6-day/5-night tour of Cardiff and South Wales. It can easily be adapted for visitors to and from Ireland via the ferry ports of Fishguard and Pembroke Dock
Day 1: After meeting at Heathrow at 9:00 we head westwards over the Severn Bridge into Wales to your first stop.
*Chepstow
An historic walled border town situated at the entrance to the Lower Wye Valley, it became known as Chepstow from the old English "ceap stowe" meaning market place.
Chepstow castle was started in 1067 by William the Conqueror and the Great Hall is the oldest stone fortification in Britain.
Its then on to Pembrokeshire where you will stay for 3 nights.
*Tenby
is a medieval town surrounded by an imposing 13th century stone wall; the church clock tower is about 700 years old. It became a fashionable seaside resort in Victorian times and is still almost as they left it. Tenby is blessed with a promenade, picturesque harbour and 2 superb golden sand beaches
Day 2: *Solva
One of Britain’s most charming and attractive villages and nestling in a deep ravine, with a fine natural harbour, Solva has been a fishing port since the 1300’s. In the 19th century it had a direct passenger service to New York with a one way fare of just £3.
*St. Davids
Britain’s smallest cathedral city, dating back to the 6th century and birthplace to Wales’ patron saint, St.Davids is, in reality a pretty village. In the Middle Ages St. Davids was an important place of pilgrimage and the superb 12th century cathedral still dominates the city to-day.
*Fishguard
has the distinction of being the scene of the last invasion of British soil in February 1797. The Lower Town, where pretty cottages cluster around the old harbour, was the setting for Dylan Thomas’ famous play ‘Under Milk Wood’ and was the location for Orson Wells’ classic film ‘Moby Dick’.
Day 3: *Bosherston
The village is home to a 14th century church but is better known for the delightful lily ponds which form part of the Stackpole Lakes. They were created just before and after 1800 and form the largest expanse of fresh water in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
*Pembroke
Pembroke is a small walled town with a genteel atmosphere and a 900 year old history. The medieval castle was the birthplace of Henry VII (who started the Tudor dynasty). It enjoys a spectacular location and offers breath-taking views from the top of its famous round keep.
Day 4: We now leave Pembrokeshire and travel east to Cardiff for the remaining 2 nights of your stay.
*Laugharne
Laugharne is a delightful place with its narrow lanes, reed beds and tidal flats. It’s best known though for being the home of Dylan Thomas and his family. You can also pay a visit to Browns Hotel where the great man used to spend many an hour
*Cardiff
Although only Wales’ Capital since 1955 it is has grown into a modern vital part of welsh life. The Millennium Stadium in the heart of the city is one of the finest sports stadia in the world, while Cardiff Bay plays host to the Welsh Assembly and The Millennium Centre theatre, home to the Welsh National Opera Company.
Day 5: *Monmouth
Enclosed on three sides by rivers Monmouth retains some of its quiet charm as an important border town. The handsome open space of Agincourt Square descends down to the 13th century Bridge over the River Monnow. The arched Georgian Shire Hall on the cobbled square has an 18th century statue of King Henry V who was born in the town, while in front of the hall stands another local, Charles Stewart Rolls co-founder of Rolls-Royce.
*Tintern Abbey
Standing on one of the River Wye’s most spectacular stretches is Tintern Abbey which has inspired writers and artists for over 200 years. The abbey was founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks though most of the buildings you see now date from the 14th century
*Museum of Welsh Life St. Fagans
The excellent Museum of Welsh Life is built around St. Fagan’s Castle, a country house erected in 1580. The 50-acre outdoor museum contains buildings from all corners of Wales that have been carefully dismantled and rebuilt on site. Pen-Rhiw Chapel built in 1777 and the ironworkers’ cottages from around 1800 are particular highlights.
Day 6: Sadly its time to say goodbye and make your way back to Heathrow, arriving at 1:00
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
From just £695 per person (based on 4 people sharing in double/twin en-suite rooms).
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Wales
Cultural Journey
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