Overview
The whole of Wales, north to south, with enough days that the south isn't an afterthought. We first ran it in 2017 for a party of photographers from Texas who wanted castles and burial sites, and got eight days of them.
The north gives you Conwy, the Pontcysyllte aqueduct, the Anglesey coast and the pass under Snowdon. Then down Cardigan Bay to Pembrokeshire, which gets the best part of three days: Pentre Ifan's 5,000-year-old cromlech, St Davids, St Govan's chapel in the cliff, and Freshwater West, where Harry Potter's Shell Cottage was filmed.
It ends at Tintern, among the ruins of the abbey the Cistercians founded on the Wye in 1131.
- Duration
- 8 days
- Group size
- Up to 7 guests
- Vehicle
- Mercedes V-Class
Includes
- Expert bilingual local guide
- Travel in a Mercedes V-Class
- Daily pick-ups & drop offs
- Fully customisable
Excludes
- Flights, transfers and accommodation
- Food and drink
- Entry fees to attractions
- Heritage & culture
- Coast & beaches
- Mountains & lakes
Itinerary
Day 1 Conwy and the Dee
Llandudno's bay and Conwy's walls, then east to Wrexham and the Dee Valley. You walk the towpath across Pontcysyllte, look up at the ruined castle above Llangollen, and stop at the Rhug estate's organic farm shop on the road back to Betws-y-Coed.
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Victorian seaside resort with a grand promenade, pier and bay
A popular seaside resort town located on the north coast of Wales, known for its Victorian-era charm and architecture. It gained popularity as a holiday destination during the 19th century and has retained much of its original Victorian character. The town's elegant promenade, pier, and crescent-shaped bay contribute to its nostalgic appeal. -
Edward I's exceptionally preserved fortress on the River Conwy
Built for Edward I by Master James of St George from 1283, on a rock at the mouth of the Conwy: eight towers, two barbicans and a great hall in one long ring, with no need for the concentric walls of his other castles because the rock did that work. It cost about £15,000, the most Edward spent so quickly on any Welsh castle, and it is the best preserved of them all. A World Heritage Site together with the town walls, which still run unbroken round the old town. -
Wales's newest city, with St Giles' tower and a famous football club
Wales's newest city, since 2022, and the largest in the north-east. St Giles' Church has one of the Seven Wonders of Wales, its 16th-century tower, and the grave of Elihu Yale, who gave his name to the university. Wrexham AFC, one of the oldest professional clubs in the world, is owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, whose documentary put the city on screens everywhere. -
Telford's 1805 aqueduct, the highest navigable one in the world
Thomas Telford's aqueduct of 1805 carries the Llangollen Canal 307 metres across the Dee on 18 tapering stone piers, hollow at the top to save weight, 38 metres above the river: the highest navigable aqueduct in the world and a World Heritage Site. You can walk the towpath across, with a railing on one side and the drop on the other, or see it from the riverbank below. -
Dee Valley town below the Berwyn Mountains and Castell Dinas Bran
A small town at a crossing of the Dee, in the narrowest part of the valley below the Berwyn Mountains. The river runs fast here and canoeists fight through it under the old bridge, while a horse pulls the passenger boats along the canal above the town. Each July the International Musical Eisteddfod fills the Royal Pavilion with singers and dancers from around the world, and a heritage railway runs ten miles up the valley to Corwen. On the hill above are the ruins of Castell Dinas Brân. -
Organic estate farm shop, cafe and restaurant on the Rhug Estate
The farm shop is renowned for its high-quality products and commitment to organic and sustainable farming practices. It aims to provide customers with fresh, wholesome, and ethically produced food. In addition to the farm shop, Rhug Estate also encompasses a cafe and restaurant where visitors can enjoy meals made using ingredients from the farm. Prince Charles opened the shop in 2013 and has been known to stop by. -
Victorian resort village of stone bridges and riverside woodland walks
A gem of a village and the gateway to Snowdonia, Betws-y-Coed has been a popular holiday destination since the Victorian era. Situated in a picturesque valley at the confluence of the River Conwy and River Llugwy, the village offers charming stone bridges, woodland walks, and a wonderful selection of outdoor shops and cafes.
