Severnth heaven

T'S truly a voyage of discovery: sailing the River Severn aboard a classic cruise ship, a heady mix of watching the world go by and stepping ashore to explore the sights. This is both cruise and escorted tour, from a two-night dip into the wonders of the West to a six-night dive into one of Britain's most colourful regions.

- Nick Dalton

Edward Elgar - English Holiday Cruises' timeless ship - carries only 22 guests, so it's like a social get-together on the move. And there's so much to see along the river - from gardens to steam trains, vineyards to bird sanctuaries and much more, not to mention wonderful cities and towns and views of the magnificent Malverns and Cotswolds.

The Classic Severn Cruise is a seven-day round-trip from close to Gloucester's historic docks, sailing from spring through to autumn. There are 90 miles of cruising the Severn's navigable length, with chances to see the cathedrals of Gloucester and Worcester and the picturesque towns of Stourport and Upton, plus a day on the Gloucester Warwickshire Steam Railway and a dinner at a delightful riverside pub.