FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS   Q&A

Before coming..

Q Should I have travel insurance?
A If you reside outside the U.K. or the E.U., then, yes, you are required to provide your own travel insurance. Most health policies do not cover many situations that can arise abroad.

Q Can I come in earlier or extend my stay other than what’s usually scheduled?
A Yes, you are welcome to come earlier or stay later than the tour dates if there is a room available. We can also make arrangements for for you to stay in nearby Bed and Breakfast accommodations. Please contact us for more information.

Q Are your transportation and accommodations wheelchair accessible?
A Unfortunately, we are not equipped to accommodate those in wheelchairs.

Q Do you welcome children?
A Although, the most of the tours are oriented towards adults, some tours may be suitable for older children. An adult must accompany children. Please contact us.

Q What should I bring with me?
A Please see What to Bring.

Getting there..

Q How will I get from the airport to your location and how long will the trip take?
A On Saturday, Jon, our driver, will greet you at Heathrow Airport with our comfortable 17-seater minibus. The bus will usually leave by 3pm, unless people have gathered before that. We will then drive for approximately four and a half hours to Gelli-Olau with entertainment of Welsh music and commentary on interesting sights along the way. Rest stops will be made along the way. Specific details of meeting at the airport will be sent to you upon booking your tour.

Q Must I fly into Heathrow? Are there other airports?
A If you fly to London Heathrow Airport, you’ll be eligible for our complimentary pick up shuttle service to the Tales in Wales accommodation services located in Gelli Olau, Pembrokeshire, Wales. It will be upon you to get to us from any other location, such as Gatwick Airport, for example, and we’ll facilitate you as best we can with the proper information to obtain alternative modes of transportation. We recommend not flying to London Stanstead as it is quite far from Heathrow Airport.

Q What if I miss my flight?
A Oops! We recognise these eventualities so contact us immediately so arrangements can be made to pick you up at the nearest town to us after alternative transportation has been mutually planned and agreed. Simply, keep in touch so we can help in the best way.

Q What if I don’t need to take the shuttle bus?
A Information will be provided to you upon request on how to get to us, regardless of which alternative transportation, such as a train, a bus or a car, you choose.

Around the Place…

Q Can I have my own room?
A Yes, depending upon availability. There are two options: 1). You can have a larger room, suitable for double occupancy, at a single plus supplement rate. 2) You can have a smaller room offered at the single shared rate. Please book early for these options.

Q Do you sell alcohol?
A No. Alcohol purchases are your responsibility, however, we will happily provide opportunities for you to purchase alcohol. See About Tours for a complete listing of what is included in the tour price.

Q Are gratuities included?
A Gratuities are included but if you wish to tip the driver or the guide even more, it will be welcomed.

Q Are the hiking trails safe? What about handrails, etc.?
A Yes, we consider our walks to be safe and require a minimum fitness level as stated in the answer to Question 4. At times we will be walking over uneven ground in areas where there are no trails. Also, we ask that participants take special caution on the stairs in our 18th century accommodation, as there are some low clearance doorways. While historically interesting they also require due attention

Q Will I have time on my own to explore?
A Yes, you will have as much time, to explore on your own, as you wish. There are plenty of walking routes, right from your accommodation, that allow you to have an intimate experience of the beautiful surroundings

Q What if I don’t wish to attend a particular tour?
A There are no mandatory tours. On any particular day you are free to stay in your accommodation or create your own walking or bike tour from the premises. Check out the supplied information pack given upon arrival for names and numbers, times and events of busses and routes, taxi services, rentals, local entertainment, and other points of interest. As always, mutual planning and coordination of schedules are required for everybody’s best interest.

Q What happens if the weather is particularly bad
A If the weather is particularly bad, we will focus on visiting indoor sites that day. If the weather is not too bad, we will set out on a tour with raingear, prepared for light showers. Please see what to bring. Our itinerary is flexible to accommodate the uncertainties of weather.

Q Will there be a guide/driver for each tour?
A Yes, you will usually have both a driver and a guide for each tour. In the comfort of our 17-seat minibus, the driver will safely bring you to numerous sites of interest not far from your accommodation. Brian and other guides will impart their experience and knowledge of the area both en route and at different sites. Their stories are both entertaining and factual so that you will have learned about the area in a fun and relaxing atmosphere

Q What about laundry facilities?
A There are two washers and a dryer located on the premises of the accommodations; you may use them at any reasonable time.

Q Can I rent bicycles to explore on my own?
A Yes, there is a bicycle rental shop in the nearby town of Newport where you will have opportunities to go and rent a bicycle. The cost of bicycle rental is not included in our tour price.

Q What are my shopping options?
A We will have shopping excursions to Newport where you will find an excellent health oriented grocery store and deli, a liquor store, pharmacy, post office, gift shops, art galleries and craft shops etc.. You will also have plenty of opportunities to shop for souvenirs during our daily tours.

Q Will my belongings be safe in my room?
A Yes, each room will have a safe with a combination lock. Safes are large enough for video cameras, jewellery etc. Although precautions must be taken, theft in this area has never been a concern.

Q Do I need an adapter for small appliances (hair dryer, etc)?
A No. We are fully stocked with power adapters for your electronic devices such as mobile phones, hairdryers, shavers, laptops, cameras, battery chargers, recording equipment, etc. We do not have transformers. In the UK we have 240 volts so do check if your appliance is compatible.

Q Which languages are usually spoken there?
A English and Welsh are the predominant languages spoken with Welsh place names etc. translated by our guides and others versed in it. Basically, everyone can speak English to you.

Q What town is Gelli Olau near?
A Gellu-Olau is near the town of Newport, Pembokeshire in West Wales.

Health and Emergency…

Q What if I have a medical emergency?
A In the advent of a medical emergency, everything possible will be done to secure speed and safety for a stricken individual. Rest assured that our tour destinations are not far from local hospitals fully equipped for emergency services. There are doctors in Newport one mile away.

Q Can I smoke anywhere on the tour?
A Smoking is permitted outside of the accommodations

Q I’m on a wheat-free diet. Can you accommodate my dietary restrictions?
A Yes. Please let us know, when you book, about your dietary restrictions. We can provide vegetarian meals and alternatives to wheat and dairy. We cannot however, be responsible for dietary requirements for those with serious food allergies (such as peanuts allergies) or those with conditions such as celiac disease.

Q I’m not in great physical shape. Will I be able to enjoy the tours anyway?
A Absolutely. Our tours are not physically demanding but we require participants to have a fitness level that would allow them to walk over uneven terrain for about an hour. (rocky?, grassy? A bit mucky? Steep anywhere?) This minimum requirement will allow participants to join most of our tours (some may be longer). Enjoyment of our tours also requires enough stamina to spend a good part of the day visiting sites.