NEW! British Isles & Viking Shores

Journey across the green pastures of Anglesey to Beaumaris, a delightful coastal town and home to Beaumaris Castle. Upon arrival, you will visit Beaumaris Castle—one of the finest examples of the great medieval castles found in Wales. Commissioned by Edward I, the castle was intended to be his crowning glory along the coast of North Wales. Although construction was never completed, the castle is considered a masterpiece and still dominates the town with its concentric defensive walls and surrounding moat. Take a stroll atop its fortress walls as you the learn about the great ambitions of the military architect behind the design. After your visit, you will enjoy free time to explore the quaint town on your own. Perhaps stop at one of the many quaint tea shops, or take a walk along the pier and see the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) station. Afterward, return to your ship.

Cross over the Menai Strait to the Welsh mainland to visit two very impressive Welsh castles. Penrhyn Castle was completed in 1837 by Thomas Hopper, and designed in a Gothic style with a Moorish flavor. The extensive grounds, which you can discover after your self-guided tour of the castle, include formal gardens, semi-wooded walks and a Victorian walled garden. Following lunch in the seaside town of Caernarfon, your tour takes you to Caernarfon Castle. Of the four castles in northern Wales built by order of King Edward I, this is the most magnificent. Caernarfon Castle’s symbolic status was reinforced when Edward made sure that his son, the first Prince of Wales, was born here in 1284. In more recent times, King Charles III was crowned Prince of Wales here in a glittering ceremony in 1969.

Stroll through the glorious Bodnant Garden and enjoy the stunning views across Snowdonia National Park. The botanical gardens, whose construction began in 1875, are the creation of four generations of the Aberconway family. They feature large Italianate terraces and formal lawns on the upper level, with a wooded valley, stream and wild garden below. You can see dramatic colors throughout the seasons, with herbaceous borders, roses, hydrangeas, water lilies and clematis offering a delicious display throughout the summer. Following your guided walk through the gardens, enjoy free time to take a leisurely stroll on your own. Manicured lawns, grand terraces and verdant woodland provide the perfect retreat, with the stunning backdrop of the Carneddau Mountains of Snowdonia. After your visit, return to your ship via the Britannia Bridge with sweeping views over the Menai Strait.

Immerse yourself in more than 700 years of British royal history on a tour of the stunning Caernarfon Castle. Dating back to 1283, the fortress with its unique polygonal towers, intimidating battlements and color-banded masonry dominates the walled town of Caernarfon. Of the four castles in northern Wales built by order of King Edward I, this is the most magnificent. Caernarfon Castle’s symbolic status was reinforced when Edward made sure that his son, the first Prince of Wales, was born here in 1284. In more recent times, King Charles III was crowned Prince of Wales here in a glittering ceremony in 1969. Explore the castle’s magnificent ruins with your local guide, including the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum housed in two of the castle’s towers, and view exhibits that document the centuries-old history of Wales’s oldest infantry regiment. After free time, return to your ship.

Experience old-world charm on a vintage railway while taking in the stunning natural beauty of Snowdonia. Drive to Porthmadog, where you will begin your journey on the Ffestiniog Railway. Founded in 1832, it brought slate from the quarries of Blaenau to Porthmadog for global export. Originally pulled by horses, it later became the first narrow-gauge railway in the world to operate steam locomotives. This innovation revolutionized industrial rail transport and helped turn Blaenau Ffestiniog into the “slate capital of the world.” Ride in an original 19th-century carriage, pulled by a steam locomotive, and venture into Snowdonia National Park. Upon arrival in Blaenau, you will set off by motor coach to Betws-y-Coed to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The return journey passes through the dramatic Ogwen Valley with a photo stop at Llanfairpwll, the town famous for its long name.

