Explore marvelous Conwy Castle, considered by many to be the most impressive of all the Welsh castles. Boasting massive towers and a well-preserved wall that soars to an imposing height, the Castle is truly an awesome sight to behold.

Your journey takes you across the island of Anglesey and a short distance along the North Wales coastline to the old town of Conwy and magnificent Conwy Castle, one of the finest medieval fortifications in the United Kingdom. Its two fortified gateways and eight stone towers sit on a rocky outcrop, making the castle look almost impenetrable. Although ruined now, remains dramatically striking as it stands by the River overlooking a somewhat peculiarly designed pair of bridges that bring the road and railway into the town. Built by Edward I in the 1280s, the castle is so extraordinary that it has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

From the castle runs the original medieval town wall which is 1400 yards long and has an average height of 30 feet. This was built at the same time as the castle and is the best example in Britain of the defense works introduced by Edward I. Conwy's old wall is virtually intact all around the town, fortified with 21 towers and 3 gateways. As a result, Conwy town center has never been over-run by modern development (all of which has happened outside the walls) and therefore, retains a wonderful ambiance.

The castle tour makes a fine introduction to your exploration of the village of Conwy, where you will have some free time to wander through streets that remain essentially the same as they were in medieval times or join the guide for a walking tour.

Enjoy the scenery of coastal Wales on this short 2 1/2 hour panoramic drive of North Anglesey. The Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Môn in Welsh), has a rich history passed on from its Celtic, Viking, Medieval settlers. With most of Anglesey classed as an area of 'outstanding natural beauty, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest , catch long glimpses of golden beaches and capture picture-perfect moments. We start with a drive through the picturesque town of Beaumaris and the historic Beaumaris Castle . This stunning World Heritage Site castle was the last and largest of the castles to be built in 1295 by King Edward I and is regarded by many as the finest of all the great Edwardian castles in Wales. We then join the northern coastal loop road that takes you through villages of Pentraeth, Llanallgo, Amlwch, Tregele and Llanrhyddlad, which covers most of the Anglesey Area of Outstanding Beauty, before returning to the ship in Holyhead.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Beaumaris Castle, recognized for its architectural design and beauty, sits in a lovely pastoral setting. Thought by many to be the most technically perfect castle in Britain, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Make your way across Anglesey to this stunning castle that was intended to present itself as an impregnable fortress. The partly unfinished castle is almost perfectly symmetrical with two impressive moated walls of defense which, even today, stand as a formidable barrier.

Your guided tour includes a visit to the small chapel, which, with its vaulted ceiling and pointed windows, is one of the highlights of the castle. There is a lot to see during your visit. There are 14 separate major obstacles to prevent attackers from reaching the inside, hundreds of arrow-slits from where archers could fire, and murder holes to defend entrances.

Following your castle tour, a short stroll brings you to a nearby hotel where a refreshment of coffee and cakes await you. Before re-joining your coach for the return to Holyhead, a leisurely walk with your guide gives you the opportunity to see some of the historic buildings and sites of Beaumaris.

This mostly panoramic tour gives you a nice overview of the Welsh countryside and Snowdonia, while stopping for photos at some points of interest along the way. This incredible park boasts some of the most amazing scenery to be found anywhere in Wales and is a visual delight.

Travel through Anglesey to cross the Menai Strait and then on to Caernarfon with its famous castle that dates back to 1283. It was here that the heir to the British Throne, Prince Charles, was crowned Prince of Wales in 1969. Stop for photos of this once impregnable castle before continuing inland towards the magnificent landscapes of the Snowdonia National Park.

Travel deep into the park, and make a short stop for photos at Llanberis, which rests beside the Llyn Padarn Lake. From here, you will next take the incredible Llanberis pass that skirts the base of Snowdon, the highest peak in Britain south of the Scottish highlands at 3,560 feet high. Weather permitting; there will be opportunities to photograph the fabulous scenery. Arriving at lovely Betws y Coed; a spot renowned for its popularity with hikers and adventure seekers, you will have some free time to stretch your legs, do a bit of shopping, or enjoy a cup of tea before it's time to head back to Holyhead.

Travel through Anglesey to cross the Menai Strait and on to Caernarfon with its legendary castle that dates back to 1283. Standing at the mouth of the Seiont River, this imposing fortress with its unique polygonal towers, intimidating battlements and color-banded masonry dominates the walled town. Of the four castles in northern Wales built by order of Edward I, Caernarfon Castle is surely the most magnificent. The grandeur that Caernarfon Castle displays signifies King Edward I's intent that it should serve as the powerful seat of English government in Wales. It is said to have been designed to echo the walls of Constantinople, the imperial power of Rome and the dream-castle, 'the fairest that ever man saw', of Welsh myth and legend.

Caernarfon's symbolic status was further emphasized when Edward made sure that his son, the first Prince of Wales, was born here in 1284, and a statue of King Edward II can be seen above the entrance at the King's Gate. In more recent times, Prince Charles - the heir to the British throne, was crowned Prince of Wales here in 1969.

Your time here includes a guided visit inside the once impregnable castle where you will be able to explore its fascinating ruins. Following your guided tour, you'll enjoy some free time to shop or further explore at your leisure.