The Wandering Bard's Valley Tour or the Swansea Bay Tour.
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
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
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.
Reviews
405 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Couldn't have asked for more!
Gail C,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We saw so much of the beautiful Welsh countryside as we drove to historical sites. Our guide was so full of local knowledge... what fun!!
A real discovery of Wales!
Farid L,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00First thank you Gareth! A punctual guide, nice, and with very good discussions (even in French he speaks very well! ) It was a beautiful day of discovery with many beautiful castles and landscapes of Wales. Must do if you are in Cardiff! Thank you Gareth!
Great tour
Melissa R,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent tour. Had a small group of four which was perfect. The castles you get to see were amazing and Gareth was very knowledgeable and able to maneuver all of us easily. He did assist us with one passenger that had difficulty walking by driving us closer to locations which was nice. Castle tickets are not included so know that in case you missed it but you can buy a pass at the first stop to use for all of them. Highly recommend!
Best way to see Wales
carolynrC7596SJ,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an excellent tour around Wales, with a very knowledgeable guide!
A great tour of Castles and more
Annmarie U,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a wonderful experience with our guide Gareth. We enjoyed all the scenery and the castles. We had plenty of time to explore all that the Wye valley offered
Gareth was very nice and...
WingChi L,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Gareth was very nice and friendly and gave us a lot of information about the history of Wales and the UK as a whole.
Wonderful Day Out
thyrar2014,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great day out. Gareth was so interesting and cheerful! He took us to off the beaten path places and gave us a great overview of this wonderful part of the world. And of course his perfect Welsh accent only added to the experience.
Gareth is a great tour...
Sheila M,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Gareth is a great tour guide! Gave so much historical insight and knowledge about every stop. Highly recommend this tour!
Highly Recommend!
I4682TDolivian,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Valleys Tour made for an incredible day with an eventful schedule, simple logistics, and fascinating history. The baseline schedule included three different sites to stop at, but Gareth was able to work in two extra sites to stop at (after checking that the group was all on board for it). I really appreciated not having to sort out transportation logistics for this experience; this tour made an action-packed day so, so simple. It would be very difficult to replicate this day unless you have a vehicle and are well versed in driving through the area. I highly recommend booking this tour if you’re wanting to explore some of the historic sites South Wales has to offer!
Fun day at the castles
forensicsteach,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Gareth was great - lots of good information, excellent choices of places to stop. He recommended that we buy a ticket for access to all castles which turned out to be a good move. It was an enjoyable day, despite a little drizzle.
From £90.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Tours of Wales