Thames Cruise aboard the African Queen
Step aboard the award-winning African Queen and enjoy a unique experience as we sail on the Thames through the heart of Wind in the Willows country. This beautiful barge has been restored into a floating hotel, offering all guests a welcome retreat from the rush of modern-day life. Join us as we wake each morning in the middle of the English countryside and enjoy delicious food, wonderful company and beautiful scenery throughout the day, along with first class hospitality.
Your Tour Includes
- Free secure parking at embarkation point
- 4 nights’ cruise on a full board basis
- 6 visits included to Mapledurham, Goring-on-Thames, Wallingford, Caversham, Sonning and Henley-on-Thames
- Dinner & Theatre performance of Watermill at Sonning Dinner Theatre
- A BBQ onboard followed by quiz night
Itinerary
To use our NEW itinerary, simply click a day below and a detailed overview will appear.
Overview
We will board the African Queen at 2pm in the small village of Mapledurham near Reading. We are introduced to the captain and crew before setting sail through the heart of Wind in the Willows country to reach the pretty village of Goring-on-Thames. Enjoy some free time ashore followed by Cape Malay, a traditional South African dish served this evening.
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
After breakfast we continue sailing upstream, passing beautiful countryside to reach the market town of Wallingford, former home of Agatha Christie and regular TV location of Midsomer Murders. Here we have some time to step ashore and explore this historical town, meeting up at Avanti Italian Restaurant at 1pm for an included two-course lunch. We return to the African Queen for the journey downstream to Mapledurham where we spend the night and enjoy a three-course supper onboard.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
Today we sail downstream to Caversham for some free time ashore at this historic town. We enjoy lunch onboard the African Queen and continue sailing to Sonning, a picturesque village described by English writer of Three Men in a Boat, Jerome K. Jerome, as ‘the most fairy-like nook on the whole river’. This evening we have dinner at The Mill at Sonning Dinner Theatre, the only dinner theatre in the UK which was also the inspiration for Toad Hall in The Wind in the Willows, before watching a wonderful performance in this beautiful 18th century watermill.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
This morning we continue downstream to Henley-on-Thames, recognised around the world for its annual royal regatta. The historic town is only few strides from the Thames and is filled with beautiful buildings. You can explore the town, walk along the Thames path, visit the River and Rowing Museum and see the statues of Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent, or enjoy a 3D exhibition dedicated to Kenneth Grahame’s novel The Wind in the Willows (entrances not included). A barbecue is served back onboard followed by an entertaining quiz night.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
We enjoy a final morning cruising back to Mapledurham where a delicious roast dinner is served onboard before disembarking at 3pm.
Includes Breakfast
Single Room Supplement from £40.00 (5 days).
Accommodation
African Queen
Beautifully converted by its loving owners,the award-winning African Queen is one of only a handful of floating hotels that sails along the beautiful Thames River. Located on the Mapledurham Estate just outside Reading on the Thames, the African Queen sleeps 12 passengers in cosy, comfortable cabins. Guests can enjoy fine food and a warm and friendly atmosphere, whilst taking in scenic views and the best the Thames has to offer.
