Judy's Creative Adventures   
"Women Exploring the Arts and Cultures of the World"                     480-264-5775

Wonderful Wales For Women



                                            Wonderful Wales For Women 
                                     Mysterious Castles, Glorious Gardens, Historic Villages, Antique Quilts, 
                                    Ancient Churches,
 
Spectacular Scenery & Friendly Welsh People
                                                                             Summer 2018

Travel through time as you journey through the unique countryside of Wales, a historic part of Great Britain.  Visiting Wales is exploring a land of contrasts!  Rugged hills, well ordered valleys, long beaches, hidden glades, rushing streams and still lakes.  Ride a mountain railroad, visit small villages lost in time, hear the lilting strains of Welsh voices in song.  Wander through beautiful gardens, some rescued from abandonment, some with prestigious manor houses, and others beautiful National Trust Properties.  Enjoy charming boutique hotels, see antique Welsh quilts, enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea, wander through haunting abbey ruins, and historic churches still in use.  From ancient castle ruins to horticultural delights, enjoy Wales the land of contrasts on this deluxe tour. 

                                                                        Itinerary

Day 1 - June 13 - Walled City of Conwy & Welcome Cocktail Reception
This unique tour begins as you arrive in the Manchester England airport.  You will be welcomed by your Welsh guide.  Then travel west through rolling countryside to the medieval walled town of Conwy, designated  as a "World Heritage Site".  Upon arrival, check into your historic hotel (The Castle Hotel) filled with local charm and located within the town walls, your home for the next two nights.  Enjoy a "Welcome to Wales" cocktail reception hosted by Emyr Griffith, my Welsh friend, and President of EuroWales, followed by dinner in the hotel.
Overnight: Conwy - 2 Nights  D

Day 2 - June 14 - Conwy Castle and Bodnant Gardens
Today will be a leisurely day with a guided walk this morning of Conwy's many historic attractions including the impressive Conwy Castle, which UNESCO considers to be one of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe".  This afternoon visit the world famous Bodnant Gardens sitting above the River Conwy with fabulous views of the Snowdon range. There are over 80 acres of gardens with magnificent Italianate style terraces and formal lawns.  An early dinner at a local inn followed by attendance at a Male Voice Choir's weekly rehearsal.
Overnight:  Conwy    B D

Day 3 - June 15 - Snowdonia National Park, Ffestiniog Railway, Portmeirion
Travel along the Conwy Valley through the picturesque village of Betws Y Coed.  Built in Victorian times it is the principal village of the Snowdonia National Park. Victorian artists flocked to this area and formed the first artists colony, since then it has become a mecca for those appreciative of its unique natural beauty.  Continue on to the slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog for a tour of Llechwedd Slate Caverns.  Next board the historic Ffestiniog Narrow Gauge Railway for a scenic 13 mile ride to the sailing resort of Porthmadog.  Rejoin the coach for a short ride to Portmeirion, the beautiful Italianate village created by Clough William Ellis (architect friend of Frank Lloyd Wright).  Enjoy a guided walking tour through the village before checking in to the hotel and this evenings dinner.
Overnight: Portmeirion  B D

Day 4 - June 16 - Snowdonia, Tegfryn Art Gallery, Pias Cadnant Hidden Gardens
Drive through the heart of beautiful Snowdonia past Caernarfon Castle (where Prince Charles was invested as Prince of Wales in 1969) to sample some of the delights of the Isle of Anglesey.  At Menai Bridge see some of the best works of contemporary Welsh artists at Tegfryn Art Gallery before pausing at the remarkable and relatively unknown Pias Cadnant Hidden Gardens.  We shall meet the owner who has developed the garden over the last 18 years.  Before returning to the mainland stop for refreshments at the centuries old Bull's Head, a mere stones-throw from another of Edward I's majestic castles in Beaumaris. Overnight Portmeirion   B

Day 5 - June 17 - Welsh Quilt Center, Coracle Center, Nevern Church                                                                               Early departure this morning as you travel south through the Snowdonia National Park and the University town of Aberystwyth to Lampeter. Visit the unique Welsh Quilt Center where you will meet Jen Jones its founder.  Jen has been rescuing old Welsh quilts for years. 

This afternoon stop at the Coracle Center in nearby Canarth. or the National Museum of Wool. Coracles are the round or oval flat bottom boats used on the rivers in Wales.  Continue north to Pembrokeshire to visit Nevern Church with its 9th Century Celtic Cross and the fascinating Pentre Ifan Cromlech, 3-4000 BC, made of the same Preseli "Bluestones" which also found their way to Stonehenge on the Salisbury Plain nearly 200 miles away.  Check in to the beautifully appointed St. Brides Spa Hotel in Saundersfoot overlooking Carmarthen Bay.  Enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Saundersfoot    B D


Day 6 - June 18 - Pembrokeshire coast,  St Davids, Fishguard 
Depart after breakfast for St. Davids where we visit the magnificent Cathedral and Bishop's Palace.  It is Britain's smallest city in terms of both size and population and the final resting place of Saint David, the country's patron saint.  Continuing northward, visit a 100 year old working woolen mill, MelinTregwynt, found in a remote wooded valley.  There has been a mill on this site sine the 17th century, when local farmers would bring their fleeces to be spun into yarn and woven into fine Welsh wool blankets.  Visit an outstanding art gallery, Workshop Wales Gallery, nestled in the heart of the Strumble Head Peninsula, with the Irish Sea on one side, Pembrokeshire National Park on the other.   In Fishguard you will have the opportunity to view the "Last Invasion Embroidered Tapestry".  This tapestry is 30 meters (almost 33 yards long) and is embroidered in 178 different colored wools.  It was made by over seventy local people and contains a wealth of fascinating details of the 1797 French Invasion of this portion of Wales. Meet the tapestry's designer - Audrey Walker.  Enjoy a Fish & Chips supper, the best in Wales, in the village of Saundersfoot this evening.
Overnight:  Saundersfoot   BD

