WALES: VILLAGES, LANDSCAPES & CASTLES, 28 APR-5 MAY, 2025

WALES: VILLAGES, LANDSCAPES & CASTLES
28 APR-5 MAY, 2025

with Jeremy Woodhouse & Brad Carr

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South Stack Lighthouse

Welcome to Wales. Land of myth, legend, and folklore. A land that has been inspiring artists, writers and poets for generations. When you visit this enchanted land, it is easy to see why so many people seek out its charming landscape for inspiration. The trees speak softly, the mountains stand guard like watchmen, and the rivers and lakes house fairies that will bring healing to your soul.

Wales is a dream for any landscape photographer and, though relatively small in size, it offers something for every one who shows interest in landscape and nature photography. 

Wales boasts over 600 castles, reflecting its turbulent history and strategic importance. Notable examples include Caernarfon, Conwy, and Cardiff castles. These fortresses, ranging from medieval ruins to well-preserved structures, offer insights into Welsh heritage, showcasing impressive architecture and serving as popular tourist attractions highlighting the region's rich past.

We will visit small picture-perfect towns, like Tenby and Portmeirion. Tenby, a charming coastal town in Pembrokeshire, Wales, enchants visitors with its colorful Georgian houses, medieval town walls, and pristine beaches. Its historic harbor, lively atmosphere, and scenic coastal views make it a popular destination for seaside relaxation and exploring Wales' rich maritime heritage. Portmeirion, on the other hand, is an Italianate village in Gwynedd, and it is famed for its vibrant architecture and whimsical design by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, and for its pottery. Surrounded by woodlands and estuaries, it feels like a Mediterranean escape.  

South Stack Lighthouse, located on Anglesey is perched atop dramatic cliffs and offers breathtaking views of the Irish Sea. It’s accessible via a steep staircase and is renowned for its stunning scenery and birdwatching opportunities.

Pen Ham Point Lighthouse, also known as St. Ann's Head Lighthouse, is situated on the Pembrokeshire coast. It provides picturesque views of the coastline and is a key landmark for maritime navigation. Both lighthouses are popular with photographers for their scenic locations and historical significance.


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Caernarfon Castle


Itinerary 


PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary may change due to inclement weather, tides, and for other unforeseen reasons beyond our control


Pre-tour: 27 Apr, 2025—Arrive in Cardiff

O/N voco St David's, Cardiff  (hotel not included)
Experience a warm Welsh welcome at voco St. David's Cardiff, our landmark five-star hotel nestled on the picturesque Cardiff Bay waterfront.

Day 1: 28 Apr, 2025—Cardiff | Swansea
Photographing Cardiff offers a blend of modernity and history. Cardiff Bay features striking waterfront views, with iconic landmarks like the Wales Millennium Centre and the Senedd building, creating vibrant compositions. The Millennium Stadium, now Principality Stadium, provides dynamic shots of its impressive architecture and the River Taff backdrop. Castell Coch, a fairy-tale castle nestled in the woodlands north of Cardiff, offers a picturesque medieval charm with its conical towers and lush surroundings. After our photo session in Cardiff we move on to Swansea starting with Swansea Bay’s sweeping views and vibrant marina. Move to Gower, capturing the rugged beauty of Rhossili Bay and the dramatic Worm’s Head peninsula. Head to Waterfall Country in the Brecon Beacons, where lush forests and cascading waterfalls create enchanting scenes. Finally, finish at Three Cliffs Bay for sunset. This iconic spot provides breathtaking vistas with its unique limestone cliffs, sandy shores, and serene estuary, making it an ideal location for capturing the day's last light in a stunning coastal setting.

O/N The New Gower Hotel, Swansea
Nestled in the stunning Bishopston valley, The New Gower Hotel is the perfect space in which to relax, unwind and escape the stresses of modern life. Our excellent location affords guests the luxury of being able to easily access the breathtaking beaches and rugged coastline of the Gower peninsula, as well as Swansea city centre and the quaint seaside village of Mumbles.

Day 2: 29 Apr, 2025—Swansea | St David's
Photographing in Laugharne starts with a serene sunrise at Laugharne Castle, where the ruins reflect beautifully against the morning light and the adjacent estuary. Move to Tenby, a picturesque seaside town known for its colorful houses and historic harbor, offering excellent opportunities for vibrant coastal shots. Next, visit Carew Castle, capturing its medieval grandeur and the serene Carew Tidal Mill nearby. Pembroke Castle, with its imposing structure and rich history, provides dramatic photography potential, especially from across the reflective millpond. Head to the Bosherston Lily Ponds, where tranquil waters and blooming lilies create serene, picturesque scenes. Nearby, St. Govan’s Chapel, a tiny 6th-century hermit's chapel tucked into the cliffs, offers unique compositions with its rugged surroundings. Proceed to the Green Bridge of Wales, a natural rock arch jutting into the sea, and the Elegug Stacks, impressive limestone pillars home to seabirds, perfect for capturing the raw beauty of the Pembrokeshire coastline. Today, we end our journey at Freshwater West for sunset. This expansive beach, known for its rolling dunes and powerful surf, provides a stunning backdrop as the sun dips below the horizon, casting golden hues across the landscape and closing your photographic adventure with a breathtaking display.

