11-Night Family Adventure in Wales and Ireland

Day 2

Accommodation

Luxury 4-Star Hotel - Dublin, County Dublin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12:00noon.
We have secure multi-story car parking in the hotel. We offer residents a discounted overnight rate of €12.50 for 24 hours. Parking is on a first-come-first-served basis. There is a height restriction of 1.9 meters.

Suggested Sightseeing

Grafton Street, County Dublin

Location: Grafton Street runs from Saint Stephen's Green in the south to College Green in the north

Grafton Street is without doubt Ireland's premier shopping street - in terms of retail rent, it's the fifth most expensive in the world! With beautiful historic buildings housing iconic Irish businesses such as Brown Thomas, Weir & Sons and Bewley’s Grafton Street Café, Grafton Street offers an experience that cannot be found elsewhere in the country. Since the 1980s, the street has been mostly pedestrianized, with the exception of a short stretch that runs between Nassau Street and College Green and contains the 18th century Trinity College Provost's House, home to the head of the college. If shopping's not your thing, Grafton Street is still worth checking out. It's a bustling, atmospheric spot, and high quality street performers including musicians, poets and mime-artists commonly perform to the shopping crowds.

Temple Bar, County Dublin

Location: Temple Bar lies in the heart of Dublin City. Located on the south bank of the River Liffey, and just west of Trinity College and Grafton Street.

The lively and vibrant Temple Bar District - Dublin's Cultural Quarter, is well worth a visit. Best known for being Dublin’s major nightlife center, Temple Bar comes alive after dark, with many pubs, restaurants and nightclubs to choose from. For those visiting during the day, the area boasts a timeless charm, with narrow cobbled streets and a plethora of cultural organizations, such as the Irish Film Centre & Project Arts Centre. There are also a variety of small galleries and stores - perfect for a day of shopping. While Temple Bar after dark might not be for everyone, the area is the perfect spot to spend a sunny afternoon. 

Dublin Castle, County Dublin

Since its foundation in 1204, Dublin Castle has been at the heart of the history and evolution of Dublin.  Today, spanning an area of over 44,000 square meters (11 acres), the site contains 2 museums, 2 cafés, an international conference centre, 2 gardens, Government Buildings and the State Apartments (the most important state rooms in the country). The grounds of the Castle are free to explore, as is the Chapel Royal, the Chester Beatty Library, the Garda Museum and the Revenue Museum.  Access to the State Apartments is by guided tour only and tickets may be purchased from the Apartments in the Upper Castle Yard.

Guinness Storehouse, County Dublin

On The Map: The Guinness Storehouse is centrally located in Dublin City at St. James Gate, just off Crane Street and south of the River Liffey. The Storehouse is a leisurely 20 minute stroll west of Trinity College.

Come and explore Ireland’s top visitor attraction, providing an unforgettable welcome and a magical journey deep into the heart of the world famous Guinness brand and company. The Guinness Storehouse is located in the heart of the Guinness Brewery at St James’s Gate, Dublin. Housed in an old fermentation plant, the seven-story visitor experience tells the epic tale of Ireland’s iconic drink and brings to life the heritage of Guinness from early days to growth as a global brand, known all around the world. The experience starts standing at the bottom of the world’s largest pint glass, which rises through the building.  It’s a dramatic story that begins over 250 years ago and ends in The Gravity Bar where visitors will receive a complimentary pint of Guinness while relaxing and enjoying spectacular views over Dublin. 

Day 3

Accommodation

Luxury 4-Star Hotel - Dublin, County Dublin

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 12:00noon.
We have secure multi-story car parking in the hotel. We offer residents a discounted overnight rate of €12.50 for 24 hours. Parking is on a first-come-first-served basis. There is a height restriction of 1.9 meters.

Included Unique Activities

Experience Gaelic Games - Dublin

Experience Gaelic Games is a hands-on activity - full of fun and laughter and delivered in the heart of the community. A fun mix of culture, history, sport, and soft activity. Experience Gaelic Games introduces visitors to Ireland’s greatest cultural secret and most popular sports – Gaelic Football, Hurling (our native Stick and Ball game) and Gaelic Handball in this unique participatory experience. Just about the most memorable and fun Irish experience visitors can have This is an ideal activity for families, friends, and groups of all ages.

