North Wales Explorer Guided Shore Excursion from Holyhead
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Souvenir Map
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Gratuities
- Lunch
- Coffee and/or Tea
Itinerary
Conwy Town Walls are one of the best-preserved medieval town walls in the UK and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the late 13th century, the walls were part of Conwy Castle's defenses and stretch for almost 1.3 kilometers around the town. They are an excellent example of Edward I’s military architecture. Visiting the walls will allow you to experience the history of the area while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby Conwy Castle, the estuary, and the Snowdonia Mountains. The walk around the walls can typically take about 45 minutes and offers a fantastic opportunity to appreciate both the town's history and its natural beauty. Key features of the Conwy Town Walls: Seven towers: Each of the towers has its own unique design and function in the fortifications. Gates: The main entrance gates, including the 'Castle' and 'Lime' gates, are still well-preserved. Viewpoints: The walls provide excellent vantage points for photography and sightseeing.
The Conwy Suspension Bridge is a historic bridge that spans the River Conwy, connecting the town of Conwy with the village of Deganwy. Designed by Thomas Telford, the bridge was completed in 1826 and was a key part of the road network before the construction of the modern road bridge. It is notable for its elegant design and engineering, showcasing Telford's mastery in suspension bridge technology. If you're just passing by, you can still enjoy the sight of this iconic structure from various vantage points around Conwy, including along the A546 road or from the Conwy Quay area. The bridge is a beautiful piece of 19th-century engineering and adds to the historical charm of the area. While you might not stop for a full visit, the bridge is a great landmark to observe if you're touring the town. You can also see it in the context of the surrounding landscape, with views of Conwy Castle and the river estuary.
Betws-y-Coed Railway Station is located in the charming village of Betws-y-Coed, often referred to as the "Gateway to Snowdonia." While the station itself is a lovely example of Victorian architecture, it also serves as a convenient stop for travelers exploring the surrounding area. If you're spending about 45 minutes shopping in the vicinity, there are several great options nearby. In the village of Betws-y-Coed, you’ll find a variety of local shops offering unique items, including: Outdoor gear shops: Betws-y-Coed is a popular base for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, so there are plenty of shops selling hiking gear, walking boots, maps, and other outdoor equipment. Craft and souvenir shops: Browse local crafts, pottery, and souvenirs that reflect the region's natural beauty and Welsh heritage. Art galleries: The village is home to several galleries showcasing works by local artists, often inspired by the stunning landscapes of Snowdonia.
The Fairy Glen is a beautiful, secluded spot near Betws-y-Coed, known for its magical, forested surroundings and the serene river that winds through it. It's a hidden gem that feels straight out of a fairy tale, with lush greenery, moss-covered rocks, and peaceful water features. If you’re just passing by, you may not have time to explore fully, but you can still enjoy glimpses of this enchanting place as you drive through the area. The Fairy Glen is located along the A5 road, so if you're traveling this route, keep an eye out for the picturesque landscape. It’s particularly lovely during the spring and summer months when the flora is at its most vibrant. Though you might not have the time for a full visit, if you’re in the area and have a bit of extra time in the future, the Fairy Glen is worth a stop for its tranquil beauty and atmosphere.
Pass by: Swallow Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in North Wales, located just outside Betws-y-Coed. The waterfall is renowned for its dramatic, multi-tiered cascade of water as it tumbles down the rocks of the River Llugwy. While it’s an impressive natural sight, if you're simply passing by, you'll likely be able to catch a quick view of it from the road. If you’re in the area, Swallow Falls is often a popular spot for visitors to stop and take in the views. The surrounding woodland and rocky landscape add to its charm, making it a picturesque location. Even if you don't have time for a full visit, the waterfall is an iconic landmark that’s easily accessible and can be admired from a distance as you travel through the region. For those who want a closer look in the future, there is a nearby viewpoint or a walking trail that leads directly to the falls, where you can fully appreciate the beauty of this natural wonder.
Snowdonia National Park, or Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri in Welsh, is a breathtaking area located in the north of Wales, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, rugged mountains, deep valleys, sparkling lakes, and charming villages. Covering over 823 square miles, it is one of the largest national parks in the UK and offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic exploration.
The Caernarfon Town Walls are a significant historical feature of the town, encircling Caernarfon and providing a glimpse into its medieval past. These walls were constructed in the late 13th century as part of the fortifications built by Edward I after his conquest of Gwynedd. The walls, along with Caernarfon Castle, are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- When disembarking at Holyhead, Carole our Guide will be waiting at the tender point of disembarkation, displaying a YOUR SHORE TIME Sign and a Red 'Welcome to Wales' Beaney Hat!. Please make yourselves known to her, and she will direct you to the awaiting coach.
Traveler reviews
Dampened spirits in wet Wales.
We had a day available and wanted a cheaper option than the cruise lines. We saw on the TA website that we would go to the "Fairy Glen" so booked. Having got to Bets y coed our guide informed us we could walk there in 20 mins but the coach couldn't take us, not part of "shore excursions" itinerary. With only 30 mins total allowed it was not possible. Great disappointment.
Missed tour, "Your Shore TIme" very understanding
Because of weather conditions our ship had trouble docking. That got us off the ship late. I tried to call the tour from the number on our conformation and the it was an incorrect number. By the time we got to where the tour buses leave from our tour had left us. I contacted Viator for a refund and they contacted the tour company and they said we were late and no refund. Well I found the tour company and contacted them myself. I was able to get ahold of a gentleman named Chris. Explained what happened and that the number given to us to contact was incorrect and he looked into it and refunded our money after I showed him the number from our conformation and my attempted phone calls. Chris from "Your Shore Time" was a blessing to talk with. I wish Viator was more help as I have used them for years.
Canceled and saved by another company
When we arrived at the cruise terminal we could not find our guide. None of the other operators seemed to know much about her, which made us a bit more suspicious. We tried to call the original number we received, but it was invalid. Another bus driver from a different company even tried to help but it was an invalid number on our info from TripAdvisor. I left to try to find other options and my husband continued to look for our guide and a different number to call. He found another number from using a Google search and made contact. They informed us that they canceled the tour a day or so prior and emailed us. I had no email, but there was a notification in the TripAdvisor app. We had been at sea and were unable to check the message. Another woman was also looking for the tour because she had booked it from the next cruise port and the tour company moved her to this day instead. She then found out it was also canceled. This was a terrible experience that at this port would have ruined the day except for a different fantastic company (busybus tours) that allowed us to join their tour on the spot. I would not recommend this tour since the operator was unreliable.
Just so-so
Too much shopping not enough sightseeing. Driver was great but the guide was a dingbat. She couldn’t even do an accurate head count.
Good Tour.
Guide was very good, thorough very knowledgeable. Enjoyed our tour. We had a full agenda and she kept us on track. A lovely experience.