Day 2 Round Anglesey
Cwm Idwal, then the Menai Bridge and a full lap of Anglesey: South Stack's cliffs, the sea views at Church Bay, Parys Mountain's copper-coloured slopes, the Romano-British walls of Din Lligwy, and Moelfre. Beaumaris and the view from Penmon Point to Puffin Island finish it.
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Wales's oldest nature reserve, a dramatic hanging valley and lake
A hanging valley and lake under the cliffs of Glyder Fawr, Wales's first National Nature Reserve, where Darwin came in 1831 and only later realised he had been looking at the work of glaciers. The legend is darker: Idwal, a prince's son, was drowned in the lake by his guardian, and no bird, they say, has flown over it since. The circuit of the lake is about three miles from the Ogwen car park. -
Telford's 1826 span, the world's first major suspension bridge
Thomas Telford's suspension bridge of 1826, the first major one in the world, crossing the Menai Strait where the ferries used to run. The small town on the Anglesey bank takes its name from it, with a waterfront walk to Church Island, and shops and restaurants near the bridge. -
Clifftop seabird colonies around one of Wales's most photographed spots
A lighthouse of 1809 on a rock off the west coast of Holy Island, reached down 400 steps and across a bridge: an island off an island off an island. The cliffs hold thousands of guillemots, razorbills and puffins in early summer, and choughs all year, and the RSPB's rare-breed sheep graze the heath above. Above the car park are the Iron Age hut circles of Tŷ Mawr. -
Former brickworks village with Irish Sea views, tea and cake
An old brickworks village on the coast of Anglesey, offering a warm welcome with stunning sea views over the Irish Sea. A great spot for a cup of tea and cake. The village features a charming 17th-century cottage where you can experience life as it was centuries ago. -
A vivid copper-mined landscape of red, orange and purple rock
Copper was dug here in the Bronze Age and by the Romans, but Parys Mountain's great age was the late 18th century, when it was the largest copper mine in the world and its ore sheathed the hulls of the Royal Navy. Women, the copar ledis, broke the ore with hammers on twelve-hour shifts, and children carried it to them. What is left is a hillside stained red, orange, purple and green, with a marked trail around the open pit. -
An ancient settlement on Anglesey dating back to the Roman period (late 1st c...
A Romano-British settlement hidden in trees above Lligwy Bay, occupied into the fourth century: two round houses and several rectangular buildings inside a stone enclosure wall, the masonry still standing to a good height. Nearby are the Lligwy burial chamber, a Neolithic tomb under a huge capstone, and the ruined 12th-century chapel of Hen Capel Lligwy. -
Whitewashed coastal village with a small harbour and sea views
A picturesque coastal village on the Anglesey Coastal Path, offering stunning views of the Irish Sea and the surrounding countryside. The village retains its traditional charm with whitewashed cottages, a small harbour, and a lovely beach. -
Elegant Georgian seaside town with its World Heritage castle and cafes
A small Georgian town on the Menai Strait, laid out beside the last of Edward I's castles, which sits in its moat at the top of the main street. The Victorian pier looks across the water to Snowdonia and up the strait to Puffin Island. Independent cafes, restaurants, gift shops and galleries, and the old courthouse and gaol to visit. -
Headland views across to Puffin Island and the mainland coast
A scenic headland on Anglesey offering panoramic views of the Menai Strait, Puffin Island, and the coast of mainland Wales. The area is home to historic landmarks including Penmon Priory, a 12th-century priory, and Penmon Lighthouse, built in 1838 and still in operation today.
Day 3 Snowdon to the Llŷn
Swallow Falls, then the high road to Pen-y-Pass under Snowdon and down to Beddgelert. Out along the coast by Criccieth to the Llŷn, the hidden quarry village of Nant Gwrtheyrn, and the pub on the sand at Morfa Nefyn.
