two day Itinerary

 

What better way to explore Cardiff than to go back to its very roots. Cardiff Castle in the very heart of the city is such a beginning, spanning nearly 2,000 years of history. Originally the site of a Roman fortress, the grounds are today dominated by the dramatic Norman keep. The guided tour will unveil the lavish neo-Gothic interiors of the Castle apartments created for the Third marquis of Bute by eccentric architect William Burges in the 19th century.
After imbibing all this history complete the morning with a 15-minute trek out of the city (westbound along M4, Junction 34 in direction of Hensol) and venture out into the countryside to Wales’ largest vineyard. A group tour of Llanerch Vineyard will take you around the 20-acre estate, its hi-tech winery and will also offer tutored wine tasting of the multi award winning Cariad wines.
Then spend the afternoon at the St Fagans National History Museum (10 minutes from the city centre, exit Junction 33 of M4 onto A4232). Enjoy a light lunch here before taking an extensive look around one of Europe’s largest and most exciting open-air folk museums set in 100 acres of beautiful countryside. You will find reconstructed Welsh dwelling from through the ages: from a Celtic village of 2000 years ago to a miner’s cottage of the 1930’s. The Victorian tearoom is a good place to rest a pair of wary feet for a warm or cold beverage and a delicious Welsh cake
 

 

absorb the city’s newest sights. Visit the award winning 'Tube'  Visitor Centre in Cardiff Bay for a futuristic exhibition of Cardiff as a maritime city including large scale model, large screen video presentation and panoramic views of the Bay with its new barrage, creating a freshwater lake of 500 acres.
Other sights in the Bay include Sir Rocco Forte’s 5 star St David's Hotel & Spa, a stunning piece of modern architecture with equally stunning views over the Bay. The Pierhead Building, the new Assembly and the Norwegian Church Arts Centre are also impressive landmarks. The latter you can enter and have a continental brunch in the “Konditorei” café. A visit to Craft in the Bay around the corner on Bute Street is well worth a stop to see the work of the craftspeople of Wales and make some very attractive gift purchases. A visit to Techniquest, the UK’s leading hands-on science discovery centre with over 160 interactive exhibits, provides visual and mental stimulation. Alternatively, visit the most vibrant arts development in Europe today: the
Wales Millennium Centre. A guide will show you around this amazing building, providing not only a world-class stage for ballet, opera, theatre and dance but also a
home and production base for seven diverse arts companies. Once having enriched the mind, nurture the body at Harry Ramsden's by tucking into a hearty fish and chip meal in style. They cater for large groups and can offer light entertainment.

 

A stay in Cardiff is never complete without experiencing its shopping delights. From modern, glossy shopping malls to Victorian or Edwardian arcades as well as all the high street and top brand names, situated within 20 minutes walking distanced or 5 minutes drive, the visitor will definitely be tempted to go home with a lighter purse.