Description

Friday:
Departing London at 09.00 we travel out to Wales. Once across the Severn Bridge we make our first stop at Chepstow, right on the English/Welsh border. You can visit the Castle which was started in 1067 and was the first stone constructed building in Wales. Enlarged in the 12th and 13th Centuries and in use until the 1600. As well as the Castle youll have time to explore the picturesque town of Chepstow. There will be time for a pub lunch before we continue on to Tintern Abbey.


The Abbey has been described as one of the most beautiful ruins in the country. At one time this was the largest and wealthiest Abbey in the country but when King Henry VIII dissolved the Catholic Church its wealth was plundered and taken to London and the Abbey was left as a ruin. Finally on to our hotel. Time to relax before sitting down to enjoy a three course dinner. Afterwards youre free to venture out and enjoy the nightlife on offer.



Saturday:
Heading away after breakfast we make our way through the Welsh Valleys to the Horse Riding Stables. Youll be introduced to your horse, given some basic instructions and then taken out on a trek into the Black Mountains. Whilst out in the hills the pace will be at a gentle walk, with opportunities to trot or canter for the more confident riders. In the afternoon you have the chance to enjoy a pub lunch in the village of Hay on Wye, famous for its second-hand bookshops. We return to our hotel for the evening, where you can venture out to the local pubs and or night clubs or just relax at the hotel.



Sunday:
Another day to take in some of the local scenery. Our first excursion takes us through the Welsh Valleys to the "Big Pit Coal Mine" (Donation). Here you can dress up as coal miners and go underground on a guided tour to discover what life was like for miners. In the afternoon we travel to the town of Caerphilly, a chance to enjoy a pub lunch and also to visit the impressive castle that dominates the town. Caerphilly Castle is one of the largest in the UK built in the 1200s. The castle although threatened many times was never captured and its only weakness appears to be its leaning tower ~ which leans further than the leaning tower of Pisa!



Monday:
The day is yours to explore the sights and attractions found in Cardiff. Visit the Millennium Stadium and take a guided tour behind the scene of this state of the art stadium which can hold 72,500 and has a unique roof that can be open and shut within 20 minutes. Cardiff Castle established almost 2000 years ago as a Roman fortress, taken over by the Normans and fortified. But it was the Third Marque of Bute who transformed the castle into a stately home in the 1800s, with some of the most spectacular and elaborate room designs ever seen. The National Museum of Wales offers an excellent exhibition on the evolution of Wales. There is also an open deck bus tour of Cardiff available. Youll also find excellent shopping in Cardiff much of it inside St David Mall. Heading away late afternoon we start our return journey to London aiming to be back around 20.00

Itinerary Changes: Please note that the published itinerary may operate in reverse. Some tours will go horse riding on Saturday and visit Chepstow and Cardiff on Sunday or visa versa.

Horse Riding: The group may be split into two for riding with one group riding in the morning the second in the afternoon.

Accommodation: All rooms are ensuite twin or doubles with Colour TV, pay movies, tea and coffee making facilities. As some of the hotels have a swimming pool and sauna you are advised to bring your swimming gear (hotels may make a small charge). Those travelling on their own will be allocated a twin room to share with another single traveller of the same sex.

Suitable For

Everyone welcome,Other

What's included?

Included in Tour Cost:

Return coach Travel
Accommodation in twin or double ensuite Rooms at 3 Star Hotel
All rooms with Tea and Coffee
Full Welsh Breakfast each morning
Dinner on Friday night
Horse Riding
Excursions as per itinerary

What to bring

What to bring: Please ensure you have suitable warm clothing and footwear for horse riding. Clients MUST WEAR shoes or boots with a low heel that cannot slip through the stirrups. NO TRAINERS will be permitted. You should also have a waterproof jacket with you and a change of clothes. Hard hats and vests are provided. As most of our hotels have a swimming pool you are advised to bring your swimming gear and clothing suitable for the sports centre. If planning to go out at night remember many clubs and pubs operate a dress code.

Pickup Option:

London - 7:00

given on booking

Return Option:

London - 22:30

given on booking