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A Conwy Valley market town beside the 17th-century Pont Fawr
A small market town on the River Conwy. Pont Fawr, the three-arched bridge of 1636, is attributed by tradition to Inigo Jones, and Tŷ Hwnt i'r Bont beside it is a 15th-century house, now the ivy-covered tearoom in every photograph of the town. Gwydir Castle, the Wynn family's Tudor house, is across the river. -
Snowdonia's most popular waterfall, a short way from Betws-y-Coed
A series of falls on the Afon Llugwy two miles above Betws-y-Coed, the most visited waterfall in Snowdonia since the Victorians came by train. The Welsh name, Rhaeadr Ewynnol, means the foaming fall; 'ewynnol' sounds like 'y wennol', the swallow, and the English name stuck. -
Mountain pass high in Snowdonia, a classic start for Snowdon walks
A mountain pass at the top of the Llanberis Pass in Snowdonia, offering dramatic views of the surrounding peaks. A popular starting point for walks up Snowdon and a stunning drive-through experience. -
Often called the prettiest village in Wales, and famed for ice cream
Often called the prettiest village in Wales, where the Glaslyn meets the Colwyn under the mountains. The name means Gelert's grave, and the story of the prince who killed his faithful hound by mistake is told at the grave a short walk downstream. Parts of the village date from the 12th century; it grew on copper mining in the 18th and 19th. Famous for its ice cream, and for the National Trust's Tŷ Isaf shop in a late 17th-century house in the centre. -
Seaside resort with castle ruins on a headland above two beaches
Located on the Llŷn Peninsula and is known for its beaches, scenic views and castle ruins. Great spot to take in the views and admire the stunning backdrop of a Welsh castle later taken over by King Edward I in the 13th century, perched on the hill. The town began developing into a seaside resort back in 1868, when the Welsh Coast railways were beginning to be constructed. -
Restored quarry village, now a Welsh language and heritage centre
A beautifully restored Victorian quarry village set on a 200-acre site in a secluded wooded valley overlooking Porthdinllaen Bay on the Llyn Peninsula. Transformed into a Welsh language and cultural centre, Nant Gwrtheyrn is a wonderful spot to enjoy stunning coastal scenery and learn about Welsh culture and heritage. -
Small coastal town with sandy beaches on the Llŷn Peninsula AONB
A small coastal town located on the Llyn Peninsula in Gwynedd, Wales. It is known for its scenic beauty, sandy beaches, and its location within the designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) of the Llyn Peninsula. -
Sandy Llŷn beach, and the Ty Coch pub right on the shoreline
Is particularly famous for its picturesque beach, which stretches along the coast and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The beach is sandy and attracts a number of visitors. Ty Coch pub has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. Its idyllic setting makes it a popular spot for enjoying a drink or a meal while taking in the breathtaking coastal views.
Day 4 Down to Cardigan Bay
South past Tomen y Mur's Roman fort and through Dolgellau to the Dyfi estuary, where ospreys nest in the summer months. Aberystwyth's cliff railway, and the evening at Aberaeron among its painted Georgian houses.
