Compare Celtic Wales: Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire by Road Scholar vs Grand Tour of Scotland, England & Wales by Tours of Distinction
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 2,899 | $ 4,300 |
| Price Per Day | $ 264 | $ 430 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
9 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 9 Dinners |
8 Breakfasts | 5 Dinners |
| Description |
From whence springs the distinct Welsh identity? From their proud language, world famous orators and choirs? Or the castles and prehistoric settlements that dot the bucolic countryside? From Snowdonia in the North and Pembrokeshire in the West, venture through a land of magnificent, varied scenery to experience the history and heritage of Celtic Wales and its ancient tradition of myths and legends. |
Scotland evokes images of bagpipes, the Loch Ness Monster, Edinburg’s vennels and wynds of Old Town, Glasgow’s Victorian grandeur, and the rugged beauty of the Highlands. Mystical Wales beckons with the breathtaking beauty of Snowdonia, walled cities, and Medieval Castles. More than 900 years of history awaits you at Windsor Castle, Her Majesty, The Queen’s favorite residence. An experience of a lifetime that is easy, inclusive and affordable awaits you on this guided tour of the United Kingdom. |
Day 1: In Transit to Program
In Flight
Day 2: Arrival Day, Manchester
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Manchester Airport
Lunch: In the hotel dining room for those arriving by lunchtime. A light lunch with coffee, tea and water. Other beverages are available for purchase.
Afternoon: Arrivals continue, with free time for those who have already arrived. At 5pm we will have an Orientation in the hotel. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. This program is staffed with both a Group Leader, who will accompany us throughout the program and deal primarily with logistics, and a Study Leader who will lecture, conduct field trips and serve as an information resource on program-related topics. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date Daily Schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities and answer any questions you may have. We have set aside some free time in the schedule for your personal independent exploration. Please note that program activities, schedules and personnel may need to change due to local circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner: A seated dinner will be taken in the hotel dining room with coffee, tea and water. Other beverages are available for purchase.
Evening: Free time to relax and prepare for the program ahead.
Day 3: Transfer to Betws-y-Coed, Bodnant Gardens, Conwy Castle, Betws-y-Coed
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Royal Oak
Breakfast: In the hotel. A wide range of hot and cold options, as well as coffee, tea, water and fruit juices.
Morning: This morning we transfer by motor coach to Betws-y-Coed via Bodnant Gardens, situated above the River Conwy and one of the finest gardens in the world.
Lunch: Served local fare at Bodnant Gardens.
Afternoon: Travel back to medieval times with a field trip to the imposing Conwy Castle. We’ll enjoy a lecture in the field on the Wars of Edward I, before exploring the castle. Conwy Castle was constructed by Edward between 1283 and 1289 to act as a key fortress in containing the rebellious Welsh. The views from the battlements are breathtaking, looking out across mountains and sea down to the roofless shell of the Great Hall.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Your Study Leader will introduce what you will see, learn and discover over the next eight days.
Day 4: Landscapes & Copper Mines, Betws-y-Coed
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Royal Oak
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: This morning we board the motor coach for a field trip to Great Orme, Llandudno’s mountain, on a beautiful vehicular tram ride. The Great Orme Tramway has been operating since 1902 and was considered an engineering marvel of its age – it is still the only cable-hauled tramway operating on British public roads. We’ll follow this experience with a visit to Great Orme Copper Mines, a Neolithic mine originally abandoned circa 600 BC.
Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.
Afternoon: Investigate through two lectures “The Historical Landscape of the Celts” and “The Roman Invasion”.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Free time. Your Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions should you wish to further explore the local area.
Day 5: The Isle of Anglesey, Betws-y-Coed
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Royal Oak
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: Relax with some free time, or take a walk around the picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed.
Lunch: In the hotel.
Afternoon: Board the motor coach and discover the ancient island of Anglesey. We’ll explore Penmon, where you can see the Romanesque architecture of the island’s medieval monastery before continuing onwards to Beaumaris Village, Gaol and Courthouse. Be sure to keep an eye out for the tongue-twisting town of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, the second longest place name in the world!
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Free time.
