Rugged mountains, lush valleys, untouched coastline and thriving cities, South East Wales showcases every aspect of Wales’ diverse appeal.
Encompassing the counties of Glamorgan, Monmouthshire and the South Wales valleys, the South East of Wales stretches from the English border and the Severn Estuary in the East to the city of Swansea in the West. The region’s landscapes are diverse from the barren mountain hillsides of the Rhonda and Taff valleys to the gently rolling hills of Monmouthshire’s rural landscapes and the border villages of the meandering Wye Valley. The region’s coastline is equally beguiling with the secluded bays of the Gower Peninsula one of the country’s best kept secrets.
Similarly, the South East of Wales is a cultural pallet made up of the spectacular contrasting colours of Welsh heritage where ancient sites and industrial heritage rub shoulders. There are a number of stunning and unique examples of medieval architecture found in the imposing fortresses of Raglan Castle, Caerphilly Castle and Chepstow Castle not to mention the majestic beauty of the ruins at Tintern Abbey set peacefully on the banks of the tranquil river Wye.
Just a short drive away however and you’ll find yourself in the Welsh Valleys which are synonymous with Wales’ industrial heritage; once providing coal for export all over the world the region comprises a number of mining communities and an intriguing history which can be explored at Big Pit, a live working mine, and the iron works of Blaenavon which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites for their cultural significance. If you’re looking for a more modern culture however look no further than the capital city of Cardiff, one of Britain’s hippest cities for shopping and nightlife but retaining a distinct Welsh identity.
As a result of its industry and commercial success, and partly due to its close links with the affluent southeast of England, the South East of Wales is the nation’s most populous region. Three of Wales’ five cities are found here; besides Cardiff there is also Newport which was home to the 2010 Ryder Cup and the up-and-coming city of Swansea which is hot on the heels of Cardiff. The region is dotted with a host of charming towns and villages from the mining communities of the valleys to quaint medieval market towns such as those at Monmouth, Usk and Abergavenny.
To experience a true taste of what has shaped Welsh culture throughout history, the South East of Wales is an integral part of any Wales tour.
Sparsely populated there are no cities but just a handful of small towns and villages in mid Wales. The region’s quaint communities such as market town Crickhowell, Victorian Spa town of Llandrindod Wells and bustling fishing village Aberaeron each hold their own unique charms whilst the focal point is the sweeping coastal resort of Aberystwyth home to the National Library of Wales and, in recent years, a lively cosmopolitan student population.
With traditional Welsh townships, some of the nation’s cultural highlights and tranquil natural beauty, mid Wales is more than a stop-over between the north and south on any Wales tour.
A Castle Tour of Wales – A nation renowned for its ancient fortresses, discover the heritage and natural beauty of Wales on a trip staying in elegant country house hotels and grandiose castle accommodations. Explore the untouched landscapes of Snowdonia and Pembrokeshire and the awe-inspiring ruins of Wales' glorious World Heritage Castles including Conwy, Harlech and Caernarfon. Your tour ends with two nights in the cosmopolitan capital city of Cardiff.
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A small group tour of Wales, Devon and Cornwall – Discover the captivating blend of Celtic heritage and breathtaking scenery as you explore the South West of England and the enchanting nation of Wales. From the elegant Georgian city of Bath, we'll journey over the wild moorlands of Devon and along the rugged coastlines of Cornwall before crossing the border to traverse the hills and mountains of Wales. In these distinct regions we'll not only enjoy awe-inspiring natural landscapes but also experience regions of ancient history, rich in myth and legend. On our journey we'll see Roman ruins, roam cobbled fishing towns, visit evocative castle ruins and explore elegant stately homes as well as spending time discovering the vibrant Welsh capital, Cardiff. Combining our Treasures of Devon and Cornwall and Enchanting Wales tours, this unforgettable journey showcases the very best of two unique regions.
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A small group tour of England and Wales – Embark on an unforgettable journey through the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of England and Wales. Discover some of Britain’s most spectacular scenery, from the golden shores of Pembrokeshire and the dramatic peaks of Snowdonia in Wales to the rolling hills of Yorkshire and the stunning Lake District in England. Along the way, enjoy a variety of memorable experiences, including visits to medieval castles, elegant country manors, and charming villages, as well as the historic cities of Cardiff, Oxford, Chester, and York. Combining our Enchanting Wales and England’s Rustic Charm itineraries, this tour offers a captivating exploration of the very heart and soul of Britain.
