8 days tour

England: Classic River Thames

England: Classic River Thames

This tour includes:

Others

Use of quality touring rowing shells

Accommodation

Seven nightsโ€™ accommodation in hotels and an Oxford college

Transport

Transportation in tour area and luggage transfers

Meals

Five breakfasts Five lunches Four dinners

Guide

Guide services and tour support Trip guided by Vivien Jackson

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Itinerary of your trip England: Classic River Thames

  • Day 1 Day 1
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 1

      Arrive in Oxford. Home to one of the worldโ€™s most celebrated universities, it is called the โ€œcity of dreaming spiresโ€.  Golden limestone buildings with sculptures and stonework that almost feel lacy, frame verdant quadrants or lawns.  Students hurry past or lazily wander the narrow shop lined streets, books and laptops in hand.  In Oxford, the Thames is referred to as Isis, from the ancient name Thamesis.  It is beautiful here, intimate and winding and lined by an amazing collection of historic boathouses amidst tall weeping willows, the branches grazing the water.  Give yourself time to wander the streets and tow paths, soaking up the atmosphere and history.  Welcome dinner and trip briefing. We will also try our hand at punting, another famous Oxford water sport.

  • Day 2 Day 2
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 2

      Our first day of Thames rowing has us leaving Oxford in the morning and heading downstream.  In fact, we will begin a little bit upstream, allowing us the opportunity to row past the famous boathouses  and through the heart of the city. Our destination is Abingdon, 13 km from Oxford.  Initially we will still be in โ€œrowing watersโ€, with the last of the famous college boathouses being Radley College. We will pass through several locks, some dating from as early as 1632.  Abingdon is beautiful with its lovely stone bridge and churches and waterside parks.  We shuttle to Oxford for a second night of good restaurants, pubs and atmosphere โ€“ dinner on your own tonight. 

  • Day 3 Day 3
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 3

      From Abingdon we head to Wallingford. We will stop for lunch at a pub where โ€œThree Men in a Boatโ€ was penned, and maybe stroll through the charming village of Clifton Hampden to admire the thatched roof cottages. As the river turns and begins to flow eastward, chalk hills, known as downs, will be visible. Beautiful bridges at Schillingford and Wallingford signal the end of the dayโ€™s row of 20 km. Shuttle back to Oxford for a final night and dinner here.

  • Day 4 Day 4
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 4

      Continuing downstream, we pass some of the loveliest scenery of the trip.  We row past Goring, Reading and Caversham as well as other small, attractive towns.  At the Goring Gap, the Berkshire Downs meet the Chiltern Hills, creating the narrowest part of the Thames Valley.  The stretch between Goring and Pangbourne is especially attractive.  Forests rise just beyond the river and stately homes line the banks.  Nearby is Basildon Park, a National Trust grounds with a beautifully restored Georgian mansion.  The total row is 30 km today, ending just beyond Reading.  From there it is a short shuttle into Henley-on-Thames.  Dinner is on your own tonight, with a wide array of choices to enjoy.

  • Day 5 Day 5
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 5

      A row of 13 km this morning brings us home to Henley.  The afternoon is then free for you to enjoy one of the most famous rowing towns in the world.  Take time to relax, but be sure to visit the River and Rowing Museum, which showcases the history of the Thames and celebrates a rich rowing tradition. Learn about Doggets Coat and Badge Race.  After the museum, wander past storied boat clubs like Leander and drop in at the Regatta headquarters.  Find the golden mailbox on Hart Street โ€“ recognizing the success of Henley rowers at the 2012 Olympics, including gold medal winners. This evening is a special occasion โ€“ we will be given a private tour of Leander and then enjoy dinner in their private dinning room overlooking the river.  How many Olympic medals have come from this storied club?  Youโ€™ll find out.

  • Day 6 Day 6
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 6

      There is so much to see as we row to Eton-Windsor.  We will pass beautiful Bisham Abbey, once home to Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, and now the National Sports Centre.  Of course famous oarsmen and women have trained and rowed on the same waters that you are sculling on.  There are many delightful towns where we could stop for lunch or a coffee, maybe even a pint.  Waterside restaurants and pubs in Marlow, Cookham and Maidenhead have lovely names like Dog & Badger Inn, The Ferry, and The Fat Duck. Our destination is Eton Excelsior Rowing Club 33 km from our start in Henley.  It is a short shuttle to our hotel in Windsor. Dinner on your own tonight.

  • Day 7 Day 7
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 7

      We will begin the day by passing Dorney Lake, venue for the 2012 Olympic Regatta.  Can you hear the crowds roaring?  Then a lovely row downstream past Eton College, Windsor Castle and Great Park, Runnymede and Staines, finishing at Weybridge.  The Thames has famously been called โ€œLiquid Historyโ€.  So much of the story of England has unfolded along the banks and on the waters of the Thames, especially along this stretch.  This is where the Magna Carta was sealed, battles were fought, and kings, queens, nobility and commoners used the river as a highway to Windsor Castle.  The end of our 24 km row is Weybridge where the River Wey joins the Thames among willows, canals and swans. Return for a last night and farewell dinner in Windsor.

  • Day 8 Day 8
    • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm

      Day 8

      Today you will bid a fond farewell to the Thames before leaving for your next destination. But there might be a chance for a final day of rowing. Join local clubs for an optional row downriver from Weybridge, with Hampton Court as our destination.  Oh there is just so much beauty, history and wonderful rowing on this iconic river!

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Experience Style

Experience Style

Mixed

There will be challenging activities such as hiking, biking, canyoning and trekking, but youโ€™re also going to have other means of transportation and relaxed moments to just chill.

Accomodation level

Accomodation level

Medium

This accommodation includes essential services like a hot shower, electricity, and a nice and comfy bed.

Experience Type

Experience Type

Small Group

Youโ€™ll be accompanied by a small group of travelers just like you.

Physical Rating

Physical Rating

Challenging

Long and challenging experience. Youโ€™ll be required to have good physical fitness to go on it. In some of these activities you'll need previous experience on similar activities.

Age range

Age range

Min: 18 / Max: 70

Age range allowed for this experience.

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