city cruises thames river cruise london pass

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Discover the heart of London with the hop-on hop-off Thames River Cruise

• The London City Pass gives you free and priority entry to the city’s favourite attractions, museums and guided tours – one ticket, all included! 
• The 24-hour ticket for the hop-on hop-off boat tour is included in your London City Pass 
• No advance booking is required for this attraction – your City Pass is your admission ticket 
• Unforgettable panoramic views: Be mesmerised by the panoramic views of London’s iconic skyline. 
• Ultimate flexibility for personalised exploration: With the freedom to hop on and off at different stops along the river, the 24-hour Thames River Cruise ticket allows you to tailor your journey to suit your interests and schedule. 
• Experience London from a new perspective: The 24-hour Thames River Cruise invites you to discover the city’s landmarks from a different angle. 
• Captivating audio commentary for an educational experience: Enrich your cruise with the engaging onboard audio commentary, covering fascinating facts and stories about London’s landmarks and history.  

Discover London on a river cruise: a unique perspective

What awaits you on site.

With the 24-hour Thames River Cruise Pass, you can customise your exploration of London by hopping on and off at different stops along the river. This flexibility allows you to focus on the attractions that interest you most while enjoying the comfort and convenience of travelling between them by boat. With the 24-hour Ship Pass, you can plan your day around your preferences and choose the most convenient times to hop on and off to make the most of your time in London.

Click here to see on google maps

Good to know

• Timetable: The boats usually run daily, with the first boat departing at around 10.00 am and the last boat at around 7.00 pm. However, these times can vary depending on the time of year, day of the week and special events.
• You can find more information on the  provider’s website
• The hop-on hop-off Thames River Cruise stops at various ports of call. These include, for example: - Westminster Pier - London Eye Pier - Tower Pier - Greenwich Pier These piers provide access to major attractions such as the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, Tower Bridge, Tower of London and Cutty Sark in Greenwich. 

Experience London the smart way with your London City Pass !

Our included Top Attractions

Tower of London included

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -

London Dungeon included

Optionally bookable: London Eye

Madame Tussaud’s included

Shrek’s Adventure! included

London City Pass

Free admission to London's museums, attractions, and tours. Discounts included.

incl. VAT and service fees, free shipping via e-mail

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The Boatman

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City Cruises

Type: boat trip.

Tel: +44 (0)20 77 400 400

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City Cruises is the No.1 sightseeing tour on the Thames! Our cruises depart every 40 minutes, every day of the week, all year round from pier locations at Westminster, London Eye, Tower of London and Greenwich.

SPECIAL OFFER: 50% off on adult and child 24h river pass tickets with City Cruises

Excl. family ticket. Book and travel from now until 24 th  of May. Book online with code  hop50 . Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and can be withdrawn at any time. Only valid online. 

City Cruises gives you the freedom to explore the many sights of the River Thames from four fantastic piers near popular attractions: Westminster, London Eye, Tower of London and Greenwich. It is the most convenient, picturesque way to travel between London landmarks.ake a quick hop between piers with a single ticket or take in a round tour with our 24h River Pass and make the most of our informative and entertaining live commentary. We also operate an hourly circular cruise from Tower – perfect for groups!  In addition, you can enjoy lunch, afternoon tea, evening and dinner cruises.

For families, a Thames River cruise is the most relaxing way to see the sights, avoiding traffic and busy trains. Kids can get colouring sheet and pencils to keep them entertained, while parents can relax by sipping on a hot drink and snacks from our fully stocked bar.

Our fleet of boats are designed to give you the best vantage point of river life. Sit back, relax and enjoy the views either from open air upper deck or comfortable saloon. Our fleet of boats can also be privately chartered. And don’t forget our 3 Thamesjet boats, which stop harder and turn faster!

We have a different view of rush hour. Enjoy 50 minutes of sightseeing, speed and awesome aquabatics with  Thamesjet which starts at Westminster Pier, heads down to Tower Bridge and as we pass it to go towards Canary Wharf, it's full on pedal to the metal.

Tickets can be purchased at any of our piers, online at  https://www.cityexperiences.com/london/city-cruises/   or call +44 (0)20 77 400 400.

