SHORE EXCURSIONS

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.

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.