What is it that gives Blaenavon its World Heritage Status and links it with some of the great Wonders of the World?
Visitors to the town can discover this and much more by making the most of expert knowledge during tours of the area which will run throughout the summer months.
Participants can discover how the area's fascinating landscape helped to power the industrial revolution, inspire a famous novel and even a BBC docu-drama!
Tours will run every Saturday from 4 July until 29 August leaving at 2pm from Blaenavon World Heritage Centre on Church Road. Costing £2.50 for children and £5 for adults, each tour will last for approximately one hour.
The excursions will be led by a guide from Real Valley Tours, all of whom are members of the Wales Official Tourist Guides Association (the only guides officially recognised by the Welsh Assembly Government to guide in Wales).
The team was able to gain the qualification after funding of £10,000 was awarded from the Heads of the Valleys Programme. They also offer tours across the region and visit neighbouring towns including Aberdare, Tredegar, Merthyr Tydfil, and Bute Town in Rhymney.
Welsh Assembly Government Deputy Minister for Regeneration, Leighton Andrews said: "Through our regeneration plans we are committed to helping to improve communities across the Heads of the Valleys area and attracting tourists to visit the area. The Heads of the Valleys Programme has provided significant funding to develop key tourism attractions in the region and boost this important growing sector. The region has a fascinating industrial history and heritage which has played an important role in shaping south Wales and beyond and I am very pleased that these trained guides will be able to promote some of these gems."
The Heads of the Valleys Programme is a 15 year regeneration project, led by the Welsh Assembly Government, working to benefit communities in Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen, Caerphilly and Rhondda Cynon Taf. Aimed at stimulating regeneration, economic growth, and environmental improvement, the £140 million programme is making the Heads of the Valleys an increasingly successful and attractive area for people to live and work.
Real Valley Tours chairperson, Ruth Taylor-Davies, added: "As local people we are very passionate about the Heads of the Valleys region and keen to share our knowledge with others. We consider it our mission to reveal the hidden history of the area which can't be found in general guidebooks, whilst exploring the striking landscapes of south Wales. There is something in our tours for everyone."
To book a place on a tour please contact the Blaenavon World Heritage Centre on 01495 742333.