Welsh Wanderer Tour
Steeped in Celtic mystery, the Welsh countryside will enchant you with her towering mountains shrouded in mist and tumbling river valleys roaring with Arthurian legends. Visit the Ring of Iron with her countless castles defending the northern shores against invaders, or summit the highest peak in the region by a Victorian-era cog railway. And whatever the weather, Wales is full of wonders!
Journey by Victorian-era steam train
Delve into legendary history
Immerse yourself in stunning landscapes
At a Glance
8 days/7 nights
Trip Duration
$2650/person
2022 Guide Price (Variable depending on group size)
March - September
Best season
London Heathrow
Arrival point
1-7 people
Group size
London Heathrow or Manchester
Departure point
Day 1:
Arrival
Arrive in London. Travel to Cardiff across the beautiful Cotswolds region. Shake off any jet-lag with fresh air in an afternoon stroll around Cardiff Castle and nearby Bute Park.
Overnight in Cardiff.
Day 2:
South Wales & the Brecon Beacons
Explore St Fagan's National Museum of History, an open-air history of Welsh life. Wander through re-erected ancient buildings and see traditional crafters at work.
Meander farm lanes north through the scenic Brecon Beacons National Park, where we will visit Aberfan, the site of the 1966 coal disaster. Gain an understanding of the importance of the coal industry to Wales in the National Coal Museum.
Overnight in Cardiff.
Day 3:
Book Lovers
On our way north, spend a morning in the charmingly quirky town of books, Hay-on-Wye.
While not technically in Wales, book lovers would be remiss to pass up a visit to nearby Hereford to see the Chained Library and famous Mappa Mundi exhibit housed in the beautiful cathedral cloisters.
From Hereford, enjoy a scenic drive across mid-Wales towards Aberystwyth on the coast.
Overnight in Aberystwyth.
Day 4:
Alternative Perspectives
Support sustainable living and clean energy with a visit to Machynlleth's Centre for Alternative Technology, a unique eco-paradise accessible by a water-powered funicular railway!
From Machynlleth, we'll head deeper into the heart of dramatic Welsh mountains, stopping at Harlech Castle, a commanding fortress from King Edward I's 'Ring of Iron Castles' overlooking the Irish Sea.
Overnight in Portmeiron/Porthmadog.
Day 5:
Welsh Highland Railway
Spend the morning at Portmeiron Tourist Village, with its Italianate architecture and film-set streets.
Hop aboard the Ffestniog Welsh Highlands Railway and marvel at the scenic views en route to Caernarfon. Drive across the Menai Strait Bridge and grab a selfie in at Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch train station, the longest place name in Europe!
Overnight in Caernarfon.
Day 6:
Snowdonia
Channel your inner royalty with a visit to Caernarfon Castle, site of the investiture of the Prince of Wales.
Head to Llanberis, just 20 minutes down the road, for an afternoon in the National Slate Museum, or enjoy shopping the high street and stopping for a Welsh teacake overlooking Lake Padarn.
Overnight in Llanberis/Caernarfon.
Day 7:
Peaks & Valleys
Rise and shine for Victorian cog-rail experience to the summit of Wales' highest peak, Mount Snowdon.
Departing Llanberis, our journey will head back towards England. Stop for lunch in Betws-y-Coed or Llangollen before crossing the border back to England.
Overnight in London or Manchester for departure the following day.
Day 7:
Departure
Continue your time in England on your own, extend your tour, or catch a return flight home from London or Manchester airport.
Why not extend your tour to include the Cotswolds, Liverpool or London? Inquire about changes, modifications or extra days.
Details
Inclusions
Professional, personable guidance and support
Flexible itinerary
Accommodations
All ground transport between cities and sites (combination private & public transport)
Entrance fees to sites
Breakfasts, snacks en route, bottled water
Exclusions
Airfare
Visa fees
Trip insurance
Lunches/Dinners
Other info
My private, small group tours are entirely customizable. Want more village and less city? More art, less history? Does your second-cousin twice removed live nearby, and you'd like to work in an overnight stay en route? My itineraries can be tailor-made to your needs.
10% deposit required to secure your booking (refundable up to 30 days in advance of departure).
Join this tour!
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