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A Great Britain Rail Tour - Make use of Britain's extensive rail network on this comprehensive rail tour through England, Scotland and Wales. Your journey will take you from the bustling city of London over scenic rail routes to the remote Highlands of Scotland. You’ll experience Britain’s many cultural highlights along the way including the historic cities of Cardiff, Bath, York and Edinburgh. In selected destinations your trip is complemented with small-group day tours to ensure you reach those out-of-the-way highlights such as Stonehenge, the rustic scenery of the Lake District and Loch Ness.
View this tourA private chauffeur tour of Wales – Experience the incredible sights, sounds and unique culture of the wonderful nation of Wales on this entirely private tour with your very own Welsh driver. After time in Cardiff, the Welsh capital, to explore independently, you and your travel companions will be personally chauffeured across South, West and North Wales. Escorted by your local driver, this epic journey will take you along the coastlines and through the mountain lanes of Snowdonia to experience the historic monuments, breathtaking natural sights and local charm that Wales so richly embodies.
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Rail Tour of Britain – Travel by train on this rail adventure through Britain touching the highlights of England, Scotland and Wales. Visit the elegant historic cities of York, Bath and Chester and enjoy scenic rail journeys through the rolling hills of the English Lake District, the Scottish Lowlands and the Welsh border Marches. Your trip is rounded off with stays in no fewer than three capital cities in London, Edinburgh and Cardiff and includes selected day-tours to reach more rural sites such as the Cotswolds and Stonehenge.
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A Rail Tour of Wales – Enjoy an epic rail journey taking you to all corners of this small but magnificent nation. Your rail tour takes you from the Welsh capital of Cardiff through the rugged coastlines of Pembrokeshire to the dramatic mountains of the Snowdonia National Park. Medieval castles and historic harbour towns await as well as some of Wales' renowned historic and heritage railway lines which will take you on some of the most scenic rail journeys that Britain has to offer. All in all a comprehensive tour of Wales travelling by train.
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A rail tour of South West England – Journey along the Great West Way®, the ancient route linking London with the West of England, and within easy reach of Wales, Oxford and Salisbury. Travel by rail from scholarly Oxford through historic Wiltshire to the Regency elegance of Bath before crossing the border to Cardiff, the Welsh capital. Along the way, discover the rural charm of the Cotswolds, the prehistoric wonders of Stonehenge, and the undiscovered landscapes of the Wye Valley. An ideal tour for experiencing the southwest of England and the timeless heritage of Wales.
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A Driving Tour of Wales - Immerse yourself in breath-taking natural scenery and an ancient Celtic culture as you explore the diminutive nation of Wales. A land of contrasts from the cosmopolitan capital city of Cardiff to the tiny cathedral village of St Davids and from the industrial valleys of the South to the majestic snow-capped peaks Snowdonia in North Wales you’ll see it all on this journey of discovery. Along the way see untouched coastlines, medieval fortresses, meandering rivers, ancient abbeys and a host of traditional towns and villages.
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Enjoy an England and Wales driving tour to experience the contrasts of two distinct British cultures on this in-depth tour of two of Britain's intriguing nations. Enjoy the contrasting vistas of the patchwork fields of the Cotswolds, the rustic Yorkshire Dales, the mountains of Snowdonia and the coastlines of the Pembrokeshire National Park. Not to mention icons of English and Welsh history at Conwy Castle, York Minster, Shakespeare’s Stratford, Cardiff Castle and Stonehenge.
View this tourA small group tour of Wales – Experience the captivating beauty and rich heritage of Wales on this unforgettable journey through one of Britain’s most enchanting nations. After a stay in the vibrant capital city of Cardiff, we’ll discover nation's beguiling natural beauty from the coastlines of Pembrokeshire, the majestic peaks of Snowdonia National Park, and the upland wilderness of the Brecon Beacons. Along the way, we’ll explore charming market towns, picturesque villages, ancient sites and some of the country’s most impressive medieval castles. Often overlooked, Wales is a hidden treasure, renowned for its stunning scenery, fascinating history, and enduring Celtic traditions that are sure to leave you truly enchanted.
