If your passion is Horticulture and Gardens, then why not combine this love with a luxury cruise on Magna Carta

Commencing 23rd May 2004, Cruise the Royal river Thames, tour many interesting gardens and visit the world famous - visit our Chelsea Flower show gardens cruise itinerary here.

Alternatively, departing 4th July, 2004, our Gardens cruise takes in the Hampton Court Flower show...

Sunday 4th July, Gardens cruise Day 1 - London to Cookham

Meet the Captain at The Stafford Hotel in London at 3.00pm before being transferred to the Magna Carta. moored at Cookham, once described as ‘Heaven on Earth’ by artist Stanley Spencer, one of England’s greatest and most eccentric painters. Champagne welcome on arrival with time to take a stroll before dinner on board.

Monday, 5th July, Gardens cruise Day 2 - Cookham to Cliveden

A morning cruise, which brings us to one of the most beautiful reaches on the river and our mooring at Cliveden Estate and Gardens. This magnificent estate, former home of Lord and Lady Astor, boasts amazing views and incredible gardens First laid out in the 18th century they include a formal parterre, a wonderful water garden with a restored Pagoda made for the Paris Exhibition of 1867, a long garden with topiary and 18th century Venetian statues. Truly stunning. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, 6th July, Gardens cruise Day 3 - Cliveden to Windsor

A morning cruise past fabulous waterside homes through the spectacular open English countryside. After lunch we make a visit to Eton College, founded in 1440 and currently school to Prince Harry Here a beautiful new footbridge not only allows splendid views of the collect and river but takes you to Luxmore’s Garden, an island garden created by an Eton Housemaster in 1880. There is also time to view the Provost’s and Fellow’s Gardens. Return to Magna Carta for dinner on board.

Wednesday, 7th July, Gardens cruise Day 4 - Windsor to Runnymede

Today commences with a cruise to Runnymede followed by a visit and morning coffee at stunning Saville Gardens. Saville Gardens comprises of over 1,500 hectares of Windsor Great Park and is maintained by the Crown Estate and contains a diverse range of land uses. Over 60% of the Great Park is open to the public and it is estimated that more than 3 million visits are made each year. The Gardens Department is responsible for 600 hectares of the Great Park including the Saville Garden. There is also an optional visit to the nearby Wisley Gardens which is 200 acres of botanic gardens, famous for their trials of new varieties. Dinner on board.

Thursday, 8th July, Gardens cruise Day 5 - Runnymede to Hampton Court

Early morning cruise to Hampton Court which takes us to the Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, set in 25 acres of Royal parkland, where ingenious design, original ideas and creative flair, combine to inspire. Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, nurseries, societies and charities create 25 colour filled traditional and contemporary gardens in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace, including spectacular water gardens. There are also stunning floral displays in 8 huge marquees, including the British Rose Festival, plus much, much more. After this heady and colourful assault on your senses we return to Magna Carta for dinner on board.

Friday, 28th May, Gardens cruise Day 5 - Hampton Court to Teddington

This morning we visit the famous Kew Gardens, with the new Bonsai collection, Palm House where all the plants have their first flush of new growth and tropical water lilies are opening their exotic blooms in the nearby Waterlily House. Plants of a smaller stature or scale can be seen in the Rock Garden and here plants from the world’s mountain ranges are grown alongside Mediterranean species, both enjoying the open, sunny position and free-draining soil. Return to Magna Carta and continue our cruise to our final mooring at St Katharines Dock in London. Captain's Farewell Dinner aboard.

Saturday, 29th May - Gardens cruise Day7 - London

Following breakfast, 10.00am: disembark and transfer back to the Stafford Hotel or Heathrow Airport. Meeting Point: 3pm, Sunday at the Stafford Hotel, St James Place, London, for afternoon tea, departing 4pm. (Tel 020 7493 0111, www.TheStaffordHotel.co.uk email infor@TheStaffordHotel.co.uk)