Silversea Expedition Cruises À MILFORD HAVEN (Wales)

Take a drive through the glorious Welsh countryside to Picton Castle. Set in 40 acres of magnificent gardens, Picton Castle is perhaps the most unusual ancient building in Britain, with half of the building designed as a fortified manor house and the other half a fully developed medieval castle. Built in the 13th century by Sir John Wogan, the castle is still the family home of his descendants, although they no longer reside here.

Make a morning visit to the castle, which still retains its medieval features in the undercroft (a church crypt). The principal rooms were remodeled in the 1750's by Sir John Philipps the 6th Baronet, with plastered rooms and fireplaces by Sir Henry Cheere. Your visit of the castle flows from one room to another on your own time, with stewards in each room to answer any questions you may have.

Following your visit of the castle you may like to take a turn in the fabulous gardens. Picton Castle is home to some of the most beautiful woodland gardens and grounds in West Wales. Guests have the option to take a stroll beneath some of the largest and oldest trees in Wales and discover the woodland walks, ferns and the abundant feast of wild flowers that blend with unusual woodland shrubs from all corners of the world. Admire the rare species of Rhododendrons and visit the Walled Garden which is an enchanting riot of color in the summer months with its elegant fountain, rose strewn arches and medicinal herbs all labelled with their remedies.

Make the scenic 45-minute return drive to the pier.

Depart your ship and drive 45 minutes towards the second largest castle in Wales, Pembroke Castle, a place occupied as long ago as the Roman period and filled with history. Established a promontory surrounded by water and natural land defenses on all sides, Pembroke Castle was built in the 12th century by the Normans and was the birth place of Henry Tudor (Henry VII).

Set on a limestone hill, Pembroke Castle guarded the strategically important town of Pembroke. The massive curtain walls have five projecting round towers and a great keep, 21 meters high and 6 meters thick at the base. The castle proved so impregnable to cannon fire during the Civil War that Cromwell's men had to starve out the castle's Royalist defenders! Visit the impressive castle and enjoy the guided tour that brings this ancient, fascinating place to life.

After your fascinating tour, take the return drive to the Milford Haven pier.

Depart your ship and head to the ancient town of Tenby, a picturesque walled medieval town with a historic harbour. The old walls are almost completely intact and have served well to preserve the old town from the effects of modernisation and development. The narrow lanes and small squares remain much as they were 500 years ago. Walk through the centre with your guide and discover the fascinating history behind this delightful ancient town, before enjoying free time to stroll along the scenic coast and through the charming town centre.

Afterwards enjoy a short drive to the second largest castle in Wales. Pembroke Castle was built in the 12th century by the Normans and was the birth place of Henry Tudor (Henry VII). Set on a limestone hill, it guarded the strategically important town of Pembroke. The massive curtain walls have five projecting round towers and a great keep, 21 metres high and 6 metres thick at the base. The castle proved so impregnable to cannon fire during the Civil War that Cromwell's men had to starve out the castle's Royalist defenders! Visit the impressive castle and enjoy the guided tour that will bring this ancient castle to life.

Leaving Pembroke Castle, take the short drive back to your awaiting ship.

Enjoy the beauty of the Pembrokeshire Coast as you join your guide for a walking tour that takes you along a section of the Pembrokeshire coastal path that runs from Amroth in the south to St. Dogmaels in the north. Discover a variety of scenery, wildlife and a wealth of cultural and historical diversity stretching from the Iron Age to the present.

Drive 45 minutes by coach to Kete and begin your walk with an expert guide. Head out towards St. Ann's Head, the site of a historic lighthouse originally built in 1714 and rebuilt in 1844, which was the scene of the Sea Empress grounding in 1996. Proceed along the Coastal Path, with other highlights including additional lighthouses old and new, coastguard cottages, and Mill Bay where Henry Tudor landed in 1485 after many years of exile in France.

Have your camera ready to visit Cobbler's Hole, a natural wonder of layers of rock revealed by thousands of years of erosion by crashing waves entering a constricted outcropping of land. Look for the signature deep red rock layered between other grays and browns, contrasting with the green grass cliffs and bright aqua water. Return to the pier but take an unforgettable and rare experience with you.