Things are different in Cardiff, the Capital of Wales. Within the compact city centre you'll find unique attractions, top class entertainment - and quality shopping with a difference. Innovative architecture sits alongside historic buildings, the bustle of the city centre is only a few strides from acres of peaceful parklands, and Cardiff Bay offers indoor and outdoor entertainment for everyone. On arrival, you will be met by your local guide and taken on a tour of the city with private vehicle. Experience the beauty of The Gower Peninsula on a shared tour exploring its golden sandy beaches and limestone cliffs. The Gower Peninsula is the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is 19 miles by 6 miles of award winning beaches, dramatic cliff-top walks, picturesque villages, rolling countryside, valleys, woodlands and breathtaking views. The area boasts many ancient sites including castles and a human burial chamber dating back to 3500 BC. You will also enjoy a day trip out into West Wales along the South Pembrokeshire Coast. We will happily arrange any transer needs you may have if you plan on combining time in Wales with some of the rest of the UK or further afield - just ask!

Europe's youngest Capital City, Cardiff, is the Capital City of Wales. Founded by the Romans, influenced by the Normans, Cardiff exploded onto the world map, earning the reputation of The Coal Exporting Capital of the World. Nowadays it is a lively and modern capital city, gaining popularity with tourists interested in its history and culture. Once overlooked, it is now one of the United Kingdom's tourism hotspots. Summer is by far the best time to visit, as many of the attractions are outdoors. Its population is roughly 325,000.

You will be met at Cardiff airport and taken to your accommodation.

Consider taking a private tour to discover the Georgian town of Bath, the Roman town of Wells and the world heritage site of Stonehenge. Alternatively, you could take a trip to the Brecon Beacons National Park which contains some of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes in Europe. Another option today would be to take a trip out along the Heritage Coast - with beautiful low cliffs and dramatic coastal scenery. Walk along the beautiful Dunraven Bay at Southerndown - a large expanse of golden sand when the tide is out.Pass by ancient ruins such as Ogmore Castle and the picturesque village of Merthyr Mawr with its thatched cottages and its great dune desert, Britain’s largest dune system. There are also plenty of great golf courses in the vicinity if this is of interest. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you would like anything organised for you today.

You will be provided with a welcome pack upon arrival in Cardiff which will include your vouchers, and itinerary as well as additional information such as city maps  and train tickets (as relevant).

The Radisson Blu Hotel (4*) is located in the city centre of Cardiff and affords guests access to exciting attractions, thriving commercial districts and lively nightlife. Sporting a stunning glass and metal exterior and streamlined décor, this premier accommodation boasts modern design inside and out. 215 rooms and suites at this Cardiff hotel feature bold design, city views and high-quality amenities. The Filini Restaurant offers innovative Italian cuisine served in a contemporary atmosphere.

Overnight at Radisson Blu (4*).

Spend the day on a guided, shared small group day tour (max. 7 people). After being picked up from your accommodation, the first visit is to Chepstow Castle, which is perched above the swirling waters of the River Wye. Standing guard over a strategic crossing point into Wales, this well-preserved landmark castle wass probably the first stone castle to be built in Britain and one of the few to trace the evolution of medieval military architecture from start to finish.

North of Chepstow is the Wooded Wye Valley, an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' which winds its way through Tintern to Monmouth. Tintern, dominated by the soaring ruins of its medieval abbey, has attracted poets and artists for centuries. The abbey is an outstanding example of Gothic architecture and provides a fascinating insight into monastic life in medieval times.

From here, you'll travel north through the Wye Valley to the historic Welsh border market town of Monmouth, situated at the confluence of the Rivers Wye, Monnow and Trothy. Perhaps best known as the birthplace of Henry V, Monmouth boasts a whole host of historical sites, people and buildings from the Nelson Garden to The Town Hall. It has a medieval 13th-century bridge over the River Monnow, unique in Britain as it is the only preserved bridge of its design remaining.

Raglan was the last medieval fortification built in Britain. Raglan was built on the site of a former Norman motte in 1435. The design combines practical strength with ostentatious style. Raglan castle is set amongst rolling border country. Once a sumptuous palace, with formal state apartments and a Great Tower, it was more a state of wealth and social aspiration than an intimidating military presence. It acquitted itself well however, when forced into active service, enduring in 1646 one of the longest sieges in the English Civil War, before falling to Cromwell's forces and suffering at the hands of his demolition team. Even in ruin however, noble Raglan remains the finest late-medieval fortress palace in the British Isles.

The landscape of The Marches - the Welsh border, is dominated by two rivers, the Wye and the Usk. They meander through green vales set in rolling countryside. The entire area is idyllic touring country. Scenic roads weave across hill and vale dotted with pretty little towns and villages. Discover the historic floral town of Usk which stands in the valley of the same name.

The final stop of the day is Caerleon, one of Europe's most fascinating and revealing Roman sites. To the Romans Caerleon was known as Isca or often referred to as 'City of the Legions'. Here they created not just a military camp but also an entire township, complete with amphitheatre which, in its heyday, would have seated in the region of 6,000 people and would have been the scene of many gladiatorial games against men and beasts. Dr Mortimer Wheeler extensively excavated the remains of the Amphitheatre in 1926 and they remain some of the best preserved in Britain. The variety of remains on view in Caerleon (from its amphitheatre to the excavated bathhouse complex, barracks and museum) is unparalleled within the British Isles, providing a vivid picture of life in Roman Britain almost 2,000 years ago. At days end you will be returned to your accommodation in Cardiff. (includes all entrances).