Visit the enchanting Grade 1–listed ancestral home of the Wynn family and enjoy a Privileged Access tour. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach across the Isle of Anglesey, over the Menai Strait, to the Snowdonia National Park. Set in ten acres of gardens, Gwydir Castle proudly stands after being restored to its original grandeur. Meet the owners and enjoy an exclusive tour of this original Tudor home. Stroll the rooms, admire period furniture and discover the story behind the refurbishment and Gwydir’s “lost” dining room, which spent decades housed in New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art before negotiations allowed the return of the contents to Gwydir. The restored dining room was opened by HRH the Prince of Wales in 1998, now Britain’s King Charles III. After your tour, enjoy traditional Welsh sweet treats served with tea or coffee before returning to your ship.

Journey to the heart of Snowdonia for a scenic hike through atmospheric Welsh landscapes. Board your motor coach and set out through the countryside with your guide for the Cwm Idwal Nature Reserve, situated at the northern end of the Ogwen Valley. Upon arrival, you will begin your hike through part of the reserve, renowned for its Arctic plants and diverse wildlife. Immerse yourself in the picturesque surroundings as you walk in the shadow of Y Garn mountain and past the clear waters of Llyn Idwal. At the end of your trek, return to your coach and continue through Snowdonia National Park to reach an eatery nestled in the heart of this serene mountain region. Settle in for a lunch of local fare, which you will enjoy while surrounded by the spectacular scenery of Northern Wales. After, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Delve into the culinary specialties of Anglesey during a visit to a salt production facility and local brewery. Take a scenic drive to the banks of the Menai Strait and Halen Môn—an artisan producer and supplier of fine Anglesey sea salt. Halen Môn was established in 1997 as an extension to the family’s food business. With a focus on sustainability, their approach relies on the beautiful, natural environment in which they operate. During a behind-the-scenes tour, you will learn more about the process of bringing salt from tide to table and enjoy a tasting, led by one of Halen Môn’s experts. Afterward, head to the Bragdy Cybi Tap Room & Brewery, where you will sample local craft brews, inspired by the island and its people. Your host will explain the brewing process and lead you on a tasting journey, and even teach you a few Welsh phrases. After your visit, return to your ship.

Discover the wild beauty of North Wales during a trail walk and a visit to Holyhead Breakwater Country Park. Begin with a guided drive by motor coach to South Stack Nature Reserve, situated on the rugged western tip of Holy Island. Upon arrival, you will set out with your guide on a walk through the reserve. Take in the views of towering sea cliffs, see a rich variety of coastal plants and keep watch for sightings of local wildlife as you follow the trail. After, you will have free time to explore more on your own before returning to your coach and continuing to Holyhead Breakwater Country Park, nestled at the foothills of Holyhead Mountain. Enjoy views of the remnants of this 19th-century engineering marvel and learn about its history at the information center. After, you may join a guided trail walk or sit back and relax at the on-site café before returning to your ship.

Visit the Penderyn Distillery and discover a revived industry in the heart of North Wales. From the 4th century, Wales was home to a number of distilleries, however by 1910 whisky production ceased entirely as a result of the rise of the Temperance Movement. More than 100 years later, a group of Welsh Valley entrepreneurs set out on a mission to bring whisky production back to Wales. Penderyn was selected as its first site due to its abundance of natural spring water. At its Llandudno site facility, enjoy a guided tour of the distillery as you hear about its unique copper single-pot still, designed by renowned scientist Dr. David Faraday. Under the watchful eye of a master blender, you will sample a selection paired with local handmade chocolates. After, head into the center of Llandudno and enjoy free time to explore independently before returning to your ship.

Meet a Welsh farming family and learn about local life in the foothills of the Carneddau Mountain Range. Drive to the Victorian coastal town of Llanfairfechan. Here, you will meet your hosts and board a tractor trailer for the scenic ride to Tynllwyfan Farm, enjoying informative commentary along the way. Upon arrival, watch a sheepdog demonstration and see firsthand the vital role that these intelligent dogs play in daily farm life. You may even try your hand at directing the dogs yourself. During your farm tour, you will also learn about innovative techniques for the use of the sheep’s wool, which is used by local vineyards to protect their delicate vines over winter. Enjoy a glass of locally produced wine, alongside a cheese tasting, and sample a farm-made Cacen Gri—a Welsh griddle cake made using a closely guarded family recipe.