The Celtic Connection

From a morning pick up in your local area we travel by coach to our hotel.

We head first to the Gower peninsula, the UK’s very first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here we learn about the history of the area as we visit the Gower Heritage Centre, a living museum complete with a corn and saw mill, which is powered by a functioning water wheel. We enjoy tea and Welsh cakes before taking in the grand sights of Rhossili and the mysterious Arthur’s Stone.

We continue to the Mumbles, a charming fishing village where we wander quaint streets lined with colourful cottages and enjoy the sweeping views across Swansea Bay. There are also boutique stores, quirky galleries and cafés, plus a lighthouse and Victorian pier to explore.

We head to Pant, a small village near the Welsh border, where we board our vintage train and take a trip on the Brecon Mountain Railway, which follows part of the original route of the 1859-built Brecon & Merthyr Railway. We travel through beautiful Breconshire scenery and along the full length of the sparkling Taf Fechan Reservoir before climbing to Torpantau, the summit of the original line. We descend the mountain, making a short stop in Pontsticill before arriving back in Pant.

In the afternoon, we make our way to Cardiff Castle, located in the heart of the city. With its Roman origins and Victorian Gothic architecture, there is plenty to see here, and we take the chance to explore the opulent castle apartments, marvel at the stunning clock tower and wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens.

As we make our way to Pembroke, we stop en route in Tenby, a picturesque seaside town on the south coast that was once a popular health resort with Victorians. There’s plenty to explore here, from browsing the wide range of shops and strolling along the cobbled streets or the sandy beaches, to admiring the distinctive town walls, built in the late 13^th century by the first Earl of Pembroke.

We then take the ferry over to Rosslare and travel onwards to our hotel in Waterford.

We enjoy free time today in the maritime city of Waterford, where our hotel is based. One of Ireland's oldest cities, Waterford is steeped in history and offers a wealth of attractions to explore. Wander through the Viking Triangle, a historic area with narrow streets and medieval architecture or visit the Waterford Museum of Treasures for an in-depth look at the city's rich heritage and culture. There's also the picturesque quayside, ideal for a leisurely stroll and plenty of local restaurants to stop at for a bite to eat.

This morning, we visit the maritime town of Cobh for our Titanic Experience. As the last port of call for the Titanic, the Titanic Experience here offers a unique insight into the lives of the passengers who boarded the ship from this location. Our guided tour takes us through the original departure point, and we learn, through interactive exhibits, about the Titanic's journey and the stories of those who travelled on it.

In the afternoon, we spend some free time in Cork. Explore the English Market, a historic food market with a variety of local produce, or stroll along the picturesque streets lined with colourful buildings. There's also the Cork City Gaol and impressive collections at the Crawford Art Gallery.

We take the early morning ferry from Rosslare to Pembroke and enjoy breakfast on board the ship.