24h River Pass

See more for less with our 24 River Pass, hop-on, hop-off sightseeing ticket!  24-hour tickets give you unlimited travel between the four piers. You'll enjoy the freedom of the river on our open deck riverliners with these great value tickets. Take in the views every inch of your journey with comfortable passage between our four piers. From £22.00 per adult, £14.75 per child (5-15) single ticket is £12.25 per adult.

The Family 24 River Pass is £42.00 and it’s ideal for families on a day out in London. Pay for two adults and up to three kids go free! Possibly the best value sightseeing ticket in town.

London’s No 1 Tour on the River  - The most convenient, picturesque way to travel between London landmarks. Make a quick hop between piers with a single ticket, or take in a round tour with a return and make the most of the informative and entertaining live commentary. From £12.25 per adult.

Sightseeing cruise plus tickets to top London attractions - Combine a City Cruises sightseeing tour with one of six top London attractions. All packages include an all-day, hop-on, hop-off 24h River Pass sightseeing tickets. You can bundle the 24-hour river sightseeing pass with tickets to any of the attractions on City Cruises website: London Eye, Tower of London, The View from the Shard, Sea Life Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, the London Dungeon, the Tower Bridge and Greenwich attractions.

GROUPS Group bookings are available for sightseeing cruises, dining cruises and private hire; groups can benefit from discounts. We offer a sightseeing group discount. The 21st passenger goes free for sightseeing (same ticket type) with a maximum of up to 5 free tickets per group booking.

Many-times winner of Best Canal & River Boat Operator (Group Travel Awards).

PRIVATE HIRE

Choose London’s no 1 private boat hire on the Thames - City Cruises for your private event. We offer tailored experiences and full event catering all tied together with proven event management skills.  Read more

City Cruises -  Thamesjet  for the Kids – Go, Go, Go

Thamesrush - 50 unforgettable minutes as you experience high speed aquabatics. Stops harder, turns tighter, and nothing's faster - that's the Thamesjet speedboat for you. On the river you’ll see big landmarks on the sightseeing stage, then go speeding to the limits. Brilliant family day out. Slow it won't be…

Adults (+17):  £42.00, Child (Under 16 - Must be 1.35 metres (4 ft. 5in.) minimum in height): £32.00, Family (2a+2c age 16 & Under): £129, Private Group 12: £462

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City Cruises River Pass 24HR Tickets

About City Cruises River Pass 24HR

Enjoy an all-day, hop-on, hop-off ride on the famed Red River Rover that cruises up and down the River Thames, offering visitors an easy trip to various landmarks along the scenic riverfront. No trip to London is complete without a view of the Thames, so why not sail along it?

Get unlimited access to the waterfront for 24 hours straight — and children under the age of five ride for free! The cruise stops all day and night at four conveniently located piers: Westminster Pier, London Eye Pier , Tower Pier, and Greenwich Pier. See some of London’s most well-known buildings and landmarks along the way and hear guided commentary to illuminate England’s illustrious history.

Riders will enjoy cozy seats, hot and cold beverages, and uncompromised views that delight every time of day, every season of the year. Whether you’re on the cruise for a few minutes hopping from pier to pier or taking a long journey on the water, you’ll have plenty of pictures to snap and stories to hear along the way. Book your City Cruises River pass on TodayTix.

The Duration of your cruise depends on what route you take. Cruises vary from 10-30 minutes for a single trip or up to 24 hours of river travel with a 24hr River Pass.

31st December, 2023

City Cruises London

Children are 5-15 Years Of Age. Children under 5: FREE

London Pier Locations Pier embarkation points vary depending on which City Cruises product you book. Please check the online product description and your confirmation email for applicable boarding points.

Greenwich Pier

King William Walk, London, SE10 9HT

This is close to Cutty Sark DLR station, the full name of which is Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich. It is also close to Greenwich railway station.

London Eye Pier

The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 7PB

This is close to Waterloo underground and railway station and across the river from Embankment and Charing Cross underground and railway station.

Lower Thames St, London, EC3N 4DT

The pier is situated close to Tower Hill Station, which connects you to the Circle District lines. It is also close to London Bridge underground and railway station.

Westminster Pier

Victoria Embankment, London, SW1A 2JH

The pier is situated next to Westminster Bridge, by the entrance to Westminster underground station, which connects you to the Circle, District and Jubilee lines.

More information about City Cruises River Pass 24HR

The Red River Rover gives riders a 24-hour pass to hop on and off the boat, traveling up and down the River Thames. A unique city cruise, this experience offers family ticket packages, unrivaled views of London’s city front, and live and recorded commentary of the sights you’ll be sailing by.

