Mighty Castles Tour
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Mighty Castles Tour
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Mighty Castles TourPrice
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7 days,
6 nights
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Two countries for the price of one with this seven day tour taking in some of Britain’s most outstanding medieval castles, 13th century fortresses, the majestic mountains of Snowdonia, quaint border villages and market towns, a bustling capital and a very famous Royal Residence.
With this itinerary you’ll explore the mighty castles of North and South Wales, a stunning network of fortresses built in the 13th Century, now recognised as World Heritage Sites. From the magnificent turrets of Conwy Castle, to Caernarfon Castle standing guard over the Menai Straights, from the scenic Harlech Castle set against the Snowdonian Mountains to Chepstow castle keeping watch over the Wye valley, you can enjoy them all.
The TourDay 1Landing in Manchester collect your car and head straight for North Wales and its host of medieval castles. Begin your day in Conwy which you can use as your base for exploration as did King Edward I when he built his impressive fortress as a Stronghold after conquering Wales in the 13th century. From here head out to the beautiful Isle of Anglesey over the Menai bridge and visit Beaumaris Castle with its unique symmetrical design and water defences. Return to Conwy for an evening stroll along the ancient city walls before bed. Overnight Conwy. Day 2Head West today to another 13th century citadel in Caernafon where the castle still boasts impressive turrets and towers. From here head south towards the picturesque Italianate village of Portmeirion set along a coastal estuary and which is a must see, especially for fans of the cult show ‘The Prisoner’. In Harlech another fortress awaits high on a rocky crag overlooking the Irish Sea. From here take the Llanberis Pass into the mountains of Snowdonia, with Wales’ highest peak; Mount Snowdon towering above. You could hike the 1085m to the top – or you could take a steam train ride to the peak. Return to Conwy to watch the sun set over the boats of the docks. Overnight Conwy. Day 3Today journey south through some of the most dramatic landscapes you will experience in the UK as head through the heart of Wales. The roads here wind through deep valleys and over mountain-tops with a new photo opportunity around every corner. Stop off for lunch and a stroll around huge red-brick Powys Castle dating back to the 13th century. The tiered gardens were landscaped in the 17th Century and still remain an impressive sight and delightful back drop for long summer walks. From here continue in to the border town of Hay on Wye with its endless collection of tiny bookshops where you can pick-up just about any classic. Finally arrive in the softer but equally beautiful landscapes of the Brecon Beacons National Park, a designated area of outstanding natural beauty. Spend the evening in one of the country pubs in Brecon, famed for its annual international jazz music festival. Overnight Hay on Wye or Brecon. Day 4Continue south through the quaint market towns of Crickowell and Abergavenny before heading to the tiny village of Raglan where overlooking the town you will find a castle built by William the Conquerer himself. Just a few miles down the road and you come to the small town of Usk. Here the town square was witness to one of the most horrific battles which saw English forces slay 300 welsh men in front of Usk Castle in 1405. Today the square is lined with pubs and inns and offers the perfect lunch stop. From here make the short journey to Chepstow where you will find the oldest stone built castle in Britain dating back to 1068. Continue south to Cardiff, Wales’ capital city and relax in style in this young and vibrant city. Overnight Cardiff. Day 5This morning make the 20 minute journey to the outlying town of Caerphilly and its enormous medieval castle with its spectacular concentric design, intimidating defences and famous leaning tower. From here journey through forested hills to the Castle Coch a fairy-tale castle of turrets and spires nestled in the Taff Valley forest. Now you are back in to Cardiff and return the car to the hotel to explore on foot in the afternoon. A walk down Queen Street will bring you to the impressive Cardiff Castle built after the Norman Invasion. Finally journey on foot, by bus, by rail or by water taxi on the river Taff to the modern Cardiff bay development where you can relax in one of the sophisticated bars or restaurants and reflect on the centuries of history you have witnessed. A stroll along the waterfront offers the perfect after dinner treat. Overnight Cardiff. Day 6Set off eastwards this morning and depart Wales in style on the Severn Bridge a huge suspensions bridge spanning the treacherous Severn Estuary. Shortly after entering England you will come across the ancient Spa town of Bath famed for its Roman Baths, fine architecture and exclusive shops. Then it is back on the main road and freeway all the way as you head towards Windsor for the grand finale with a visit to the largest inhabited stronghold in the world. Windsor Castle is still a royal residence today but harbours hundreds of years of history of the British Monarchy. Relax this evening with strolls by the river Thames. Overnight Staines, near to Heathrow Airport. Day 7Make the short journey to the airport with memories of standing on the towers of some of Britain’s most impressive medieval castles. Return to the US/Canada. Whats Included?
Optional Extras
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