Day 7 - June 19 - Dylan Thomas's Boathouse, National Botanic Gardens, Aberglasney Gardens 
Depart Saundersfoot to travel eastwards towards Cardiff, Wales' capital city.  As 2014 was the centenary of Wales' best known poet - Dylan Thomas, we stop at the village of Laugharne to visit The Boathouse (once his home but now a museum), his writing shed and Brown's Hotel where a local actor will present a selection of his stories and poems in the bar.  Visit the National Botanic Garden near Carmarthen before continuing to the beautifully restored Aberglasney Gardens.  Over the years I have watched these gardens and buildings come from ruins and recently voted one of the top formal garden in the UK. Ending today in Cardiff.  Our final two nights will be at the 5-star, superbly located Cardiff Hilton Hotel. 
Overnight:  Cardiff   B                                                                       Video : Aberglasney Gardens 
 
Day 8 - June 20 - Last Full Day in Wales, Museum of Welsh Life, National Museum of Wales                                            
Start you final day in Wales by visiting the Museum of Welsh Life in St. Fagans where you shall be entertained by an informal talk given by an expert in the Welsh Woolen industry. This is one of Europe's leading open-air museums and Wales' most popular heritage attraction, it stands in the grounds of the magnificent St. Fagans Castle, a late 16th century manor house. Option of lunch at the Wales Millennium Center.  Next visit the nearby National Museum of Wales to see the museum's fascinating collection of French impressionist paintings and other outstanding collections.  Balance of afternoon for personal sightseeing in Cardiff Bay or some last minute shopping in the charming Victorian arcades or modern malls.  Enjoy tonight's Farewell Dinner.
Overnight:  Cardiff   B D                                                                          

Day 9 - June 21 - Transfer Day, Tintern Abbey, London

Say farewell to Wales as we head to London.  On the way visit the magnificent Tintern Abbey ruins in the lovely Wye Valley. The Cistercian abbey of Tintern is one of the greatest monastic ruins of Wales, the abbey was founded in 1131. This afternoon continue to London and the end of this exciting tour.


We suggest that you make plane reservations for the following day.  We will be happy to reserve a London hotel for you for this night.  Please remember, if you book your own flights, you will fly into Manchester Airport and depart from Heathrow.

OR.....Join us for a 2-3 day tour extension in London.  Itinerary to be posted shortly.
 
OR......Let us help you with plans to explore other parts of England or Europe.

                                                                                                                                                                         Articles:  Conwy, Wales & Conwy Castle

Dates -
Arrival Date:  Summer 2018
Number of Days: 9 Days 8 Nights
London Extension Available

Tour Pricing -
All prices are in US Dollars-Per Person/Double Occupancy
Tour Price: $TBA
Single Supplement:  TBA
Deposit: $500.00

Per Person/Double Occupancy - Two persons sharing a twin bedded room.
Finding a Roommate - We will be happy to try to match you with a roommate. If we are unable to do so the Single Supplement price will apply.
Single Supplement - One person in a single room.

This Tour Includes:
  • 8 Nights Accommodation in 4 or 5* Historic Inns/Hotels -  Twin Share Basis
  • Daily Welsh Breakfast + Meals as indicated      B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
  • Tours and Transfers per itinerary
  • Luxury mini-coach with driver
  • Admission/Entrance Fees
  • Performance of Dylan Thomas's prose and poetry
  • Professional English Speaking Guide
  • Service charges, plus VAT(value added tax) of 20% where applicable
  • Detailed Trip Packet
  • Small Group 10-14 members
  •  Accompanied by Judy Berry, President of Judy's Creative Adventures
Not Included in Tour :
  • International Air Fare
  • Immigration & Custom Fees, Visas, departure taxes, luggage fees, security fees, airport fees - Note all fees subject to change.
  • Meals Not Indicated on Itinerary
  • Tips to guides, drivers, porters and hotel staff.
  • Optional Entrance Fees
  • Personal items (phone calls, or access charges in hotels, internet/WiFi fees, room service, laundry, personal items charged to rooms, etc.
  • HEALTH, ACCIDENT, BAGGAGE & TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE.  We strongly urge you to purchase Health, Accident, Babbage & Trip Cancellation Insurance.  This may be purchased through Creative Adventures, your travel agent, or with your insurance company.

International Air:
You may book your own air or we will be happy to assist you.
Airfare is not included in the price of the tour.

Registration -

Group size is limited, early reservations will insure your space on a first come basis.

To Register:
Submit a completed Registration Form and your deposit or full payment.  Forms are on our website or we will email one to you.  All passengers must complete and sign a registration form.
Telephone registrations are accepted, deposit & form due within 5 days.

Information:   Tel:  480-264-5775,
                       Email: Judy@JudysCreativeAdventures.com 

Registration Form:  Sign Up Now