You'll start with a meet and greet session with a fun passionate group of coaches followed by a 20-minute introduction into the three games: Gaelic Football, Hurling and Handball. Gain a knowledge of the uniqueness of our games, their central place in our history, how the games evolved and how the games are played. Then the real fun begins with participation in the games! There will be laughter, challenges, team building and joy. Each station will take approx. 40 minutes. Finally. with a comfortable, safety-first helmet and a specially designed stick, get introduced to the oldest and fastest field sport in the world, Hurling!

Suggested Sightseeing

GPO (General Post Office), County Dublin

On The Map: The GPO is located in the very heart of Dublin on O'Connell Street, just north of the River Liffey.

The GPO, headquarters of the Irish postal service, moved several times before finding its current place at the centre of Dublin’s O’Connell Street. Construction of the present building began in August 1814, and was completed in January 1818, at a cost of £50,000. The building was designed by Francis Johnston, an architect with the Board of Works, in Greek revival style. The main section was made with Wicklow granite and the portico, the roof structure over the entrance, of Portland stone. The statues on the roof, by sculptor John Smyth, are of Hibernia, a classical representation in female form of the island of Ireland, with Fidelity to one side and Mercury (the messenger of the gods) on the other. The GPO holds a place of particular symbolic importance for the Irish people. It was the headquarters of the men and women who took part in the famous Easter Rising against British rule in April 1916. While that rebellion ultimately ended in failure, it was the catalyst that led to Irish independence and the creation of a new State in 1922. During the 1916 Rising, the GPO was one of three Dublin landmarks used by the rebels — the Four Courts and Custom House being the others. The GPO was destroyed in the fighting, but was rebuilt and reopened in 1929.

Croke Park & GAA Museum, County Dublin

On The Map: Croke Park is located in the north of Dublin City, between Drumcondra and Ballybough. The stadium is bordered by Jones Road to the west, Clonliffe Road to the north, St. James Avenue to the east and the Royal Canal to the south.

Croke Park is home to major sporting events and concerts in Dublin. In September every year, Croke Park is host to Ireland's two most exciting sporting events - The All-Ireland Hurling & Gaelic Football finals. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is the governing body of Ireland's national sports, but the GAA played a much greater role than just sport in Ireland's tumultous past. The GAA Museum at Croke Park was established to commemorate, recognise and celebrate the GAA's enormous contribution to Irish sporting, cultural and social life since its foundation in 1884. The museum houses a vast collection, including hurleys, jerseys, trophies, medals, programmes, publications and banners that illustrate the development of Gaelic games from ancient times to the present day. Located underneath the Cusack Stand of Croke Park, the museum is open daily throughout the year.  

O'Connell Street, County Dublin

On The Map: Located in the heart of Dublin city, the street's layout is simple but elegant. Within O'Connell Street and it's side streets you'll find endless historical monuments, dining choices and shopping districts, both traditional and high street. O'Connell Street has often been centre-stage in Irish history, attracting the city's most prominent monuments and public art through the centuries, and formed the backdrop to one of the 1913 Dublin Lockout gatherings, the 1916 Easter Rising, the Irish Civil War of 1922, the destruction of the Nelson Pillar in 1966, and many public celebrations, protests and demonstrations through the years – a role it continues to play to this day. State funeral corteges have often passed the GPO on their way to Glasnevin Cemetery, while today the street is used as the main route of the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, and as the setting for the 1916 Commemoration every Easter Sunday. It also serves as a major bus route artery through the city centre.

Attractions:

General Post Office (GPO), Statue of Daniel O'Connell, The Spire, Staute of James Stewart Parnell, Clery's Department Store, Major Shopping Districts.

Day 4

Accommodation

Historic Heritage Hotel - Caernarfon, Wales

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 4.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am. Free on-site parking is available

Included Unique Activities

Private Transfer to/from Dublin Port, Dublin

Your tour includes a luxurious private transfer to or from Dublin Port. If arriving at Dublin Port; once you have collected your luggage, proceed through the Piers, and look for your driver. He/She will be holding an iPad with your name thereon, and will quickly escort you outside, where your ride awaits. Before you know it, you will have arrived at your Dublin City Center Hotel, and your Irish adventure can truly begin! If departing from Dublin Port, we will ensure you arrive in plenty of time to check in for your ferry. Just the perfect part of a well-deserved, relaxing vacation... All part of our Authentic Vacations 5-star Customer Service!

