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European Barge Cruises, Barging in England and Scotland at Cruise Tour Planners.com barge cruise, barge cruises
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European Barging
European barges are smaller: Expect between 6 and 50 passengers. Beyond mealtimes, entertainment onboard may be limited. These ships do not have casinos and ffer little in the way of evening entertainment.
See also River Cruising
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. Our 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 - British
Isles bargingActief, Upper Thames, England luxury cruise vacations aboard Actief on the Royal River Thames, England. The 11 passenger Actief was luxuriously converted to hotel use for a boat trip on the Thames. Actief's accomodation is beautifully presented in the style of an English Country House on a floating barge cruise vacation. The spacious flower lined sun-deck, and comfortable elegant saloon are complimented by beautifully decorated cabins. Actief's sleeping accommodation consists of three suites - Astor, Wolsey and Nelson - two twins and a single cabin. Actief's crew of four are led by the captain and include an expert chef and two hostesses, all of whom are totally committed to your enjoyment of your luxury barge cruise.
Actief Itinerary
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. Your boat trip on the River Thames has begun!Monday, Day 2 This morning’s English barging 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 luxury barge 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.
Actief England Barging Rates - Actief are for six nights per person based on double occupancy per cabin.
| 2008 Royal River Thames - Windsor Castle to Oxford - Actief | Value | Regular |
| Stateroom per person | $2930 | $3250 |
| Suite per person | $3,450 | $3,770 |
| Charter 8 passengers wholeboat | $24000 | $27500 |
April 6,13,20,27 Value Upper Thames
May 4,11,18,25 Regular Upper Thames
June 1,8,15,22,29 Regular Upper Thames
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
This is a small single cabin. Please ask for rates for single suite or stateroom.
Charter 11 passengers $28500-$33930. Golf and Walking available.
Child 12 to 17 years traveling with an adult $300 reduction
Meeting Point: England - London - Goring Hotel - Beeston Place London - SW1 OJW - Sunday 2 pm.
BICYCLES: There are adult bikes on board. Children's bikes for all ages and/or child seats for adult bikes can be supplied usually at no charge if requested to our Reservation Department at least 6 weeks prior to departure. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Optional activities, for example hot air ballooning, pony trekking, quad biking, bowling, fishing etc may be available on your cruise and can be arranged at an additional supplement. Optional activities usually require advanced booking so please advise our Reservation Department at least 6 weeks prior to departure. BABY/CHILD EQUIPMENT: We are pleased to supply travel cots, high chairs, car seat, bottle warmer, toys, stroller etc at no charge but we must be notified at least 6 weeks prior to departure as to your requirements.
Cruising and Barging in England River and Canal Cruising
Barge Cruise England on the Magna Carta on the Middle Thames
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.
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 4 RUNNYMEDE - 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,
Magna Carta England - Middle Thames Here are our 2008 US Dollar Prices
Rates are for six nights on either: A whole boat charter basis or per person based on double occupancy per cabin.
| 2008 Magna Carta | Value | Mid | Regular |
| Suite per person | $3,200 | $3800 | $4150 |
| Charter 8 passengers wholeboat | $23150 | $28200 | $30600 |
Jan, Feb, Mar Value Middle Thames
April 6,13,20 Mid Middle Thames
April 27 Regular Middle Thames
May 4,11,18,25 Regular Middle Thames
June 1,8,15,22,29 Regular Middle Thames
July 6,13,20,27 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
Cruising in Scotland - luxury cruise Scotland
The 8 passenger Scottish Highlander canal barge 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 Canal 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 for your European barge cruise vacation.
The 8 passenger Scottish Highlander luxury cruise Scotlandwas 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
Scottish Highlander Family Cruise Itinerary
Sunday At 4 p.m. we meet you at the Glen Morriston Hotel in Inverness and transfer to the Scottish Highlander moored at nearby Tomnahurich Bridge. Champagne welcome followed by a short cruise to the sleepy riverside village of Dochgarroch. Enjoy the trout leaping in the River Ness, a stone's throw from the Barge. Dinner aboard your luxury barge cruise.
