Hafen
Cardiff

Explore the largest castle in Wales, and second-largest in Britain, during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion to Caerphilly Castle.

Cardiff, Caerphilly Castle

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Caerphilly Castle. The castle was built between 1268 and 1271 by Gilbert 'the Red' de Clare, a redheaded nobleman of Norman descent, to stop Llywelyn ap Gruffydd's southward ambitions. At the time of its construction, Caerphilly Castle was a revolutionary masterpiece of military planning. Once the threat posed by Llywelyn receded, the castle no longer had a military use and deteriorated during several centuries of disrepair. However, in the late-18th century, the Marquess of Bute acquired Caerphilly Castle and undertook extensive restoration. The work continued throughout the last century under the fourth Marquess, and, in 1950, the castle and grounds were handed over to the government, who continued their restoration.

Guided Tour, Great Hall, 'Leaning Tower', Rings of Stone, Water Defences, Free Time, Gift Shop

Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of Caerphilly Castle, one of the greatest medieval castles of western Europe. Concentrically-planned, the rings of stone and water defences are formidable, even today. The striking features of this castle include an impressive, 14th-century Great Hall and the famous 'Leaning Tower'. The castle was also recently featured in the BBC TV series, Merlin. Following a guided, approximately one-hour walking tour, some free time is made available to explore the castle further and browse the gift shop. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Cardiff Castle, robust and magnificent and at the very heart of the capital, close to the city centre and the magnificent Bute Park, the Castle’s enchanting fairy-tale towers conceal an elaborate and splendid interior. Visit the Castle and its grounds in the company of your knowledgeable local guide.

Contained within its mighty walls is a history spanning nearly 2,000 years, dating from the coming of the Romans in the first century AD. After the Norman Conquest, the Castle’s Keep was built, and a number of medieval fortifications and dwellings followed. The Castle fell into the possession of many noble families, until, in 1766, it passed by marriage to the Bute family. The 2nd Marquess of Bute was responsible for turning Cardiff into the world’s greatest coal exporting port. The Castle and the Bute fortune passed to his son John, the 3rd Marquess, who by the 1860’s was reputed to be the richest man in the world.

From 1866 the 3rd Marquess employed the genius architect William Burges to transform the Castle lodgings. Within gothic towers he created lavish and opulent interiors, rich with murals, stained glass, marble, gilding and elaborate wood carvings. Each breath-taking room has its own special theme, including Mediterranean gardens and Italian and Arabian decoration.

As well as visiting the spectacular interiors, there will be time to enjoy the Castle grounds, where peacocks, ducks and geese wander freely, and falconry displays are enjoyed.

Enjoy a panoramic tour of Cardiff, Wales’s vibrant capital city and view some of the city’s major landmarks including Cathays Park (Cardiff’s Civic Center) Principality Stadium (formally the Millennium Stadium), home to the Welsh Rugby Team, and of course Cardiff Castle.   

See Cardiff Bay, transformed from the old Cardiff Docks, once one of the busiest coal exporting ports in the world, to a lively leisure and retail complex boasting a mix of old and new architecture. See the Welsh Millennium Centre, which was built from Welsh wood, steel and slate, the Pierhead building, the old headquarters of the docks and the Norwegian church.   You can also see the Cardiff Bay Barrage, constructed to create 8km of permanent waterfront.

Following your scenic drive, enjoy some free time in Cardiff to perhaps explore the wonderful old shopping arcades where you will find all manner of independent shops and cafes, or you may like to visit the National Museum of Cardiff and admire its collection of impressionist art described as one of the best North of Paris.

After your exploration of Cardiff re-join your coach for the return journey to the ship.

Take the short journey by coach to the start of your city walking tour. Begin at Cardiff Castle and learn about its 2,000 years of history from Roman fortress to Norman stronghold to a Victorian folly. Explore the city centre as you pass by some of the country’s most famous buildings, The Principality Stadium (the home of the Welsh National Rugby Team) and the magnificent Civic Centre dominated by the City Hall. Inspired by English and French Renaissance architecture, when Cardiff’s prosperity from the coal industry was at its height.  Afterwards, enjoy some free time in the city to explore further.