The St. Davids Cross Hotel is a bar, restaurant and hotel based on the St. Davids Cross Square, Pembrokeshire. The hotel offers 16 rooms, all ensuite, as well as a good standard dining experience for guests and non-residents.

Day 3: 30 Apr, 2025—St. David’s | Aberystwyth
Strumble Head offers dramatic coastal views, featuring its iconic lighthouse set against rugged cliffs and crashing waves, perfect for sunrise or early morning light. Next, we head to Mwnt, a secluded beach known for its picturesque whitewashed chapel atop a grassy hill, providing stunning perspectives of the Cardigan Bay coastline. Continue to New Quay, a charming seaside town where colorful boats and houses line the harbor, offering vibrant and lively scenes. Capture the essence of this coastal gem with its bustling harbor and expansive beaches. Explore the Elan Valley next, a photographer’s paradise with its series of dams and reservoirs set amidst rolling hills and woodlands. The landscapes here are particularly captivating, with reflections on calm waters and panoramic views from various vantage points. We finish off the day in Aberystwyth, timing our arrival for sunset at the pier. The setting sun casts warm, golden hues over the sea and the historic Victorian pier, creating a perfect end to your day of exploration. Capture the vibrant colors of the sky, the silhouette of the pier, and the serene ambiance of the coastline.

O/N The Glengower Hotel, Aberystwyth
The Glen as it is affectionately known by our regulars, is a popular spot year round. During Winter we have a crackling open fire and cosy corners from which you can watch the waves crash over the shale beach right in front of the pub. During Summer our westward facing front terrace has some pretty special views of sunsets over Cardigan Bay, with silhouettes of starling murmurations, for which Aberystwyth is rightfully famous.

Day 4: 1 May, 2025—Aberystwyth | Dolgellau
Castell y Bere offers a glimpse into Wales' medieval past, with its picturesque ruins set against a backdrop of rolling hills. Nearby Bird's Rock provides panoramic views of the Dysynni Valley and Cardigan Bay, ideal for capturing expansive landscapes. We continue to the Torrent Walk, a scenic trail along the River Clywedog known for its lush greenery and cascading waterfalls, offering serene woodland scenes and flowing streams. We visit Cregennan Lakes next, nestled in the Cadair Idris range, with tranquil waters reflecting the surrounding mountains, creating peaceful and reflective compositions. Nearby, Ganllwyd Waterfalls offers dramatic shots of cascading water against moss-covered rocks and dense forest. Our day concludes at Llyn Cynwch and Precipice Walk for sunset. Llyn Cynwch's tranquil lake and surrounding hills provide a serene backdrop as the sun sets. The nearby Precipice Walk offers panoramic views of Snowdonia, capturing the changing light and vibrant colors of the evening sky.

Welcoming walkers, cyclists, dogs and visitors to the Snowdonia National Park for over 100 years with great food, 25 individually styled rooms and award-winning beers.

Day 5: 2 May, 2025—Dolgellau | Caernarfon
Llyn Cwm Bychan is a serene mountain lake surrounded by rugged peaks, ideal for capturing reflections and tranquil landscapes in Snowdonia. Next, we discover a secret viewpoint in Snowdonia for a unique perspective of the dramatic mountain scenery and expansive vistas. Afterward, enjoy lunch in Portmeirion, a picturesque Italianate village with colorful buildings and scenic coastal views, offering charming and whimsical photo opportunities. Explore Criccieth Castle next, perched atop a hill overlooking Cardigan Bay, providing historic ruins and panoramic views of the seaside town and coastline. Nearby Llanbedrog Beach offers expansive sandy shores and colorful beach huts. We will visit Porthor, known as Whistling Sands, for its golden sands and turquoise waters, offering serene beach scenes and tranquil coastal landscapes. We finish the day at Trefor Sea Stacks for sunset, where rugged cliffs and offshore stacks provide a dramatic backdrop as the sun dips below the horizon.

The Celtic Royal Hotel is a venue steeped in history and gets its Royal name from Princess Victoria, when she visited the original main building in 1832, 5 years before she became Queen Victoria.
It is situated in the historic town of Caernarfon. The world famous UNESCO Heritage site of Caernarfon Castle is just a few hundred yards away, a sight not to be missed, especially when the Castle lights up in a splendour of colour under the night sky.

Day 6: 3 May, 2025—Caernarfon | Llanberis
This morning we start out at Newborough Beach, capturing its expansive sandy shores and stunning views of Llanddwyn Island. Then, moving on to The Range, a coastal area offering rugged cliffs and sweeping vistas, to capture the dynamic landscape of Anglesey. Today's focus shifts to lighthouses and castles. We start with South Stack Lighthouse, perched dramatically on cliffs overlooking the Irish Sea, offering dramatic shots of the rugged coastline and crashing waves. Next, visit Penmon Point Lighthouse, known for its picturesque setting and views across the Menai Strait. Explore Beaumaris Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its concentric fortifications and strategic views over the sea. Continue to Caernarfon Castle, a majestic fortress with its distinctive polygonal towers, providing impressive architectural details and historical significance. We conclude our day at Llynnau Mymbyr Snowdon Viewpoint for sunset, capturing the tranquil lakes reflecting the surrounding mountains, with Snowdon itself in the distance. The changing colors of the sky and the serene landscape create a perfect ending to a day filled with Wales' rich history and natural beauty.

