The Valleys tour or Swansea Bay tour. Please choose correctly.
Overview
Available languages
8 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
On this tour you are accompanied by a historian with a deep passion and knowledge of Wales. You will learn some Welsh, sample traditional Welsh food and learn about the ancient history and culture of Wales. Gareth, your guide is a fluent Welsh speaker and he will give you an insight into Wales that wouldn't be available with a standard tour operator.
South Wales is the most populated area of Wales and it is the area of Wales that is the most iconic around the world. This area includes neolithic sites, Roman remains, breathtaking waterfalls, imposing Norman castles, industrial heritage, dramatic mountain scenery as well as beaches voted as some of the best in the world. The wandering bard offers either a Valleys tour, taking in some of Wales's best known ancient wonders or the Swansea Bay option which shows off some of Britain's most beautiful coastline. Both are fantastic days out and have been given excellent feedback by 99% of customers. Please check which tour you have booked.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
A maximum of 8 people per booking
Customers need to be aware that there are two tours available. There is the Valleys option calling at Tintern Abbey, Chepstow Castle and Caerphilly Castle and there is the Swansea Bay option calling at Rhossili Bay, Mumbles, Neath Abbey and Melin Court waterfall. Gareth is the only guide so only one of these trips goes ahead per day. Please check your booking to see which trip you have booked. They are both the Wandering Bard's tour but one goes to Swansea Bay whereas the other goes inland to the Valleys. This has caused confusion with customers in the past.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Caerphilly Castle
This is on the Valleys tour. Marvel at the size and location of the UK's third biggest castle.
Tintern Abbey
This is on the Valleys Tour. Enjoy the abbey and the scenic views of the River Wye.
What‘s Included
Local guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
Tour escort/host
Driver/guide
Drinks
Food and drinks, unless specified
Lunch
Options
The valleys tour
Duration: 8 hours The Bard's valley odyssey: Travel through the beautiful Wye Valley stopping off at some of Wales's most iconic landmarks.
Swansea Bay tour
Duration: 8 hours: Pick up at 0800 from the Hilton Hotel in Cardiff City Centre with drop off at 1630 at the same place. Swansea and the Vale of Neath : The Swansea Bay tour. This tour visits Rhossili beach on the Gower, Mumbles, Neath Abbey and Melincourt Waterfalls
Reviews
416 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fabulous Day in Swansea.
Vonceil S,May 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Perfect day tour out of Cardiff. The scenery was fabulous and our driver was one of the best I've ever had. He was personable and so good about sharing his wealth of knowledge about Wales and the Welsh people. Would definitely take another tour he was leading.
Excellent southern Wales tour
mhansenmi,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful tour of beautiful southern Wales. Our guide was a good driver, very knowledgeable of the history of the area and the sites, he was polite, and the vehicle was clean and comfortable. Recommended!
Gareth and this tour will not disappoint!
Paul H,May 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Gareth was amazing! He had a mountain of historical knowledge and pertinent peripheral information. In addition to being interesting he was extremely polite and personable. He never rushed us and was extremely accommodating . He went above and beyond. We would absolutely recommend him for and this tour!!
The tour was excellent,...
Diane M,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The tour was excellent, we went to a lot of beautiful, very photogenic places. However, Viator needs to change the description of this tour. For some reason, two tours are listed as one on Viator which made it confusing. So I ended up buying the wrong tour. I rebounded though, and had a beautiful day.
Fantastic experience
rikyjumper92,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I had a great time!!!!!!!!!! Crazy places and the driving was great! Highly recommended
Fun day out of Cardiff
Lucy W,May 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Had a lovely time with Gareth on the Swansea bay tour. He guided. A couple of us on a wonderful walk around the bay and then left us to our own devices for half an hour or so (this was optional, others made their own way the entire time). Would recommend the coastal walk to Mumbles head too, with most did not take him up on. He gave interesting info into the history of Wales and the language. Overall a grand day.
Informative, relaxed
winetraveller01,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A nice day trip that gave us a chance to see a bit of scenery, small towns and castles. Our guide and driver was nice and friendly, punctual and careful on the road. We got to learn a lot about Wales, history, culture and language. Many long stops gave a lot of freedom to look around on your own as well.
Great castle tour !
Emily M,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My fiancé and I really enjoyed this tour. Gareth was fantastic. He picked us up in front of the Hilton right on time. The rides in the van were great because he had a seemingly endless amount of knowledge of Welsh history and the language and all the places we visited. I’m a medieval history nerd so this was super fun for me to listen to! We were insanely lucky with the weather (warm, sunny, no clouds, light breeze) so this really was such a perfect day. The small size of the tour (ours was only 5 guests total) made it easy to round people up when it was time to leave each location. I wish we had more time in Wales to go on Gareths other tours. Highly recommend.
I wasn’t shown the Tour I wanted...
JeanPierre M,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Abbey and Castles in ruins ... just very boring and uninteresting ... The Guide was very professional (he should have informed before getting in his van)...I wanted to visit the coast, its landscapes, cliffs, beaches and villages...here I am in the midst of horrible ruins ...VIATOR with its website that writes only in English made me take a stupid ride ... and I will never come back ...VIATOR sucks and the guide knows it...
Fabulous!
218sandyj,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent! Gareth is very informative and attentive. Sites were fantastic. He also had a great suggestion for a delicious Welsh dinner and the name of an excellent Welsh whisky. Really a great way to learn about Wales!
From £90.00
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Operated by Tours of Wales