Sail Into Downton Abbey! 
26.11.2013
Sail Into Downton Abbey!
Nov 26.- Classic luxury hotel barge company European Waterways is appealing to fans of TV series Downton Abbey with three special voyages that feature excursions to Highclere Castle, the setting for the award-winning period drama.
The voyages all cruise along the River Thames between Hampton Court and Henley on the eight-passenger Magna Carta, and feature a series of royal adventures to castles, palaces and cathedrals.
A hugely-impressive Victorian castle, Highclere sits on a 1,000-acre estate and is the iconic home of the fictional Crawley family on the show. The "real" Downton Abbey has been owned by the Carnarvon family since 1679, where Lord and Lady Carnarvon still live today.
European Waterways managing director Derek Banks explained: "Passengers aboard Magna Carta enjoyed the tour to Highclere Castle so much this year, we decided to bring it back for the Spring itinerary. It's a very popular tour, but fortunately we were able to secure admission for three departures. It's a one-of-a-kind experience for fans of Downton Abbey that allows them to walk the real-life setting.”
Rates for Magna Carta's 6-night voyages (departing April 13 and 20 and May 4) start at £2,650 per person, and include all meals, wines, an open bar, daily escorted excursions and local transfers and admissions. Rates are based on double occupancy. Whole boat charters are also available starting at £19,400.
The itinerary also features a private tour of Dorney Court, a beautiful Tudor home on the banks of the Thames, where "Elizabeth", "The Other Boleyn Girl", and Agatha Christie's series "Poirot" were all filmed, and concludes with a tour of Christ Church, one of the most prestigious colleges at the University of Oxford and one of the settings for Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."
More info: call 01753 598 555 or visit www.gobarging.com.