Discover Wales

002334 - W20

Wales is an intriguing place. Somehow this small country has more castles per square mile than anywhere else in Europe. Amazingly, 20% of the country is protected by national parks. And strangely, their national animal is a mythical dragon! What’s more is it’s packed full of delightful coastal villages, incredible Roman ruins, and stunningly white beaches. But best of all is the warm welcome you’ll experience when you travel through this wonderful country!

Highlights
Details
Itinerary
Included
Not Included
Tour Notes
Map
Highlights
  • Venture through the wondrously rolling hills of the Welsh borders
  • Admire the crests and dips of sharp mountains and deep valleys at the Snowdonia National Park
  • Lookout from the ramparts of Harlech Castle
  • Wander around New Quay and wish you could move to this picturesque little town
  • Walk in the footsteps of the famous Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas
  • Visit the only national park in Britain dedicated to gorgeous coastline views
  • Stumble upon the grand cathedral of Britain’s smallest city, St Davids
  • Delve deep into history at the National History Museum and the Roman Fortress at Caerleon
  • Wander around the quintessential Cotswold village of Castle Combe
Details

Group Size: Max. 16

 

Tour Code:
002334 - W20

Itinerary
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Day 1: London - Cotswolds - Cambrian Mountains - Aberystwyth

You leave London and travel west to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. This area of outstanding beauty boasts England’s prettiest and cutest historic villages. Your friendly driver-guide ensures you get the best photos and hear the most fascinating local tales.

You travel west through the Welsh Marches and the borderlands between England and Wales; marked out by the ancient Offa’s Dyke. The route then leads into the heart of the Cambrian Mountains and beautiful Elan Valley. Leaving here in the late afternoon, it’s just an hour or so to the beautiful seaside town and cultural centre of Aberystwyth, where you spend the next two nights.

Please note: On some dates this tour operates a reversed itinerary.

Day 2: Snowdonia National Park - Machynlleth - Harlech Castle

Travel north into the spectacularly mountainous region of the Snowdonia National Park. You visit the beautiful mountain village of Beddgelert, where you can see the famous grave of ‘Gelert’, the legendary dog, or explore the nearby copper mine.

From here, it’s a short ride to the town of Machynlleth. This scenic little place is a treasure trove of history. You can gaze up at the ancient clock tower, marvel at the quaint houses, and go antique hunting.

You travel on to Porthmadog and over the Cob causeway before reaching Harlech Castle. This mighty medieval castle sits high on a hill, and looks perfectly impenetrable.

After a fulfilling day you return to Aberystwyth in late afternoon.

Please note: on some dates this tour operates a reversed itinerary.

Day 3 – Cardigan Bay - New Quay - Black Mountains - Laugharne - Tenby

Leaving Aberystwyth, you travel around the coast of Cardigan Bay through the quaint town of Aberaeron, and to New Quay.

A sumptuous sandy harbour, whitewashed houses, and connections to Dylan thomas: this town is one of the most picturesque and interesting little towns in Britain. What’s more, is from the breakwater wall you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins and whales.

Turning inland, you head into the foreboding Black Mountains. You may get the chance to explore a mysterious bedrock cave under a castle before you head for the coast, and visit Laugharne, where Dylan Thomas wrote the famous play “Under Milk Wood”.

From here it’s a short distance to Tenby, the small, charming seaside town that’ll be your base for two nights.

Please note: on some dates this tour operates a reversed itinerary.

Day 4 – Pembrokeshire Coast National Park - Pembroke - St. David’s

Our last full day in Wales is spent exploring the extreme south-west.

You see some of Britain’s most gorgeous coastlines at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This region is stunning and was the birthplace of both the patron saint of Wales, and the Twdyr (anglicised to Tudor) royal dynasty.

You travel to the tiny cathedral city of St Davids for lunch and time for exploration, and you stop in the county town of Pembroke, where you can enter the thick medieval walls of the castle.

From here we return once more to Tenby for a relaxed evening.

Please note: on some dates this tour operates a reversed itinerary.

Day 5 – Return to London

Leaving Tenby in the morning, you begin your return journey to London.

You travel past the big industrial cities of South Wales to the outskirts of Cardiff, for a visit to the outdoor National History Museum (an optional drop-off for anyone wanting to end the tour in Cardiff is available).

After a journey through the Cardiff Bay area, head 2000 years back in time with a stop at the remarkably well preserved Roman Fortress at Caerleon.

From here, it’s time to say goodbye to Wales. You take the Severn Bridge back into England, where you have one final break at Castle Combe. This gorgeous Cotswold village perfect for a relaxed stroll amongst 16th century ironstone cottages.

From here you will head back to central London.

Please note: on some dates this tour operates a reversed itinerary.

Included
  • Transport in an air-conditioned, 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach
  • Four nights of accommodation
  • Breakfast at accommodation
  • The stories and services of an English-speaking driver/guide
Not Included
  • Entry fees to visitor attractions
  • Optional tours
  • Meals not specified
  • Gratuities to driver/guide
  • Travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature
Tour Notes

Places you’ll Explore:
Stratford-upon-Avon – Wander around this beautiful town with ornate wooden houses and sprawling gardens
Welsh Borderlands and the Cambrian Mountains – Cross the gentle rolling hills that make up the border between two kingdoms
Snowdonia National Park – Explore the jagged peaks of Wales’ first national park
Harlech Castle – Discover what UNESCO describes as one of “the finest examples of late 13th century military architecture in Europe”.
New Quay and Cardigan Bay – Gaze up at the white houses dotting the hill from a beautiful beach
Dolaucothi Gold Mine – Discover the only Ancient Roman gold mines in all of Britain
Laugharne and its Dylan Thomas connections –Do not go gentle into that good night” and explore the town that inspired Dylan Thomas
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park & the Presili Mountains – Meander along the coastline that has untouched beaches and crumbly cliffs
St Davids – Wander the streets of Britain’s smallest city and be awestruck by its beautiful cathedral
Castle Combe – Explore the streets between quaint cottages and slow streams

Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that information posted on our website is correct at the time of publication, however trip details are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however, we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators.

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