Celtic myth, legend and fantasy have been characteristic of Welsh culture and identity down through the centuries. Many believe Wales was the birthplace of Merlin (the legendary magician to King Arthur) and some scholars agree that the ancient Celtic King held his round table in Wales . You can almost feel the past around you in today's Wales, perhaps wandering among castle ruins in a sunny meadow or standing totally speechless overlooking the mountains of Snowdonia.

 

It would be easy to stay longer in magical Wales, but other wonderful places await us in England! Yorkshire is known to be a region with a breathtaking countryside, ancient ruins, a stunning coastline and amazing history around every corner. Northumberland, also known as the Kingdom of Northumbria, is "England 's Border Country,” a land of history and heritage set amidst some of the loveliest scenery in Britain .

 

We hope you can join us for another one of our Celtic Journeys!

 

 

Sept 4   Evening flight from Newark to the UK.

 

Sept 5   Arrive early in the morning. We are met by our coach driver/guide who will be with us for the duration of our time throughout Wales. Before we head to Cardiff, we will take the time to visit Bristol Cathedral, founded in 1140, and one of the finest examples of a 'hall church' anywhere in the world. Then on to the capitol of Wales. Cardiff has blossomed into one of the most inviting cities in Britain and known as one of the major scenic beauty spots of South Wales . The National Museum is a treasure of the area. And of course, Cardiff Castle... a feast of rich architectural detail, whimsy, and color.
Overnight Cardiff

 

Sept 6   This morning we will be traveling through the Vale of Glamorgan, a rich fertile area of Southern Wales.  In the middle of the Vale of Glamorgan lies a small coastal town of  Llantwit Major, often called "the most beautiful of places". It is a quaint old town, dating as far back as the Neolithic period. We could stay longer in this charming town, but St Davids awaits us. The medieval Kingdom of Dyfed is just another name for St Davids Peninsula, an area of natural beauty you won't forget.
1st Overnight St David's

 

Sept 7   A leisurely day spent in and around this charming town. We will attend Church at St Davids in the morning, and meander around the area in the afternoon. St Davids Cathedral has been the dominant presence in this area since the 12th century. This jewel of a church was a popular pilgrimage destination throughout the middle ages and indeed remains so to this day attracting thousands of visitors every year. Adjacent to the cathedral stand the magnificent ruins of the medieval Bishops Palace .
2nd Overnight St Davids

 

Sept 8   After one of those full Welsh breakfasts, we are on the road once more.  Nevern, a little village tucked away in the valley of the River Nyfer, and St Brynach's Church, will be on our route today. The site of this sweet church is one of the earliest Christian places of worship and pilgrimage in the country, founded by St Brynach in the 5th century.  A 13 foot high elaborately designed Great Celtic cross catches one's attention, perhaps the finest in Wales. The Pentre Ifan Dolman, one of the most impressive Neolithic cromlechs in the United Kingdom, is nearby.  We can't miss the opportunity to see both these ancient sacred places.
1st Overnight near Snowdonia         

                

Sept 9   Snowdonia. With its breathtaking beauty and fantastic scenery, this area boasts the highest range of mountains in England and Wales , and is one of the most ancient and hauntingly beautiful areas in Europe.  Called Eryri (the place of eagles) in Welsh, it has been said that Snowdonia is the soul of Wales. On to the Isle of Anglesey, an island steeped in history from Neolithic times to the present day, its peaceful mystic beauty providing a haven for many.  Beaumaris Castle is possibly the most sophisticated example of medieval architecture in Britain, and for some, it is the most beautiful castle in all of Wales. Then to a very tranquil spot on the eastern tip of Anglesey, the site of a monastery dating back to St Seiriol (6th c.) A holy well on the grounds is believed to have its origins in this period.  Penmon Priory is nearby, refuted to have been founded by St Seiriol.
2nd Overnight near Snowdonia

Sept 10  Back on the road again! Today we will be bidding Wales a fond adieu, leaving behind all the wonderful memories of this lovely country. But England awaits, with other rich experiences ahead. We will be heading to York, known as the North's spiritual capital for 2000 years. York Minster is one of the great cathedrals of the world, loved not only by people in the United Kingdom and Yorkshire, but by countless people across the globe.
Overnight York     

Sept 11  Once the largest and most important monastery in England, Rievaulx Abbey now rests in a beautiful and tranquil valley. Rievaulx (pronounced "Ree-voh") was the first Cistercian monastery in northern England, and its magnificent ruins are among the most atmospheric in the region. Apparently the monks thought so, too. One Rievaulx abbot described his surroundings as "everywhere peace, everywhere serenity." Whitby Abbey was founded in the seventh century on cliffs overlooking the North Sea. Its haunting presence can still be seen from the sea and are a testament to the Golden Age of Northumbria.
1st Overnight Durham

Sept 12  Durham Cathedral has been described as ‘one of the great architectural experiences of Europe '. The Cathedral was built as a place of worship, specifically to house the shrine of the North's best-loved saint, Cuthbert.  Begun in 1093 and largely completed within 40 years, it is the only cathedral in England to retain almost all of its Norman craftsmanship, and one of few to preserve the unity and integrity of its original design.  It is absolutely awesome.  We'll have some time in the afternoon to visit two special places. Dating back to Roman times, Hadrian's Wall is nearby, as well as a Roman crypt at Hexham Abbey.
2nd Overnight Durham

Sept 13  Our trip is soon coming to a close. We’ll be taking the coastal route to Holy Island. Lindisfarne, or Holy Island, was founded by St. Aidan, an Irish monk who came from the well-known monastery on Iona, the center of Christianity in Northumbria. With its ancient associations, its castle and priory ruins, Lindisfarne remains today a holy site and a place of pilgrimage for many. The island is charming, with a small tree-lined village at its center, ruins of the abbey, and wonderful walking trails along grass lined dunes.

Overnight Holy Island

Sept 14  Return flight to the states out of Edinburgh International Airport.  We hope we will see you again on another one of our Celtic Journeys! Take care of yourselves, and God Bless…

 

Greetings     Ireland 2010    Wales/UK 2008
Cornwall 2009    Scotland 2010
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revised 11/14/09