Overlooking part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Slate Landscapes of North West Wales' and on the edge of the Snowdonia National Park, there is plenty to see and do here, from the mountains to the coast.

Day 7: 4 May, 2025—Llanberis | Betts y Coed
Starting out at Llyn Dinas, we will photograph its tranquil waters and scenic surroundings nestled within Snowdonia National Park. The lake offers reflections of the surrounding mountains and forests, perfect for serene landscape shots. Next, we explore Aberglaslyn Gorge and its river walk, renowned for its dramatic scenery with steep cliffs and the rushing waters of the Afon Glaslyn. We will photograph the rugged beauty and lush vegetation along the trail, focusing on the dynamic contrasts of light and shadow. Next we drive to Dinas Emrys, steeped in Welsh mythology and history, where the ruins of an ancient fort overlook the valley. Capture the atmospheric ruins against the backdrop of Snowdonia's peaks and rolling hills. We end our final day in Wales day at Ogwen Valley for sunset, where the tranquil lake and towering mountains provide a stunning backdrop as the sun sets behind the peaks. We will watch the changing colors of the sky reflecting in the lake and the serene beauty of the valley.

A splendid Victorian-era gem dating back to the 1800s, gracefully situated in the charming village of Betws-y-Coed in North Wales. Our establishment offers lavish accommodation in a serene and peaceful setting. The hotel is cocooned within lush green countryside, with easy access to renowned mountains like Snowdon, all nestled within Snowdonia National Park. The Gwydyr Hotel has recently undergone a rejuvenating transformation and now boasts an on-site bar, restaurant, and inviting cocktail lounge.

Day 8: 5 May, 2025—Betts y Coed | Manchester (88 miles)
After a very early start, we make the 2-hr journey to Manchester airport where we will catch our 8:30AM flight to Sarajevo.

END OF TOUR


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Tenby Harbour, Pembrokeshire


Average Weather in Wales

In late April, Wales typically experiences mild and variable weather. Average daytime temperatures range from 9°C to 15°C (48°F to 59°F). Rain is common, with frequent light showers, so it's advisable to carry a waterproof jacket. The countryside begins to bloom with spring flowers, and occasional sunny spells provide pleasant conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing. 


Travel Details

Arrival
We will meet in Cardiff. Arrive on 27 Apr, 2025. Our hotel, voco St David's, Cardiff (hotel not included), is a  landmark five-star hotel nestled on the picturesque Cardiff Bay waterfront. Please make your way to the hotel on arrival. We will have an evening shoot before meeting our guide Brad after breakfast on 28 Apr, 2025

Departure
Our flight to Sarajevo will leave at 8:30AM from Manchester on 5 May, 2025 so we will have a very early start (around 4AM) from Betts y Coed—8:30AM MAN (Manchester) – 3:20PM SJJ (Sarajevo) Eurowings 1 stop STR (Stuttgart Echterdingen)  5h 50m

For those of you not following on to Sarajevo, you are more than welcome to stay on at the hotel until checkout and arrange your own transport to Manchester, or to another destination in the UK

Useful Links

WAITING LIST
$3,800
$500 DEPOSIT 
$550 SINGLE

Group size 5-6 ($600/pp surcharge for 4 people)

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Tour Price Includes

  • Transfer to Manchester airport at the end of the tour
  • Ground Transportation for 8 days
  • Tour accommodation, as listed (or similar)
  • National Parks entry fees

Tour Price Excludes

  • Transfer from Cardiff airport to your pre-tour hotel
  • Arrival/departure flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals except where noted
  • Alcohol
  • Pre- and post-tour accommodation

Paying by check

If you would like to pay your deposit and/or balance with a check, please make the check payable to: Pixelchrome, Inc and mail it to:

Nicole Woodhouse
Pixelchrome, Inc, 
605 Rouen Drive, 
McKinney TX 75072

Paying by Wire Transfer

If you would like to pay by Wire Transfer please contact nicole@pixelchrome.com for bank account details.


Equipment Checklist

  • Bring you own laptop computer and storage media
  • Camera body(s)
  • Lenses, 16-35mm, 24-70mm zoom and 70-200mm zoom or similar lenses are very good
  • Light bag for easy hiking with camera bodies and accessories
  • Cleaning kit for cameras and lenses
  • Rain/dust covers for cameras and lenses
  • Charger for batteries
  • Spare batteries
  • Spare Memory cards
  • Memory card reader
  • USB key to exchange images

Also good to have

  • Tripod
  • Lens extenders
  • Good quality polarizing filter