Is Sophia wheelchair accessible?

No — Sophia is not wheelchair accessible, though ambulatory wheelchair users are welcome; contact the operator about specific accommodations.

What’s included in the booking?

Private charter of Sophia, professional skipper, fuel, insurance and complimentary bottled water; Champagne, bar snacks and optional guide may be included depending on the chosen package.

Can I bring pets or service animals?

Service animals are welcome and pets are allowed; notify the operator in advance so they can advise on space and safety.

What is the cancellation policy?

Full refund with seven days’ notice or in the case of extreme weather, per the operator's policy.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet the LUXE staff at A3211, WC2R, Temple, London WC2R 2PN, UK and arrive 15 minutes early for check-in.

Are gratuities for the skipper included?

No, gratuities for the skipper are not included and are left to guest discretion.

SOPHIA Venetian Water Taxi: Private Champagne Cruise on the Thames, London

Step aboard SOPHIA – Venetian Water Taxi Experience on the River Thames in London (A3211, WC2R, Temple, London WC2R 2PN, UK) and trade the city’s bustle for a slice of La Serenissima on British water. Sophia is an original Venetian MotoScafo restored after more than forty years in service on Venice’s canals; now she threads London’s skyline with polished mahogany, brass fittings and an atmosphere meant for celebration. The trip lasts 2–3 hours, perfect for a romantic outing, small private charter, or an intimate special event. From the enclosed deck-house you can settle into classic seating and watch embankment architecture glide by; from the open rear seating you’ll feel the Thames breeze and catch unobstructed views of bridges, boat traffic and riverside landmarks. Champagne and soft drinks are part of the daytime offering, along with bar snacks and complimentary bottled water; a professional skipper helms the vessel and optional guided narration can add historical context. The scene is a mix of engineered riverbank, Victorian stonework and modern glass facades reflected in the water. Key features include the MotoScafo’s low profile and open cockpit - unique on the Thames - and the contrast between the boat’s Italian lines and London’s riverine geometry. Keep an eye out for architectural details on the Temple embankment, river traffic choreography, and the ever-changing light on the water. Accessibility is limited: the boat is not wheelchair accessible, though ambulatory wheelchair users are welcome. Service animals are allowed and the operator notes Blind/Deaf-friendly accommodations. Practicalities matter: arrive 15 minutes early at the meeting point, bring a jacket for evening runs, and expect departures to be prompt. Luxe Boating provides fuel, insurance and a professional skipper; food beyond snacks, transfers, and skipper gratuities are not included. The Thames is tidal here, so the boat’s low draft and open design are well suited to the river’s shifting moods; timing a trip around high tide brings smoother water and fuller reflections, while lower tides reveal even pebbled foreshore and mudflats. The combination of tide, light and city skyline makes each cruise different—no two passages past Westminster and the legal quarter feel the same. Why book this trip? Sophia is a living piece of maritime restoration that brings Italian motorboat heritage to a London river cruise. It’s a different tempo from large tourist launches—smaller, private, tactile, and focused on atmosphere. Whether you’re staging a proposal, hosting a corporate mini-event, or simply seeking a memorable riverside hour, Sophia transforms the Thames into an intimate corridor of light, history and celebration. Conservation note: respect river wildlife and avoid single-use plastics aboard. Full refunds are available with seven days’ notice or in extreme weather. For reservations use the supplied referral link and follow check-in instructions in your confirmation.

About Luxe Boating

Luxe Boating operates from Henley-on-Thames, England, offering a curated fleet of restored classic launches and electric self-drive boats for river cruises and private events. Guests can choose from hands-on electric self-drive launches or book restored vintage vessels such as Venetian water taxis, 1930s American launches, Edwardian-style launches and celebrated yachts with cinematic provenance. Trips range from short scenic cruises to private celebrations, romantic evenings, and special-event charters along calm British waterways.

Luxe Boating maintains a focus on authenticity, restoration quality and quiet electric propulsion. Each vessel is presented fully restored or undergoing meticulous restoration where noted, with attention to mahogany finishes, period detailing and comfortable layouts for small groups. Safety standards and local licencing are observed for public and private operations on the River Thames and nearby waters.

Bookings accommodate private hire, special occasions and experiential outings, with optional on-board services such as Champagne, canapés and professional stewarding on select vessels. The fleet includes named boats like Sophia, Gatsby, La Serenissima, Patricia, Christina, Miti and the legendary Atlantis, alongside electric self-drive options for independent exploration.

Luxe Boating features on The Adventure Collective, providing added visibility and third-party recognition. Photographic views, seasonal cruising and tailored itineraries help guests create memorable river experiences. Reservations are managed through the operator’s booking channels with clear trip summaries, ensuring customers select the right vessel and duration for their needs.

Customer enquiries commonly request flexible start times, tailored routes and photography-focused cruises, enabling personalised itineraries that suit celebrations, proposals and relaxed weekend escapes along the Thames.