Destination: Wales

The mode of transportation predominantly utilized by Odyssey is coach travel, complemented at times by local transport such as trains and ferries as detailed in the tour itinerary. Given the rugged terrain of Wales, transportation routes primarily navigate through densely populated regions. Similar to the broader UK infrastructure, the railway network in Wales was established during the nineteenth century, facilitating connectivity between major hubs. Urban rail services are concentrated in Cardiff, the Welsh capital. Furthermore, a comprehensive bus network operates predominantly in South Wales, catering to local transport needs.

Odyssey Wales tours ensure a comfortable stay by selecting centrally located 3-4 star hotels in major cities, granting convenient access to public transport. In quaint smaller towns or the charming Welsh countryside, we opt for cozy family-run hotels or guesthouses for a more personalized experience. For extended stays in one destination, our long stay tours offer the convenience and flexibility of serviced apartments, allowing you to settle in and make it your home away from home throughout the duration of the tour.

Odyssey always engages local guides with regional knowledge to ensure an authentic experience during which Odyssey emphasizes the use of local guides with in-depth regional knowledge to provide an authentic experience rich in Welsh history and culture. This allows travellers to delve into the heritage of the Channel Islands while basking in the beauty of the stunning coastline and picturesque Welsh countryside. you can learn as much as possible about Welsh history and culture of places you visit while enjoying the stunning coastline and the Welsh countryside.

Located on the rugged coastline in the western part of Great Britain, Wales spans an area of 20,000 square kilometers. Much like the rest of the UK, Wales boasts diverse geography, featuring valleys, coastal plains, and mountain ranges. The majority of Wales is mountainous, with its pinnacle being Snowdonia or Eryri, offering breathtaking scenery for group tours in Wales.

The climate in Wales stands out for its variability and changeability, influenced significantly by its geography. The mountains play a pivotal role in shaping the weather unexpectedly. When exploring Wales, one must be ready for sudden changes in rain and wind, particularly during autumn, early winter, and while trekking in hilly regions. The average winter temperature hovers around six degrees Celsius, and in stark contrast, it can soar to 24 degrees in summer, providing a wide temperature range throughout the year.

The United Kingdom boasts 31 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, many of which are located in Wales. You can view the official list of the sites here. It is well worth visiting every site, if you are able. But here’s a few highlights from the bunch:

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal – Built over 200 years ago, this acqueduct holds 1.5 million litres of water. The structure itself comprises 18 arches, and is the oldest and longest navigable aqueduct in Great Britain.

Caernarfon Castle – This 13th century medieval castle, build by Edward I, is a stunning site and contains some fantastic exhibtions rooms in which you can discover its history.

Blaenavon World Heritage Site – This town was originally built up around an ironworks, and is now home to the Big Pit: National Coal Museum. It is an extraordinary place to discover in detail how the industrial revolution came about and changed everything.

During the summer in Wales, a plethora of festivals unfold, offering a vibrant escape from the harsh winters. The renowned Hay Festival, held between late May and early June in Hay-on-Wye within the scenic Brecon Beacons National Park, draws literature enthusiasts globally. Nearby, the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provides a picturesque setting with rolling hills and riverside walks.

Among the festivities, the Gwyl Greynog Festival stands out as a classical music celebration that adopts a fresh theme annually. Additionally, the Wales Airshow captivates audiences with its free admission, showcasing thrilling aerobatic displays by both vintage and contemporary aircraft.

1. The Owl Service by Alan Garner
2. On the Black Hill by Bruce Chatwin
3. A History of Wales by John Davies
4. The Matter of Wales by Jan Morris

Welsh culinary traditions are deeply entrenched in the culture, reflecting a strong sense of heritage and pride. Despite facing challenges in sourcing traditional Welsh food in the past, the introduction of “Wales, the True Taste” in the 2000s sparked a revival in the industry. However, this initiative was discontinued in 2013 amidst concerns about business growth and development, yet the enthusiasm for sharing Wales’s iconic dishes perseveres, making it a delightful culinary journey for travelers.

The cuisine prominently features Welsh lamb and beef, along with locally sourced seafood such as salmon, brown trout, and lobster. One of the quintessential dishes, cawl, is a soup made from a base of bacon, leek, and cabbage, exhibiting regional and seasonal variations.

A notable delicacy to sample is laverbread, crafted from edible seaweed, combined with oatmeal, and typically served with bacon for breakfast or supper. The abundance of soft cheeses derived from goats’ and sheep’s milk from local farms introduces a diverse range of flavors to explore.

For those with a sweet tooth, indulgence awaits during the traditional Welsh “teatime,” where an array of cakes infused with honey, cinnamon, caraway seed, or fruits are served. Not to be missed are the spiced Welsh cakes resembling scones, prepared on griddle plates (bakestones), and served with a light dusting of sugar, enjoyed both hot and cold.

While Wales is predominantly safe for travel, it is advisable to remain vigilant for any unusual occurrences. Tourist-heavy locations often display signs cautioning against pickpocketing, emphasizing the importance of consistently monitoring your personal belongings.

Whenever you travel overseas, it’s always wise to take an appropriate travel adaptor. The electricity supply runs at 230V, 50Hz. British plugs have three flat, rectangular pins which form a triangle. These are shared by Ireland, Malta and some former British colonies, but Australia is not one of them.