Day 6: Environment, Cultural Heritage, Industrial History, Betws-y-Coed
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Royal Oak
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: Investigate the cultural heritage and environment of Wales during a lecture in the hotel, before boarding the motor coach for Snowdonia National Park and a ride on the Ffestiniog railway.
Lunch: In the hotel dining room.
Afternoon: Enjoy a lecture in the field on the Welsh slate industry at Llanberis Slate Museum and quarry followed by a field trip to the Royal Town of Caernarfon. Caernarfon’s royal connections extend all the way back to ancient Celtic chieftains still exist to the present day and the 1969 investiture of Prince Charles as the Prince of Wales. We’ll examine the role of King Edward I’s impressive medieval fortress, Caernarfon Castle, a seat of power and a symbol of English dominance over the subdued Welsh. Due to time constraints we will not be able to visit the castle.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Free time.
Day 7: Transfer to Lamphey, Beddgelert, Fishing & Churches
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Lamphey Court Hotel
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: We board the motor coach and transfer to Lamphey, a peaceful village on the south coast of Pembrokeshire. En-route we will pay visits to the village of Beddgelert, and the beguiling fantasy town of Portmeiron.
Lunch: Taken at the National Library of Wales.
Afternoon: Take an expert-led look at the National Library of Wales, before learning about the importance of fishing and trade to the local community during a field based lecture in Aberaeron, with its Georgian houses and harbour.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: This evening’s lecture reveals the Celtic history of the local area through the inhabitants’ religious convictions and introduces you to the architecture and landscape of the Pembrokeshire National Park.
Day 8: Castell Henllys, The Preseli Mountains, St. David’s, Lamphey
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Lamphey Court Hotel
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: Today we’ll explore the archaeology of the region with a field trip to Castell Henllys via the mysterious Preseli mountains, where you will learn about the early history of Wales. Arriving at Castell Henllys, we’ll find an ancient and important Iron Age hill fort currently under excavation by archaeologists and home to some accurate reconstructions of Iron Age dwellings.
Lunch: Lunch will be taken in the town of Newport.
Afternoon: Further explore the themes of ancient Wales and early Christianity as you continue on to Britain’s smallest city, St. David’s. Situated on the far west coast of Wales and dominated by its 12th Century cathedral, it was granted city status due to its cathedral but is, in reality, a small and attractive village.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Relax and enjoy a performance from a local harpist.
Day 9: Laugharne, Locals, Mixed Voice Choir, Lamphey
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Lamphey Court Hotel
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: Free time.
Lunch: On your own to enjoy what you like.
Afternoon: This afternoon the motor coach departs for the Drefach Felindre Woollen Mill in Carmarthen, before continuing on to Laugharne – a town perhaps best known for its associations with Dylan Thomas.
Dinner: In the hotel.
Evening: Meet and converse with locals and have the opportunity of experiencing one of the true joys of Welsh culture – a Mixed Voice Choir – during an evening of farewells to this beautiful country.
Day 10: Transfer to Heathrow, Caerleon Roman Fortress, London Heathrow
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Heathrow Hotel.
Breakfast: In the hotel.
Morning: Leaving Wales for London Heathrow by motor coach, we will stop en-route at Caerleon. Caerleon is the site of one of Britain’s three Roman Legionary Fortresses, and some even believe it to be the location of King Arthur’s Camelot. In 830 AD Nennius wrote Historia Brittonum and included a list of King Arthur’s battles, one of which he located at “The City of the Legion” – this could well be Caerleon. The remains of some 75 amphitheatres have been located in the wider Roman Empire and Caerleon’s is the best preserved example in Britain.
Lunch: A packed lunch of sandwiches, fruit and a drink or similar will be provided to make the most of this busy transfer day.
Afternoon: The transfer continues.
Dinner: In the hotel dining room.
Evening: Free time.
Day 11: Program Concludes, London Heathrow
Meals: Breakfast
Breakfast: In the hotel. Some participants may depart prior to breakfast.
Morning: Shuttle bus to Heathrow Airport for onward flights. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future.
Day 1 - Depart for Glasgow, Scotland
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Glasgow, Scotland.