Should you have any difficulty making contact with your driver, please use any Courtesy Phone or contact us.

Ferry from Dublin to Holyhead

Travel by ferry to Dublin and Holyhead and get away the easy way to Ireland and Wales. Enjoy the best travel experience on the Irish Sea onboard the Stena Adventurer or Stena Estrid Superferries travelling 8 times daily between Dublin and Holyhead in only 3 hours 15 minutes.

Suggested Sightseeing

Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, Wales

On The Map: Llanfairpwllgwyngyll is a village on the island of Anglesey in northwest Wales, situated next to the Britannia Bridge.

Llanfairpwllgwyngyll is alternatively known as Llanfairpwll, Llanfair PG, or Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch! The long form of the name contains 58 characters, and was invented for promotional purposes in the 1860s. This is an early example of what has since become a very common practice - a publicity stunt! It is the longest place name in Europe, and the second longest in the entire world, after an 85 character New Zealand place name. 70% of the town's population speak fluent Welch, and the lengthy name translates to: 'St Mary's church in the hollow of the white hazel near to the rapid whirlpool of Llantysilio of the red cave'!

Overnight Location

Caernarfon, Wales

On The Map: Caernarfon is a coastal town, located on the sheltered Menai Strait, in the northwest corner of Wales.

Caernarfon has an exceptionally rich history, with the town's location being continually inhabited since Roman times. Caernarfon is rightly proud of its heritage and boasts the higest proportion of native Welsh speakers in the country. Today, Caernarfon is a bustling market town, thriving harbour and major tourist centre. The focal point of the town is undoubtedly the medieval fortress - Caernarfon Castle - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction of the castle began in 1283 at the behest of King Edward I of England, to assert English power in Wales. It is arguably the most imposing fortress built in Wales by the English. The unique polygonal towers and intimidating battlements were modelled on the walls of Constantinople, and centuries later, its commanding presence is no less impressive.

Day 5

Accommodation

Historic Heritage Hotel - Caernarfon, Wales

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 4.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am. Free on-site parking is available

Included Unique Activities

Rib Boat Safari

Join us for an action-packed 60 minute RIB trip and experience some of the most magnificent sights along the Menai Strait. Departing from St George’s Pier in Menai Bridge, your skipper will be your fun guide as you travel beneath the impressive Menai suspension bridge, into the world famous Swellies. Rest assured you will be in safe hands, as your Skipper skilfully navigates through the channel. The Swellies is rich in history, and you’ll be kept entertained with tales of shipwrecks, fish traps and lions!

After reaching Britannia Bridge and saluting Nelson, you’ll turn around for a second spin through this amazing stretch of water before travelling up the Menai Strait to Beaumaris. Along the way you’ll pass the spectacular houses of Menai Bridge, known locally as Millionaire’s Row, many of which have their own fascinating and sometimes chequered history.

Then it’s a flyby of Garth Pier, the second longest in Wales and onto The Gazelle, a waterfront pub where people once gathered to wait for the ferry to take them from Anglesey to the mainland. The ferry is long gone, but the slipway remains. Onwards from The Gazelle discover the gruesome history of Gallows Point before the colourful and cheery houses of the seaside town of Beaumaris come into view. As the Menai Strait opens out enjoy stunning views of the Eryri mountain range (weather permitting!).

Note: Occasionally the skipper may run this trip in reverse order.

Snowdon Mountain Railway - Heritage Steam Train

Pushed by an original Swiss steam locomotive from 1896, our heritage carriages are accurate re-constructions of the Snowdon Mountain Tramroad & Hotels Co Ltd observation carriages. The Snowdon Lily and The Snowdon Mountain Goat are built on the original chassis and bogies from the carriages of 1896, meaning that today’s visitor can enjoy the same experience our ancestors did, as they journey through the clouds up Yr Wyddfa, Snowdon.

