Overview
This tour starts in Wrexham, Wales's newest city, and ends in Cardiff, its capital. In between it goes the long way: west, round the coast, and back along the border.
There's a day on Anglesey, the Cardigan Bay coast from Aberaeron to Mwnt, a loop of the Pembrokeshire cliffs from Tenby, and the Gower, the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Britain. Then inland for Big Pit, Monmouth's fortified bridge and the Wye down to Tintern and Chepstow.
The last day brings two very different castles: Castell Coch, a Victorian fairytale, and Caerphilly, one of the largest fortresses in Europe.
- Duration
- 10 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 The Dee Valley and the Ogwen
Wrexham first, then the Dee: Telford's aqueduct, the canal town of Llangollen, and the Rhug estate's farm shop on the A5. Through Betws-y-Coed and up the Ogwen road into the mountains, to end under the cliffs of Cwm Idwal.
-
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. -
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.
Day 2 Ynys Môn
Over the Menai Bridge to Bryn Celli Ddu, a passage tomb from around 3000 BC, then Aberffraw and St Cwyfan's, the church on a tidal islet off the west coast. South Stack's seabird cliffs, the long village name, and Beaumaris to finish.
-
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. -
A 5,000-year-old Neolithic burial chamber, remarkably well preserved
The Mound in the Dark Grove: a Neolithic passage tomb on Anglesey, around 5,000 years old, built on top of an earlier henge, so that it is two monuments in one, tracing a change in belief. You can walk into the chamber, where a stone carved with spirals stands. The passage is aligned so that the rising midsummer sun lights the chamber. -
Former royal seat of Gwynedd's kings, near St Cwyfan's island church
A village steeped in history, once serving as the royal court of the kings of Gwynedd during the medieval period. Its significance in Welsh culture and governance is evident through its role in preserving the Welsh language and traditions. While its prominence waned after the Norman invasion and subsequent shifts in power, Aberffraw remains an important historical site in Wales. A 5 minute drive down to St Cwyfan's church. -
A historic church surrounded by the sea.
St Cwyfan’s Church is a small historic church on Llangwyfan Island, off the coast of Anglesey in Wales. Built in the 12th century, it is surrounded by the sea and is known for its peaceful setting and long history. -
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. -
The village with Europe's longest name, and the photo to prove it
The village with the longest place name in Europe, 58 letters, stretched to that length in the 1860s as a stunt to bring visitors to the new railway station. It still works: everyone stops to be photographed under the station sign. The name means roughly 'St Mary's church in the hollow of the white hazel near the rapid whirlpool and St Tysilio's church by the red cave'. -
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.
Day 3 Conwy, Llandudno and Eryri
Conwy's walls and castle and Llandudno's Victorian seafront, then south up the Conwy Valley by Bodnant and Llanrwst. Swallow Falls, over Pen-y-Pass under Snowdon, and down to Beddgelert for the evening.
-
Walled medieval town with a great castle and Britain's smallest house
A walled medieval town at the mouth of the Conwy, built with the castle from 1283 and still enclosed by three-quarters of a mile of town walls with 21 towers that you can walk. Inside are Plas Mawr, the finest Elizabethan townhouse in Britain, Aberconwy House, a 14th-century merchant's house, and on the quay the smallest house in Great Britain. -
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. -
Welsh farm shop, bakery and tea room championing local producers
A farm shop, bakery and tea room in the heart of the Conwy Valley, built around Welsh producers and their award-winning food and drink. A good place to see, and buy, the range of what the north of Wales makes. -
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.
Day 4 Caernarfon and the Cambrian coast
Caernarfon Castle in the morning, then back through Beddgelert and down to the coast at Criccieth, below its castle on the headland. South through Dolgellau under Cadair Idris to Aberystwyth, a university town halfway round Cardigan Bay.
-
Edward I's mightiest fortress, guarding the Menai Strait since 1283
Edward I's fortress palace at the mouth of the Seiont, begun in 1283, its banded masonry and polygonal towers modelled on the walls of Constantinople. The first English Prince of Wales was born here in 1284, and the investiture of Prince Charles took place here in 1969. A World Heritage Site with its walled town, and one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. -
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. -
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. -
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.
