Barge Cruising on the River Thames

The eight passenger Magna Carta is one of the finest, most luxurious vessels cruising the British Isles. Before Magna Carta came into existence, the only way to enjoy the space and facilities of the very finest floating hotels was to take a barge vacation in France, or some of the other European rivers and canals. Magna Carta began river cruising in 2002 and it is like a dream come true for many cruise lovers. The design and facilities provided inside this luxury barge are excellent and once you board it, it’s sure to be an experience of a lifetime!

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 air conditioning, under floor heating, color TV/DVD and exceptionally spacious contemporary en-suite facilities in the four full width staterooms. The upper deck saloon and dining areas sport picture windows and stylish furnishings, and there is a Jacuzzi on the upper sun-deck. The saloon and sun decks are much larger than expected and give you the space to really relax and unwind.

Her experienced Captain knows the Thames well and your Master Chef will produce a range of mouth-watering dishes, while you navigate England’s Royal River enjoying the sights of London and the Home Counties from your luxury floating hotel. Two housekeepers complete the crew of four.

Only eight passengers are allowed in Magna Carta unlike other European barges so that there is no overcrowding and each passenger gets the maximum in terms of service and space.  In addition to the great staff and superior accommodations, the Magna Carta offers a wide range of great barge cruise themes:
Golf Cruises, Chelsea Flower Show Gardens Cruise, Hampton Court Flower Show Garden Cruise, Tennis Cruises, Antiques Cruises, Art Workshop Cruises, Ghost & Ghouls Cruises, World War II Cruises, Walking Cruises, West End Theatre Cruises – including after performance back stage parties and private dinners with producers and theatre critics.

EU Christmas Markets

The origin of Christmas markets dates back to early 1400’s in Germany. With the passage of time, these markets came to be held in countries all over the world. Christmas in Europe is a time for elaborate celebration. Christmas markets are captivating street markets where the romance of holiday meets with grand tradition. Christmas markets celebrate the traditional sights, sounds and scents of Christmas and are staged throughout the Advent period from the end of November to the third week of December. Some of these markets open till New Years. Every city, town and village of Europe lightens up to Christmas celebrations with beautifully decorated shops and houses.

Christmas markets-tradition and celebration

Christmas markets are usually staged in town squares. As you stroll through these markets, you get mesmerized with the atmosphere that is truly traditional and nostalgic. Smells of mulled wines, gingerbread and roasting sausages waft through the cold air, handmade ornaments adorn ancient fir trees and master glassblowers and other artisans ply their crafts in wooden stalls. Delightful festive lights and charming gifts completely absorb you in the grand celebrations.

Christmas market cruise helps you visit maximum number of Christmas markets

Next, the river cruise will take you to Rudesheim featuring over 120 market stalls from 12 countries in “The Christmas Market of the Nations” and Europe’s largest Nativity scene, Frankfurt’s “Weihnachtsmarket” , Fussen Germany Christmas Market; Strasbourg with France’s oldest Christmas Market or Colmar Christmas Market or Mulhouse’s Christmas Market.
You can’t resist the temptation to visit as many Christmas markets as you can. So how will you do that? Here is when Christmas market cruise comes to your help. A river cruise can help you quickly move from one Christmas market to another so that you can see the maximum number of these charming markets. Let’s see how a river cruise can be helpful for you. Cologne is situated on the Rhine River with its Christmas Market near the Cathedral or its Medieval Christmas Market on the banks of the Rhine with entertainers, minstrels and jesters. Through a river cruise you can move from Cologne to Koblenz- where the Rhine and Mosel rivers meet, enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride, visit over 130 decorated stalls or listen to a Christmas concert at the Town Hall.
In Germany, along the Main River, there are Nuremburg Christmas Markets, Rothenberg Christmas Market and Regensburg Christmas Markets. A river cruise can quickly take you from one Christmas market to another. Along Danube, there are the Passau Christmas Markets, the Vienna Christmas Markets and Salzburg Old Town Christmas Markets (usually offered an an excursion from the ships).
We can provide you with several Christmas market cruise itineraries. For example, seven night cruises on the Rhine and Danube and a shorter Danube Christmas Market cruise that has several land extension options are available. To know more about our packages, please feel free to call us at this number or click here! There is nothing like a river cruise that can work wonders for you during the holiday season! Book one of our river cruise and indulge yourself in the charming, sparkling and those so inviting Christmas markets!