NEW FOR 2021
EDGE OF EMPIRE – ROMANS IN SOUTH WALES
Life in ancient Caerleon & Caerwent 3 Days
From $885pp
Departing Sep ‘21, May & Sep ‘22
Activity Level
The most Westerly part of the Roman Empire, south-east Wales presents some of the finest Roman remains in the UK, boasting both Caerleon and Caerwent, which invite us to consider not only the lives of soldiers but the lives of ordinary people in a provincial Romano-British town. Discover excavated remains, fascinating history and artifacts with stories to tell.
Tour Highlights • Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the National Roman Legion Museum in Caerleon in the expert company of Dr Mark Lewis • Visit the Roman legionary fortress at Caerleon, one of only three permanent fortresses in Britannia • Explore Caerwent with its impressive Roman wall, often described as the most significant in all of Britain Day One | Caerleon We meet in Caerleon in Wales. After settling into our hotel, our expert Guide Lecturer will give a lecture on the archaeological finds of south-east Wales. Day Two | Caerleon We spend the morning exploring the Roman legionary fortress at Caerleon, one of only three permanent fortresses in Britannia. Here we see the barracks of the Legio II Augusta, one of the most intact legionary barracks in the Roman Empire, as well as defensive towers. We proceed to the amphitheater, which once held 6,000 people and may well have been constructed for the benefit of the soldiers as well as civilians living in nearby settlements, cannabae. After a coffee break, we venture to the fortress bath house, which includes a sizeable outdoor swimming pool, a natatio. In the afternoon, we will have a special behindthe-scenes tour of the National Roman Legion Museum in the fine company of Dr Mark Lewis, who will offer an in-depth analysis of the archaeological finds from the area. Image: Caerleon Amphitheater & Caerwent wall
Day Three | Caerwent Our tour continues to Caerwent, ancient Venta Silurum, on the road that leads from Caerleon to Gloucester, which was established in AD 75 to settle the Silures and was expanded in the Hadrianic period. Here we see what have often been described as the most significant Roman walls in Britain, reaching the height of five meters. We continue to the site of the forum and basilica at the center of the ancient city, and thence to an ancient temple from the late antique period and to the remains of houses and shops excavated recently. Our last visit is to the Roman Temple at Lydney, built on the seafront in two different stages, in the Hadrianic and late antique periods. Once situated in an unexcavated settlement, we see the remains of a hypocaust and a number of well-built rooms. We return back to our hotel in Caerleon at around 16.30, where this tour will come to an end.
Guided by Mark Corney An archaeologist, broadcaster and former Senior Landscape Investigator.
Price includes • Expert Guide Lecturer & Professional Tour Manager • Entries to all sites as per the itinerary • All taxes & gratuities
Included travel • All local transport
Accommodation • Accommodation at The Priory Caerleon
Culinary inclusions • 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 2 dinners • Water with all meals, wine & tea or coffee with dinner
Dates & prices per person Date
Twin/Dbl Share
SS
24th - 26th Sep ‘21
$885
$265
13th - 15th May ’22
$975
$275
2nd - 4th Sep ’22
$975
$275
For full details of this tour visit andantetravels.com/asse To book a tour today visit andantetravels.com or call 1-888-413-2327 17
