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Red Dragon, South Wales
 
» Red Dragon - Wales Tour

Croeso! Learn Welsh in 6 days!

Wales - derived from the Saxon word for foreigner. It was to these hills that England's original Celtic inhabitants retreated before the conquering Roman, Saxon and Norman armies. Where 'foreigners' established their Celtic redoubt and preserved their culture. It is here that you find the living heart of the modern Welsh culture. The hills are alive, both with singing and the second oldest language spoken in Europe. Despite the 'retreat' and preservation of an ancient culture, made possible by the protection of the magnificent mountains, the invader left his tell tale sign in castles, settlement and industry. On this tour we see the fantastic scenery of the Snowdon National Park and the most impressive range of 12th Century castles of anywhere in the British Isles.

We enjoy a heritage coastline, a steam train ride into the mountains, visit Cardiff (the capital city), the country's industrial heritage, prehistoric tombs, Roman remains, walled cities, the Valley of Kings and beautiful gardens. All in all, a simply perfect holiday in a simply perfect country!

bath
stonehenge

» DEPARTURE DATES & PRICES FOR YEAR 2010

Tour Inclusions
• 5 nights in traditional & unique accommodation
• Driver/Guide companion
• All mini-coach transportation
• Full English cooked breakfast daily
• Three-course evening meals x 3

Entrance fees as listed:

• Tintern Abbey
• St Fagans, Cardiff
• Portmeirion
• Conwy & Caernarfon castles
• Bodnant Gardens


» TENTATIVE ITINERARY

Day 1  Monmouth
Leaving the bright lights of London behind, our journey heads towards Wales through the exquisite countryside and villages of the Cotswolds where we take the opportunity to stop and explore the picturesque honey coloured villages in the area. From here we continue west and cross the border into Wales, known as Red Dragon country. We visit the impressive Cistercian abbey of Tintern, one of the country's greatest monastic ruins, where we revive the legacy of King Arthur and Knights of the Round Table.
(D)

Day 2   Brecon Beacons
Following an interesting guided tour of the country's capital, Cardiff, we discover several aspects of Welsh history as we explore its cultural heritage, followed by a visit to St Fagans. A walk around Wales - from Celtic times to the present day, St Fagans is one of Europe's leading open-air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction. We then begin our winding Back-Roads journey north along the Rhondda Valley to experience the country's famous mining heritage. We climb to the rim of the Rhigos mountain, beneath which is Wales’ last deep coal mine set against the breathtaking Brecon Beacons panorama. Our rural drive continues through the often ignored but rewarding central region of Wales to our traditional overnight accommodation.
(B/D)

Day 3   Llandudno
Having explored the narrow streets of Georgian and Jacobean buildings of Brecon, we leave this delightful market town and continue along the Abergwesyn Pass from Tregaron to Llanwrtyd Wells - recently voted Britain's most scenic drive - and through the heart of Wales to the eccentricity of Portmeirion. This stunning private coastal village was created by William Clough-Ellis: a combination of rescued architectural follies and his own designs, the whole place is an eclectic, cosmopolitan melange of buildings more redolent of the Mediterranean than north Wales. Those of a certain age might recognise it as the location for the hit 1960's TV series, The Prisoner. Heading northwards, we then follow the scenic coastal route to our base for the next two days in the handsome seaside town of Llandudno.
(B)

Day 4   Llandudno
The flower filled Victorian resort town of Llandudno sits on a beautiful curved sandy bay overlooked by the mighty Great Orme, where you may take an optional tram to the top to experience a spellbinding vista over the Irish Sea and Snowdonia National Park. We then travel along the north Welsh coastline admiring the fortified castle towns of Conwy and Caernarfon before crossing the Menai Straits to the pristine island of Anglesey. This is a whole new world of sightseeing, from prehistoric burial chambers to Celtic and Viking settlements. We also make a brief visit to the famous town of Llanfair P.G and attempt to pronounce its full name,Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.
(B)

Day 5   Shrewsbury
Before continuing our journey through Wales, we visit the magnificent Bodnant Gardens situated above the River Conwy and overlooking the valley towards the Snowdonia range. We immerse ourselves in Welsh culture, skirting Snowdonia where the language still thrives today. We stop at Betws-y-Coed to stroll through this lovely village before moving on to Llangollen where you may take a horse-drawn or motorised boat trip along the Llangollen Canal. Marvel at the architectural achievement of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct before we head across the border to our overnight stop in the delightful market town of Shrewsbury .
(B/D)

Day 6 Stratford-upon-Avon
This morning we have time to independently explore Shrewsbury with its timber crossed mediaeval building, cobbled streets and ancient castle.  Maybe stroll along its river or try the local produce. We then return to the back-roads as we continue our journey and get set to unearth Shakespeare's country. We visit the historic Stratford-upon-Avon, where we admire its historic buildings and literary associations during our guided walking tour of this small town. "Parting is such sweet sorrow" and alas having bid a sad farewell to Wales and the bard we must continue on our journey and return to London.



Twin Share Price £845 GBP    Single £1030 GBP

Whats Included ? Click here for full details

Advantages and price justification - click here.


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Special Offer !
If you book a 10, 13 or 15 day tour you can choose a Free Full Day Tour worth up to £75

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  My mother, Keiko Karat, and sister, Mary Igarashi said the driver/tour guide was wonderful, informative providing them with not only info on the historical sights but also on the culture and goings on in London.
I wish also to comment on the good value of your tour as I searched the web for such a comprehensive, all-round experience.
I could not have asked for better and feel as if I could not have put them in better hands on their day out.
Frances Petrovic, 21-08-03
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