A group of Wales enthusiasts from the United States and Canada immersed themselves in the culture and heritage of ‘the small country with a big heart’ on a tailor-made tour with Janet Redler Travel. After five days of learning the Welsh language on a residential course at Nant Gwrtheyrn in North Wales, the group spent a week exploring before arriving at the National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd.

Enjoying a heritage tour of Wales (photo courtesy of Deian ap Rhisiart)

Nant Gwrtheyrn on the Llŷn Peninsula in north west Wales (Cymru) is a unique Welsh language and heritage centre. Offering a range of Welsh language courses for all abilities, Nant Gwrtheyrn also provides comfortable accommodation in converted miners’ cottages. Nant Gwrtheyrn and the surrounding area was once an important centre for granite quarrying along with Trefor and Penmaenmawr on the north Wales coastline.

The wonderful Welsh coast on a sunny day (photo courtesy of Deian ap Rhisiart)

Welsh is an ancient Celtic language which dates back thousands of years and is one of the two official languages of Wales, along with English. Our enthusiastic visitors had a fabulous time at Nant Gwrtheyrn getting to grips with the fascinating language and discovering more about its history.

On leaving Nant Gwrtheyrn, our group spent a couple of days exploring North Wales with our wonderful expert guide, Deian ap Rhisiart.

Arriving at Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw (photo courtesy of Deian ap Rhisiart)

The first day with Deian saw a visit to Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw, a leading arts centre in Pwllheli. The group enjoyed a fascinating talk by the Assistant Director Iwan Hughes before exploring the galleries, which included a summer exhibition by internationally renowned Welsh artist Bedwyr Williams.

Oriel Plas Glyn-y-Weddw (photo courtesy of Deian ap Rhisiart)

After a delicious bowl of cawl cenin (Welsh style leek and potato soup) for lunch at Caffi Ni and then a music performance by Welsh singer-songwriter Elidyr Glyn, the day finished at majestic Criccieth Castle for a guided tour.

A boat trip around Ynys Seiriol (photo courtesy of Deian ap Rhisiart)

Day two with Deian saw our Welsh learners enjoying a glorious day visiting Ynys Lawd (South Stack) an impressive island and lighthouse off the coast of Anglesey in North Wales, and a boat trip around Ynys Seiriol (Puffin Island).

Ynys Lawd (photo courtesy of Deian ap Rhisiart)

The group ended the day in Beaumaris on Anglesey, where they visited an iconic stone effigy which is said to be the grave of Siwan (Princess Joan), wife of the medieval Welsh ruler, Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great).

Deian said: “ Our aim was to provide an immersive experience of Cymru in its various elements, its beauty, culture and language and I hope it inspired the Welsh learners. Thank you to Janet Redler Travel for the opportunity to be creative with the itinerary.”

Nantgarw China Works Museum

One of the highlights of the tour in South Wales was a visit to Nantgarw China Works Museum, the last remaining 19th century porcelain factory in the UK and home to the world famous Nantgarw porcelain.

Nantgarw China Works Museum

Speaking about the visit to Nantgarw, Janet Redler, Managing Director of Janet Redler Travel, said: “This was an amazing experience for our group from North America and they so enjoyed it. The volunteers there are top class and their knowledge and enthusiasm for Nantgarw was inspiring.

“Thanks also to Nantgarw for producing special mugs for the trip, which were presented to our travellers before they left Wales for home.”

Nantgarw China Works Museum

The culmination of the tour was a visit to Eisteddfod Genedlaethol, the National Eisteddfod of Wales, a festival which takes place annually and showcases Welsh music, literature and art. This year the Eisteddfod took place in Pontypridd in South Wales.

The National Eisteddfod is the largest cultural festival in Europe, held in a different part of Wales each year. The history of the festival dates back almost 900 years, with the first modern day Eisteddfod taking place in 1861. The Eisteddfod site is known as the Maes and is home to the vast majority of events and activities throughout the week, with dozens of stands and stalls for visitors to explore.

The varied programme of events, which takes place across the Maes from morning until evening, has competition at its heart. Every year, over 5,000 groups and individuals participate in almost 200 competitive events, from classical singing to brass bands. In addition, the Gorsedd ceremonies award the best writers and poets in Wales, as well as honouring individuals who have contributed to their communities or to Wales nationally. 

Janet Redler and one of our travellers at Eisteddfod Genedlaethol

Janet Redler said: “Attending Eisteddfod Genedlaethol is the high point of any trip to Wales and our Welsh Heritage Tour visitors enjoyed fabulous weather and a warm ‘Ponty’ welcome – as did the team from Janet Redler Travel!”

Charlotte, one of our team, with a new friend – a Welsh dragon!

Karen Conley, one of the travellers on the tour, said: “Diolch yn fawr, iawn [thank you very much] for another wonderful Welsh Heritage Week, and for the lovely pottery mug from Nant Garw.  I loved every minute of our time in Wales, as always, and it was good to see you at Pontypridd.”

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made heritage tour of Wales, please do contact our friendly team today. We can take care of all aspects of your trip from the minute you step off the plane. We also offer cultural tours and if you would like to spend time in Wales learning the language, we can help.