Seating only 34 passengers with a central aisle, we urge passengers who prefer a little more room to book their trip on the Heritage Steam Experience. There are three Steam departures a day from 10:30am, June through September (weather conditions permitting). The journey time to Clogwyn is approximately 45 minutes and passengers have a 30-minute stop-over at this unsheltered station before returning on the same train. Please be aware that there are no facilities at Clogwyn, or on-board the trains. The service represents approximately 2-hour experience overall.

Suggested Sightseeing

Menai Bridge, Wales

National Slate Museum, Wales

Since its original opening in 1972, the National Slate Museum has invited its visitors to travel back in time and discover the industry that chiselled itself into the very being of Wales - slating. The museum is set in the Victorian workshops at the site of the vast Dinorwig quarry. The workshops and buildings are designed as though quarrymen and engineers have just put their tools down and left work for the evening. After a few years of remodeling, the museum reopened in 1999 with the new features and facilities that you will see on your visit.

Day 6

Accommodation

5-Star Natural Glamping - Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 12 PM Noon.

Suggested Sightseeing

Portmeirion, Wales

Portmeirion is a tourist village in Gwynedd, North Wales. It was designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 in the style of an Italian village, and is now owned by a charitable trust. His creative vision for an Italianate-style, private peninsula village on the Snowdonia coast resulted in a charming tourist destination with a Mediterranean feel.

The village is located in the community of Penrhyndeudraeth, on the estuary of the River Dwyryd, 2 miles (3.2 km) south east of Porthmadog, and 1 mile (1.6 km) from the railway station at Minffordd, which is served by both the narrow gauge Ffestiniog Railway and Arriva Trains Wales (Cambrian Line).

Portmeirion is open to day visitors every day of the year except Christmas Day. Hours of opening: 09:30 - 17.30  Shops close at 17.30. Cafes are open 10.00 - 17.00. 

Portmeirion has a admission charge for adults, concessions and children aged 5 - 15 years.  Children under 5 do not pay an admission charge. Resident guests of the Hotel Portmeirion, Castell Deudraeth and Portmeirion's Self-catering cottages do not pay for admission to the village.

Overnight Location

Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales

Day 7

Accommodation

5-Star Natural Glamping - Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 3 PM on your day of arrival. Check-out before 12 PM Noon.

Suggested Sightseeing

Day at Leisure in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Wales

Spend today exploring the area surrounding Blaenau Ffestiniog. Satisfy your adventurous side and try out Zip World Titan (weather permitting). Zip World Titan is the first of its kind and the only 4-person zip line in Europe, riders reach speeds up to 70mph over a repurposed slate mine. For those who prefer to explore underground, take advantage of Bounce Below - a subterranean playground, installed with huge “bouncy nets” and illuminated by technicolored lights. The system of nets are linked together by walkways and slides. Or perhaps you would prefer to join a Llechwedd Deep Mine Tour, allowing you to travel into the belly of the beast on the steepest cable railway in Britain.   

Day 8

Accommodation

Boutique Seaside Hotel - Aberystwyth, Wales

Check in policies:

Check-in time is between 3.00pm - 8.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am.

Suggested Sightseeing

Devil's Bridge Falls, Wales

Discover the world-famous Devils Bridge Falls in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains. These unique falls have attracted thousands of visitors since the 18th century, including William Wordsworth. Choose from two different scenic walks - the Nature Trail, Waterfalls & 3 Bridges or the Punchbowl & 3 bridges - each offering their own stunning scenery. 

Vale of Rheidol Railway, Wales

Explore the stunning Rheidol Valley aboard the Vale of Rheidol Railway (originally opened in 1902). During the summer, you have the option to sit in one of the Summer Carriages, allowing you to feel the wind in your hair. Or perhaps you would prefer to watch the scenery from the comfort of a First Class Observation Saloon. See the countryside change as you travel through wide open fields and meadows, woodland and rugged mountain scenery. Keep an eye out for birds of prey such as Red Kites and Buzzards (regularly seen soaring high above the valley floor). 

Overnight Location

Aberystwyth, Wales

 Aberystwyth is the principal holiday resort and administrative centre of the west coast of Wales. It is also home to the University of Wales Aberystwyth and the National Library. The town is nestled between three hills and two beaches, and hosts some castle ruins, a pier and a harbour. The surrounding hills hold the visible remains of an iron age fort and also a monument to Wellington that offers stunning views of Cardigan Bay once climbed.