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A Roman fort with its own amphitheatre, high on the moor
Tomen y Mur is an ancient Roman fort near Trawsfynydd in Gwynedd, North Wales. Built around AD 78–80 during the Roman conquest of Wales, it was an important military site and included a fort, roads, a parade ground, and other buildings. Today, only earthworks and ruins remain, but the site provides fascinating evidence of Roman life and military activity in the Welsh landscape. -
A stone-built market town, the gateway to southern Snowdonia
A historic market town with a rich history dating back to medieval times. Dolgellau features 17th-century houses, narrow streets, and the iconic stone bridge Pont y Wernddu. The architecture reflects the town's heritage and contributes to its considerable charm as a gateway to southern Snowdonia. -
A hide and 360° tower over the Dyfi marsh, ospreys in season
The Dyfi Osprey Project is a nature conservation project near Machynlleth in Mid Wales, dedicated to protecting and studying ospreys. Visitors can watch these magnificent birds through viewing facilities and learn about their lives, migration, and breeding habits. The project is part of the wider Cors Dyfi nature reserve, which provides an important habitat for wildlife and is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers. -
Mid Wales seaside town and university city below a clifftop railway
The largest town in Mid Wales, home to the oldest of the Welsh universities and the National Library, with a castle ruin on the front. It faces due west across Cardigan Bay, so on summer evenings the sun goes down straight in front of the promenade. The funicular cliff railway of 1896, the longest in Britain, climbs Constitution Hill to a view of 26 peaks on a clear day, and the Vale of Rheidol steam railway leaves from the station for Devil's Bridge. -
Georgian harbour town of painted houses, beaches and honey ice cream
A beautiful harbour town on the Ceredigion coast, with two lovely beaches, a picturesque harbour, and an array of multi-coloured Georgian terraced houses. 'The Hive' is famous for its honey ice cream, and the town offers charming gift shops and cafes.
Day 5 Into Pembrokeshire
New Quay's harbour, then back 2,000 years at Castell Henllys' Iron Age village and 5,000 at the cromlech of Pentre Ifan. The north Pembrokeshire coast takes the afternoon: Newport, the headland at Dinas Island, the looms of Melin Tregwynt, Porthgain's harbour and the surf at Whitesands.
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Harbour town on Cardigan Bay, and a launch point for dolphin trips
It is known for its picturesque harbor and sandy beaches. New Quay is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its beautiful scenery, wildlife, and charming atmosphere. The town offers various activities such as boat trips, dolphin watching, fishing, and coastal walks. -
Iron Age fort with rebuilt roundhouses and costumed interpreters
An Iron Age inland fort in Pembrokeshire where visitors can explore reconstructed roundhouses and meet costumed interpreters representing members of the Demetae tribe. Through talks and demonstrations, friendly 'Iron Age villagers' share their knowledge about prehistoric life and living in harmony with the land before, during, and after the Roman invasion. -
A 5,000-year-old cromlech with wide views over the Preseli Hills
One of the most visited megalithic monuments in Wales, some 5,000 years old: a Neolithic burial chamber whose five-metre capstone, weighing about 16 tonnes, rests on the points of three uprights, with the Preseli Hills and Cardigan Bay laid out below. Free to visit, a short walk from the lane. -
Coastal town of sandy beaches and cliffs beside the national park
A picturesque coastal town in Pembrokeshire celebrated for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It features sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and close proximity to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, making it ideal for hiking and outdoor activities. The town boasts ancient monuments and traditional Welsh architecture reflecting its maritime past. -
Three-mile headland loop with dramatic Pembrokeshire coastal views
A stunning headland walk of approximately 3 miles in a loop, offering dramatic coastal views along the Pembrokeshire coast. For a shorter option, park at Cwm yr Eglwys and walk approximately 10 minutes to Pwllgwaelod beach. -
17th-century woollen mill weaving Welsh blankets in a wooded valley
A charming woollen mill located in a picturesque wooded valley on the Pembrokeshire coast of Wales. With a history dating back to the 17th century, it originally served local farmers who brought their fleeces to be transformed into durable woollen products. Renowned for its high-quality Welsh wool blankets, throws, and cushions, the mill reflects a rich heritage of craftsmanship, with traditional techniques passed down through generations. In 2022, it became an Employee Owned Trust, ensuring that staff have a stake in the business. -
A tiny brick-hoppered quarry harbour on the Pembrokeshire coast
Porthgain is a small historic harbour village on the Pembrokeshire coast in West Wales. Once a busy industrial port, it was known for exporting slate and bricks, and the remains of the old brickworks can still be seen today. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and beautiful coastal scenery, Porthgain is now a popular stop along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and a great place to enjoy the rugged beauty of the Welsh coastline. -
Golden sands and Atlantic surf below the cliffs near St Davids
A beautiful beach near St Davids, celebrated for its soft golden sands and rugged cliffs along the Atlantic coast. Popular for surfing and kayaking, the beach attracts outdoor enthusiasts. The adjacent coastal path offers spectacular hiking with trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints and diverse marine life.
