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On this tour we are based
for a week at the at the small market town of Brecon at
the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The town has a
Norman castle, a cathedral, museum and a 400 seat Theatr
Brycheiniog which hosts theatre, jazz festival and art
exhibitions. Not far away is famous Hay-on-Wye with its book
stores and book fair. The location allows us to explore
both the wild country of the interior of Wales, the beautiful
coastline and the historic area where Wales borders England.
Itinerary: The
following are just some of the highlights. Our back-roads
touring will include lovely scenery, visits to interesting
villages and many historic sites.
Saturday: Arrive in Brecon in time for afternoon tea
(travel to Brecon not included)
Sunday: We start the week by travelling on
scenic routes across wild terrain on
old drove roads into some of the wilder parts of Wales and to
some of the towns in mid-Wales, At the Big Pit museum in
Blaenavon we discover the life of a South Wales coal miner. At
the Red Kite feeding station at Gigrin Farm one marvesl at these
agile, wild birds swooping down to be fed.
Monday: The Aberdulais Falls, formed as the river plunges
over beds of hard sandstone before meeting the River Neath, are
home to Europe's largest electricity-generating waterwheel. The
falls and associated industrial infrastructure are in the care
of the National Trust as a key part of the region's industrial
heritage. Continuing on, the seaside resorts of Barry Island,
Porthcawl and Penarth are found on the shoreline of the
spectacular Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Cosmeston is a
"living
history" medieval village in the Vale of Glamorgan. Based
on remains discovered at an archaeological dig, it is a
re-creation of 14th century peasant life in Wales in the Middle
Ages.
Tuesday: Today is market day in the town of Abergavenny. A
sign on the town hall gives Abergavenny the title "Gateway
to Wales". Formerly a medieval walled town, it was
originally a Roman fort, Gobannium. It contains the
remains of a medieval stone castle built soon after the Norman
conquest of Wales. There is a chance to visit the castle with
its turbulent history from the 12th century. Not far from here
is Chepstow and Tintern Abbey (made famous by Wordsworth). On
the return we can stop at Llanthony Priory, a ruined Cistercian
monastery in the Breaon beacons National Park. Or perhaps
Tretower Castle, a military
fortification of great antiquity along with a handsome stone
manor house and a recreated medieval garden.
Wednesday: Free day to
explore the town of Brecon with its castle, museum, theatre and
cultural exhibits as well as its shops and pubs. Perhaps take a
cruise on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.
Thursday: We visit the “Black and White” country of the
Borders where some of the best preserved examples of medieval
and Tudor villages exist, with octagonal bell towers and moated
manor houses. The town of Hay on Wye, on the Welsh side of the
border with England, is know as the town of books with 30
bookshops many selling second hand and antique books. The town
also has an interesting castle. Nearby is Hereford, an
attractive city whose cathedral houses the famous Mappa Mundi, a
12th century map of the world.
Friday: We have a spectacular drive across wild terrain on old
drove roads into some of the wilder parts of Wales with its
beautiful scenery and small towns with unpronounceable names.
Saturday: Tour ends after breakfast.
Cost per person: (based on double occupancy) 729 GBP (Great
Britain pounds)
Sole Occupancy Supplement: 257 GBP
A few small single rooms are sometimes available with a
supplement of 49 GBP.
Extra charges for admissions to museums approximately 50 GBP
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