Discover Wales

( 5 Star )

Visit: Welsh Borderlands - Snowdonia National Park - Harlech Castle - New QuayPreseli Mountains - Castle Combe

Overview
Itinerary
Inclusion / Exclusion
Dates Pricing

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 most intriguing is the warm welcome you’ll experience when you travel through this wonderful country on our five day tour. Schedule: Every Monday (01/04/20-26/10/20) - except 13/07/20 & 20/07/20 Every Wednesday (06/05/20-23/09/20) – except 15/07/20 Every Saturday (04/04/20-31/10/20) – except 11/07/20 & 18/07/20 *Schedule change for 2020*

Bask in the peace and beauty of the Cotswolds villages Venture through the wondrously rolling hills of the Welsh borders You leave London and travel west to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. This area of outstanding natural beauty boasts England’s prettiest historic villages. Your friendly driver-guide ensures you get the best photos and hear the most fascinating local tales. Your first stop in Wales is Hay-on-Wye, the ‘town of books’, nestled just to the north of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The route then leads to the beautiful Elan Valley and up into the Cambrian Mountains. From there, it’s an hour or so to the beautiful seaside town and cultural centre of Aberystwyth, where you spend the next two nights.

Admire the mountainous landscape of Snowdonia National Park Explore the ramparts of Harlech Castle Travel north into the mountainous Snowdonia National Park. You visit the beautiful village of Beddgelert, where you can see the grave of ‘Gelert’, the legendary dog. Later you travel to Harlech Castle. Built by King Edward I during his conquest of Wales nearly 800 years ago, this mighty fortress still stands overlooking the peaks of Snowdonia and the sea. After a fulfilling day in the mountains you return to Aberystwyth in late afternoon.

Wander around New Quay and wish you could move into this picturesque little town Walk in the footsteps of the famous Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas 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 you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins and whales. You then go inland to explore the Dinefwr Estate and its ruined castle before heading for Wales’s south coast to visit Laugharne, where Dylan Thomas lived for the last few years of his life and 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.

Visit the only national park in Britain that’s dedicated to gorgeous coastline views Stumble upon the grand cathedral of Britain’s smallest city, St Davids 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.

Delve deep into history at the National History Museum and the Roman fortress at Caerleon Wander around the quintessential Cotswold village of Castle Combe Leaving Tenby in the morning, you begin your return journey to London. You travel past the big industrial cities of South Wales for a visit to the outdoor National Museum of History at St Fagans (public transport is available from the museum to central Cardiff for anyone who wishes to leave the tour at this point). Next you head 2,000 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 Crossing back into England, where you have one final break at Castle Combe. This gorgeous Cotswold village is perfect for a relaxed stroll amongst 16th century ironstone cottages. From here, you head back to central London.

Inclusion

All rates are inclusive of Breakfast unless stated otherwise.
Transport in a 16 seat Mercedes mini-coach
Air conditioning as standard
The stories and services of an English-speaking driver-guide

Exclusion

Entry fees to visitor attractions
Optional activities if Any
Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program
Personal equipment
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Voluntary tips for guides or drivers
Travel and medical insurance
Any items not mentioned as included

Note

All Departures ex London
All Departures on Monday and Sunday
All Tours departing from London.
Accommodation in Guesthouse (B&B or Farmhouse)
Hotel Accommodation can be upgraded to 3 star on request
Child supplement applies only to up to 01 child aged 5-15 years old, sharing the same room with 02 adults,
No children under 5 years old are permitted, except with special permission
Restricted to 14kg (31lbs) of luggage per person
Pack your waterproof clothing and walking shoes