Day 6 St Davids and the south coast
St Davids Cathedral in the morning, and St Justinian's lifeboat station, where the boats leave for Ramsey Island. Then the harbours at Solva and Little Haven, Pembroke Castle, and the southern cliffs: the Green Bridge of Wales, St Govan's chapel and the dunes of Freshwater West, before Tenby.
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Ancient cathedral at the heart of Britain's smallest city, entry free
Britain's smallest city grew around the monastery St David founded in the 6th century. The cathedral was built low in a hollow of the Alun valley, on sloping, marshy ground, out of sight of raiders from the sea, and the floor still slopes. Beside it stand the ruins of the medieval Bishop's Palace. Entry is free; donations are welcome. -
Lifeboat station and departure point for Ramsey Island boat trips
Located on the western tip of the St David's Peninsula in Pembrokeshire, Wales. Known for its picturesque beauty, stunning views, and proximity to the famous Ramsey Island. Puffin trip tours take visitors to observe puffins on nearby islands, such as Skomer Island. These tours offer a fantastic opportunity to see puffins and other seabirds in their natural habitat. Skomer Island is home to one of the largest puffin colonies in the UK, with around 30,000 puffins nesting there during the breeding season. -
A Pembrokeshire harbour village of galleries, pubs and cafes
A picturesque coastal village located in Pembrokeshire, Wales. It dates back to at least the 12th century and was historically an important fishing and shipbuilding centre. Today, Solva is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic harbour, quaint historic buildings, and location along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The village has a population of around 800 and offers a range of local shops, pubs, cafes, and art galleries. -
Sheltered Pembrokeshire cove village of steep streets and pubs
Little Haven is a charming seaside village tucked away in a sheltered cove on Pembrokeshire's spectacular coastline, perfectly blending old fishing heritage. Little Haven is a charming seaside village tucked away in a sheltered cove on Pembrokeshire's spectacular coastline, perfectly blending old fishing heritage with a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere. With its steep, winding streets, cosy traditional pubs, and sandy beach that reveals wide expanses of sand at low tide, it has a distinctly Cornish feel. -
One of the largest castles in Wales, and Henry VII's birthplace
Is a historic town located in the county of Pembrokeshire, in southwest Wales. The town's history dates back to the 11th century when a Norman castle was built here, which would go on to become one of the largest castles in Wales. Pembroke played an important role in medieval Welsh history, as it was the birthplace of Henry VII, the first Tudor monarch of England. -
A spectacular natural limestone arch on the Pembrokeshire coast
A stunning natural rock formation located along the picturesque Pembrokeshire coastline. This arch is part of the dramatic coastal scenery that Pembrokeshire is renowned for, featuring rugged cliffs and beautiful sea views. -
A tiny hermit's chapel built into the Pembrokeshire cliff face
A picturesque area along the Pembrokeshire Coast renowned for its stunning natural beauty and historical significance. One of its highlights is St Govan's Chapel, a small, historic chapel built into the cliffs, dedicated to a 6th-century hermit. The chapel's unique location offers breathtaking views of the coastal landscape. Its unique cliffside setting, rich history, and architectural simplicity make it a must-visit. -
A vast surf beach, and Shell Cottage in the Potter films
Freshwater West is a spectacular sandy beach on the Pembrokeshire coast in West Wales, known for its dramatic cliffs, powerful waves, and beautiful scenery. It is a popular destination for surfers, walkers, and nature lovers. The beach has also been used as a filming location for several movies, including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which adds to its appeal for visitors. -
Walled harbour town of pastel houses and golden Pembrokeshire beaches
A picturesque seaside town with a long and fascinating history. Situated along the southwestern coast of Wales, Tenby is known for its well-preserved medieval town walls, historic landmarks, and charming coastal character. A quintessential Pembrokeshire coastal town, famed for its pastel-coloured harbour and medieval stone walls. It seamlessly blends golden beaches and water sports with a rich history showcased at St Mary's Church and the castle ruins.
