Hello travelers, has anyone heard of this tour company that specializes in privately guided tours of Wales? My husband and I have signed up for a Dragon Tours Vacation and am wondering if any UK Fodorites have heard of this company or any travelers have used them before. Thanks for any input. We'll be doing 9 days guided starting and ending in Cardiff.

ttt just in case, I realize most travelers here are independent

If it's the one led by Dr Mike Davies, then I have heard of it but have no experience. What I'm led to believe is that they let you set the agenda and personalise the itinerary.

If you need any assistance of have any enquiries about Wales then, as a Welshman living in Wales, I'd be happy to help - as I'm sure that many others would.

You might try tripadvisor.com and go to the Wales forum or even the Cardiff forum to post your question regarding Dragon Tours. There are usually a number of Welsh that may be able to answer your question.

Thanks folks, I will try that Historytraveler

Yes, it is Dr. Mike Davies. He has a set itinerary and it can be be changed to personalize it however you like. That's what we like so much about the tour, we are on our own with a historian so we can learn as we go

AR, I may be contacting you in the future if I may, there is one day I am not to excited about:

Day Four
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE TOUR
The South Wales Valleys fuelled the worldwide Industrial Revolution. This tour explores the rise and fall of the Welsh industrial empire, focussing on two main areas:
Merthyr Tydfil – The one-time iron capital of the world, Merthyr’s rise was akin to a gold-rush town. It became the largest town in Wales and much of Cardiff’s later success was due to its role as Merthyr’s port. Attractions in the town capture the spirit of the age and the legacy of industrial growth. Visit humble workmen’s cottages then see the Gothic splendour of Cyfarthfa Castle, home of the Iron Kings of Merthyr, the Crawshays.
Blaenafon – On a hillside at the top of the Afon Lwyd Valley stand the remains of an eighteenth-century ironworks, built into the side of a mountain and now a world heritage site. From there you will be taken to Pwll Mawr (Big Pit), an ex-working coal mine where visitors can enjoy the unique experience of an underground tour guided by former miners.

I would like to keep Cyfarthfa Castle, but is there anything else you would suggest in that neck of the woods? Not too interrested in the ironworks, any other castles or things of beauty in the region, museums? Any alternate suggestions?

I agree that 'ironworks' dosn't sound particularly interesing to me either. However, if Mike is a good tour guide he may well make it interesting. I've often discovered that things I thought would be boring turned out to be far more fascinating than I imagined. A World Heritage site is usually worth a visit also. Perhaps you could downsize the amount of time spent on this paticular topic/area without eliminating it completely.

I must admit that Merthyr Tydfil is not one of the highlights of Wales (sorry to any residents!!). This is the industrial heartland of the old valley communities. Cyfartha Castle is a stately home rather than a historic castle.
I was at the Big Pit only two weeks ago and enjoyed the visit (it is free as it is in the care of the National Museums and Galleries of Wales) as my grandfather was a miner. It really is a fascinating visit where they take you underground to see the conditions that the miners worked in from the pit's opening to its closure in the 1980's. You see the coal seams with the diggers and cramped conditions as well as the pit-ponies stables underground. Blaenavon Iron Works has been designated a World Heritage Site, and so it stands up there with the Pyramids!!! I've not been although I really should muster up the enthusiasm and it's only about a mile away from the Big Pit.
The area is desolated and forms the part below the Brecon Beacons and to the north of Cardiff. I assume that in Cardiff you'll visit the castle (a must - impressively rebuilt in a bizzare Victorian Gothic style and the Keep where William the Conquerer's eldest son, Robert, was imprissoned and probably died), bay area, museum (the best collection of French Impressionist paintings outside France and London) and St Fagans outdoor Museum of Welsh life (another must). Cardiff was "built" on the strength of coal by the Marquess of Bute (owner of the castle) and to understand it I suppose a visit to the industrial mining area would be interesting. If it means you leave out any other more interesting area of Wales then give it a miss.
Musts and highlights in the East of Wales are Cardiff, Caerphilly Castle, Chepstow Castle.
In the West, Swansea (and the Gower), Carreg Cennen Castle (my favourite gem of a castle in Wales), Pembrokeshire and St David's cathedral.
In the North, Portmeirion, Conwy, Caernarvon, Menai bridges and Llanfairpwllgwyngyllchwyndrobwyllllandisiliogogogo ch, Snowdonia (the actual highest mountain is called Yr Wyddfa as Snowdon is the range), Cadair Idris etc.
Inevitably I've overlooked out some important sites. I would be interested to see your proposed itinerary.
You'll have a lovely stay and a good welcome.