The Red River Rover offers wheelchair access, accessible toilet facilities, and commentary recordings in several different languages. Visitors can expect to see some of London’s most famous sites safely and efficiently travel from pier to pier, docking, and disembarking in the city’s most bustling areas.

What to Watch For

The City Cruises River Pass gives riders flexibility: you can hop on and off for one flat rate throughout the day. Over 24 hours, you might take one ride or many; no matter how long your cruise is, you’ll see astounding sights.

• Take pictures of London landmarks. Along the way, see Big Ben, the London Eye, Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge , the Shard Building, and more.
• Take advantage of four points of access. City Cruise drops passengers off on the north and south sides of the river at Westminster Pier, London Eye Waterloo Pier, Tower Pier, and Greenwich Pier.
• Enjoy engaging commentary. City Cruise captains provide entertaining commentary, illuminating the city's history. Sit on the boat’s spacious open upper deck or in comfortable indoor saloons; either seat offers a panoramic view of London’s best sights, including the Tower of London, Houses of Parliament, South Bank, and more.

Unfortunately, tickets for this event are no longer available.

Get the latest updates on City Cruises River Pass 24HR

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How to use your Freedom Pass

Find out how and when to use your Freedom Pass and what routes are included.

Using your Freedom Pass

On the gates at most stations and when boarding buses you will see a yellow circle which is a card reader. Keep your pass in its wallet and touch the pass flat onto the yellow card reader.

• When travelling on Underground and train services you will need to touch your card on the reader when entering and exiting stations
• On buses, trams and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) you will only need to touch your card on the reader when boarding
• On buses with more than one entry door you must touch your card on a reader at the earliest opportunity.

Holders of contactless payment cards

If you have a Freedom Pass and a contactless payment card make sure you keep your them separate.  

If you touch a purse or wallet containing your Freedom Pass and a contactless payment card onto a yellow reader, the reader may charge your payment card for the journey rather than recognising your Freedom Pass.

If you have a valid Freedom Pass and have been charged a fare on your contactless payment card, please contact TfL Customer Services on 0343 222 1234 to apply for a refund. You will need to advise them of your Freedom Pass number, name and bank account details.

Visit the TFL website to find out more about contactless payments.

When can I use my Freedom Pass?

As of 18 January 2023, Freedom Pass and 60+ Oyster Cards are no longer valid on TfL services between 4:30am and 9:00am on weekdays, unless it is a bank holiday. This does not affect disabled person's Freedom Pass holders.

Protecting your pass from damage

• Keep your card in its protective wallet - remember you don’t need to take your pass out of the wallet to use it.
• Take care not to bend or scratch your pass or write anything on it.
• Keep your pass away from your mobile phone/pager or anything electronic.
• Be careful to keep your pass away from coins, studs and zippers as they will scratch it.
• Don’t keep your card in your back pocket as it will get damaged if you sit on it.
• Do not insert your card into the ticket slot on Tube or National Rail Stations.

Inspections

You should be ready to show your Freedom Pass to station staff or ticket inspectors if requested. For more information please read Transport for London's Conditions of Carriage. Pass holders are reminded to be respectful and courteous to all transport staff.

Travelling with children

Up to four children aged under 11 may travel free with a Freedom Pass holder on all buses, trams, Tube, DLR and between stations on the orange routes on National Rail/London Overground services as per the Freedom Pass map.

Lending your card to someone else

Please do not lend your pass to friends or relatives. The Freedom Pass is only to be used by the authorised holder. 

Find out more about the Freedom Pass terms and conditions .

Freedom Pass map

Download our Freedom Pass map, which shows all routes that are valid to travel on with a Freedom pass and restricted times.

What routes can I use my Freedom pass on?

Tube, tram, tfl rail, dlr, elizabeth line and london overground.

Your Freedom Pass is valid on all of these services. 

Please note, as of 18 January 2023 Freedom Pass and 60+ Oyster Cards are no longer valid on TfL services between 4:30am and 9:00am on weekdays, unless it is a bank holiday. 

This does not affect disabled person's Freedom Pass holders.

Your Freedom Pass provides you with free travel on all TfL bus services. Please note that some bus services into and out of London are not operated by TfL and may not be included in the scheme.