Day 7 Laugharne to Cardiff
Out of Tenby along the coast to Laugharne and Dylan Thomas's boathouse above the estuary, then the great glasshouse at the National Botanic Garden. Into the south-east for St Fagans, where the history of Wales has been rebuilt one building at a time, and Cardiff.
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Walled harbour town of pastel houses and golden Pembrokeshire beaches
A picturesque seaside town with a long and fascinating history. Situated along the southwestern coast of Wales, Tenby is known for its well-preserved medieval town walls, historic landmarks, and charming coastal character. A quintessential Pembrokeshire coastal town, famed for its pastel-coloured harbour and medieval stone walls. It seamlessly blends golden beaches and water sports with a rich history showcased at St Mary's Church and the castle ruins. -
Estuary town of Dylan Thomas, with castle ruins and coastal walks
A picturesque town located on the southern coast of Wales, along the estuary of the River Taf. The town is most famous for its association with the renowned Welsh poet Dylan Thomas. In addition to the Boat House, Laugharne also features the medieval Laugharne Castle, which dates back to the 13th century. The town's narrow streets, old pubs, and beautiful natural setting draw many literary and Dylan Thomas fans as visitors. Lovely walk from car park around coast past the castle to Dylan Thomas's house, great when the tide is in and good weather. -
Themed gardens, rare plants and the great single-span glasshouse
Is a place of international significance dedicated to conservation, horticulture, science, education, leisure and the arts. As a landmark Millennium project, the Garden is a fascinating blend of modern and historic, covering 568 acres of the beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside. Here you'll find an inspiring range of themed gardens with a collection of over 8,000 different plant varieties, the world's largest single-span glasshouse, orchid-filled meadows, a National Nature Reserve and the British Bird of Prey Centre. -
Over 50 historic Welsh buildings rebuilt in an open-air museum
Is one of Europe's leading open-air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction. The Museum stands in the grounds of St Fagans Castle and gardens, a late 16th century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth in 1948. Over 50 historic buildings from all over Wales have been re-built at the Museum including a Victorian school, a medieval church and a Workmen's Institute. -
Wales's capital city, from Roman fort to castle and waterfront
Based on the southern coast of Wales, along the Bristol Channel and River Taff estuary. Cardiff originated as a minor Roman fort before gradually growing into a major port city during the Industrial Revolution. It was officially proclaimed the capital of Wales in 1955. One of the main highlights is Cardiff Castle which dates back 2,000 years ago.
Day 8 Caerleon, coal and the Wye
Cardiff Bay, the Roman amphitheatre at Caerleon, and Big Pit, where you go underground with a former miner. The afternoon turns green: Raglan Castle, the wooded Wye Valley and Tintern Abbey.
