Pathways to the Heart of Wales
Chester Conwy Castle Caernarfon St. Davids Tenby Breacon St. Asaph Cathedral
There are many Pathways to the heart of Wales and one is Celtic Spirituality. We invite you to join us as we explore some of the many pathways that have created the Welsh view of Life, Love and Spirit. We will explore spiritual sites, historical events, cultural viewpoints, music, poetry, and customs (including a wee dram of whisky!), weaving together the essence of Wales.
Scott Dunfee is Co-Director of Celtic Spirit Northwest, a non-profit promoting Celtic spirituality and culture through retreats, lectures and tours. He’s also a Celtic Axe Thrower and a member of the Society of Whisky Masters, conducting single malt scotch tastings for small groups. A retired Lutheran Pastor and U.S. Navy Chaplain, who has been all over the world, is excited to share its beauty, history, spirituality and culture in ways that bring refreshment and new dimensions to our lives. A Highland Regimental-style Drum Major, he loves the skirl of the bagpipes.
Trip Itinerary
Key: IF = In Flight Meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Day 1: Monday, August 10, 2026: Depart
We will depart from Portland on Monday evening. Early arrivals on the 10th will have an extra night in Gladstone’s Library. Dinner is included for all pre-arrivals. (IF/D)Day 2: Tuesday, August 11, 2026: Arrival in Manchester, Howarden
On arrival in Manchester Airport, it’s about a 45-minute drive to Gladstone’s Library, where we’ll stay for 2 nights. This place is amazing! It’s a library and conference center, founded by a Christian prime minister, Gladstone. (IF)Day 3: Wednesday, August 12, 2026: Holywell, Chester, Howarden
We will have a leisurely breakfast, followed by a welcome and devotional time in one of the rooms. We will begin the tour with a visit to St. Winefriede’s Chapel and Well, an historic place of pilgrimage. It’s the oldest continually visited pilgrim site in Britain, so a good place to start. We will then go to Chester, where we will have free time for lunch and browsing, followed by a visit to Chester Cathedral. Chester (in England) is a city rich in history and culture. We’ll return to Gladstone’s Library for dinner and relaxation. (B/D)Day 4: Thursday, August 13, 2026: Conwy, Caernarfon, Llandudno
Today is castle day! Two of the very best castles built by Edward I are Conwy and Caernarfon. First, we will stop at St. Asaph, the smallest ancient cathedral in Britain. We’ll join the 10:00 AM service, tour the cathedral, then stop by the Translators Tearoom for homemade cakes. We will then visit Conwy Castle, a magnificent fortress towering over the town containing the most intact set of medieval royal apartments in Wales. We will seethe charming harbor, including the smallest house in Britain. We will also visit Caernarfon Castle, another of the “Ring of Iron” castles. We will end the day at our hotel in Llandudno, where we will stay for 2 nights. This classic seaside town has many excellent restaurants to choose from, and a popular 19th century pier. (B)Day 5: Friday, August 14, 2026: Snowdon, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Llandudno
We will start our day at Llanberis Station, where we will board the Mountain Railway to the summit of Snowdon. The journey takes about an hour, with a 30-minute stop at the top. In the afternoon we will visit the Llechwedd Slate Mine in Blaenau Ffestiniog on the Deep Mine tour. We’ll have a free evening to dine in the restaurant of our choice. (B)Day 6: Saturday, August 15, 2026: Tenby
We will travel down to South Wales today, headed for St. Davids. As well as a lunch stop, we will visit Castell Henllys Iron Age Village, set in beautiful countryside in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. In this living history museum, we will learn about life in Wales before, during, and after the Roman invasion. In the same village is Nevern Church, which dates back to the 6th century. It’s renowned for the “Bleeding Yews” on the path leading to the church. We’ll spend 2 nights in Tenby. Dinner is in our spa hotel. (B/D)Day 7: Sunday, August 16, 2026: St. Davids, Tenby
