Welcome to the Principality of Wales—9 day tour
Wales is often described as the small country with big views. Here you will discover well preserved ancient castles, learn about the country's industrial heritage and marvel at the dramatic mountain and coastal landscapes. Along the way you might even pick up a few words of Welsh, as Wales has its own distinctive language. Croeso i Gymru - Welcome to Wales.
Included Highlights
- Cardiff Castle
- Coal Mine and Slate Mine Tours
- Laugharne
- Brecon Beacons
- Steam Train Rides
- Isle of Anglesey
- Llandudno
Hotel Nights
- Cardiff 2
- Swansea 1
- Llandrindod Wells 1
- Caernarfon 3
- Manchester 1
Day 1 Cardiff
On arrival at Cardiff airport a professional guide greets and accompanies us by motor coach on a panoramic tour of the city. Check in to our city centre hotel.
Overnight Cardiff
Day 2 Cardiff
A local guide joins us this morning for a tour of the city including visits to the impressive Millennium Stadium and also Cardiff Castle, with its gothic towers and amazing Victorian interior. In the afternoon we explore the newly developed Cardiff Bay area where we are taken on a backstage tour of the Wales Millennium Centre, one of Europe's most innovative and vibrant performing arts centres. Our day ends with a traditional evening at Cardiff Castle where we feast on a Welsh Banquet, accompanied by musical entertainment.
Overnight Cardiff
Day 3 Blaenavon – Rhondda – Swansea
Today we visit Wales' most popular heritage attraction, the National History Museum at St Fagan's Castle. Over forty original buildings from different historical periods have been re-erected in the 100 acre parkland. Here we meet blacksmiths, weavers and bakers to find out more about life in Wales over the last 500 years. In the afternoon we explore the World Heritage Site of Blaenavon Industrial Landscape and take a trip underground on a coal mine tour at Rhondda Heritage Park. A short journey west takes us to our overnight stop in Swansea.
Overnight Swansea
Day 4 Laugharne – Brecon Beacons – Llandrindod Wells
This morning explore Swansea and visit the new National Waterfront Museum. We begin to see links to Wales' most famous poet, Dylan Thomas, with a visit to The Dylan Thomas Centre. Continuing this theme we visit Laugharne, the village where he lived and learn about the origin of Llareggub, the fictional town in Under Milk Wood. Heading via the Brecon Beacons National Park we arrive in the Victorian spa town of Llandrindod Wells.
Overnight Llandrindod Wells
Day 5 Aberystwyth – Portmeirion – Caernarfon
Keeping an eye out for red kites and Welsh mountain ponies we cross the Cambrian Mountains and board a steam train for a journey down the Vale of Rheidol to the seaside resort of Aberystwyth. Following the coast north we visit the fascinating Clough Williams-Ellis designed village of Portmeirion, famous as the setting for the 1960's TV series The Prisoner.
Overnight Caernarfon
Day 6 Anglesey – Beaumaris – Llanfair PG
Any tour of Wales must include a visit to a dramatic castle, so this morning we head to possibly the most famous of them all, Caernarfon Castle. Its sheer scale and commanding presence is impressive and in 1969 the castle gained worldwide fame as the setting for the Investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales. We then cross the Menai Strait to tour the Isle of Anglesey, long associated with Druids. A visit to Beaumaris Castle is also included. On the way we stop at the place in Britain with the longest name, often shortened to 'Llanfair PG' from its full and original 'Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch'.
Overnight Caernarfon
Day 7 Snowdonia
Travelling into the mountains of the Snowdonia National Park we reach Llanberis where, weather permitting, we take a train journey to the summit of Mount Snowdon. At 1085 metres this is the highest point in Wales and the recently modernised Snowdon Mountain Railway has been taking visitors to the top since Victorian times. Wales is world renowned for its near perfect slates and this afternoon we experience this industry first hand with a journey deep inside a slate mine.
Overnight Caernarfon
Day 8 Llandudno – Manchester
Following the coastal route we arrive in the traditional Victorian seaside town of Llandudno with its award-winning pier, a major heritage attraction. Here we ride through the streets on a unique cable-hauled tram to the top of the Great Orme headland, at one end of the town's crescent-shaped bay. It is a fascinating walk back down the hill and visitors may wish to stop at the unique copper mines that pre-date Stonehenge. This afternoon proceed to Manchester.
Overnight Manchester Airport area
Day 9 Manchester
Group transfer included to Manchester Airport. We will be pleased to tailor your tour to suit your preferred arrival and departure airports.
You can find out more about our service on the Your Tour and Tour Price page. Please do email or call us to discuss your requirements. All quotations are provided free of charge and without obligation. We look forward to hearing from you.