Overview
Edward I ringed the north with castles to hold Wales down. Two centuries later a boy born at Pembroke Castle took the English crown as Henry VII.
This circuit runs from one to the other, Caernarfon and Harlech to Pembroke. On the way you stoop into a 5,000-year-old tomb on Anglesey, stand over the flooded slate quarry at Abereiddi, and go down Big Pit with a former miner as your guide.
It finishes at Caerleon, where Rome kept a legion before any of the castles were built.
- Duration
- 7 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
Itinerary
Day 1 Aqueduct to the Orme
You start 38 metres above the Dee, on the canal Telford carried across the valley in 1805. Then west through the valleys the Victorians came for, past Swallow Falls and Betws-y-Coed, to the sea at Llandudno, and up the Great Orme to a copper mine that was already being worked 4,000 years ago.
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Limestone headland above Llandudno with a Bronze Age copper mine
A limestone headland above Llandudno with a Bronze Age copper mine, one of the most important prehistoric mines in the world, a Victorian tramway and a cable car to the summit. The headland has plants found nowhere else on earth; in 2015 the National Trust bought Parc Farm on top and let it for £1 a year to a shepherd whose sheep graze it for the wildflowers.
Day 2 Ynys Môn
Down from the peaks at Cwm Idwal and over the Menai to Anglesey. You stoop into a 5,000-year-old burial chamber, look down on the seabird ledges under South Stack, and walk the walls of Beaumaris, the castle Edward I never finished. Then back over Telford's 1826 bridge, with salt harvested from the water beneath 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. -
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. -
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'. -
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. -
Edward I's unfinished concentric castle, a World Heritage Site
The last of Edward I's Welsh castles, begun in 1295 and never finished: the money ran out and the king's attention turned to Scotland. Its concentric plan, a ring of inner walls inside a ring of outer ones, is the most perfectly worked out of any castle in Britain, and the moat still holds water. A World Heritage Site, in a small town of Georgian houses, cafes and independent shops. -
Artisan sea salt harvested from the Menai Strait, with tours and shop
Salt was made on Anglesey until the late 18th century, when the makers were fined for cutting the brine with Cheshire rock salt. Halen Môn revived the craft in the 1990s, drawing seawater from the Menai Strait, already filtered by a mussel bed and a sandbank, charcoal-filtering it and hand-harvesting the flakes with nothing added. The saltcote at Brynsiencyn runs tours and tastings and has a shop. -
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.
Day 3 Castle to castle, down the coast
Caernarfon in the morning, Edward I's mightiest fortress. Harlech by the afternoon, on its rock above Cardigan Bay. In between, Beddgelert and Portmeirion, the Italianate village one architect spent fifty years building on the estuary. Then out of the mountains and down the coast to the painted Georgian harbour at Aberaeron.
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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. -
Clough Williams-Ellis's Italianate fantasy village on the estuary
Clough Williams-Ellis wanted to show that a beautiful site could be built on without spoiling it. He looked for twenty years, then in 1925 bought the Aber Iâ estate on the Dwyryd estuary near his home and spent the next fifty building Portmeirion: an Italianate village of towers, colonnades and painted facades, its streets turned so that each corner opens onto the estuary or the mountains, with woodland gardens behind. It was the Village in The Prisoner. A hotel, restaurants and shops. -
Edward I's clifftop fortress above Cardigan Bay, a World Heritage Site
Edward I's castle on its rock above Cardigan Bay, built to the concentric plan in only twelve years, 1283 to 1295, by nearly a thousand craftsmen and labourers. The sea once came to the foot of the rock. A siege in the Wars of the Roses, when a small garrison held out for seven years, is said to be the origin of 'Men of Harlech'. A World Heritage Site. -
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. -
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 4 Wool, stones and St Davids
Two woollen mills today: the National Wool Museum, in a mill that worked into the 1980s, and Melin Tregwynt, weaving blankets in its valley since the 17th century. Between them, Pentre Ifan's capstone, balanced on its uprights for 5,000 years, and an Iron Age village brought back to life at Castell Henllys. After the flooded quarry at Abereiddi, the day ends at St Davids.
