Wales & England: Coastal Culture, Cuisine & Castles - 5 Days

Day 2: Tour Tintern Abbey & Self-Guided Tour of Hay On Wye Bookshops 

Today begins with exploring the extraordinary Tintern Abbey. Cistercian monks founded Tintern Abbey in 1131; all that remains now of this once-thriving monastery is a romantic ruin lost in time. Discover the abbey's Gothic arches, a testament to pre-Reformation monastic wealth and power. The finest features are the ornate tracery, which once contained windows. The remains of cloisters, the infirmary, the chapter house, the refectory, latrines, and a complex system of drains and sewers are all visible and easy to explore and understand. It is the early writings of William Wordsworth that made put this Abbey on the map. 

Then, it's off to Hay-on-Wye for a self-guided tour—with recommendations provided—of the famous bookshop town. However, this is more than just a booklovers' paradise; it's filled with quirky independent shops, stunning scenery, ruins, and more. It's nestled on the banks of the River Wye and surrounded by the undulating hills of Brecon Beacons National Park. The shops in Hay-on-Wye lend to a town with a sense of self that is seldom found in the UK: a mixture of confidence and relaxation. 

Day 3: Brecon Beacons Tour, Gower Coast Boat Trip & Tenby Ghost Walk

Today's tour is about the Brecon Beacons. Begin the journey traveling toward the Epynt and then onto Pen y Crug Hillfort above Brecon. From there, take in a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Usk Valley. Then, travel to the largest hillfort in South Wales, Hillfort of Garn Goch, with a staggering internal area of 28 acres (11 ha) surrounded by massive stone walls. Though most have collapsed, they're still imposing—the substantial burial cairn is one of the main features.

Then, drive and explore Pen y Crug, a thriving community that once lived in round mud huts with thatched roofs. Only a few miles away are the ruins of Carreg Cennen Castle, standing on a limestone knoll. The castle boasts a spectacular location overlooking Black Mountain in the western corner of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The castle is believed to have been built by the Welsh Prince Rhys Ap Gruffydd in the 12th and 13th centuries. If you're feeling adventurous, explore a tunnel that takes you under the castle. Remember to take a flashlight! 

Next, it's on to the stunning Gower Coast to take a two-hour wildlife boat tour. Start in Oxwich Bay and head to Worms Head to delight in the sights and sounds of hundreds of seabirds during nesting season. Watch seals basking on the rocks or dozing in the water, and the chance to experience the spectacular blowhole at high tide. Keep an eye out for the regularly seen harbor porpoise and playful common dolphins among diving gannets.

Finally, return to Oxwich Bay and depart for the small harborside town of Tenby. Upon arrival, take "The Ghost Walk and Story of Tenby" private two-hour tour. Learn about ghosts, fairies, witches, and strange Pembrokeshire customs, along with omens, mysteries, and murder. Enjoy a mix of lighthearted stories and haunting tales on a leisurely walk with magnificent views, starting at Lifeboat Tavern in Tudor Square. The evening is then yours to enjoy in Tenby. 

Day 4: Tour Caldey Island, Free Time in Portmeirion & Caernarfon Castle

Next is a tour of Caernarfon Castle, a great example of a Middle Ages building. This fortress-palace on the River Seiont has been grouped with Edward I's other castles at Conwy—Beaumaris and Harlech—as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In terms of the sheer scale and architectural splendor, Caernarfon reigns supreme. Its immense curtain walls and daunting King's Gate were designed to withstand conflict. The polygonal towers, eagle statues, and multi-colored masonry echo imperial Roman architecture, especially the walls of Constantinople.

Spend the evening in Caernarfon following the long day. 

Day 5: Llangollen Railway & Craft Beer Tasting & Eat the City Tour in England, Depart