Roman and Medieval South Wales Escorted Tour

Monmouthshire and the Wye Valley contains many historical gems which reflect the Roman occupation right through to the creation of the county Monmouthshire in 1535. Explore with your hosts Mike Stone, archaeologist, author and Blue Badge guide and medieval historian and author, Marc Morris, best known for his Channel 4 series Castle and bestselling biography of Edward I.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive independently at the Holiday Inn Cardiff from 15.00. This evening there will be a welcome reception, private dinner with wine and an introductory talk by Mike Stone 'Celts & Romans in South Wales'.

Day 2: Caerwent, Caerleon and Cardiff Castle.
Our first visit is to the Roman town of Caerwent to see some of the best preserved Roman walls in Europe. In the town itself you will visit the remains of the Romano-Celtic temple, courtyard house, shops and the impressive remains of the forum and basilica. We then visit the Roman fortress of Isca Augusta at Caerleon to see the remains of its amphitheatre, arena and baths. Afternoon return to Cardiff to visit the Castle, a Victorian Gothic fantasy built on the remains of Norman and Roman ruins, with a colourful interior. Evening: talk by Dr Marc Morris: 'An Introduction to Castles'.

Day 3: Raglan Castle, Tintern Abbey and Chepstow Castle.
Travel to Raglan Castle, one of the finest late medieval castles in Britain, for a guided tour. Established in the 15th century, Raglan was one of the grandest stately homes in the kingdom. We then head south-east to the Cistercian abbey of Tintern, one of the greatest monastic ruins in Wales. Finally travel to Chepstow, a historic market town surrounded by medieval walls, and dominated by its giant castle. Begun immediately after the Norman Conquest, Chepstow is the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain and spans every era of castle-building – its multiple baileys showing its construction history. Return to the hotel at approximately 17.00.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion 

Please note: Post tour extra nights are available at a supplement.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 47 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Two nights' bed and breakfast at the three-star Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room 
• Welcome reception 
• First night private three-course dinner with wine 
• Second night dinner in the hotel restaurant 
• All talks, guided tours and admissions 
• Coach transfers and tour manager throughout 

NOT INCLUDED

• Transport to the hotel is not included
• Single room supplement 
• Extra nights on bed and breakfast basis 
• Holiday insurance 
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc 
• Porterage and gratuities 

HOTEL

Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre
Located centrally in the Welsh capital, the Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre is situated next to the Millennium Stadium, and a convenient 10 minute walk from Cardiff train station. Bedrooms are comfortable with en-suite bathrooms, TV, telephone, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Car parking is available at the hotel costing £10 per night, payable directly to the hotel. 

Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre Website

MORE INFO - Please click here for more information

Please note that all our UK tours start and finish at the relevant hotel.  

You can normally check in from 3pm onwards but hotels will always be happy to store your luggage if you arrive earlier in the day. 

For full details of how to get to the hotel, directions and the nearest train station, please click on the hotel website or call our office for details. These will also be sent automatically with your confirmation. 

The welcome reception and first evening dinner / talk will commence at about 7pm - full details will be sent with your joining instructions about 10 days prior to the arrival date.