Sailing from Mapledurham near Reading, the African Queen, a spacious converted barge over 100 ft long with a large deck, was once moored in Holland and also Ireland, from where the owners bought her.
Featuring a new itinerary for 2013, this cruise reveals a magical stretch of Britain's most celebrated waterway. Sailing through the heart of Wind in the Willows country, you'll explore historic riverside towns such as Mapledurham, Wallingford and Caversham, glide past the picturesque Chilterns and stop at some lovely waterfront inns. You'll also cruise through eight locks.
The holiday includes an excursion to the 18th-century mill theatre in Sonning to see a show and an optional visit to the River and Rowing Museum in Henley-upon-Thames.
Just as memorably, you'll have the chance to experience life aboard a real riverboat. You and your fellow guests can look forward to excellent hospitality, including delicious food, a BBQ, a quiz night and a special Cape Malay dinner.
Please note: Departures in 2012 follow a different itinerary. Please call for details.
See the sights at a laid-back pace. On these tours you'll rarely spend more than three or four hours travelling a day and there will usually be a few days for you to simply stay put and relax. Typically, any walking during the excursions will be at a leisurely pace and will amount to just a few hours of the course of the day.
After you board the African Queen in Mapledurham, a reception will introduce you to the boat, captain and crew. In the afternoon, your cruise begins with a relaxing journey upstream along the celebrated 'Wind In The Willows' route.
Here, you'll enjoy some free time ashore in picturesque Goring-on-Thames, perhaps with a 'Sundowner' at one of the historic pubs. This evening, a three-course Cape Malay dinner will be served on board before you moor overnight in Goring.