Day 5 Ceredigion and north Pembrokeshire
Down Cardigan Bay: Aberaeron's painted harbour, New Quay's dolphin boats and the cove at Mwnt. Across into Pembrokeshire for Pentre Ifan's 5,000-year-old cromlech, Newport and the Dinas Island headland, and on to Tenby.
-
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. -
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. -
A hidden Cardigan Bay cove of sand, cliffs and coastal wildlife
A hidden gem on the Cardigan Bay coast, offering a mix of stunning scenery, wildlife, and historical charm. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore coastal paths, or enjoy outdoor activities, Mwnt provides a tranquil escape in nature. -
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. -
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 6 The Pembrokeshire cliffs
A loop from Tenby around the south coast: Pembroke Castle, where the Tudors began, the rock pools at West Angle, the Green Bridge of Wales and St Govan's chapel in the cliff. Manorbier's Norman castle above its beach and the arch at Church Doors Cove bring you back to Tenby.
-
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. -
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 sheltered horseshoe cove with rock pools and caves at low tide
West Angle Bay is a small, sheltered horseshoe cove tucked at the mouth of the Milford Haven Estuary, where golden sands expand dramatically at low tide to reveal rock pools, caves, and a secret hidden cove. -
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. -
Norman castle near Tenby, with a church and beach on its doorstep
A Norman castle set in a small village near Tenby, with a historic church and beautiful beach all within walking distance. A great little spot combining castle, church, and coast. -
A rock arch in the cliffs at Skrinkle Haven, near Manorbier
A natural rock arch in the Pembrokeshire cliffs at Skrinkle Haven, near Manorbier, where the rock strata stand on end and the arch has the shape of a church door. It is reached down a steep flight of steps from the coast path, and the cove beyond is only passable at low tide. -
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, Gower and Cardiff Bay
Laugharne, the estuary town Dylan Thomas made his own, then the Gower's limestone cliffs and hidden beaches. Mumbles' Victorian pier at the edge of Swansea Bay, and on along the coast to Cardiff Bay.
-
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. -
Limestone cliffs, hidden beaches and salt marsh in southwest Wales
A remarkable coastal region in southwest Wales spanning around 70 square miles, featuring dramatic limestone cliffs, secluded sandy beaches, rolling green hills, and tidal salt marshes. Known for its diverse natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. -
Victorian pier and seafront village at the gateway to Gower
The seaside village at the eastern end of Swansea Bay, with a Victorian pier, a Norman castle above the village and the promenade that leads out onto the Gower Peninsula. -
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.
Day 8 The Beacons and the Valleys
Up into Bannau Brycheiniog and over to Hay-on-Wye's bookshops, then back through Crickhowell to Big Pit, a real coal mine you go down with a former miner. The evening is at Monmouth, whose Monnow Bridge is the only fortified river bridge left in Britain.
-
Dramatic mountain scenery, waterfalls and valleys on a scenic drive
A stunning national park in South Wales known for its dramatic mountain scenery, waterfalls, and beautiful valleys. A scenic drive through the park and Neath Valley is a memorable experience. -
The Town of Books, with dozens of bookshops beside the River Wye
Is a small town located on the border between England and Wales, in Powys County, Wales. It is renowned for being a major center for second-hand and antiquarian books, earning it the nickname 'The Town of Books'. Hay-on-Wye is also known for its picturesque setting. The town is situated in the beautiful countryside of the Wye Valley, with the River Wye flowing nearby and stunning landscapes of the Brecon Beacons National Park. -
Market town on the Usk, with a many-arched bridge of 1706
Crickhowell lies where the Usk comes down out of the Black Mountains, a market town inside the Bannau Brycheiniog national park. Its stone bridge, rebuilt in 1706 and widened a century later, crosses the river at 128 metres and is known for having twelve arches on one side and thirteen on the other. Tretower Court and Castle are a few miles up the valley. -
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. -
Market town at the Monnow and Wye, with Britain's only fortified bridge
Monmouth is an old market town located in southeast Wales. This small town is located at the meeting point of Rivers Monnow and Wye. One of the most famous structures here includes the Monnow Bridge, the only fortified river bridge that exists in Britain
Day 9 The Wye Valley and the border
Down the wooded Wye, the border between England and Wales, to Tintern Abbey, founded by Cistercians in 1131, and Chepstow's castle on its cliff above the river. The last stop is Caerleon, the Roman fortress with its amphitheatre and baths.