Day 2 - Arrive Glasgow - Pitlochry
Following arrival in Glasgow Airport, you will be met by your Local Irish Guide and escorted to your awaiting motor-coach. This morning, you will enjoy a tour of Glasgow City, often described as Britain’s finest Victorian City. In 1999, its architecture won it the accolade of ‘UK City of Architecture and Design’. Your city tour will also include a visit to Glasgow Cathedral, one of the most ancient and historic sites in the city. This afternoon, you will travel to Pitlochry known as the Gateway to the Highlands, where you will check into the beautiful Athol Palace Hotel for a two-night stay. This evening, you will enjoy dinner in your hotel. (D)
Day 3 - Scottish Highlands
Today, you head north to the Scottish Highlands. You travel through the breath-taking Cairngorms National Park to Culloden where the last major battle in Britain was fought on April 16th, 1746. This morning, you can relive the drama with a visit to Culloden Visitor Centre. You continue to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands, where you will have some free time for lunch. This afternoon, you will enjoy a guided cruise on Loch Ness, hear the historic intriguing tales surrounding a mysterious monster, and see the spectacular ruins of Urquhart Castle. From here, you return to Athol Palace and enjoy another delicious dinner. (B & D)
Day 4 - Blair Athol Distillery – St. Andrews – Edinburgh
After breakfast and before departing Pitlochry, you will visit the Blair Athol Distillery and enjoy a guided tour followed by a wee dram before departing. You continue to Dundee before crossing the Tay Bridge to St. Andrews. Not only is St. Andrews famed as the home of golf, it is also an ancient ecclesiastical capital and Scotland’s oldest university. You continue south traveling over the Forth Road Bridge to Edinburgh City for a two-night stay. (B)
Day 5 - Edinburgh
This morning, a tour of Edinburgh City awaits you. You will travel down Princess Street and the historic Royal Mile before visiting the Palace of Holyrood House - the official Scottish residence of her Majesty the Queen. Hear the tales of some truly intriguing characters - the Bodysnatchers, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Greyfriars Bobby. You will visit the majestic Edinburgh Castle and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city from the castle ramparts.
This evening, you will enjoy the Spirit of Scotland Show at the Jam House. This will be a traditional Scottish evening of song and dance accompanied by a great selection of quality Scottish food. (B & D)
Day 6 - English Lakes District – Caernarfon, Wales
This morning, you depart Edinburgh and travel south to the romantic town of Gretna Green for your first stop. You will have an opportunity to visit the Famous Blacksmiths Shop with over 260 years of history and heritage before departing. Your tour continues through England’s scenic Lake District, associated with the poet, William Wordsworth and children’s author, Beatrix Potter. You continue to Conwy where you will visit Conwy Castle regarded as one of the great fortresses of medieval Europe. From here, you travel to Caernarfon for a two-night stay. (B & D)
Day 7 - Snowdon Mountain Railway – National Slate Museum – Caernarfon Castle
Today, we travel a short distance to Llanberis and board Snowdon Mountain Railway. This Victorian railway climbs 1085m to the Summit of Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, where one of the world’s greatest panoramas awaits. From the visitor center, you will get some spectacular views of the valleys below, and on a clear day you can see Ireland in the distance. Following this adventure, you travel to the National Slate Museum and learn the story of the Welsh slate industry. On returning to Caernarfon, you will visit Caernarfon Castle, one of the most impressive castles in Wales. The remainder of the evening is free. (B)
Day 8 - Windsor Castle – London, England
This morning, you depart Caernarfon and head south traveling by the foothills of Cotswold’s mountains before arriving in Windsor. Here, you will visit the impressive Windsor Castle, one of the Queen’s official residences. You will see the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel where Prince Harry and Megan Markle were married. Following your visit, you travel to London City for a two-night stay. (B & D)
Day 9 - London
After breakfast, embark on a panoramic tour of the city. You will see many famous landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Following your tour, the remainder of the afternoon is free to explore this wonderful city on your own. (B)
Day 10 - Depart London
Breakfast at your hotel. Transfer to London Heathrow Airport for check-in for our flight home. On arrival back in the USA, transfer home. (B)
