reflections in the baptistery at Salisbury

Salisbury cathedral reflections (c) 2018 by David Ourisman, all right reserved

Salisbury Cathedral has long been on my bucket list. One of the world's outstanding examples of Gothic architecture, the cathedral has the tallest church spire in the UK (404 feet), the largest cloister, and one of four existing copies of the Magna Carta.

On entering the cathedral, one's eyes are drawn skyward by the strong vertical lines of the columns and arches. Unlike Westminster Abbey which stations priests throughout the sanctuary who sternly warn tourists not to take photograph, the priest with whom I briefly spoke had a quite friendly demeanor. Photography is permitted, and I was able to capture the composition above — a reflection of the church's arches in the large dove-shaped baptistery inside the entrance.

Along with Winchester Cathedral, yesterday was a day to visit Gothic churches as well as the stone circle at Avebury.

copyright  (c)  2018 by Ourisman Travel LLC.  All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit our website.

barging on the River Thames

While I am not into cruises, I thoroughly enjoyed a barge trip I took several years ago in the south of France. So when I received news of this special offer on the Magna Carta for selected sailings this spring, I wanted to pass it along. This cruise is on my own wish list; it glides down the River Thames through some of the most beautiful English countryside you'll ever see.

A barge cruise is nothing like an ocean cruise. You're not on a big ship with hundreds or thousands of other passengers; you'll be one of eight exclusive guests. No extra charges for drinks or shore excursions; everything is included. You won't be having your meals in a large dining room in which hundreds of meals are being prepared simultaneously; every night is like a wonderful dinner party, thrown by the crew, with exquisite meals elegantly served.

Carrying just eight passengers and ideal for groups of friends or families, a Magna Carta barge cruise is an intimate and exclusive experience. The barge boasts two decks with four luxurious, spacious staterooms on the lower deck, each with beautiful hardwood floors, under-floor heating, independent air conditioning and en-suite facilities complete with oversized showers and basins, heated towel rail, independent under-floor heating and other fine guest amenities.

On the upper deck, guests will find the saloon with picture windows offering panoramic views of the charming English countryside. Here, passengers can relax on Italian leather sofas and enjoy a fully stocked bar, library complete with reference books, a selection of games and a comprehensive CD collection. Exquisite dishes are delivered from the professional galley and are enjoyed in the adjacent fine dining area. Leading from the saloon are split-level sun decks offering a sun umbrella and chairs. Sunk within the upper level is a large, bubbling Jacuzzi, providing passengers with an oasis for complete relaxation.

Save $2,000 per cabin on cruises departing March 21, March 28, April 3, April 18, April 27, and May 30, 2010. Guests can save $1,000 per cabin on dates outside those listed above. Contact me to book your cruise and to make your pre- and post-cruises arrangements.

Magna Carta barge cruise (search here on Google)

copyright (c) 2010 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.
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