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Redeveloped docklands waterfront, home to the Senedd and Pierhead
A waterfront district located in the capital city of Cardiff, Wales. Historically, this area was the site of Cardiff's docklands and maritime industries. However, in the late 20th century, the area underwent a major redevelopment. The redevelopment has created a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly district with scenic walking paths, public art, and green spaces. It has become a popular destination. -
Roman legionary fortress with amphitheatre, baths and museum
The Romans established a legionary fortress at Caerleon around 75 AD, and it remained in use for over 200 years. The fortress was strategically positioned on the River Usk and served as a key defence point for the Roman Empire in Britain. Within the fortress, various structures were constructed, including barracks, granaries, a bathhouse, an amphitheatre, and an impressive Roman Legionary Museum. The amphitheatre was used for gladiatorial contests and other forms of entertainment. -
Descend a real Blaenavon pit with a former miner as your guide
An industrial heritage museum in Blaenavon, Wales. It is located within the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Big Pit was a working coal mine from 1860 until it was closed in 1980. It has since been transformed into a museum that allows visitors to experience what life was like for the coal miners who worked underground. -
Late medieval castle and Tudor mansion ruins in the Welsh Marches
An extensively restored medieval castle and major tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the impressive ruins including the Great Tower, the Pitched Stone Court, and the remains of the former Tudor mansion. Raglan Castle offers a fascinating insight into medieval and Tudor history in the Welsh Marches. -
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the England-Wales border
The Wye winds between wooded limestone gorges on the border of Wales and England, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the birthplace of British tourism, where Georgian travellers took boats down from Ross to Chepstow in search of the picturesque. Tintern Abbey stands on its bank, and Symonds Yat Rock gives the classic view. -
Gothic ruins of a 1131 Cistercian abbey beside the River Wye
Also known as Tintern Parva, is a historic ruined abbey located on the banks of the River Wye in Monmouthshire, Wales. It is one of the most famous and well-preserved medieval abbeys in the country. Was founded in 1131 by Walter de Clare, the Lord of Chepstow, and belonged to the Cistercian order of monks. The abbey church and monastic buildings were constructed over the course of the 13th century, showcasing some of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the UK.
What guests say
Our group of 6 women from the US spent the most magical week being guided around Wales by John Pritchard and Celticos Tours. During the months before, over Zoom and email, he helped us plan the a custom itinerary. Then, he met us when we arrived by ferry from Dublin, and took us exploring the tidal coasts, ancient castles, short hikes and quaint villages of North Wales and Snowdonia. We then headed south, stopping in Tenby, and ending in Cardiff. He is very knowledgeable about the country and culture, is fluent is Welsh (and made sure we learned a few words!), and would tinker with the itinerary as we went to accommodate our interests and curiosity.
Throughout, he safely navigated us on Wales' tiny back roads in his comfy Mercedes van, and was just a pure joy to spend a week with. We can't imagine seeing Wales with anyone else, and some of us are planning to go back with family to introduce them to this special country. And, we'll go with Celticos. Excellent all around, and we are grateful to John for helping us have such an amazing trip.
We booked John for a four-day private tour through Wales, and we couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the beginning, John went above and beyond to personalize our trip—he took the time to understand our interests, listened to what we wanted (and didn’t want) to see, and then put together a detailed itinerary for us, even suggesting a few interesting alternatives for our consideration.
Upon arrival, John greeted us promptly at the airport with his comfortable and well-kept vehicle. Punctuality and professionalism marked every day of our journey. Throughout the tour, John remained flexible, always willing to adjust plans or add new stops based on our mood and curiosity that day.
What really made the tour special was John’s friendly personality and local knowledge. He was not just informative and prepared, but genuinely fun to spend time with—his stories and insights brought every location to life.
I truly can’t recommend John highly enough. If you want a memorable, customized, and stress-free experience in Wales, do yourself a favor and book a tour with John.
Frequently asked questions
- Can we change the itinerary?
Yes. Every tour we run is customised, so treat this itinerary as a starting point. Tell us what interests you and we will build the days around it.
- Can this tour be combined with other tours, or made longer or shorter?
Yes. A day tour can be built into a multi-day tour, and a multi-day tour can be shortened, extended or joined to another. Tell us how many days you have and we will plan around them.
- Are admission fees included?
No. Entry to castles, gardens and other attractions is paid on the day, where a fee applies. Many of the castles are cared for by Cadw, and we can advise on the best-value tickets when you book.
- Is food included?
No. As we tour we will suggest eating places that our guests have enjoyed.
- What should we wear and bring?
Sensible footwear for some light walking, and a rain jacket, just in case.
- How much walking is involved?
Some, and none of it strenuous: the walk from the car to a castle gate or a viewpoint. If walking is a concern, tell us and we will plan the stops accordingly.
- Where should we stay?
Somewhere central, so that touring time is not spent driving to the start. Our accommodation advice lists places our guests have used, and we are happy to suggest a base for your tour.