Local buses elsewhere in England

Your Freedom Pass is valid on most other bus services in England and has the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) 'Rose' printed on it to show this. This means you can use your pass on most local services around the country. Your pass will be valid Monday-Friday 09:30 - 23:00 and anytime at weekends and on public holidays. The Freedom Pass is not valid on most intercity coach services and is not valid in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, or on tram or National Rail services outside London.

We strongly advise you to contact the bus operating company before you travel to check the validity of your pass if you are at all uncertain.

River services and cable car

Operated by Uber Boats

Freedom Pass holders can receive 50% off all Uber Boats by Thames Clippers fares. This includes a 50% discount on River Roamer tickets, single tickets and season tickets.

River Tours (Sightseeing)

If you have a Freedom Pass you may get a discount on some River Tour sightseeing services but please check with the individual operator.

• City Cruises (Westminster to Greenwich and Tower Pier circular)
• London Eye River Cruise
• Thames River Boats (Westminster to Hampton Court)
• Thames River Sightseeing (Westminster to Greenwich)
• Turks River Trips (Hampton Court to Richmond)

The Woolwich Ferry

Free to all users at all times.

IFS Cloud Cable Car

Freedom Passes can be used to buy a discounted printed ticket on the IFS Cloud Cable Car.

Freedom Pass holder’s fare is £3.00 one way, which is a discount of 50% of the full fare of £6.00. Freedom Pass holders will need to buy a ticket from ticket offices which are located at both terminals, IFS Cloud Greenwich Peninsula and IFS Cloud Royal Docks.

There is a multi-journey ticket for regular users, which allows passengers to make 10 single journeys for £17, equating to £1.70 per single journey. The multi-journey ticket will appeal to people living or working in the local area who wish to use the IFS Cloud Cable Car on a regular basis and is available to purchase from both IFS Cloud terminals.

Please visit their website for further details .

National Rail

Your Freedom Pass allows you to travel in Standard Class on most local rail services in London, during the following times:

• Monday to Friday from 9.30am and until 4.30am the following morning
• At any time on weekends and public holidays 

The Freedom Pass is not valid for travel on train services operated by:

• East Midlands Trains
• Grand Central
• Hull Trains
• Gatwick Express (Only available with the purchase of an extension ticket at the start of your journey)
• Heathrow Express
• London North Eastern Railway
• Southeastern high speed services to and from St Pancras International and Stratford International

If you are travelling by National Rail you need to make sure you are travelling within the Freedom Pass boundaries or you may receive a penalty fare. If you wish to travel beyond the Freedom Pass area you must buy a separate extension ticket before you travel. 

Extension tickets used in conjunction with a Freedom Pass are not valid on services operated by any of the Train Companies listed above (with the exception of the Gatwick Express). 

Always show your Freedom Pass with your photograph at the ticket office when buying extension tickets. Holders of Senior and Disabled Persons Railcards may be able to obtain a discount on the price of extension tickets.

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Two Course Lunch Cruise on the Thames for Two - Special Offer 118108773

Embark on a nautical adventure through London with this wonderful Thames river cruise for two people. For an extra special touch you'll get to enjoy a delicious two-course lunch as you float down the river. As you dine, admire spectacular views of the Capital, including iconic and historic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London. This is a wonderful treat for a day out in London, with a unique way to see the city from a new perspective.

• A one hour and 45 minute Thames cruise for two people
• Includes a delicious two-course lunch from a set menu
• Soak up the most famous sights of central London from the saloon whilst you eat, or from up on the open top deck
• Take advantage of the fully licensed bar on board
• All our vouchers are fully flexible and can be redeemed against our huge range of experiences
• Your voucher is valid for two people
• Available Monday–Friday, year round, excluding Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Easter Weekend, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and bank holidays
• Boarding commences at 11.30am at Tower Pier; the boat leaves at 11.45am and returns to Tower Pier at 13.30pm
• Please ensure you book your experience in advance – walk ups will not be accepted
• Seating is pre-allocated before the cruise takes place; your voucher entitles you to a standard seat on board
• Most of the tables are located in the middle of the floor space and in very close proximity to each other, with each table (or pair of tables) seating four people – aisles separate them from the window tables, which seat two people only
• The boat must keep to a strict timetable and so latecomers will be unable to board the vessel
• Please note a reduced service may operate during the winter
• Vegetarian, gluten free and vegan options are available but MUST be pre-booked at point of booking
• Please inform the venue of any dietary requirements upon booking
• All dates are subject to availability
• Tower Hill - City of London (London)

• Over 3090 Experiences

The best river cruises for boutique European cruising

From wine tasting along the Douro to Italian feasts with top chefs in Venice, browse the most amazing river cruise itineraries

From the Douro to the Rhine , Europe has some of the world's most scenic rivers that are best experienced on a small ship, where you can sail from little towns to historic cities via relaxing long stretches of countryside.

