Cruising the Upper Thames on The 'Actief'
Join newly-refurbished 'Actief' as she cruises the stunning upper reaches of the Royal River Thames in 2005. This world of picturesque villages, winding backwaters, tidy locks and paddling ducks is a cruise through a tapestry of English history. Superb private tours, gourmet cuisine and excellent service assure the most relaxing and refreshing holiday imaginable.
- Passengers: 11
- Crew: 4, plus owner
- Length: 100 feet
- Width: 16.5 feet
- Cabins: 3 twin/double suites, 2 twins and 1 single, all outside facing staterooms with en-suite bathrooms
Itinerary:
Sunday
We meet at London's Goring Hotel at 2:00 pm and transfer by private coach to 'Actief,' moored at Shillingford Bridge. We stop en route at the village of Ewelme to view the stunning medieval church and almshouses founded by Chaucer's granddaughter. A traditional English cream tea awaits our arrival on board 'Actief,' and there is time to settle into our cabins before this evening's festive champagne reception and dinner.
Monday
This morning we cruise through glacier-formed hills to our mooring at the 17th-century Swan Inn, Pangbourne. Our tour then takes us to the university town of Oxford to view Christchurch, the grandest of the colleges, founded by Henry VIII in 1525. This is followed by a brief walking tour that visits the quadrangles of Oriel and All Souls Colleges, along with other outstanding landmarks.
Tuesday
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 working water mill. Our cruise then continues to our overnight stop at Henley-On-Thames.
Wednesday
This morning we tour Henley's spectacular River and Rowing Museum. After lunch there is time for shopping before a cruise along the world-famous "Regatta Mile" to our overnight mooring at the medieval village of Hurley-on-Thames.
Thursday
A gentle walking tour of Hurley includes a visit to a traditional boat builder and restorer of steam launches. Our cruise continues to our stunning private mooring at Cliveden, former home of the Astor family.
Friday
A delightful morning cruise brings us to our final mooring near magnificent Windsor Castle. After lunch we visit Eton College founded in 1440 and alma mater of Princes William and Harry. Tonight's evening reception and farewell dinner is hosted by our Captain.
Saturday
After breakfast we disembark, to be transferred back to the Goring Hotel in London where our tour ends (alternative transfer to Heathrow Airport is available).
Cost for this itinerary
$399 (spring and fall) to $465 (summer) per person per day for the standard cabin.
$532 per person per day for the Suite
Here is the deck plan for the 'Actief'. The sundeck is open but the dining salon and bar are enclosed. All of the cabins are on the lower deck.
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