All aboard the African Queen! Win a luxury weekend break for two

17/08/2007

If you fancy cruising down the Thames in splendour for a weekend, enjoying fine cuisine as the spectacular countryside glides by, then we have an unforgettable holiday break for you to win.

For most of us, the African Queen was one of the most magical films ever made – with Humphry Bogart and Katharine Hepburn at the very top of their form as the comically mismatched pair who, somehow, stop bickering long enough to contrive to sink the German battle cruiser on which they have just been married.

But whereas Charlie Allnut’s vessel was an old tub, cruising on the African Queen that is now moored in a tranquil meadow near Henley is a truly luxurious experience. As well as enjoying every comfort on the restored Dutch barge, you’ll also experience some magical gourmet cuisine.

The modern-day African Queen has intriguing secrets to tell of people and places, amassed during her 83-year long life, many of them shared with her 62-year-old skipper, Andy Cowley.

Visit the boat’s website – www.african-queen.co.uk – and you can discover more of its history and of the luxury cruises on offer as well as view sample menus.

Mature Times has a fabulous weekend for two to be won, normally priced at £175 per person sharing and includes dinner, bed and breakfast for two nights. Alcohol and lunch on Saturday is not included in the prize.

You’ll come on board the African Queen from around 5.00pm on Friday and receive a complimentary cocktail on arrival followed by a Sun Set Cruise - returning to the boat’s mooring at Mapledurham House and Water Mill for the night. A three-course dinner will be served at around 8.00pm.

On Saturday, after breakfast, you’ll cruise to Henley-on–Thames (weather permitting), stopping at a riverside pub for lunch. Guests go ashore and spend about two hours in the beautiful historical town of Henley. At 4.30 you’ll cruise back to Sonning on Thames where you’ll spend the night and enjoy another three course dinner.

On Sunday, after a delicious breakfast, the African Queen returns to Mapledurham - arriving at around 12.00 noon.

To be in with a chance of winning this fabulous prize, simply answer this question. In our Readers Say section (click on the menu bar above!) you’ll find a short stories area. One of our readers has written a very powerful piece on the River Thames – what is the name of that author?

Competition closes 19 September 2007