Wow, thanks so much folks! I'm printing out this thread. Again, thanks so much for your input. AR your speicific info is so helpful. Here is our exact itinerary.

We love Castles and Manor homes so if there is any spot along the way you think we shouldn't miss let me know!
Day One
CARDIFF
A chance to explore Europe’s youngest capital and one of the fastest growing and most vibrant cities in Europe. You may like to visit the castle in the heart of the city centre, take an open-topped bus ride, visit the wonderful museum or the museum of Welsh Life at St. Fagan’s. The city has some wonderful shops, bars, coffee shops and restaurants and theatres to enjoy while souvenir hunting or for some evening entertainment. Transport will be available, for those who wish to visit some of the locations on the outskirts of the city, such as Caerphilly Castle – one of the largest castles in Europe, Castell Coch and the museum of Welsh Life at St. Fagan’s.

Day Two
THE HISTORICAL MYSTERIES OF WALES
A journey back through the ages exploring some of the Celtic, Roman and Medieval wonders of Wales including:
Caerleon – The city of the Legions. Peruse the remains of this Roman military town including its amphitheatre, baths, fort, barracks and museum. Caerleon has been associated with King Arthur’s Camelot and the amphitheatre is thought by many to be the site of the mystical Round Table.
Chepstow Castle – This stunning fortress, perched dramatically above the river Wye is the earliest stone castle in Wales. It stands as a legacy to the impact of the Normans.
Tintern Abbey – A majestic medieval ruin set in the heart of the beautiful Wye Valley, Tintern is one of the largest Cistercian abbeys in the world. A favourite location for artists and for the poet William Wordsworth, the abbey is an ideal place to stop for a picnic on the banks of the River Wye.
Raglan Castle – A remarkable Late-Medieval castle surrounded by imposing defences, Raglan’s ruins span many centuries and have many a story to tell.
The attractions are mainly situated in the Wye Valley which will be our route from south into mid Wales.

Day Three
MOUNTAINS ADVENTURE
An opportunity to experience some of the most beautiful countryside in the British Isles, within the Brecon Beacons National Park. There you will find dramatic mountain ranges, beautiful valleys and rivers, timeless villages and historic market towns. Continuing into the heart of the Black Mountains will take you through the Gospel Pass, an ancient pilgrims route to St. David’s, which has incredible views of the Wye Valley. Take time out to stop at Llanthony Priory, a medieval ruin that was chosen as a monastic site because of its isolation. The former abbot’s residence is now a tiny pub set in the grounds – an opportunity for refreshments and an ideal location for a picnic.
After navigating the Gospel Pass you will have the opportunity to visit Hay-on-Wye, ‘The Town of Books’. The border town is famous for its second-hand bookshops and specialist map and print shops. It also claims to be independent from both England and Wales and every year elects its own king.

Day Four
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE TOUR
The South Wales Valleys fuelled the worldwide Industrial Revolution. This tour explores the rise and fall of the Welsh industrial empire, focussing on two main areas:
Merthyr Tydfil – The one-time iron capital of the world, Merthyr’s rise was akin to a gold-rush town. It became the largest town in Wales and much of Cardiff’s later success was due to its role as Merthyr’s port. Attractions in the town capture the spirit of the age and the legacy of industrial growth. Visit humble workmen’s cottages then see the Gothic splendour of Cyfarthfa Castle, home of the Iron Kings of Merthyr, the Crawshays.
Blaenafon – On a hillside at the top of the Afon Lwyd Valley stand the remains of an eighteenth-century ironworks, built into the side of a mountain and now a world heritage site. From there you will be taken to Pwll Mawr (Big Pit), an ex-working coal mine where visitors can enjoy the unique experience of an underground tour guided by former miners.


