Silversea Luxury Cruises À CARDIFF

Explore the largest castle in Wales, and second-largest in Britain, during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion to Caerphilly Castle.

Cardiff, Caerphilly Castle

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Caerphilly Castle. The castle was built between 1268 and 1271 by Gilbert 'the Red' de Clare, a redheaded nobleman of Norman descent, to stop Llywelyn ap Gruffydd's southward ambitions. At the time of its construction, Caerphilly Castle was a revolutionary masterpiece of military planning. Once the threat posed by Llywelyn receded, the castle no longer had a military use and deteriorated during several centuries of disrepair. However, in the late-18th century, the Marquess of Bute acquired Caerphilly Castle and undertook extensive restoration. The work continued throughout the last century under the fourth Marquess, and, in 1950, the castle and grounds were handed over to the government, who continued their restoration.

Guided Tour, Great Hall, 'Leaning Tower', Rings of Stone, Water Defences, Free Time, Gift Shop

Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of Caerphilly Castle, one of the greatest medieval castles of western Europe. Concentrically-planned, the rings of stone and water defences are formidable, even today. The striking features of this castle include an impressive, 14th-century Great Hall and the famous 'Leaning Tower'. The castle was also recently featured in the BBC TV series, Merlin. Following a guided, approximately one-hour walking tour, some free time is made available to explore the castle further and browse the gift shop. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Discover 2,000 years of Welsh history during this picturesque, full-day excursion to Cardiff Castle, and lunch at The Clink.

Cardiff, Cardiff Castle, Roman Wall, Lavish Interiors, Murals, Intricate Woodcarvings, Stained Glass

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 30-minute drive to Cardiff Castle. At the heart of Cardiff but concealed behind a Roman Wall, this castle looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale. An air of mystery surrounding the castle's commission; however, it has had many owners throughout history, all of whom conducted work on the castle. The most notable was the art-architect William Burges, who added a lavish touch to the castle. Over the centuries, this Victorian castle became filled with lavish interior appointments, such as murals, intricate woodcarvings and stained glass.

Guided Castle Tour, Living Quarters, Free Time, Wartime Tunnels, Castle Grounds, Gift Shop

Upon arrival, follow in the footsteps of the Bute family by exploring the stunning living quarters with an expert castle guide. During your guided, approximately one-hour walking tour, enjoy access to some of the rooms which are not usually accessible to the general public, and marvel at the glorious details and décor. Following your tour, some free time is made available to explore the castle, wartime tunnels and castle grounds independently, and stop by the gift shop.

Her Majesty's Prison of Cardiff, Lunch at The Clink Restaurant

Next, re-board your coach and head to The Clink restaurant. Prepare for an incredibly unique dining experience, as The Clink is at Her Majesty's Prison of Cardiff, and the food is cooked and served by prisoners looking to achieve food and beverage qualifications. The restaurant has received several accolades over the years for exceptional seasonal food and service. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the splendid beauty, history and landmarks of Cardiff during this scenic, full-day sightseeing excursion.

Cardiff, City Centre, Cardiff Castle, Principality Stadium, Civic Centre, City Hall

Depart the pier for the short drive to Cardiff's city centre. Upon arrival, your guided walking tour begins outside Cardiff Castle. Learn about its 2,000-year history, from Roman fortress to Norman stronghold and a Victorian folly. Afterward, explore the city centre and pass by some of the country's most famous buildings. Included are Principality Stadium, home of the Welsh National Rugby Team, and magnificent Civic Centre. Dominated by City Hall, the Civic Centre was inspired by English and French Renaissance architecture, when Cardiff's prosperity from the coal industry was at its height. Following your tour, some free time is made available for independent exploration, shopping and/or refreshments at your own expense.

Cardiff Bay, Wales Millennium Centre, Welsh Parliament, Senedd, Norwegian Church

Next, re-board your coach and head to Cardiff Bay. Upon arrival, discover how the once-busiest coal exporting port in the world has been transformed into a vibrant waterfront development. During your visit, take a guided walking tour to see a mixture of old and new architecture, including the Wales Millennium Centre, Welsh Parliament, Senedd, Pierhead Building, and Norwegian Church. In the distance, take in panoramic views of the Cardiff Bay Barrage and Cardiff Bay. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Explore one of the best examples of a 17th-century mansion in Britain during this memorable, half-day sightseeing excursion to Tredegar House.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Tredegar House. Nestled amidst a beautiful, approximately 90-acre (about 36.4-hectare) park, Tredegar House is one of the best examples of a 17th-century mansion in Britain. For more than 500 years, it was the home to one of the greatest Welsh families, the Morgans, and then, until 1951, the Lords Tredegar. The house opens early in preparation for this special and exclusive experience.

Upon arrival, take an exclusive, guided tour of Tredegar. Whilst parts of the house date back to medieval times, the bulk of what you see today was built between 1664 and 1672, when most of the house was completely rebuilt and an additional wing was designed as the principal façade. Highlights of your visit include flamboyant, 17th-century interiors designed to impress the Victorian Morgans and Godfrey, a Charge of the Light Brigade hero. In addition, discover what life was like for the people who worked here with a visit 'below stairs'.

Following your tour, enjoy some refreshments of traditional English tea with scones. Some free time is made available to enjoy the gardens and parkland. During a stroll through the formal gardens, of which there are three, you can see the distinctive parterre garden, Sir Briggs Monument and impressive, Grade I-listed stables. In addition, you can stop by the onsite gift shop to browse for souvenirs of your visit. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore Cardiff at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Cardiff at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Cardiff at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Cardiff at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customize your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Experience a taste of life in Wales a millennium ago during this immersive, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Cardiff, Wye Valley, Tintern Abbey, Gothic Architecture, Decorative Detail

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to the Wye Valley for a visit to the picturesque Tintern Abbey, which has inspired both Wordsworth and Turner. Founded for Cistercian Monks in 1141 and largely rebuilt in the late-13th century, Tintern Abbey encompasses grand design and architectural detail of great finesse. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of Tintern Abbey. The shell of the Tintern Abbey stands open to the skies almost to its full height, an outstanding example of the elaborate decorative style of Gothic architecture. See the vast windows with their delicate tracery, and the wealth of decorative detail displayed in the walls, doorways and soaring archways.

Monmouth Town, Wye and Monnow Rivers, Georgian Buildings

Next, re-board your coach and continue through the Wye Valley to Monmouth, a Welsh border market town situated at the confluence of the Wye and Monnow rivers. The wealth of elegant Georgian buildings reflect its former status as the county town of Monmouthshire. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour through Monmouth Town.

11th-Century Castle Ruins, Statues, Shire Hall, Agincourt Square, Monnow Bridge, Free Time

Along the way, see the ruins of the 11th-century castle which was the birthplace of Henry V in 1387. Statues of Henry and Charles Steward Rolls, co-founder of the Rolls-Royce car manufacturers, stand in Agincourt Square. Other sites to be seen include the elaborate Shire Hall, which dominates Agincourt Square, and the Monnow Bridge. With a narrow, 13th-century gateway on its western approach, Monnow is thought to be the only surviving fortified bridge-gate in Britain. Following your tour, some free time is made available for independent shopping and exploration. At the conclusion of your visit, commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.