Aberystwyth, Wales
Aberystwyth is a small ancient market town and stunning seaside resort in Ceredigion on the west coast of Wales. Established as a castle town in the Middle Ages,
Cymru am byth! Wales Forever!
The names “Wales” and “Welsh” were actually labels imposed by the Normans. In his book “The Story of Wales” (Penguin Random House, 2012), Jon Gower explains that these terms originate from Old English, meaning “foreign land” and “foreigners.” Gower highlights that the Welsh people referred to themselves as the Cymry, a term derived from Celtic signifying “fellow countryman,” yet it was the Norman designation that ultimately prevailed (p. 83).
Join Odyssey Traveller on this tour small group guided tour of Wales, an unforgettable travel experience through varied landscapes from south Wales to north Wales and back, travelling on the coast overlooking the Irish Sea and through picturesque Welsh villages, starting in Cardiff city centre.
A small group tour of Wales, Scotland & England that traces the history of the journey that is the Industrial revolution. Knowledgeable local guides and your tour leader share their history with you on this escorted tour including Glasgow, London, New Lanark & Manchester, Liverpool and the Lake district.
A small group tour of England that will explore the history of Agrarian and Industrial period. An escorted tour with a tour director and knowledgeable local guides take you on a 22 day trip to key places such as London, Bristol, Oxford & York, where the history was made.
A walking tour into England, Scotland and Wales provides small group journeys with breathtaking scenery to destinations such as Snowdonia national park , the UNESCO world heritage site Hadrians wall and the lake district. each day tour provides authentic experiences often off the beaten path from our local guides.
A Walking tour of Wales with spectacular views across as you walk the millennial path across the Irish sea or up in Snowdonia national park. This guided tour that provides insight into the history of each castle visited and breathtaking scenery enjoyed before exploring the capital of Wales, Cardiff with day tours of Wales from Cardiff. For seniors, couples or Solo interested in small groups.
This guided tour invites you to explore UNESCO World heritage sites at Skara Brae in the Orkneys, Isle of Skye, and Stonehenge in a prehistoric tour. This escorted tour has trips to key sites in Scotland, and the Irish sea in Wales such as Gower Peninsula and National Museum in Cardiff and England. Each day tour is supported by local guides.
Shaped by a lengthy human history, the Channel Islands boast ancient stone circles and over six hundred medieval castles. The landscape features scenic mountains, river valleys, and verdant meadows, while the coastline offers uninterrupted walking paths, a hidden gem awaiting discovery by more visitors. The islands’ rich heritage and breathtaking natural surroundings may evoke a deep sense of ‘hireath,’ a Welsh term encapsulating a nostalgic yearning for the lush greenery of this enchanting temporary abode.
Aberystwyth is a small ancient market town and stunning seaside resort in Ceredigion on the west coast of Wales. Established as a castle town in the Middle Ages,
Beaumaris Castle, Edward I of England’s architectural masterpiece built from 1295 to protect his territorial gains in the region. The historic castle is a world heritage listed site considered to be one of the most…
Betws-y-coed is North Wales’ most popular inland resort and accommodation provider. The village has been attracting visitors for centuries to experience its scenic beauty and numerous outdoor activities.
Brecon Beacons, Wales The Brecon Beacons are a mountain range running through South Wales, including the two highest peaks in the region, Pen y Fan and Corn Du. Pen y Fan (“the top peak”) has…
Britain’s National Trust: Historic houses, gardens and natural wonders Britain is home to many attractions, many of them rich in the region’s history. Sites and artefacts are preserved beautifully, and […]
Edward I's massive Caernarfon Castle was a display of English might on Welsh territory. Caernarfon Castle was built on the shoreline, consisting of a castle, a walled town, and a quay all built at the…
The History of Cardiff By Marco Stojanovik The city of Cardiff is the capital of Wales, surrounded by beautiful scenery at its location on the Bristol Channel at the mouth of the River Taff. From its…
Castell Coch is a 19th-century gothic revival castle built above the village of Tongwynlais in South Wales, just outside of Cardiff. The original castle built on the site was a Norman stronghold to defend the…
History of Wales The Anglo-Saxons fell to the Normans in 1066, but it would take more than two centuries before England’s rulers–starting, crucially, with Edward I–turned their attention to dominating Wales. In this article, we…
The British landscape has been worked and re-worked. It is secrets of this palimpsest landscape is revealed through drainage patterns and prehistoric features all the way through to the modern day. These small group tours for mature and senior travellers examine the landscape from the Neolithic, to Roman, through the seven ages of Britain in walking tours and history tours of Britain.
The Millennium Coastal Path was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II at the turn of the new millennium in 2000. It was part of the Millennium Coastal Park, a parkland transformed from around 20 kilometres of…
Snowdonia is home to Mt Snowdon, the highest peak in the British Isles outside of Scotland.
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.
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.
Wales operates on Greenwich Mean Time throughout the year, with daylight saving time in effect from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.
If you’re on an Odyssey tour, we take care of tipping so you don’t need to give it a second thought. However, in your free time, or if travelling independently, it’s essential that you make sure you tip an appropriate amount for services, as is the case throughout much of Europe. It’s customary to tip 10-15% of the bill at restaurants, or 1 to 3 GBP at a more casual establishment. It’s polite to round a bill up to the nearest whole figure or leave the change when buying drinks. It’s also customary to tip 10% in taxis, and leave a note or two with hotel porters and concierges.
Internet access is readily available on the Channel Islands, with most hotels and many cafes equipped to provide this service.
Contact your cell phone provider to inquire about your ability to place calls and use data while in Wales. Certain providers may offer a daily fee for seamless connectivity without incurring additional charges. It is crucial to notify your provider of your overseas travel to avoid any service interruptions due to flagged unusual activity, similar to how banks monitor transactions.
For all the articles Odyssey Traveller has published for mature aged and senior travellers, click through on this link.
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