We've rounded up the best river cruises for boutique sailing, selecting those that combine the most carefully put-together itineraries aboard the loveliest ships, including a super-luxe option to explore the Venetian Lagoon in autumn 2024.

River cruises are also the perfect introduction to cruise holidays for first-timers, while those who already know and love the joy of discovering destinations by small ship will enjoy exploring new itineraries accompanied by famous faces, such as chef James Martin and historian Lucy Worsley .

Here are Good Housekeeping's pick of the best river cruises for exploring Europe's wonderful rivers, plus a few options for those who want to travel further afield.

Sail the magical Venetian Lagoon and hear Russell Watson sing

Venice is a captivating city, almost frozen in time, where astoundingly beautiful buildings line a maze of canals — it's no wonder the sheer decadence of this place captures the hearts of so many. Part of the thrill of visiting Venice is getting swept up in its narrow streets, peering into windows displaying intricately painted masks and feasting on plates of risotto in piazzas. Join Good Housekeeping's fantastic music-themed Venice cruise with world-renowned tenor Russell Watson, which includes an exclusive intimate concert in this stunning and historic city and seven nights on board a luxury ship. You'll explore the lagoon's elegant waterways aboard S.S La Venezia. It's an incredible eight-day itinerary that takes you around the Venetian Lagoon to visit places such as Chioggia, Torcello, Mazzorbo and Burano.

S.S. La Venezia matches Venice's splendour in its opulent fittings, filled with accents that honour its location, including exquisite Venetian masks and Murano glass. Everything's included on this five-star cruise, from delicious food and wines to a choice of excursions around the islands.

When? October 2024

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Taste Portuguese wines on a Douro River cruise

The gorgeous Douro Valley is an enchanting and peaceful pocket of Portugal, famed for its port wine and loved for its storybook-style beauty. Terraced vineyards rise steeply from the winding river and are dotted with whitewashed Quintas - the region's terracotta-roofed wine estates - making it a particularly scenic area for a relaxing river cruise.

Sit on the sundeck of a ship to watch the scenery pass by, and delight your palate with some of Portugal’s most sensational wines on an eight-day round-trip cruise on the Douro River. You'll be able to explore the area and learn more about its port production — with plenty of opportunities to sample it yourself on visits to rustic Quintas

After arriving in Porto to board the A-ROSA ALVA, you’ll sail to Régua, a pretty riverfront town that’s produced port since the 18th century. You'll follow the Douro, hopping from place to place to where Portugal borders Spain before turning back. A highlight is visiting a Quinta in Pinhão where, depending on the season, you might get to take part in the traditional grape harvest, picking and crushing the grapes underfoot .

When? June and September 2024

Visit Germany's famous Christmas markets along the Rhine

There are so many enchanting cities and villages along the banks of the Rhine, and they really come into their own in December. Germany is famed for its atmospheric Christmas markets, and many of the best in the country can be found along the Rhine, making a Christmassy cruise a fabulous way to explore them.

There's Mainz, one of the oldest cities in Germany, where you can visit a historic Christmas market on the Domplatz, set against a backdrop of the illuminated Mainz Cathedral. You'll want to visit Koblenz too, a city considered to have one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany, and one of the largest in the Rhineland.

Join Good Housekeeping for a festive voyage along the Rhine on the the beautiful ship A-ROSA Aqua and you'll visit Mainz and Koblenz as well as Frankfurt and Cologne, where the market takes place right in front of the famous Cologne Cathedral.

On board your ship you'll find a sauna, fitness area, and whirlpool to enjoy between your market trips, and ample breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets in the ship's lovely dining venues.