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A British Rail Tour – Get two countries for the price of one as you use the British rail network to explore the rails England and Wales. Your itinerary will include scenic rail rides through the scenic Welsh border Marches and over the Yorkshire Dales whilst overnight stops include the historic cities of Chester and York and the cosmopolitan Welsh capital city of Cardiff. In order to best explore the rural landscapes of Wales we’ve included two separate day tours to explore the South Wales countryside and the mountains of Snowdonia in the North Wales.
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A Wales Rail Tour – Relax and enjoy the views of your scenic rail journeys as you explore the unique culture and landscapes of Wales. From the cosmopolitan capital of Cardiff this rail journey will take you to the rugged coastlines of Pembrokeshire, through the picturesque Welsh border Marches and into the dramatic landscapes of the Snowdonia National Park. Along the way you’ll see the beautiful coastal towns of Tenby and Llandudno, historic Shrewsbury and the hidden gem in medieval Conwy.
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A South Wales Driving Tour – Enjoy a journey of contrasts taking you from the barren Moorlands of the Brecon Beacons and the rugged coastlines of Pembrokeshire to the bright lights of the bustling Welsh capital of Cardiff. Along the way you’ll experience Welsh culture, hear the welsh language, see ancient abbeys, immerse yourself in abundant wildlife and of course visit a host of ancient castles ruins.
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A Small Group Tour of Britain - Discover the remote corners and hidden gems of Britain on this small group adventure through the English counties of Devon & Cornwall and the unique nations of Wales and Scotland. From the windswept cliffs of the Cornish Peninsula to the mountain beauty of the Snowdonia National Park and the wilderness of the Scottish Highlands, this tour blends dramatic and diverse landscapes with a common Celtic heritage and local charm. We'll explore ancient castles, historic abbeys, opulent country estates, quaint villages and the vibrant heritage cities of Bath, Cardiff and Edinburgh. Combining our "Treasures of Devon and Cornwall", "Enchanting Wales” and “Secrets of Scotland” itineraries, you'll find folklore, local flavours, and unforgettable scenery at every turn, on this tour of Britain off the beaten path.
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A Britain Rail Tour – Experience the cities and landscapes of two great nations on this rail journey of discovery through England and Scotland. Travelling from vibrant London in the South to romantic Edinburgh in the North and back again your itinerary will take you through the historic cities of Oxford, Glasgow and York. Along the way you’ll experience scenic rail-rides through the rolling British countryside and enjoy hand-picked day tours to reach the rural sites and villages of the Cotswolds, the Lake District and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park.
View this tourA small group tour of Wales and England’s West Country – A perfect combination of Celtic cultures, discover the beauty of England’s South West region and the beguiling landscapes of Wales. Our journey will take us firstly over the barren moorlands of Devon and along the rugged coastlines and fishing villages of the Cornish Peninsula. We then cross the border to the ancient nation of Wales where we'll experience towering mountain ranges, dramatic castle ruin and an utterly unique culture. Along the way we'll sample local treats, visit Stately homes, experience the grandeur of the Regency city of Bath and spend time in the Welsh Capital of Cardiff. This journey is a combination of our “Treasures of Devon and Cornwall” and “Enchanting Wales” tours.
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A small group tour of Wales and the Cotswolds – Experience the rich Celtic heritage of Wales alongside the timeless beauty of England’s Cotswolds on this captivating journey through some of Britain’s most picturesque regions. Discover breathtaking natural scenery, from the rugged coastlines of Pembrokeshire and the dramatic peaks of Snowdonia to the gentle rolling hills and patchwork fields of the Cotswolds. Along the way, explore secluded Welsh market towns and an array of timeless English villages not to mention the heritage cities of Cardiff, Oxford and Chester. This itinerary combines our Enchanting Wales and Cotswolds & Historic England tours into one unforgettable experience.
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A small group tour of Scotland and Wales – Discover the hidden corners of Britain, from the breathtaking Pembrokeshire coastline and the majestic peaks of Snowdonia to the rugged wilderness of the Scottish Highlands and the remote beauty of the Isle of Skye. While Wales and Scotland remain among Britain's lesser explored regions, they captivate visitors with their rich Celtic heritage, distinctive cultures, and spectacular natural landscapes. Along the way, enjoy stays in the historic cities of Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Inverness, as well as time to experience the vibrant English city of Manchester. This itinerary combines the highlights of our Enchanting Wales and Secrets of Scotland small group tours into one unforgettable journey.
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