Monday A morning visit to 14th Century Cawdor Castle, forever linked by Shakespeare with Macbeth. The Castle houses a superb collection of tapestries, pictures and furniture with beautiful gardens. Afternoon cruise across Loch Ness to Foyers with excellent nearby forest walks. During the evening the inspiring sound of bagpipes may fill the air as Scottish Highlander hosts our private piper.
Tuesday Breakfast while cruising the infamous Loch Ness. Since 565 AD, when St. Columbus saved a swimmer from a hungry but somewhat shy monster, regular sightings have been recorded. At Fort Augustus, we moor opposite the Abbey with time to wander the village and visit a glass blowing studio and craft shops. We also visit the Caledonian Canal Heritage Center and see an original 1930's film of the Gondolier passenger paddle steamer plying its way between Inverness and Fort William.
Wednesday Cruise via Lock Lochy to Banavie. A full day of myth and folklore visiting Bonnie Prince Charlie's landing site, the Witches Pool and Waterfall and Clan Cameron Museum where we may meet the Clan Chief.
Thursday Today we cruise beneath Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain and along exquisitely beautiful Lock Oich to Fort Augustus. We have a secluded mooring beneath the ruins of 15th century Invergarry Castle and lunch at the baronial Castle Hotel Mansion overlooking Loch Oich. Opportunity for tennis and trout fishing. Our evening mooring at Fort Augustus offers an opportunity for shopping.
Friday Morning cruise down the western shore of Loch Ness, past 13th Century Urquhart Castle. Fought over by Robert the Bruce and Edward I for its commanding position in the Great Glen. Time to capture the spirit of the Loch as we cruise to our home mooring beyond Loch Dochfour at Dochgarroch. We visit the battlefield of Culloden Moor before finishing the day with a whisky tasting at the Glen Morangie distillery. Captain's farewell dinner.
Saturday Passengers disembark for Inverness after a hearty Scottish breakfast.
Seven days/Six nights
Scottish Highlander 117 feet long - 8 passengers - 4 crew 3 TWINS/DOUBLE SUITES , 1 DOUBLE SUITE
2008 Departure Dates (Sunday)
Jan, Feb, March Value Caledonian Canal
April 6,13,20,27 Value Caledonian Canal
May 4,11,18,25 Regular Caledonian Canal
June 1,8,15,22,29 Regular Caledonian
July 6,13,20,27 Regular Caledonian Canal
August 3,10,17,24,31 Regular Caledonian Canal
September 7,14,21,28 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
| 2008 Caledonian Canal - Scottish Highlander | Value | Regular |
| Suite per person | $3,490 | $3990 |
| Charter 8 passengers wholeboat | $24000 | $27500 |
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
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDER-SCOTLAND
2009 PRICES IN US $
| 2009 Caledonian Canal - Scottish Highlander | Value | Regular |
| Stateroom | $3490 | $3990 |
| Suite per person | $3,990 | 4590 |
| Charter 8 passengers wholeboat | $25200 | $28600 |
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.
Venice, the River Brenta & the Veneto Our cruise along the Brenta river and around the Venetian lagoon is as unique as Venice herself. Venice holds a romantic charm which has remained largely unaltered for centuries, boasting splendid architecture, elaborate palaces and a sense of culture and mystique unparalleled in hotel barge cruising terms. The Venetians have a very special way of life, transporting everything and everybody, everywhere by water with a variety of adapted watercraft. This extraordinarily special voyage allows time for fascinating excursions, perhaps sampling Venetian Opera, Theatre and of course shopping for fine Italian clothes, local crystal and brassware.
La Dolce Vita is a charming 6 passenger vessel with a crew of three, and she is the only hotel barge cruising our unique route. The lagoon surrounding Venice, the Venice Lido beach, Hemingway's influence, the fabulous Villas on the River Brenta all compliment the attractions of Venice itself where one could spend at least 6 months enjoying the amazing Renaissance architecture before venturing inside some of the buildings to discover the works of Canaletto, Tintoretto, and many other Italian masters. Weeks of research into our itinerary promise a fantastic cruise aboard Italy's first hotel barge.
