitwear and tweeds, or the Clan Cameron museum. Dinner aboard.  Friday, Day 6 - Gairlochy to Banavie Morning
visit to the mystic battlefields of Glencoe. On the way back visit the Glen
Nevis distillery for an insight into the secrets of the various stages of
Whisky preparation and taste a wee dram or two. In the afternoon we cruise to
Banavie and Neptune's Staircase, a flight of eight locks that is a spectacular
feat of engineering. Farewell Captain's Dinner on board. Saturday, Banavie to
Inverness Passengers disembark for the transfer to Fort William by minibus
after a hearty Scottish breakfast arriving in there by about 10.00am. On alternative weeks the itinerary is in reverse direction. This itinerary is subject to change. Seven days/Six nights Scottish Highlander 117 feet long - 8 passengers - 4 crew 3 TWINS/DOUBLE SUITES , 1 DOUBLE SUITE Cruises include: Fully air-conditioned suites, twin or double staterooms with private bath , gourmet meals aboard and ashore, fine wines and an open bar, fascinating daily excursions, local transfers. Cuisine is traditional Scottish fare - salmon, game, venison and seafood, prepared by your own Master Chef. The experienced crew of four ensure attention to your every need. A cruise along the Great Glen encounters some of Scotland's finest scenery CYCLING CHARTERS --supplement of $3,000 per charter, which includes upgrade of bicycles for the week and the services of a professional Cycling Guide --minimum of 6 passengers is the requirement for a Cycling Charter FAMILY CHARTERS --no supplement applies (and baby/child equipment can also be provided at no extra charge, including child bikes, car seats, cots & high chairs) --minimum of 6 passengers total is the requirement for a Family Charter FISHING CHARTERS --supplement (which is dependent upon the number of passengers who fish & the frequency of the excursions) includes the services of a professional Fishing Guide/Ghillie and all fishing equipment --minimum of 6 passengers total is the requirement for a Fishing Charter GOLF CHARTERS --supplement of $800 per golfer applies, which includes (for golfers) four pre-booked/paid tee times and transfers to & from the golf clubs --minimum of 6 passengers total (4 of which must be golfers) is the requirement for a Golf Charter 2008 Departure Dates (Sunday) July 13 Regular Caledonian Canal August 17,24,31 Regular Caledonian Canal September 28 Regular Caledonian Canal October 5 Regular Caledonian Canal October 12,19,26 Value Caledonian Canal Nov, Dec Value Caledonian Canal Cruises the Hebrides of Scotland
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER-SCOTLAND 2009 PRICES IN US $
Charter 7 passengers whole boat $26,200 $29,800 Charter 8 passengers whole boat $27,200 $31,000 Child Discount: $150 discount is offered to children aged 0-17 inclusive Jan, Feb, Mar Value Season April 5, 12, 19 , 26 Value Season May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Regular Season June 7, 14, 21, 28 Regular Season July 5, 12, 19, 26 Regular Season August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Regular Season September 6, 13, 20, 27 Regular Season October 4, 11, 18, 25 Value Season Nov, Dec Value Season 2 passengers required on all departures to guarantee the cruise except March and November when a minimum of 4 passengers is required. THEME CRUISES AVAILABLE FOR CHARTER GROUPS Golf Cruise - $800 supplement per golfer - Available for Charter Groups or minimum of 4 passengers. HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS .jpg) Hebridean Princess - Scotland's unique cruise ship. Small and personal. Scotland's Western Isles - perhaps the most beautiful coastline of northern Europe, with the warmth of a Hebridean welcome. Cruise the spectacular west coast of Scotland, the Orkneys and Shetlands, remote, and unmissable St. Kilda. Unique itineraries, mostly from the West Highland port of Oban, between March and November. ACCOMMODATION Cruising the Hebrides Hebridean Princess has thirty beautiful cabins, all unusually large, individually decorated and lavishly furnished. Eleven are purpose-built for the solo traveller with no supplementary charges - and all but six enjoy sea views. Each room is well-appointed, with ample hanging space, small refrigerator, tea and coffee making equipment and television with video unit, iron, trouser press and built-in hair dryer. Fine cotton sheets and sumptuous towels and bathrobes ensure your every comfort in the finest detail. Bathrooms are marble-clad, and have large bathtubs, thermostatically-controlled showers and the finest toiletries. DOUBLE CABINS Averaging between 18 and 21 meters, Hebridean Princess' 19 double and twin cabins are large and elegantly furnished. Grade D, E, G and I cabins are fitted with large double beds which can be converted into twins. Grades D and G have marble-clad bathrooms and grades E, F, H and I have well-appointed shower rooms with marble trim. Barging Terms and Conditions: RATES: The rates shown in US Dollars, are per passenger for a six night double occupancy cabin cruise and are subject to change without notice. Meeting points, hotels and time of pick-up may be changed without notice Cruise includes: Accommodation with private bath or shower, all meals, selected regional wines and alcoholic beverages consumed aboard, all sightseeing tours and admittance fees as stipulated, use of the vessels’ bicycles and other facilities, and round-trip transfers from specified meeting point Cruise does not include: Air transportation, airport taxes, visas, health or accident insurance, trip cancellation insurance, superior Chateaux vintage wines, optional activities such as hot air balloon flights or items of a personal nature such as laundry, communication charges, purchases DEPOSIT AND FINAL PAYMENT For individual bookings: a deposit of $1000 per passenger per week is payable at the time of booking with the Booking Form attached hereto duly completed and signed. The balance is payable 95 days prior to departure. For charter bookings of an entire vessel: an initial deposit of $5000 is payable at the time of booking with the Booking Form attached hereto duly signed. The difference between the initial deposit and 25 % of the total fare is payable as a further deposit 180 days prior to departure. The balance of the charter or group fare is payable 120 days prior to departure. PENALTIES: For individual bookings: a) more than 120 days prior to departure and subsequent to payment of the deposit, an administrative fee of $350 per passenger shall be retained b) from 120-90 days prior to departure - the full deposit shall be retained c) 90 days prior to departure to day of departure, or in the event of failure to embark - 100% of total fare shall be retained For charter bookings: a) charter deposits are non refundable b) up to 180 days prior to departure deposits may be applied toward individual bookings on the same vessel subject to a $250 surcharge per passenger c) 180-120 days prior to departure the greater of the intial deposit or 25% deposit shall be retained. d) less than 120 days prior to departure no refund will be given, No refunds will be given in the event of interruption or cancellation of the cruise by the Passenger after the start of travel, nor for unused portions of any package or cruise, nor for any unused sightseeing tours or meals Please ask for rates cruising the Hebrides For more cruise itineraries, visit our other website: www.cruisetourplanners.com Ireland and British Isles Cruise Click here for a credit card form. Travel Insurance Questions? Call Lynott Tours at 1 (800) 221-2474 USA & Canada - Bookmark this page CTRL-D
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