Day Five
TREGARON & RHIANNON’S WELSH GOLD CENTRE
A journey through the wild Eppynt moorland and on through the spectacular Abergwesyn Pass into the Cambrian Mountains and Ceredigion. Arrival at Tregaron in time for lunch and a free afternoon where you will have the opportunity to visit Rhiannon’s Welsh Gold Centre where local craftspeople produce traditional Celtic designs using rare Welsh gold.

Day Six
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Preseli Hills and St. David’s
Combine a drive through some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the British Isles with a visit to the birthplace of the patron saint of Wales, the city of St. David’s (Britain’s smallest city) and a journey through the beguiling Preseli Hills, an area of great Prehistoric interest, the quarry for the famous blue stones used in the construction of Stonehenge.

Day Seven
SNOWDONIA NATIONAL PARK
A journey northwards into the dramatic scenery of Snowdonia in the heart of north Wales. You will have the opportunity to visit some of the most imposing castles in Europe including Harlech and Caernarfon and have the chance to see breathtaking scenery such as the Llanberis Pass, Beddgelert and Bettws-y-Coed.

Day Eight
An opportunity to ride up the mountain railway to the top of Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales or England. There will also be an option to visit the Italianate village of Portmeirion, location of the cult 60s series and a visit to the beautiful Lleyn Peninsula and the enchanted Isle of Anglesey.

Day Nine
A journey through the beautiful Conwy Valley to the remarkable medieval walled town of Conwy and the Victorian coastal resort of Llandudno. We then head east along the north coast before travelling through Llangollen, home of the world famous International Eisteddfod and over the spectacular Horseshoe Pass.

Day Ten
Return to point of departure via a scenic drive.

Day 5 also seems perhaps not as exciting, what do you all think about that day?

I think perhaps day 4 may be okay after all, my grandfather was a coal miner so perhaps this will be very informative for us. Have to see what hubby thinks.

After viewning the entire itinerary, I think it's absolutely perfect. You'll get to see the best of Wales with a variety of venues. From experience, I know that too many castles, lovely homes and the usual tourist sites can become too much overkill. You'll come away from this trip with some real knowledge about Wales and Welsh history rather than a handful of touristy souvenirs.

As with the ironworks, I think you'll find a visit to the Welsh Gold Centre fascinating. Do they sell their handicrafts there? Now that could be a problem!

As I stated above, this is one of the best itieneraries I've seen. You're very lucky, and I'm sure will enjoy this trip tremendously.

Wow, thanks Historytraveler! I can hardly wait! Well get to spend a few days in London also on the way back. I have been to Wales before, but it was only for a whirlwind 2 days. Can't wait to see more, I want to discover every corner of the UK including off the beaten track

The Big Pit won the Gulbenkian Museum of the Year prize a couple of years back. I haven't been yet but I want to.

Thanks Caroline, looks like we should keep the itinerary as is!

It does look a good itinerary to me.

The itinerary looks good but I must agree that day 5 is not as exciting. It means missing out Carmarthenshire entirely. I must say that I would try and include Carreg Cennen castle and you could then take in the Dolaucothi gold mine from there. On the other hand you may be castled out!
You'll enjoy day 2. The baths at Caerleon are excellent and the amphitheatre, whilst not being the colosseum, is the best we have in the UK. It's mainly earthworks. Tintern Abbey has so much atmosphere about it.
When are you coming? There is the literary festival in Hay on Wye on the last week of May and first week in June. Previous guests have included Bill Clinton, Paul McCartney, Sting, Goldie Hawn, Jane Fonda, Jung Chang, William Shakespeare. Actually, I lied about the last one.
I also love Llangollen - home of the National Eisteddfod (where people such as Bryn Terfel and Luciano Pavarotti have sung).
I also love the drive north along the coast from St Davids to North Wales. I'd go ask for a short stop when you reach Machynlleth just to see Owain Glyndwr's original parliament (or assembly) house. The drive from there to Dolgellau is spectacular.
On the subject of Assemblies - you can visit our brand new Senedd (assembly building) debating chamber in Cardiff Bay.