Day 9

Accommodation

Magnificent Castle Hotel - Haverfordwest, Wales

Check in policies:

Check-in time is between 4:00pm and 7:00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11:00am.
Roch Castle has a gated entrance. To enter, press the button on the silver post outside the entrance to the right-hand side, and the gates will open for you. When leaving the property via car, the gates' sensor open the gates for you. If you are walking, there will be a silver box located on the wall on the left-hand side of the gate.
If you need any assistance with your arrival, please contact the castle directly at +44 1437 725 566.

Suggested Sightseeing

Pembrokeshire Coast, Wales

On the map: Pembrokeshire is a county in the south-west of Wales. It is bordered by Carmarthenshire to the east, Ceredigion to the northeast, and is otherwise surrounded by the sea.

Known across the world for its awesome coastal scenery, protected by Britain’s only coastal National Park, Pembrokeshire is the perfect holiday destination; golden sands backed by towering cliffs teeming with wildlife and covered in a riot of flowers, especially in spring.

St David's Cathedral , Wales

St David's is one of the great historic shrines of Christendom. Nowhere in Britain is there a more ancient cathedral settlement, for it reaches back fourteen centuries and survived the plunder of the Norsemen in the 'Dark Ages'. St David chose this wild, beautiful region as the site of his monastery in the 6th century and you will find his shrine in the purple-stoned cathedral, which nestles inconspicuously in a grassy hollow beneath the rooftops of the tiny city.

The Gatehouse contains an exhibition designed to introduce the pilgrim/visitor to the history and life of the Cathedral today including its daily worship. There is information about St David himself, about the medieval pilgrimage to St Davids (two trips to St David's was equal to one to Rome itself), and the importance of St Davids. In medieval times St Davids occupied a strategic position at the junction of major land and sea routes between England, Wales and Ireland and therefore the monarch took an interest in St Davids, William the Conqueror visiting in 1081.

Overnight Location

Haverfordwest, Wales

Known for being Pembrokeshire County’s central town, Haverfordwest is an attractive and ancient county town. In Elizabethan times, the town was the second-largest port in Wales and remained the main port in West Wales until the coming of the railway in 1853. The center of the town is dominated by the Western Cleddau and the castle that towers above it, and features a variety of shops and attractions.   

Day 10

Accommodation

4 Star Luxury Spa Hotel - Cardiff, Wales

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 4.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am. The Hotel is located in the centre of Cardiff city, therefore we are unable to offer on-site parking or valet parking services. The NCP Cardiff Westgate Street public car park is within walking distance to the hotel.

Suggested Sightseeing

Pembroke Castle, Wales

Idyllically set on the banks of the river estuary, this mighty fortress is largely intact, and its endless passages, tunnels and stairways are great fun to explore, plus there are super exhibitions, which tell the tale of its medieval life. Once the seat of a succession of major barons who played leading roles in shaping Britain's history, this historic showpiece is the birthplace of Henry Tudor, father to the infamous Henry VIII and grandfather of Elizabeth I. Spend a day, and picnic in the beautifully kept grounds or from St. Anne's Bastion, enjoy views along the estuary while partaking of refreshments from the snack bar. Complete your visit with a walk around the medieval town walls and millpond, and from the opposite bank of the river, view the castle in all its splendour, surrounded by this peaceful stretch of water.

Castell Coch - The Red Castle, Wales

 This enchanting mixture of Victorian Gothic fantasy and fairytale castle features many lovely rounded towers and turrets. Another of Britain's famous "sham" castles, this attractive medieval castle was actually constructed near the end of the 19th century. A tremendous amount of detail was put into it by its creators, the third Marquess of Bute and an eccentric genius called William Burges. Rich decorations house the interior, including details of the saints, Aesop's fables and many animals. Informative interactive displays and touch screens offer fun facts as guests explore the castle and its lovely grounds.

Tenby, Wales

Tenby is a walled seaside town in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, on the western side of Carmarthen Bay. Tenby is one stunning, and historic fishing village that you have to see in Wales. Perched within the beautiful region of Pembrokeshire, it’s probably one of the nicest seaside towns in all of West Wales. It’s got a little something for everyone, from; historic castles, sandy beaches and plenty of tasty restaurants, too. You’ll be spoilt for choice when looking for the best things to do in Tenby during your trip. 

