WALES BORDER EXPLORER

Images courtesy of © Crown copyright (2008) Visit Wales.

The tour travels east of Cardiff to Newport, Wales’ youngest city, then north to Blaenavon, a town which played a vital part in the Industrial Revolution. Guided underground tour of Big Pit coalmine led by ex-miners and visit the Iron Works 18th century furnished stone cottages. Sightseeing of the scenic Usk Valley and the eastern part of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Lunch stop at the picturesque market town of Crickhowell. After lunch travel further north to visit Tretower Court and Castle followed by further sightseeing of the park. Depart at 4pm for the return journey to Cardiff.

Times: Departs 09.00 & Returns 17.30 approx

Prices:
Adult £45.00
Concession £40.00 (over 60s & Students)
Child £25.00 (over 5years & under 16 years

Departure Day: Thursday all year round (From 2012 Departure Day Saturday all year round)

ITINERARY

Visit the South Wales valley town of Blaenavon, a place that played a vital part in the Industrial Revolution which transformed the landscape, culture and society of Wales. Situated at the head of the Afon Valley on the slopes of the Coity and Blorenge mountains is Big Pit, (Pwll Mawr), National Mining Museum of Wales. A real coal mine, where for over 200 years was once the workplace for hundreds of men, women and children. Discover what life was like on an underground guided tour led by ex-miners. Followed by a visit to 18th century furnished stone cottages at Engine Row and Stack Square, where you will witness how difficult life was for working families.

Next we travel to the beautiful Usk Valley, crossing the charming 16th-century stone bridge for our lunch stop at Crickhowell, a picturesque Mid Wales market town, built on the edge of a hill looking towards the Sugar Loaf Mountain and Table Mountain. Above the town on the hillside is Crug Hywel, where the first settlement was made over 2000 years ago, and where the name Crickhowell comes from. The town has small independent shops, bustling atmosphere, and one of the richest areas in Wales for 17th-century architecture.

After lunch we travel further north to a location which offers two medieval buildings: the ruins of the four-storey 12th Tretower Castle and the 14th Tretower Court, a manor house with recreated medieval gardens and orchard. Cadw, the Welsh Governments heritage authority, has recently undertaken major restoration of the opulent interiors of the 15th and 17th century. The medieval buildings are located on flat meadowland, hugging the northern bank of a small tributary of the river Rhiangoll and separated by 'The Castell Greene' - the place where the manor courts were held. A stunning location overlooked by the Black Mountains. (2011 schedule:Tretower will close week days from November to end December. During this closure we extend our tour of the Brecon Beacons National Park. 2012 schedule: changing to a Saturday Tretower is open all year round.

We depart Tretower mid afternoon and continue sightseeing of the eastern side of the Brecon Beacons National Park with rolling hillsides and lush green valleys, to Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, considered by many to be Britain's most picturesque canal. At 4pm we start our return journey traveling south to Cardiff.

Departure & Return Point: National Museum CF10 3NP Click here to see map

Inclusions
Mercedes Executive mini- coach with large panoramic windows to deliver the best views and air conditioned. Services of a professional driver, who will select the best scenic routes for your tour and personal guide to provide live commentary en route and be on hand all day to give advice and information.

Exclusions
Lunch and refreshments
Entrance to Tretower Court & Castle Price list April 1-31 October 2011 Adult £4.00 & Concession £3.60

Payment Method
Card transaction processed safely and securely by PayPal
Card Transaction Fee – No Charge

Your guide is on hand all day to give advice and information and your coach driver to select the best scenic routes for your tour. Mercedes coaches renowned for their reliability & safety with huge panoramic windows for the very best views above the hedgerows. 15 high backed coach seats, 3-point belts, first class sound system and air conditioned.

Wales Sightseeing Tours | Privacy Policy | Website Terms & Conditions | Contact | Sitemap

Office open Monday to Sunday 09:00 - 21:00 GMT - Email: jan@wherewhenwales.com