There are lots of restaurant options to choose from both in Cardiff city centre as well as Cardiff bay. If you like Italian cuisine, you may like to try Positano's (9-10 Church Street tel: 029 2023 5810) or Giovanni's (38 The Hayes, tel: 029 2022 0077) which has a great family atmosphere and an impressive array of barolo's and Chianti's. Alternatively, consider Bullys - (5 Romilly Crescent,  tel: 029 2022 1905). Bully’s uses seasonal produce from Welsh providers, complemented by a  unique French wine list sourced from small, passionate growers. If you feel like venturing outside of the city and to Cardiff Bay, consider Woods Brasserie - a contemporary restaurant situated within the iconic pilotage building of Cardiff Bay. The restaurant has a modern conservatory style dining room, a comfortable bar area and a balcony offering  views of Cardiff Bay. (Pilotage Building, Stuart Street tel: 02920 492 400). Another option in Cardigan Bay is the Pearl of the Orient, situated in the opulent surroundings of Cardiff Bay's mermaid quay development. The restaurant offers the first Cantonese, Peking, Malaysian and swechwan cuisine in Cardiff in a contemporary, relaxed surrounding. (Mermaid Quay, tel: 029 2049 8080). Of course, you may simply like to take a stroll through the city centre and decide what catches your fancy this evening.

Overnight at Radisson Blu (4*).

Spend the day exploring the Brecon Beacons, Books and Black Mountains on a full day small group shared guided tour (maximum 7 people). After being picked up from your accommodation, start the day with a short walk with your guide and enjoy the fantastic views overlooking the whole of Cardiff, a panoramic view of the South Wales coast, combined with stunning views of The Valleys and The Brecon Beacon National Park (weather dependent).

Enjoy the drive to Caerphilly Castle, the second largest castle in Britain. Built in the late 13th century, the fortress is a supreme example of the concentric 'walls within walls' system of defence, and the castle's outstanding water defences made it almost impregnable to siege warfare.Particularly noteworthy features include the gatehouse, banqueting hall and full-size working replicas of medieval siege-engines. Often threatened but, unsurprisingly, never taken, the castle's only sign of weakness is its famous leaning tower (which out-leans the tower at Pisa!)

The Brecon Beacons National Park spans 519 square miles of beautiful mid-Wales countryside and contains some of the most spectacular and diverse landscapes in Europe. The landscape is scattered with prehistoric monuments, Roman remains and medieval castles, spectacular waterfalls, caves and wooded gorges, along with distinctive upland formations. Take in the scenery as you are driven to the southern edge of the National Park, taking a scenic route towards the attractive village of Talybont-on-Usk, in the Usk Valley. Absorb the superb views including forests, reservoirs, waterfalls and wildlife.

Then stretch your legs on a 40 minute walk along part of the multi-purpose Taff Trail. This off road walking and cycling track, runs from the Cardiff Bay Waterfront to the Market Town of Brecon, a distance of 55 miles. Continue to Hay-on-Wye, the 'Town Of Books’, with its maze of narrow ancient streets, housing over 35 bookshops with over a million books for sale - a mecca for second-hand book and antiquarian book lovers!

The northeasternmost section of the Brecon Beacons National Park is known as the Black Mountains. The Black Mountains displays awesome remoteness, only partly tamed by human habitation. Tiny villages, isolated churches and delightful lanes are folded into the undulating green landscape. Before leaving the Brecon Beacon National Park, enjoy a 30 minute walk, which offers stunning 360 degree views of the National Park, including the Beacons, Corn Ddu and Pen-y-Fan, the highest mountain in South Wales, with its distinctive red table top summit standing at 886 metres. At days end you will be returned to your accommodation in Cardiff. (includes all entrances to places mentioned).

Overnight at Radisson Blu (4*).

Experience the beauty of The Gower Peninsula, with its golden sandy beaches and limestone cliffs. The Gower Peninsula is the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is 19 miles by 6 miles of award winning beaches, dramatic cliff-top walks, picturesque villages, rolling countryside, valleys, woodlands and breathtaking views. The area boasts many ancient sites including castles and a human burial chamber dating back to 3500 BC.

After being picked up at your accommodation in Cardiff, you'll get to explore this beautiful coast line on a small group (max. 7 people) guided tour. Take in stunning views over Oystermouth Bay in Mumbles, the gateway to the Gower. Stretch your legs on a half hour walk into Langland Bay from Bracelet Bay and Limeslade Bay. The walk takes you along a steep clifftop with breathtaking views of the coast.

Positioned between Three Cliffs Bay and Oxwich Bay, Penmaen Burrows has a number of archaeological remains and is both interesting and scenic. You may like to take a leisurely 40 minute walk offering spectacular cliff top views of Three Cliffs Bay's semi-secluded pristine beaches and clifftop views over the outstanding six mile stretch of sand which is Oxwich Bay.

More amazing coastal views are to be had at Rhossili Bay, where you can take a walk along the body of the sleeping dragon, towards Worms Head. The last stop of the day is Cefn Bryn, Gower's sturdy spine, which commands views of the North Gower coast, Carmarthen Bay and a distant glimpse of Pembrokeshire and  the rugged interior landscape of the Gower Peninsula. here, wild ponies, cattle and sheep graze freely on common ground. The legend of King Arthur which permeates across this ancient and historical landscape is never far away. There is another opportunity to take a short walk, take in the amazing views and visit one of the Seven Wonders of Britain, Arthur's Stone before being returned to your accommodation in Cardiff at days end. (includes entrances).

Overnight at Radisson Blu (4*).

You will be collected from your accommodation and taken to Cardiff airport in time for check in.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).