When? December 2024 FIND OUT MORE

Glide along the Danube and see the Lipizzaner horses in Vienna

The banks of the Danube have seen the rise and fall of empires and provided inspiration to some of Europe's greatest artists and composers. This grand river winds its way past mysterious hillside castles and ancient medieval towns and meanders through a range of culture-rich cities, including four European capitals . A river cruise is an unbeatable way to explore some of the cities straddling the Danube, allowing you to visit several towns, villages and cities on one trip, without having to organise local transport yourself.

One of the finest cities that the Danube flows through is Vienna, once the home of Mozart, where manicured gardens, chic coffee houses and baroque palaces will have you feeling like you've stepped back in time. It's also the home of the Royal Lipizzaner Stables at the Spanish Riding School, where grand Lipizzan horses perform a mesmerising type of equine ballet. On Good Housekeeping's Danube River cruise you can visit the Royal Lipizzaner Stables with historian Lucy Worsley. You'll enjoy an aperitif and a talk before watching the training of the young stallions in the imperial atmosphere of the Baroque winter riding school, as classical Viennese music plays.

When? September 2024

Sail further afield with a cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia

While Europe has more than its fair share of enchanting rivers, you're also spoilt for choice if you fancy a river cruise further afield.

Asia has several waterways which provide ideal routes for discovering new countries and cultures. Flowing through Myanmar, China, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, the Mekong is one of the longest rivers in the world and home to an incredible range of wildlife.

It makes the ideal destination for a river cruise that combines culture, delicious cuisine and wildlife-spotting. You might spot species like the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, giant freshwater stingray and giant catfish swimming alongside you.

Good Housekeeping is offering an immersive adventure along the Mekong through Cambodia and Vietnam. You'll sail in a Luxury Balcony suite aboard the Mekong Jewel, a luxurious and beautifully decorated ship, to visit unforgettable sights like the UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat temples and incredible cities like Phnom Penh and Hanoi.

There'll be ample opportunities to learn about the turbulent history of the region too, with visits to the infamous Killing Fields and a glimpse of the Viet Cong's network of tunnels dating back to the Vietnam War.

When? December 2024

Enjoy an Italian feast with James Martin in Venice

One thing that's synonymous with Italy is good food, and that's exactly what you can enjoy on this eight-day sailing around Venice and the Veneto region.

Tick off Venice's spectacular sights, including the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge and St Mark's Basilica, which you'll visit after dark on our Good Housekeeping cruise . As part of our GH trip, you'll also get VIP access to the Doge's Palace, the stunning Venetian Gothic palace that dates back to 1340.

Sailing on the luxurious S.S. La Venezia , which accommodates only 126 guests and has a wonderfully intimate feel, you'll also visit the colourful, charming islands of Burano (pictured above), Mazzorbo and Torcello, all situated in the Lagoon of Venice.

If all of that wasn't exciting enough, the cherry on top will be meeting acclaimed chef James Martin, who will join you on board for the day to give a talk and partake in a Q&A and book-signing session. In addition, the much-loved Saturday Morning host will cook a delectable gala dinner one evening, too.

Discover local traditions as you sail the Ganges in a luxury ship

Another Asian adventure awaits on the Ganges, India's most sacred river. Sailing along this important body of water allows you a unique insight into life along its banks. It meanders 2,500km through the country from its starting point high in the Himalayas down through sprawling cities, tiny villages, and spectacular nature.

A Ganges cruise is a wonderful way to see some of India's best attractions, with highlights including the Rajbari temple complex in Kalna, the artisan village of Matiari, and the neoclassical Hazarduari Palace in Murshidabad.

Join Good Houskeeping's once-in-a-lifetime tour of India , which includes seven-night cruising in luxury down the Ganges. After exploring India's Golden Triangle – including a trip to witness both sunset and sunrise over the iconic Taj Mahal – you'll board the opulent Ganges Voyager II, a spectacular ship adorned with hand-painted murals, to explore the culture and history on the river banks. Of course, another highlight of India holiday is the cuisine, and you'll be joined on board by Michelin-starred British-Indian chef Atul Kochhar, who will share his passion for Indian cooking in a live demonstration.

When? November 2024

Discover the wonders of Egypt and sail the Nile

A brilliant option if you're itching to explore another continent is Egypt, where the Nile holds awe-inspiring archaeological treasures along its banks.

