Your tour today takes you to the Wales’
capital city, Cardiff where on arrival enjoy a panoramic
tour of the city, followed by a visit to Cardiff Castle.
The Castle began life as a Roman Fort in AD 75, and
after the Norman Conquest, the Castle's Keep was built
and a number of mediaeval fortifications and dwellings
followed. The Castle fell into the possession of many
noble families, until, in 1766, it passed by marriage
to the Bute family. The 2nd Marquess of Bute was responsible
for turning Cardiff into the world's greatest coal exporting
port. The Castle and the Bute fortune passed to his
son John, the 3rd Marquess, who by the 1860's was reputed
to be the richest man in the world. From 1866 the 3rd
Marquess employed the genius architect William Burges
to transform the Castle lodgings. Within gothic towers
he created lavish and opulent interiors, rich with murals,
stained glass, marble, gilding and elaborate wood carvings.
Each breathtaking room has its own special theme, including
Mediterranean gardens and Italian and Arabian decoration.
As well as visiting the spectacular interiors, visitors
can enjoy the Castle grounds, where peacocks, ducks
and geese wander freely, and enjoy a break in the Castle
Tea Rooms which offers a warm welcome for coffees, light
lunches and afternoon tea.
Cardiff Castle is located right in the city centre,
and after your visit, there is plenty of time available
for further independent explorations and shopping. At
the end of the afternoon, return to Newport and to your
ship.
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