Grand Tour of Wales in a Nutshell

Day 1

We cross the Welsh border to Llandudno, Wales's largest resort. Uniquely situated between the Great and Little Ormes, this Victorian seaside resort is home to a magnificent promenade, tearooms, and shops. After exploring, we continue to our first hotel, the Celtic Royal in Caernarfon. Located just a short walk from the town's port and castle, we'll receive a warm Welsh welcome alongside a chance to enjoy a relaxed hot drink. Throughout your stay, don't forget to enjoy the hotel's complimentary leisure facilities, which include a pool, sauna and steam room.

Day 2

After breakfast, we travel to Portmeirion. Developed over fifty years and situated on a private peninsula, this Italian-style village and gardens is one of Wales' premier destinations.
Take in the stunning coastal scenery enhanced by Sir Clough Williams?Ellis' architecture. This afternoon, all aboard for a journey on the Ffestiniog Railway. Sit back as we wind through the glorious Snowdonia National Park, and experience magnificent scenery from the comfort of a classic steam engine and accompanying carriages!

Day 3

Enjoy a day at leisure in Caernarfon, situated on the eastern shore of the Menai Strait opposite the Isle of Anglesey. Perhaps take the opportunity to visit the UNESCO Heritage site of Caernarfon Castle, just a few hundred yards away from the hotel, or board one of the Welsh Highland heritage steam trains which depart from the town's station (pre-booking recommended - not included). Finally, enjoy complimentary wine for our final night at the Celtic Royal.

Day 4

After checking out our hotel, we travel to charming Barmouth, one of Wales's most beautiful beach resorts! Enjoy free time here before we continue our journey through Aberystwyth to Carmarthen, one of Wales' oldest towns is rumoured to be the birthplace of the legendary wizard Merlin. On arrival at the Ivy Bush Hotel, enjoy a hot drink waiting for us before your check-in and dinner.

Day 5

We visit Picton Castle & Gardens this morning for a guided tour. Often remarked as Pembrokeshire's most beautiful stately home and built in the 13th Century, explore one of the largest collections of cultivated plants in West Wales. This afternoon, we travel to Tenby, a delightful little harbour town and seaside resort steeped in ancient history and surrounded by the imposing 13th-century castle walls, for some free time to explore.

Day 6

After breakfast, we travel to Cosy Mumbles. Found on Swansea Bay, explore this cosmopolitan seaside town beloved by legendary Welsh poet Dylan Thomas and is home to a broad range of quirky shops, a Victorian pier, and a two-hundred-year-old lighthouse. From here, we continue the short distance to the Gower Heritage Centre to be joined by a knowledgeable guide for a tour of the Gower Peninsula by our coach! Afterwards, we will return to the centre to enjoy a traditional cream tea.

Day 7

Our final visit is to the Royal Mint Experience on the outskirts of Cardiff, one of the best-rated TripAdvisor attractions in South Wales, for a fascinating insight into the history of UK coins and currency, including the opportunity to strike a personal memento! From here, we begin our homeward journey, and as we bid farewell to Wales, we leave with beautiful memories of some of the best this fair land has to offer.