A cruise along this fabled river allows you to easily visit magnificent temples like Kom Ombo, Philae, and Edfu and to see the Valley of the Kings, the ancient burial grounds of Egyptian royalty. There are several more fascinating monuments to see along the way, including the towering twin statues known as the Colossi of Memnon. Join a cruise along the Nile with Good Housekeeping and you'll see all this and more while sailing on board the exceptional luxury ship, River Tosca. Making this river cruise even more special is the company of historian and author Lucy Worsley.

Lucy is an expert in Agatha Christie, who took inspiration from this region for one of her most famous works, Death on the Nile. You'll have afternoon tea at the hotel which features in the novel and Lucy will share her knowledge of the famous author's work during several Q&As and talks.

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5 replies to this topic

if you can schlepp your luggage for few minutes, you could get the train from Victoria to Lewisham (they go every few minutes and take about 20 minutes) and then change to the DLR to Cutty Sark. If you don't fancy that, I'd just get a cab the whole way though the hour long boat trip is very scenic

How difficult would it be to deal with suitcases on the boat?

Roll them down a ramp and then onto the boat. Loads of people do it.

Both Lewisham and Cutty Sark stations have lifts, so it's not difficult changing trains, even if you have luggage. That's the fastest and cheapest route.

If you take the train to Lewisham sit at the back and be aware there can be quite large gaps between train and platform at Lewisham (it’s built on a curve).

If you want to avoid the steps down from the train station street level to the DLR train platform there’s a step free route which involves walking along the entrance road. Most people wouldn’t bother, but it’s an option.

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£1569pp—Lux 7-nt Danube river cruise w/fights

Admire cobblestone streets, Baroque architecture, and the rolling hills above the river

Why We Love This Deal

You could be cruising the Danube in style this summer, watching the scenery pass by from the deck of your luxury river ship. This package includes flights, transfers, all meals, and drinks at mealtimes, and saves up to £530 on prices we've seen elsewhere.

What's included

• Return UK flights, with 23kg checked baggage
• Seven nights onboard Avalon View , in a Deluxe Stateroom
• Full board whilst cruising, including wine and beer at mealtimes
• One excursion per day

When Fly from London or Manchester on 25 June, 2024 . A selection of other dates between May and August are available.

For more information or to book, see our partner's website.

• Budapest, Hungary... begin your holiday in the Hungarian capital, where you will board your ship and spend the night. Visit the  iconic Heroes’ Square, g et to know the city’s cafés and pubs, or take a hike through the hills above the Danube. You can admire the beautiful parliament buildings from the ship as you set sail for your next destination.
• Bratislava, Slovakia... the capital of Slovakia is your next stop. Here, you'll  enjoy a guided walk through the delightful Old Town and visit the Gothic-style St. Martin’s Cathedral. 
• Vienna, Austria... see the  lavish Habsburg Imperial Palace and neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House in the 'city of music'. You could explore the city by bike, or talk a walk  in the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse—the most famous shopping avenue in central Vienna.
• Wachau Valley, Austria... there will be  stops for a guided walk in Dürnstein and a visit of the impressive Benedictine Abbey of Melk. You can walk around Austria's largest medieval square in Linz, and see the Trinity Column.
• Passau, Germany... the 'c ity of three rivers' is located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers meet. Walk its beautiful, narrow cobblestone streets, and admire the Baroque architecture of  St. Stephen’s Cathedral.  

Ship details Avalon View is a small ship which carries 166 passengers at full capacity. Enjoy the views of the Danube from the ship's deck, take on the discovery tours at each destination—many of which are complimentary—and relax with a cocktail at happy hour once per day.

Breakfasts and lunches are served buffet-style in the  glass-walled Dining Room, and dinner is often a  four-course affair featuring regional cuisine. Most evenings, a small plates menu is served in the Panorama Lounge and, weather permitting, there’s usually at least one al fresco lunch on the top deck. Wine and beer are served during lunch and dinner at no extra cost.

Deluxe Staterooms are located on the lower deck of the ship and offer a window at the top of the cabin, as well as a  stocked mini-fridge, bath robes, L’Occitane toiletries, and a television. Upgrade to a Panoramic Suite for a  balcony and a 'bed with a view'—beds face the window so you can watch the scenery pass by from the comfort of your morning lie-in.

Other options Sail in a Panoramic Suite from £1899 per person.

Transfers & baggage Both are included.

£1569pp

When you can go.

Select dates May-Aug, 2024

Up to £530

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