Spectacular Chepstow Castle
Caerwent – for some of Europe’s best-preserved Roman walls and Caerleon to see the newly re-opened Roman Legion Museum
Raglan Castle and Tintern Abbey
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.
Available Departures |
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20 - July - 2020 | £ 389.00 | Travel Info Book Now |
Provisional Timings |
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 and visit the fascinating, newly reopened Roman Legion Museum 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 for 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 48 passengers.
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
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.
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.
Roman tour and visits excellent. Castles heavy going; Marc seemed most interested in recommending his book. Holiday Inn Cardiff OK but dinners poor and house-keeping careless. Generous deal on car parking. Is Cardiff with its heavy traffic really the best base?
Review by Beale who travelled 01-July-2019
Review by Siggers who travelled 01-July-2019
It was good to be on tour with Mike Stone again, it has been a while since I was last in his company, his knowledge on Roman history is amazing. - Also good to see Marc Morris again, when it comes to castles, he is "The Man". Will Warburton
Review by Wallburton who travelled 01-July-2019
This was an excellent tour, one of the best that we've been on. Both Guides were friendly, knowledgeable and informative. The only thing amiss was the hotel food on the first night, it was cold and poor. Please let us know when the Castles of North Wales Tour is on in 2020
Review by Anonymous who travelled 01-July-2019
The hotel was in an ideal location. Mike and Marc were very nice and knowledgeable guides. A good experience.
Review by Martin who travelled 01-July-2019
My sixth trip with Travel Editions, my fourth with Mike Stone and my second with Marc Morris. Both Mike and Marc are first rate and work excellently together - not sure which has the short, fat, hairy legs! Saw some wonderful sites excellently explained by Mike and Marc and would recommend the tour to anyone, even if Roman and medieval history isn’t a particular passion.
Review by Wall who travelled 01-July-2019
An excellent itinerary.
Review by who travelled 29-June-2018
Review by who travelled 29-June-2018
Another lovely trip with Mike Stone and Marc Morris.
Review by Armstrong who travelled 29-June-2018