-
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. -
Norman castle set dramatically on cliffs above the River Wye
Located in the historic town of Chepstow, this castle sits dramatically above the River Wye. The town's well-preserved historic centre features many old buildings, churches, and narrow streets with a charming medieval character. Chepstow's architecture reflects its long history as an important market town and port. -
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.
Day 10 Caerphilly and Cardiff
Two castles to finish: Caerphilly, ringed by its lakes, and Castell Coch, the red castle William Burges built for the Marquess of Bute. Then St Fagans' rebuilt Welsh buildings, and the capital itself, from the old docks at Cardiff Bay to the centre.
-
One of Europe's largest castles, famed for its leaning tower
Caerphilly is a historic Welsh town known for its impressive medieval castle and traditional Caerphilly cheese. Caerphilly Castle, one of the largest castles in Europe, was constructed in the 13th century by an English nobleman to defend against Welsh attacks. The castle features a unique concentric design with high stone walls and leaning towers, and it withstood several sieges over the centuries. -
Burges's fairytale 'Red Castle' of turrets and vivid painted rooms
Often referred to as the 'Red Castle', is a picturesque Gothic Revival castle located near Cardiff. Designed by architect William Burges in the late 19th century, it was built on the ruins of an earlier medieval structure. The castle is characterized by its striking red sandstone exterior, whimsical turrets, and intricate interior detailing, including beautifully crafted woodwork and vibrant murals. -
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. -
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. -
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.
What guests say
Booking bespoke touring is a great way to travel. No worries about car, parking, driving other side of road, hedge rows, route planning, ensuring you are getting best value for your time in a country. Your own itinerary ideas or assisted with choices, John made our time with him feel like traveling with family. Knowledgeable, drove safely, clean car, on time. We learned so much about North Wales! What a beautiful country. Coordination to a similar South Wales trip worked seamlessly. We really enjoyed John's clear love for his home, his memories, his pride. We would not hesitate to choose Celticos again and would definitely recommend to anyone thinking about choosing. Thank you John
The Blooms, Calgary, Canada 🇨🇦
Deciding to allocate a portion of your travel budget to a tour guide is a big decision with consequences. Pick the wrong one, and you’re not only out the money, but you can never get back the time you spent on an unsatisfactory experience. A tour guide can either make or break your trip.
After doing my research, I reached out to John Pritchard of Celticos to discuss my group’s upcoming trip to North Wales. From our very first encounter, I knew this was a guy who paid attention to details and was a great listener. Over the course of six months, we had numerous email exchanges along with Zoom calls to customize our experience. John even helped us problem-solve some of our challenging travel logistics. We were so impressed with him through the planning process that we added a fourth day to our tour before ever meeting him in person!
John made our trip to North Wales one of the most memorable, enjoyable, and informative trips we have ever taken. His genuine warmth and sense of humor just added to the charm of this stunning place. His love for his country and its people was contagious. On the day we said goodbye to him, every one of us felt like we were leaving a dear friend. That’s how John makes you feel.
Don’t hesitate to book a tour of Wales with John Pritchard of Celticos. He gave us an exceptional experience, and we can’t recommend him highly enough.
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.
- What time do we start and finish?
Usually around 9am to 5pm, but we are flexible. What matters most is that you have a good time, so if starting earlier or finishing later makes for a better day, that is what we will do.
- How many of us can come?
Up to 7 guests, travelling together in our Mercedes V-Class. For a party of 8 or more, get in touch and we will make special arrangements.
- Can children come?
Children over 12 years old are welcome. Not every tour suits children, so tell us their ages when you get in touch and we will plan the day around them. We are not able to accommodate infants and babies.
- 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. Most of the castles are maintained by Cadw, part of the Welsh Government. Please visit cadw.gov.wales. We can advise you on the best deals when you book your tour with us.
- 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.
