Day 1 - Sunday August 23, 2026 Manchester

Today you will arrive in Manchester and make your way to the hotel. We will have our traditional “Welcome Meeting” and dinner in the evening. Following dinner, we will enjoy our first presentation by our expert hosts, Alfred Hawkins and Dr. Owen Emmerson.

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Day 2 - Monday August 24, 2026 Chester Cathedral Anglesey

The morning begins with breakfast. Afterwards, we board our coach to travel to Chester. Once there, our local guide will take us around Chester to see the city and the Cathedral.
Next, you will have free time for lunch and exploring on own, then we will continue on to Anglesey. Dinner included.

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Day 3 - Tuesday August 25, 2026 Flint Castle & Rhuddlan Castle

Following breakfast, we leave for Basinwerk Abbey, founded in 1132 by the Cistercians, now a quiet and evocative ruin near pilgrimage site, St. Winefride’s Well.
Later, we continue on to our next stop, Flint Castle, built in 1277, one of the first castles built during Edward I’s campaign. It features a unique detached keep and played a role in various historical events, the most notable being the imprisonment of Richard II.

We continue on our way to the seaside town of Rhyl to explore and have lunch on your own.
We leave again for Rhuddlan to visit its castle, that was built between 1277-1282. Another castle designed to subdue Wales. The castle’s design includes a unique diamond-shaped inner ward and was strategically important during the conquest of the Welsh.

When finished with our visit, we return to the hotel. Dinner on your own.

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Day 4 - Wednesday
August 26, 2026
Beaumaris Castle, Penmon Priory, Penrhyn Castle & Gardens

After breakfast, to travel to our first stop, Beaumaris Castle. Built between 1295-1330, it was intended to be the most technically perfect castle in Britain. It was never completed. Its concentric design and formidable defenses exemplify
the height of medieval military architecture.

Our next site is near the castle: St. Seirol’s Priory Church (Penmon Priory). A pre- Norman church of Romanesque architecture. It contains a 10th century cross, and dovecote, with current structures mainly 12th century.
Next we leave for Penrhyn to see and explore the castle and gardens and enjoy lunch on your own.

Afterwards, we return to the hotel. Dinner is on your own.

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Day 5 - Thursday August 27, 2026 Bangor Cathedral, Conwy Castle

Following breakfast, we head to our first stop, Bangor Cathedral. Founded c. 525 by St. Deiniol, in suffered multiple periods of destruction and rebuilding. It contains mostly 13th-16th century fabric.
Next, we are off to Conwy to explore the town, have lunch on your own and to see the famous Conwy Castle. Edward I built this castle during his conquest of Wales between 1283-1287, Conwy Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features eight massive towers and is considered one of the finest examples of military architecture from the late 13th century.

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Day 6 - Thursday
August 28, 2026
Castle Dolbadarn, Caernarfon Castle, & Harlech Castle

After breakfast, our first stop today is Castle Dolbadarn. Built in the early 13th century by Llywelyn the Great, Dolbadarn Castle served as a symbol of Welsh authority. Its round tower is considered one of the finest surviving examples of a Welsh round tower. We continue to Caernarfon to the impressive castle there. Built between 1283-1330, Caernarfon Castle was designed as a seat of power and a symbol of English dominance. Its unique polygonal towers and colour-banded masonry make it architecturally significant. Following our visit, you will be free to wander the streets of Caernarfon and have lunch on your own.

Our third castle for the day is Harlech Castle. It was built between 1283-1289. It played significant roles during the Welsh Wars, the Wars of the Roses, and the English Civil War. Perched on a rocky crag, it’s renowned for its dramatic setting and historical importance.

When finished here, we return to our hotel. Dinner is on your own.

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Day 7 - Saturday August 29, 2026 Gwrych Castle

Following breakfast, we set out for the conclusion to our adventure at Gwrych Castle. We will visit the historic market town of Ruthin with free time to explore and have lunch on your
own upon arrival.

Next we return to Manchester for our “Farewell Dinner”.

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Day 8 - Sunday August 30, 2026 Manchester

Today, it is time to say goodbye before our return trip home or onward journeys, taking with us connections to new friends and memories of a wonderful adventure!

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Trip Price

$3695 per person, $876 Single supplement, Register with a $500 deposit.