'ACTIEF': RIVER THAMES
ITINERARY:
An Introduction to the Upper Thames
The spectacular estate of Cliveden is a National Trust
Property that overlooks the River Thames. The present house
is the third one to occupy the site. It was built by Charles
Barry for the Duke of Sutherland in 1851 and was also the
home of American-born Lady Nancy Astor, the first woman to
sit in Parliament in 1919. The series of unique gardens here
feature roses, topiary, statuary, water gardens, and
woodland. During World War II, the grounds housed the
Canadian Red Cross hospital. Cliveden's elevated position
affords fine views of the surrounding area.
Eton College was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI to provide
free education to 70 poor scholars who would then further
their education at King's College, Cambridge. From these
original "King's Scholars," the school has expanded over the
centuries to a resident population of 1,280 boys between the
ages of 13 and 18 who are admitted by competitive
examination. In its illustrious history, Eton has become one
of the most exclusive schools in the world, having educated
eighteen former British Prime Ministers.
Millions of years ago, the River Thames cut its way through
the chalk to form a gorge, which is known as the Goring Gap.
Its steep walls are now covered with trees, so much
appreciated that this region along the cruise route has been
designated an "Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty." On one
side of the river here lie Oxfordshire and the Chiltern
Hills; on the other side lie Berkshire and the Berkshire
Downs.
Henley-on-Thames, which is nestled deep in the Thames Valley
and surrounded by lush woodland, is one of the county's most
picturesque towns. When a boat race was held between Oxford
and Cambridge at a public fair here in 1839, the annual
focus rapidly shifted to competitive amateur rowing. HRH
Prince Albert became the event's first Royal Patron in 1851.
Since his death, the reigning Monarch has always consented
to become Patron. Henley is now synonymous with the sport of
rowing; and the Royal Regatta is a prestigious summer event
lasting a full five days, attracting world attention.
Henley's River and Rowing Museum was officially opened by
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in November of 1998 and has
since won numerous awards for its architectural design and
innovative galleries.
Peter Freebody's Boatyard is the most prolific builder and
restorer of wooden boats on the Thames. The business has
been a fixture on the middle Thames for more than 300 years
and has made its home at Hurley since 1933. Freebody's is
known throughout the Western world for its skill as a
designer, builder, and restorer of wooden and lake craft --
from the smallest dinghy to motor and steam launches -- from
8-feet to 60-feet in length.
Mapledurham House is an Elizabethan manor that is
idyllically situated beside the Thames, sheltered by the
Chiltern Hills. It has been home of the Blount Family for
more than 500 years and contains a fine collection of
portraits and furniture, as well as great oak staircases and
original plaster ceilings. The present structure was started
by Sir Michael Blount in 1588 to replace and improve upon an
older house dating from the 12th century. On the Estate is
an operational, 15th-century watermill -- the oldest
operational grain mill on the Thames.
The ancient university town of Oxford has been a seat of
higher learning since the 12th century. The tiny streets,
broad quadrangles, honey-colored buildings, and grimacing
gargoyles all contribute to Oxford's reputation as the "City
of Dreaming Spires." There are forty independent colleges
here, many with magnificent chapels and dining halls that
are regularly open to visitors. The vaulted, 800-year-old
chapel of Christ Church College has been Oxford's Cathedral
since the time of Henry VIII. Radcliffe Camera, the town's
most spectacular building, has one of the largest domes in
Britain and contains part of the Bodleian Library's
collection. Britain's oldest public museum, the Ashmolean
Museum of Art and Archaeology, is also in Oxford and has a
priceless collection of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman
artifacts.
The section of the Thames between Mapledurham and Caversham
inspired Kenneth Grahame's classic children's book, The Wind
in the Willows, which began as a bedtime story told to the
author's son while the family lived at Pangbourne.
Shillingford is located on a scenic stretch of the River
Thames between Henley and Oxford. Straddling the river here,
near winding riverside paths and amidst plenty of bird life,
is graceful Shillingford Bridge with its three lovely
arches.
Windsor is a market town situated on the south bank of the
River Thames to the west of London. Its most prominent
attraction is Windsor Castle, an 11th-century fortress begun
by William the Conqueror that stands atop a large chalk
cliff. Windsor is an official Royal residence and has been
expanded and rebuilt over the centuries into a lavish home.
The Castle's State Apartments are the heart of this working
palace. They are furnished with treasures from the Royal
Collection, including paintings by Holbein, Rubens, and Van
Dyck. St. George's Hall, which was completely restored after
a devastating fire in 1992, is a setting for official state
banquets and receptions. St. George's Chapel on the Castle's
grounds was built in the 14th century and is one of the
finest examples of Gothic architecture in Britain. The
Chapel is the burial place of ten sovereigns and has hosted
many Royal weddings, including that of TRH The Earl and
Countess of Wessex in June of 1999.
SUNDAY
Meet at London's Goring Hotel and transfer to 'Actief,'
moored at Shillingford Bridge. A traditional English cream
tea awaits your arrival on board and there is time to settle
into your cabin before this evening's festive champagne
reception and dinner.
MONDAY
This morning, cruise through glacier-carved hills to a
mooring at the 17th-century Swan Inn, Pangbourne. Disembark
to travel to the university town of Oxford to see
Christchurch, founded by Henry VIII in 1525. A brief walking
tour follows to visit the quadrangles of Oriel and All Souls
Colleges, along with other outstanding Oxford landmarks.
TUESDAY
Your cruise continues through sylvan countryside (the
setting for Kenneth Grahame's classic The Wind In The
Willows). Enjoy a private visit to Elizabethan Mapledurham
House, home to descendants of the same family since 1490, as
well as a tour of the 500-year-old working mill on the
Estate. Then cruise to the overnight mooring at
Henley-on-Thames.
WEDNESDAY
This morning, tour Henley's spectacular River and Rowing
Museum. After lunch, there is time for shopping before a
cruise along the worldfamous "Regatta Mile" to an 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. The
day ends at a stunning private mooring at Cliveden, former
home of the Astor Family.
FRIDAY
A delightful morning cruise brings 'Actief' to a final
mooring near magnificent Windsor Castle. After lunch, visit
Eton College, alma mater of Princes William and Harry.
Tonight's evening reception and farewell dinner is hosted by
your Captain.
SATURDAY
Disembark after breakfast, and transfer back to the
Goring Hotel in London where your tour ends.
Note: This route is run in reverse on alternate weeks.
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