Wonders of Wales

Departure Point – Collection from outside the Hilton London Victoria Hotel in London at 09:00am.

As we begin our journey to Wales, our first stop is Castle Combe, arguably the most picture-perfect village in the Cotswolds. Here we can wander around the quiet streets and admire the villages’ idyllic river setting. Next our first Welsh visit is the Big Pit National Coal Museum, ‘Big Pit’ is a celebration of the Coal Industry in South Wales and one of the leading mining museums in Britain. There’s a lot to see and do here, the exhibitions, which tell the history of the country’s industrial past and those that want can take an underground tour into one of the actual mines. We end in the Brecon Beacons National Park, in the town of Crickhowell, where we spend out first 2 nights.

Dinner/Overnight - The Bear Hotel, Crickhowell

Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. We will have a pano tour taking in Cardiff Bay, formerly the city docklands and once the largest coal-trading port in the world. Now regenerated, it is home to the Welsh parliament, the Millenium Centre, an international sports village and the BBC’s home of Doctor Who. Next we’ll travel the short distance to the city centre where we visit Cardiff Castle, one of Wales’ leading heritage attractions and a site of international significance, our guided tour will walk us through this extraordinary Victorian Gothic mansion and you will discover a story 2,000 years in the making. Making our way back to Crickhowell, we stop at Penderyn Distillery, the home of Wales first whisky distillery in over 100 years, for a tour and tasting. This evening, we attend a Male Choir Rehearsal, a strong Welsh tradition that will no doubt be a highlight of your trip!

Overnight - The Bear Hotel, Crickhowell

Leaving the ‘south’ our journey today takes us to North Wales, we stop in the seaside town on Llandudno. Here you will have free time to enjoy the elegance and nostalgia of the Victorian era, included is an Afternoon Tea. Next we visit the world Heritage Site, Conwy Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress that still towers over the town after 700 years. We end at breathtaking town, Betws-y-Coed, located in a beautiful valley in the Snowdonia Forest Park. Here we spend the next 2 nights.

Overnight -  Royal Oak Hotel, Betws-y-Coed

A day in North Wales. Our day starts with a intimate farm tour which includes a trailer ride from the village to the farm, sheepdog demonstration and a talk about sustainable food, the farming history (370 yrs), traditions, heritage, beliefs, wool production and struggles. Next we head back into Snowdonia National Park where we take a journey on one of Wales famous trains. Here we sit back and take in the beauty and tranquility of the countryside. Dinner tonight is at the hotel and which is accompanied with entertainment by a local Harpist this evening in the hotel.

Dinner/Overnight—Royal Oak Hotel, Betws-y-Coed

Travelling south, we have a short journey to the coast, where we visit Harlech Castle, another World Heritage Site and the second castle we visit of Edward I’s legacy in Wales, UNESCO described this castle as one of the finest examples of late 13th century military architecture in Europe. We then have time in the tiny harbour town of New Quay, with its multi-coloured cottages and sandy beaches, the town has connections with Dylan Thomas; probably Wales’ most famous 20th century poet. We then make our way into Pembrokeshire where we spend our final 2 nights.

Overnight - Slebech Park Country Estate, Pembroke (or similar)

Our day begins in St Davids, Britain’s smallest city, despite its size, the city is home to a mahgnificent cathedral, sited next to the Bishop’s Palace which was founded by Wales’ patron saint, St David. Inside the cathedral are the tombs of many influential medieval knights, as well as a shrine to St David himself. The afternoon is spent in the popular seaside town of Tenby, where you have free time to explore the charming harbour and seafront. Tonight, we enjoy our farewell dinner.

Overnight - Slebech Park Country Estate, Pembroke (or similar)

Bidding ‘ffarwel’ to Wales we make our way back to London, we will have a stop along the way and also a chance to wonder around Avebury henge and stone circles are one of the greatest marvels of prehistoric Britain. We arrive back at our drop off point in central London.