Reboard your coach and transfer to Cardiff Bay and discover how the once busiest coal exporting port in the world has been transformed into a vibrant waterfront development. Whilst in Cardiff Bay see a mixture of old and new architecture including the Wales Millennium Centre and Welsh Parliament, The Senedd (Welsh Parliament), the Pierhead Building and Norwegian Church. In the distance capture views of the Cardiff Bay Barrage and Cardiff Bay, before the short journey by coach back to the port.

Visit Dyffryn Gardens, an exceptional example of Edwardian garden design.

The story of Dyffryn estate dates back to the 7th century, and after having several owners, it was eventually acquired by John Cory in 1891. Cory built the present house on the estate in 1893, and Thomas Mawson, a well-known landscape architect of the time was commissioned to design a garden to complement Cory’s magnificent new house.

After Cory’s death in 1910, the estate and the task of further developing the gardens fell to his third son Reginald, who was a keen horticulturist and plant collector. During the early 1900’s he jointly sponsored several successful world-wide plant hunting expeditions, and many of the plants at Dyffryn exist as a direct result of these forays, the most outstanding being Acer Griseum (Paper Bark Maple), grown from seed brought back from China by the plant hunter Ernest Wilson.

Today, the grade 1 listed gardens are owned and managed by the Vale of Glamorgan Council. On arrival join your guide for a leisurely stroll around the gardens followed by free time to explore. You will find that Dyffryn is not just one garden but a series of gardens consisting of several stunning intimate ‘garden rooms’. Each room is enclosed within clipped yew hedges and has its own distinct character. The garden rooms which include Pompeiian Garden, Herbaceous border and rose garden are set among broad sweeping lawns and a croquet lawn. The gardens also boast an extensive Arboretum featuring trees from all over the world.

Step into the world of numismatics at the Royal Mint, an industrial complex with centuries of history. Coins have been produced in Britain since the Roman era, with The Royal Mint established at the Tower of London by the 13th century. In 1810, it moved to Tower Hill, and by 1980, operations were relocated to Llantrisant, South Wales.

Today, The Royal Mint not only produces British and global circulating coins but also commemorative coins and medals, including for events like the 2012 Olympics. Upon arrival, enjoy refreshments as an expert curator introduces you to the world of coin production in this secure facility.

Take an exclusive tour of rare exhibitions, the commemorative coin production line, and the Tool Room. Watch skilled coin makers in action and meet one of the Royal Mint's designers (subject to availability). Learn about their commitment to sustainability and recycling practices.

After a light lunch with Welsh sparkling wine, explore behind-the-scenes areas, strike your own uncirculated coin, and view rare collectors’ items. Conclude your visit with free time to browse the exhibitions and gift shop before your return to the port.

Founded in 1 AD, the Romans were drawn to this site to relax by Britain’s only Hot Springs and to take advantage of their reputed healing powers.

Much of the City of Bath that you see today, with its squares, crescents and terraced town houses, was constructed during the Georgian era (1714 – 1837). Today Bath acts as an important centre for the arts and culture, with many museums, exhibitions, concerts and performances scheduled throughout the year.

Leaving Cardiff, cross the Prince of Wales Bridge, which spans the River Severn, the longest river in Britain (354 kms) flowing from the Welsh mountains to the Severn Estuary and into the Bristol Channel. Arriving in England your destination is the UNESCO World Heritage site of the city of Bath.

On arrival in Bath, take the option of joining your guide for a gentle walking tour of this beautiful city, with its fine blend of Roman and Georgian architecture before enjoying free time to explore Bath at your leisure and perhaps enjoy some excellent shopping opportunities before re-joining your guide at the appointed time and place for your return to Cardiff.