AR thanks so much again for your detailed response!

Yes, I'll research Carreg Cennen castle. I can't get enough of castles so we definitely won't tire of them.

I have been to Tintern Abbey once, in fact I think it's the oldest ruins we ever visited I think. Also on a previous tour we did a short stop in Llangollen, we saw the house of the two ladies but nothing else so I anticipate our return.

We'll be there in the end of Agusust, starting the 26th or 27th and then on through Sept. 6th. I'll miss the famous people, seeing Shakespeare would have floored me to say the least lol

Am also asking for the scenic stop and drive while visiting Machynlleth. Your suggestions are great AR, and exactly what we're interrested in. I enjoy just looking out the window when driving to each destination. Can't wait to see some green rolling hills, the things we don't have in Vegas with the desert, you appreciate nature even more

Ah, but I saw things in Vegas that I don't see in Wales!!!

I may be biased about Carreg Cennen as I was brought up a mere 7 miles away. The nearby town of Llandeilo is worth a stop for tea. There is also the nearby caslte at Dynevor which you can see from the road.

Try this link (there are many others) - http://www.greatcastlesofwales.co.uk/carreg.htm

Most of the castles and abbeys in Wales are under the care of CADW (Welsh for "to keep&quot and they have a website at www.cadw.wales.gov.uk which should give you a write up of most places. Cardiff castle isn't included, neither are Pembroke and a few minor others but all the major ones are such as Caernarvon, Harlech, Castell Coch, Cerphilly, Chepstow as well as Llanthony Priory and Tintern Abbey. By the way, if you do visit Llangollen then make sure to detour the 3 or 4 miles to Valle Crucis Abbey. I think you can buy explorer passes for Cadw that will save you money but I can't find any details on the website.

Welsh is spoken in pockets of the South West (from Ammanford to the west and north of Carmarthen) and North West. The two have particularly different dialects. There is little Welsh to the far west ("little England beyond Wales&quot and very little in the east.

Mrs AR has just come in and reminded me that you need to look out for Red Kites around the Dolaucothi area (more are seen around the Llandovery area). These birds-of-prey are breeding well from near extinction and are now seen frequently. You can tell them by their red colour and forked tails.

She also asked me if you were visiting Laugharne (pronounced Larn) in West Wales where the poet Dylan Thomas lived, wrote, drank himself to death (although he actually asphyxiated in New York!) and is buried? You can see his "boat house" where he wrote many of his works. The town of Llareggub, which was used in "Under Milk Wood" was said to be named after Laughrne and is Bugger All backwards which showed what he may have thought of the locals! It's only worth a detour if you're interested in him or his work. We don't have many world famous Welsh apart from Sir Anthony Hopkins, Richard Burton, Sir Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones are often spotted in Swansea when she goes home to visit her parents. They are building a house there.

Hi AR, we'll definitely be adding Careg Cennen to day five and possible the castle at Dynevor. The Welsh gold center sounds lovely but we aren't that much into jewelry so we won't be needing too much time there, thanks so much for the suggestions, and even perhaps we can fit in a tea stop at Llandeilo.

Thanks so much also for the hint to watch for the red kites. As mentioned before, we don't have much scenery or wildlife locally so it is something we really look forward too while on vacation.

A lot of people seem to mention the town of Swansea, not sure if we'll have time to fit it in. Also I'll inquire about Laugharne, seems like a nice stop if we're in the area.

Again, thank you, thank you, for the suggestions. I was hoping to fine tune the itinerary a bit to more suit our needs, and AR you've provided the exact info we're looking for. As mentioned before, we cannot have too many castles or manor homes. They are one of my favorite reasons for visiting the UK, we just don't have history like that in the US. I always like to imagine myself as a Princess in a castle or a woman living in a historic manor home thinking about what life would have been like then

Just a note regarding Swansea:

On another post most responders dismissed a visit to Swansea as being worthwhile, although the Mumbles area received a couple of positive reviews.I'v been there and my advice is that there are many other places in Wales where your time would be better spent.

Trust your tour guide, he seems to know what he's doing.Have a great trip and report back.