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.
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.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Local guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
Tour escort/host
Driver/guide
Drinks
Food and drinks, unless specified
Lunch
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.
Duration: 8 hours
The Bard's valley odyssey: Travel through the beautiful Wye Valley stopping off at some of Wales's most iconic landmarks.
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
Pickup included
341 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Patricia M,
Jun 5, 2025
- Viator
It was very well done. Small group. Visited three castles and one Abby (Tintern ). All day it it spaced out well. Excellent driver/tour guide. Gareth. Taught us much about Wales and the Welsh language.
Barb B,
Jun 3, 2025
- Viator
This is a great tour of historic castles , and just the right amount of Welsh history. Gareth did a fabulous job and you can tell he is passionate about his country of Wales. I also enjoyed having ample time to explore the various castles. Definitely a must if you come to the Cardiff area! Even tho it was an 8 hour day, it did not feel rushed but relaxed.
Cristina S,
May 22, 2025
- Viator
Gareth was very knowledgable and pleasant. The sites were beautiful and there was enough time to visit each one. Excellent tour! Thank you Gareth!
Todd O,
May 6, 2025
- Viator
The driver was very knowledgeable and told us about the history of places and the country. Also being a Welsh speaker he was able to teach us the correct way to speak Welsh and also the origins of the language.
Stacy S,
May 5, 2025
- Viator
Excellent tour- Gareth is a wealth of knowledge and I learned a lot about Welsh culture. Good stops with plenty of time to explore.
Operated by Tours of Wales