South Wales - Land of the Red Dragon

Prices From: $562
Days: 6 days

Discover South Wales on this 6 day tour taking you through a region representative of the raw spirit of the Welsh nation and of contrasting but equally spectacular physical landscapes. Enjoy lush valleys, untamed coastline, medieval castles, modern developments, rural life, industrial heritage, a village-sized city, and the vibrant capital in Cardiff.

Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - The Wye Valley, Border Towns and the Brecon Beacons

Traveling from London or Bristol, cross the Severn Estuary in to South Wales and you will find Britain's oldest stone fort at Chepstow Castle. From here follow the enchanting Wye Valley, passing the 13th century monastic ruins of Tintern Abbey, to the ancient border town of Monmouth . Continue through traditional welsh market towns and villages visiting the stunning Raglan Castle, Abergavenny and Crickowell. Experience nineteenth century welsh industrial heritage with a visit to the Big Pit coal mine before heading north into the spectacular scenery of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Overnight Brecon Beacons (Bear Hotel or Llanwenarth)

Day 2 - St Davids and the Pembrokeshire National Park

Make your way West through the charming, historic towns of llandovery and Carmarthen on route in to Pembrokeshire and the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Make a visit to Fishguard and stop in the Preseli Hills at the megalithic burial chamber of Pentre Ifan before visiting St David's. Nestled on spectacular coastline and named after the Welsh patron saint, St Davids is the spiritual capital of Wales and holds official city status due to the spectacular St Davids Cathedral and adjoining Bishop's Palace.

Overnight Pembrokeshire ( Wolfcastle Hotel or Lamphey Court )

Day 3 - Pembroke Castle and Tenby

Continue to explore enchanting Pembrokehire visiting Pembroke Castle and nearby Manorbier Castle . Then explore the coastal towns of Saundersfoot and Tenby, a jumble of pastel georgian townhouses, cobbled streets, a sweeping sandy bay and a bustling harbour. Explore the Tenby Museum and Art Gallery and historic Tudor Merchant's House before taking a boat trip to the magical Caldey Island.

Overnight Pembrokeshire ( Wolfcastle Hotel or Lamphey Court ) .

Day 4 - The Gower Peninsula and Caerphilly Castle

Travel east making a stop at the inspiring hamlet of Laugharne and the Boat House, both associated with famous welsh poet Dylan Thomas. Entering Carmarthenshire visit the spectacular National Botanic Gardens of Wales before exploring the beguiling Gower Peninsula coastline. Round off the day visiting Caerphilly Castle and Castell Coch both in the outlying areas of Cardiff.

Overnight Cardiff (Holland House Hotel)

Day 5 - The Welsh Capital, Cardiff

Take a full day to explore the vibrant and unique capital city of Cardiff . Experience welsh history first hand at St Fagan's interactive Museum of Welsh Life before returning to the city-centre where modern developments rub shoulders with unique historic architecture. Visit the National Museum and Gallery of Wales and Cardiff Castle which has evolved throughout history, touched by the Romans, Normans and Victorians. Finally round off the day with a visit to the Millennium Stadium and food or drinks at the fashionable Cardiff Bay Development.

Overnight Cardiff (Holland House Hotel)

Day 6 - Return Home

Make your way back to Bristol or London for your return flights.

Optional Extras

Purchase the Great British Heritage Pass offering free entry and queue skip to a number of sites on the itinerary.
Enjoy a City Sightseeing Tour of Cardiff.