Notable features of Tenby include 2.5 miles (4.0 km) of sandy beaches; the 13th-century medieval town walls, including the Five Arches barbican gatehouse; the 15th century St. Mary's Church; the Tudor Merchant's House (National Trust); Tenby Museum and Art Gallery; and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, part of Britain's only coastal National Park. Boats sail from Tenby's harbor to the offshore monastic Caldey Island, while St Catherine's Island is a tidal island. The town is served by Tenby railway station.

Overnight Location

Cardiff, Wales

On The Map: The City of Cardiff is the Capital of Wales, and is located in a sheltered location on its southern coast. Cardiff is 150 miles / 2.5 hours drive directly west of London on the M4 Motorway.

Cardiff boasts a rich, almost 2000 year history. The first recorded settlers in 55 A.D. were pioneers of the Roman Empire, who constructed a fort on the current site of Cardiff Castle, taking advantage of the city's strategic position at the center of three river systems. The Roman Fort protected local inhabitants for 300 years, before being abandoned as Roman power and influence rapidly declined. Impressive Cardiff Castle (pictured), dating from the 11th century, now occupies the site. Most of the original Roman construction is long since buried beneath the castle, though a portion of the old Roman walls are still visible at the Castle's Interpretative Centre. Visitors can learn more about Cardiff's long & interesting history at The Cardiff Story - a free museum. Cardiff boasts a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, featuring opera, ballet, musicals, and very high quality live music to suit all tastes, not to mention a diverse range of theatres, galleries & museums.

Day 11

Accommodation

4 Star Luxury Spa Hotel - Cardiff, Wales

Check in policies:

Check-in time is after 4.00pm on your day of arrival. Check-out time is before 11.00am. The Hotel is located in the centre of Cardiff city, therefore we are unable to offer on-site parking or valet parking services. The NCP Cardiff Westgate Street public car park is within walking distance to the hotel.

Included Unique Activities

24-Hour Cardiff Hop On Hop Off Bus

Hop on board with City Sightseeing to explore Cardiff properly, one of the youngest and fastest growing capital cities in Europe. Explore some of the city's greatest attractions, such as the Principality Stadium, Cardiff Castle, The National Museum of Wales and the beautiful tranquil Alexandra Gardens across 11 strategically located bus stops.

Your journey around the biggest city in Wales starts at the remarkable Cardiff Castle, with walls and fairy-tale towers that conceal 2,000 years of history. Hop on the unmissable bright red City Sightseeing Bus to head on to bus stop 2 - the National Museum of Wales. Here you can explore the museum free of charge, with a busy programme of exhibitions and events, there is something to amaze everyone. At bus stop 5 is the wonderful Cardiff Bay. The next stop, number 6, is Mermaid Quay, a waterfront shopping centre with plenty of bars, restaurants, cafes and shops. Hop off for a mooch around and a grab a drink or a bite to eat.

The 9th stop is Lloyd George Avenue - around one mile long, this lively and vibrant road links the Inner Harbour of Cardiff Bay to Cardiff city centre. The Principality Stadium is the 11th and final stop before you loop back round to Cardiff Castle. This incredible venue has hosted many major sporting events, and is the second-largest stadium in the world with a fully retractable roof.

Suggested Sightseeing

Cardiff Castle, Wales

 Located in the center of the city, Cardiff Castle stands on a site once occupied by a Roman fort, parts of which (the walls, 4th century polygon bastions and the north gate) have been preserved and partially restored. The castle is in fact three fortresses in one. A new castle was built in 1090 on an artificial moat, and a range of richly decorated buildings added later (the whole complex was rebuilt at vast expense between 1865 and 1920). Highlights include the State Apartments, the Clock Tower, the Chapel and a spectacular Banqueting Hall with murals telling the tales of Robert the Consul and a huge ornate fireplace. Time your visit right, and you'll be rewarded with a chance to witness jousting tournaments, medieval markets and other fun events.

Day 12

Depart From

Depart from Cardiff Airport, Wales

Today you will depart out of Cardiff Airport