My name is Gareth Bates, and I am a history teacher and graduate of Liverpool University and Swansea University. As well as being a history teacher I am also a history enthusiast with a vast knowledge of world history. Through studying history, it becomes obvious how all of our stories are connected, we are all part of one big story. Speaking about history is a passion for me and to be able to offer visitors the chance to view my beautiful country of Wales, and also have an opportunity to teach them something about the region, is exciting for me.
On my tours I will act as a personal tour guide and a historical guide. The attractions and wonders of South Wales are explained to my clients with passion and enthusiasm. I am a fluent Welsh speaker who will give tourists to Wales a greater understanding of its ancient culture. I am also a local resident and can provide additional information on where to go and what to see in the days after the tour with me has ended. South Wales is a fascinating and beautiful part of the world.
I have travelled extensively throughout Europe and in Asia, Africa and Australia. Whenever I visit another country, I tend to visit the capital city or a major city in the region, and when staying in a hotel I always check in the lobby for leaflets of day trips to see things outside the city. From my experience of hotels in Cardiff and Swansea, and of living in the South Wales area I have noticed that very little of this kind of service is offered and that influenced my decision to operate my own personalised sightseeing tours. Many of the day trips on offer tend to be very specific with only one activity listed. My tours aim to provide a more flexible approach, and I offer the chance to see several places of interest in one day with plenty of opportunities for memorable photographs. During my travels I have met many people who have visited Wales and the vast majority stay in Cardiff. In order to leave the city and explore the fascinating hinterland of South Wales a tourist would need to hire a car, which may mean having to negotiate driving on a different side of the road. The possibility of damaging the car, getting lost and not being able to relax by having a beer or a glass of wine adds unnecessary stress to their day of sightseeing. The option of using the public transport system in Wales would make it difficult to see more than one or two attractions in a day. A day trip with the Wandering Bard would see the customer personally picked up in a quality vehicle at 9.00am from their hotel or meeting point and returned safely after a full and satisfying day of sightseeing.
Our tours do not cater for more than 8 people so it is intimate and focused on ensuring you get to see the attractions you want with the added benefit of your own personal tour guide. You will be transported around South Wales with a chance to see Norman castles, Roman ruins, world renowned beaches, jaw dropping mountain scenery and iconic industrial landscapes, whilst at the same being giving an insight into the area by a qualified historian. The tours will be tailored to customers’ requests and will give them the opportunity to experience Welsh culture, history and landscapes in hassle free comfort. Clients will also have the option of stopping at a selection of local restaurants if they wish. Meals and refreshments are not included in the tour price, but we will endeavour to arrange a subsidy if possible. The chance to bring an authentic experience is very important and emphasis will be placed on traditional Welsh food if you wish. Your day tour will end at around 5.00pm. All of our tours are very flexible and it can be arranged to make them shorter or longer according to the customer’s needs.