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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. -
A former woollen mill telling the story of Welsh wool production
Located in Dre-fach Felindre, dedicated to preserving the rich history and heritage of the wool industry in the region. Housed in a former woollen mill that operated from the 19th century until the 1980s, the museum reflects the significance of wool production in the local economy and culture. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Flooded slate quarry of vivid blue water beneath dark slate cliffs
A unique natural attraction along the Pembrokeshire Coast, the Blue Lagoon was formed from a flooded former slate quarry. Its distinctive blue-green waters and dramatic coastal setting have made it a popular destination for swimming, coasteering, and photography. The contrast between the deep blue water and the dark slate cliffs is truly striking. -
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.
Day 5 The Pembrokeshire coast
Harbour villages first, Solva and Little Haven, then Pembroke Castle, where Henry VII was born. The afternoon is the limestone coast: the sea arch at the Green Bridge of Wales, St Govan's hermit chapel wedged into the cliff when the army's range is open, and the rock arch at Church Doors Cove before Tenby.
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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 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 6 Poets, glasshouses and a crag
Dylan Thomas's writing shed above the Tâf estuary at Laugharne, then the great single-span glasshouse at the National Botanic Garden. Carreg Cennen, on its limestone crag, is one of the most dramatically placed castles in Wales, and the day ends across the Bannau at Hay-on-Wye's bookshops.
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The poet's home and writing shed above the Tâf estuary at Laugharne
The writing shed and home of the renowned Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, perched above the estuary of the River Tâf in Laugharne. A pilgrimage site for literary fans from around the world. -
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. -
Medieval castle perched on a limestone crag above the Cennen valley
Perched dramatically on a limestone crag in Carmarthenshire, Carreg Cennen Castle is a striking example of medieval architecture. Thought to have been built in the 13th century, the castle offers visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and is one of the most spectacularly sited castles in Wales. -
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.
Day 7 Coal, castles and Rome
Down Big Pit with a former miner, then Caerphilly, one of the largest castles in Europe, behind its lakes. Cardiff grew rich shipping the coal you saw that morning, and its bay is where the ships loaded. The last stop is the Roman fortress at Caerleon, its amphitheatre still there in the grass.
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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.
What guests say
Our experience with John and Celticos Tours was beyond amazing! We've had the pleasure of touring with John twice in 3 years and he absolutely nailed everything we wanted to do and see. We saw the beautiful small towns of Wales, one cuter and more inviting than the next. Our hikes took us to gorgeous waterfalls, historic seaside lighthouses, churches, and more… all with stunning views.
To say the people of Wales are friendly is an understatement. From the Sunday Pot Roasts in the local pubs (best EVER!), to the bakeries, to every small business, they couldn't be more accommodating. We were lucky enough to be in Wales for 6 days, starting from breathtaking Anglesey, to Wrexham (where we were invited to go on the pitch!), through Snowdonia, to the world's highest aqueduct, down to Tenby… where we had very high expectations and we were not at all disappointed! Our accommodations were second to none, yet very affordable, with beautiful countryside inns, seaside spas, and waterfront homes, which were all unbelievably comfortable.
After seeing South Wales, we toured the picturesque coast back to Anglesey, where our tour would sadly end. It was such an amazing trip because John is a one of a kind tour guide, who makes you feel right at home. His love for his wonderful country makes touring with him an experience we've never had in all of our travels. Thanks to John, we are already planning our next trip back to Wales. There's always more to see and do!
Our 4-day tour with John Pritchard was truly a memorable trip. From the initial contact to follow up by email and phone we planned a jammed packed 4 days. John’s suggestions for stops based on our discussions were excellent. His knowledge is vast and he went above and beyond to help us select accommodation and dining venues as well. The planning of our trip was only exceeded by meeting him in person. We were so impressed by his attention and enthusiasm for Wales and it’s history. Our chance mention of our interest in the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas was followed by a trip to the seaside where we’re able to view his writing shed. We were suitably impressed!
Our tour flew by filled with ancient castles, mountains, seaside towns and waterfalls. By the end of 4 days we felt as if we had known John for a lifetime. His efforts to teach us Welsh made the days all the more enjoyable. I am not sure we did the Welsh language justice but we did try!
We can say without hesitation that we highly recommend John and Celticos Tours as the #1 tour company for Wales. Our expectations were exceeded. Thank you 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.