We will begin the day at St. Non’s Chapel, traditionally held to mark the place where St Non gave birth to St. David. We will then attend the 11 AM Choral Eucharist in St. Davids Cathedral. Followed by a tour of the cathedral (open for tours from 1-3 PM). St. Davids Bishop’s Palace is next door to the Cathedral. The rest of the day is at leisure, before returning to Tenby for our evening meal. (B/D)Day 8: Monday, August 17, 2026: Brecon Beacons
We will travel East today, to the scenic Brecon Beacons area, and visit the Dylan Thomas Boathouse Museum, including the Writing Shed, Film Room, and Tearoom, to learn how this literary icon became a cultural hero. We’ll have time to buy lunch in the tea room with spectacular views across the estuary. In the afternoon, we will visit Llansteffan Castle and Beach, a castle ruin with stunning views. We will have 2 nights in Brecon. (B)Day 9: Tuesday, August 18, 2026: Hay-on-Wye, Brecon
Brecon is a market town in the scenic Brecon Beacons National Park, known for its Georgian architecture. We have an optional half-day tour to Hay-on-Wye today, the renowned “town of books”, known for its high concentration of independent, second-hand, and antiquarian bookshops. Within Brecon, we can visit Brecon Cathedral, the Royal Welsh Regimental Museum, Y Gaer Museum and Art Gallery, or take a stroll alongside the canal. The area is also an accredited Dark Sky Reserve, so we can enjoy stargazing in the evening. (B)Day 10: Wednesday, August 19, 2026: Penderyn, Cardiff
No tour is complete without a visit to a distillery and today we will visit Penderyn. On our tour we will learn what makes Penderyn Single Malt Welsh Whiskey so unique. Continuing the food and drink theme, we will learn how to make Welshcakes. We will be based in Cardiff for 2 nights. (B)Day 11: Thursday, August 20, 2026: Cardiff
Just outside Cardiff is St. Fagans Open Air Museum of Welsh Life. St. Teilo’s Church was moved to the museum a few years ago and has been brilliantly recreated as an example of a colorful pre-dissolution church, We will also visit Llantwit Major, a small coastal town, where St. Illtud founded a monastic school in the 6th century. It was one of England’s earliest centers of learning, and according to legend, St. Patrick and St. David studied here. Galilee Chapel hosts one of the most important collections of Celtic Christian stones in the UK. We will explore Cardiff in the afternoon, including Llandaff Cathedral and the Norwegian Church. We will have a traditional Welsh meal this evening. (B/D)Day 12: Friday, August 21, 2026: Isle of Wight
We will drive to Portsmouth and take the scenic ferry ride to the Isle of Wight, one of England’s most stunning locations. Our first port of call is Needles, one of the most photographed groups of rocks in the world. The landmark attraction includes a chair lift and a candy factory. We will stay on the Isle of Wight for 2 nights (B/D)Day 13: Saturday, August 22, 2026: Isle of Wight
The ancient Quarr Abbey was founded in 1132 by Baldwin de Redvers, who brought French Benedictine monks from Normandy. It was sold during the Dissolution of the Monasteries but is now home to a small group of Benedictine monks who welcome visitors. We are welcome to attend worship in the Abbey Church. Queen Victoria loved the Isle of Wight and spent many summers with her family in Osborne House. We can explore the home and gardens, as well as the art collection. (B/D)Day 14: Sunday, August 23: Winchester
This morning we will board the ferry back to the mainland and visit Winchester, England’s ancient capital and the former seat of King Alfred the Great. Winchester Cathedral has the longest name in Europe and a shrine to St Swithun. It also contains the grave of Jane Austen, who lived in nearby Chawton. There’s a walking trail of places with Austen connections. We will have a special dinner tonight to end the tour. (B/D)Day 15: Monday, August 24: Return
Winchester is just an hour from Heathrow Airport, so we can have a relaxed morning, as the group transfer isn’t until 11:15 AM. (B)Please note this itinerary is copyrighted.
-
What are accommodations like?
Our hotels are chosen for their quality, amenities and proximity to areas of interest. Whenever possible, we choose hotels in town centers, so that you are able to go off and explore in your free time. It may be necessary for us to substitute hotels for others of equal quality. You will be fully informed of any changes that affect you. Enjoy your stay!