La Dolce Vita has three comfortable cabins, one twin, one twin/double and one double. All are en-suite, the vessel is air-conditioned and there is a good sized sundeck for outside dining or just watching all that fantastic italian architecture floating past. Venice of course is a jewel in the crown of the Venetian lagoon and our route is a mixture of canal and river following the ancient trade routes used by the Romans and the early Mediterranean settlers before them. As well as the incredible delights of Venice itself, where the history goes back over 2000 years with some architecural features dating back even to the Byzantenial era, the additional opportunity afforded by hotel barge travel becomes obvious as we create our own schedule oblivious to the hustle and bustle of other visitors to Venice.
Regatta Storica 6 night Cruise September 7th to September 13th 2008 One of the most attractive events in Venice: The Historical Regatta For this special occasion, our cruise program will slightly change, to offer the possibility for our guests to admire the Historical Regatta from the sundeck of our barge on the Canale della Giudecca in front of Saint Mark's square, Venice. We meet you at 9am at the meeting hotel and transfer you to La Dolce Vita. On the Sunday there is a special program, including a very typical Venetian menu, and during the week it will be possible to visit a traditional boat building craftsman and see how a gondola is made out of wood . Every year the Regata Storica comes to Venice, the most traditional among the Venetian events, which took place for the first time on the 10th of January 1315 under the rule of the doge Giovanni Soranzo. The sumptuous event, formerly organized to celebrate the military victories or to honour the foreign dignitaries, is today made up of two different parts: the historical parade and the rowing boat races. The festival starts with the colourful procession on water, formed by the Bissone, the Bucintoro and the boats of the Venetian rowing clubs; the event commemorates the Queen of Cyprus, Caterina Cornaro, coming to Venice, which marked the beginning of the Serenissima rule over the Mediterranean island. The historical parade is now just a memory of the distant economical and political greatness of Venice on the seas, while the regattas represent rowing 'alla veneta': winning that day for the rowers means becoming a part of the history of this sport and, to a certain extent, of Venice. The first race after the historical parade is for the Young Rowers; one, or two-oared 'pupparini', very technical boats that challenge the ability of the promising young men. Then it's the turn of the Women's race on 'mascarete' (the name comes from their head looking like a mask, the ' bauta'), these are light two-oared boats used in the old days by the courtesans. The third race is the Men's Race, in heavy six-oared 'caorline', these are river-transportation boats, almost out of use nowadays, that were often furnished with a sail while travelling through the lagoon. The climax of the event is the champions' race on two-oared 'gondolini', light boats shaped as a very slim gondola. Unlike the regattas on the most popular lagoon boats, these competitions show off the rowers technical abilities more than their strength.
| PER PERSON USD | VALUE | REGULAR |
| STATEROOM | 2850 | 3190 |
| SUITE | 3300 | 3690 |
| SINGLE SUPP | 1250 | 1450 |
| CHARTER RATES | ||
| 2 PAX | 13000 | 14000 |
| 4 PAX | 15000 | 16700 |
| 5 PAX | 16000 | 17700 |
| 6 PAX | 17000 | 19000 |
| April 6,13,20 Value Venice & the Veneto |
| April 27 Regular Venice & the Veneto |
| May 4,11,18,25 Regular Venice & the Veneto |
| June 1,8,15,22,29 Regular Venice & the Veneto |
| July 6 Regular Venice & the Veneto |
| July 13,20,27 Value Venice & the Veneto |
| August 3,10,17 Value Venice & the Veneto |
| August 24,31 Regular Venice & the Veneto |
| September 7,14,21,28 Regular Venice & the Veneto |
FRANCE: ART DE VIVRE-Burgundy, France
- Book
- 1 cabin
- and receive
- a 2nd at 50%
- discount
IMPRESSIONNISTE-Provence, France
- 25% discount
- per cabin
- 20% discount
- per charter
Request a brochure: info@cruisetourplanners.com.
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