Journey Through Wales

(10 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Cardiff, Narberth, St. Davids & Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, Conwy, Llandudno

Delve deep into Welsh landscapes, legends, history, castles, gardens, UNESCO sites and more on this private Wales tour that combines the best of South Wales and North Wales.

Begin in South Wales, with time in Cardiff, the capital. During private touring, see highlights such as historic Cardiff Castle, glass-topped Victorian shopping arcades, the verdant spaces of Bute Park and the National Museum Cardiff, which has the largest collection of Impressionist paintings outside Paris. Also venture to Cardiff Bay, a revitalized waterfront district, to see the Senedd, where the Welsh Parliament meets in an architectural showpiece, and the Wales Millennium Centre, a landmark performing arts and cultural complex. Other options include a culinary tour of Cardiff Market and top food shops to sample local specialties such as Welsh cheese and Welsh cakes.

One day, enjoy a private excursion according to your interests. Options include hiking in Brecon Beacons National Park; experiencing life inside a coal mine at the Big Pit National Coal Museum (a UNESCO World Heritage Site); seeing historic Welsh architecture at the St. Fagans National Museum of History open-air museum; touring the Royal Mint to see where all the coins used in the UK are made; exploring the Wye Valley and seeing Tintern Abbey; and visiting wineries in Monmouthshire or the Vale of Glamorgan.

Next, visit the National Botanic Garden of Wales, a former private estate with acres of gardens and a striking greenhouse designed by Foster + Partners, or stop by a romantic ruined castle on a hilltop on the edge of Brecon Beacons National Park.

Continue to The Grove of Narberth, a beautifully restored manor house hotel with a top restaurant in a bucolic setting of rolling farmland and ancient trees. One day, enjoy a private excursion to St. Davids, a charming town in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park that was a major medieval pilgrimage site (the patron saint of Wales was born and buried there). Visit fascinating St. Davids Cathedral and walk along the tops of dramatic cliffs of the Pembrokeshire Coast. Another day, opt for a birding excursion to local islands, visit the charming seaside village of Tenby, or enjoy wine tasting or other activities.

Next, transfer to North Wales with touring en route. Browse the wares at a local woolen mill in the countryside and learn about Welsh prehistory at an important neolithic site. Stop in seaside resort towns. Continue to a luxury hotel in a historic manor house in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and explore North Wales during flexible private day trips throughout the region.

One day, enjoy scenic touring and flexible hiking among the rugged mountains, verdant valleys and retired slate mines of beautiful Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park. Upon request, a steam-powered train journey through the landscape can also be arranged.

Another day, take an excursion through the bucolic Conwy Valley to Conwy, a seaside castle town surrounded by medieval walls. Walk among the ramparts of Conwy Castle, a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the charming town center. Depending on interests, visit Llandudno, a seaside resort town filled with Victorian architecture, and the Great Orme, a limestone headland with a fascinating history and incredible views. Also enjoy time for afternoon tea at Bodysgallen Hall, a historic estate with stunning formal gardens, or explore Bodnant Garden, a renowned National Trust property with notable gardens and parkland.

Other options include visiting Portmeirion, a Mediterranean-style village among seaside gardens; a premium sea salt factory; UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Caernarfon Castle, Harlech Castle and the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales; and stopping in the village with one of the longest names in the world—Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Cardiff Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 2 Cardiff Full-day private tour of Cardiff and Cardiff Bay Day 3 Cardiff & environs Full-day private customized excursion for hiking, history touring or food and wine touring Day 4 Cardiff – Narberth Private transfer to hotel for 2 nights with optional touring en route Day 5 Narberth & environs Full-day flexible private tour, including options for wine tasting, touring Tenby, visiting Pembroke Castle or a shared birding excursion Day 6 Narberth – St. Davids & Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Private transfer to hotel for 1 night. Private afternoon tour of St. Davids and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Day 7 St. Davids – Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park Private transfer to hotel for 4 nights with flexible touring en route Day 8 Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park Full-day flexible scenic touring and hiking Day 9 Eryri (Snowdonia), Conwy, Llandudno & Great Orme Full-day flexible private tour Day 10 Depart Eryri (Snowdonia) Private transfer to Manchester Airport or other destinations in the UK

Hotels

Cardiff: The Parkgate Narberth: The Grove St. Davids: Twr y Felin Eryri (Snowdonia): Penmaenuchaf or Pale Hall

Cost

Upon request