Hawarden, Wales
August 11-13, 2026
Gladstone’s Library
Church Lane, Hawarden
Flintshire, CH5 3DFLlandudno, Wales
August 13-15, 2026
Dunoon Hotel
Gloddaeth Street, Llandudno
Gwynedd, LL30 2DWTenby, Wales
August 15-17, 2026
Heywood Spa Hotel
Heywood Lane
Tenby, SA70 8DABrecon, Wales
August 17-19, 2026
The Castle of Brecon Hotel
Castle Square, Brecon
Powys, LD3 9DBCardiff, Wales
August 19-21, 2026
Leonardo Hotel
1 Park Place
CF10 3UD CardiffIsle of Wight, England
August 21-23, 2026
Lakeside Park Hotel & Spa
High Street, Wootton Bridge
Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 4LJWinchester, England
August 23-24, 2026
Winchester Hotel & Spa
Worthy Lane
Winchester, SO23 7AB Arrival and Departure Transfers
Once the tour is a guaranteed departure our air team can assist you with booking flights and transfers. If you book your own flights, we can still provide transfers, as long as we have your flight details on file and a phone number to give to the driver. We will include your transfer information in your final packet. Transfers will be arranged for each arrival, so that you won’t have to wait for other tour members if their flight is delayed. Transfers can be arranged for the day of your choosing, but we can’t arrange transfers if you arrive or depart by train.
Please note that individual transfers are booked through a third-party and you will be responsible to communicate with the company in case of delays.
Flight Information
Arrival: Please arrange to arrive in Manchester no later than 4:00 PM on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 (Pre-tour night is available)
Departure: You are welcome to depart from Heathrow at any time on Monday, August 24, 2026.
Pre- and post-tour nights can be booked through us.
What’s included in the land price?
15-day tour: $5,699 + air
Price based on a minimum of 15 tour participants
Electronic Travel Authorization
Your Tour Includes
• Transportation: via deluxe air-conditioned coaches
• Accommodations (double-occupancy) in 4-star hotels
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Professional Tour Director throughout the tour
• Local step-on guides for city tours and major attractions
• Admission to all activities indicated in the itinerary
• All taxes and tips, other than tour director and driverYour Tour Does Not Include
• Round-trip air transportation and related taxes and fees
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Single supplement ($1,255)
• Any meals not identified in itinerary
• Tips for tour director and driver
• Items of a personal nature, such as passports and visas. Passports must be valid for 6 months beyond the return date.
• Passenger trip cancellation insurance
• Baggage handling (let us know if you need assistance)Payment Schedule
• The deposit of $350 per person is due at the time of booking through the registration system. As you register you will be given the option to pay by ACH (direct from your bank) or by credit card (3.5% fee). If you prefer, checks can be mailed to “Reformation Tours”, 12316 244th St, Chisago City, MN 55013-9688.
• Final payment is due by May 12, 2025
• Reservations will be accepted after May 12, 2025, subject to availabilityInsurance
There are two levels of insurance offered. Click here to compare. When you fill out the registration form, you will be given quotes for both.
Standard is 4.55% of the trip cost and can be purchased up until 2 days prior to departure, although we recommend purchasing it before.
Enhanced is 7.6% of the trip cost and includes cancel for any reason benefits. It has to be purchased within 14 days of registration.
Cancellations
Regardless of reason, cancellations are costly, so we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance:
Days Before Travel Cancellation Penalty If the client cancels From sign-up until 100 days before departure $150 If the client cancels Between 99 and 30 days before departure $350 + any non-refundable fees If the client cancels Less than 30 days before departure No refund Cancellations must be received in writing by 5:00 p.m. central time on the last business day of the applicable time period. For flight changes or cancellations, revision fees and/or airline cancellation charges will apply. Roommates canceling can result in a single supplement charge for the roommate. The Participant who cancels will be responsible for that charge if a substitute roommate cannot be found. Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is strongly recommended. Reformation Tours cannot assume responsibility for any additional costs or fees relating to the issuance and/or cancellation of air tickets or other arrangements not made through Reformation Tours.
Please click on the button below to register.
Social Share
Click on the map to see a larger version. The numbers refer to overnights in these locations.