8 Day The Wonders of Wales

Itinerary

8 Day Small Group Tour from Cardiff to Cardiff with Back-Roads

On this captivating journey through deep green valleys, past snow-dusted mountains and along an unforgettable coastline, we'll go high and low in search of Wales' most iconic sights. Join us as we walk the ancient lands of Celts and Romans, immersing ourselves in age-old local traditions as we go.

Day 1: Cardiff - Brecon Beacons

After meeting the group in Cardiff this morning, we'll set off in search of the Wales of old. Our first stop? St Fagans National Museum of History, Wales' most popular heritage attraction. After learning a fact or two, we'll move on to Caerleon, where we'll explore the fascinating Roman Fortress and Baths – and find out more about life in second-century Britain. After that, we'll journey onwards through the dramatic Welsh Valleys to Brecon Beacons National Park, where a welcome dinner awaits us.(D)

Day 2: Brecon Beacons - Wye Valley - Brecon Beacons

This morning we'll take things underground with a tour of the Big Pit National Coal Museum – a fascinating reminder of the coal industry's importance to Welsh heritage. After returning to the daylight, we'll travel onwards through the spellbinding Wye Valley en route to our next stop: the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Tintern Abbey. Take it from us – the abbey's surroundings are just as beautiful as the building itself! Before we return to the hotel for the evening, there's a treat in store: a wine-tasting session at an award-winning vineyard.(B)

Day 3: Brecon Beacons - Llangollen - North Wales

Today our journey will take us further north along the border regions of Mid Wales to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct: the longest and highest structure of its kind (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). After enjoying an afternoon tea together at the charming Tu Hwnt I'r Bont Tearoom, we'll move on to our hotel – where we'll stay for the next two nights.(B/D)

Day 4: North Wales

After an eventful few days, today you'll have plenty of free time to explore Conwy. What you do is up to you – but we recommend visiting the imposing Conwy Castle and taking a look at the medieval town walls. This evening, a Welsh cultural experience is in store: prepare to witness a soul-stirring male voice choir performance. (B)

Day 5: North Wales - Nant Gwrtheyrn - Portmeirion

Today we'll be whisked away to the village with the longest place name in Europe – Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch – before moving on to the fascinating Llanberis Slate Mine. After that, it's onwards to the Welsh Language Heritage Centre in Nant Gwrtheyrn – where we'll flex our language skills with a lesson in tongue-twisting Welsh pronunciation. There will be plenty of time to practise your new-found skills over dinner in Portmeirion tonight!(B/D)

Day 6: Portmeirion - Ffestiniog railway - Pembrokeshire

Today we'll take in the breathtaking landscapes of Snowdonia National Park in comfort and style as we enjoy a steam train ride along the historic Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway. We'll then stop off at the home of Welsh poet Hedd Wyn before hitting the road to Pembrokeshire. (B/D)

Day 7: Pembrokeshire - Castell Henllys - Pembrokeshire

The rugged landscape around Castell Henllys is known as ‘the Land of Magic and Enchantment' – and today we'll get to experience its otherworldly charm as we take a tour of the intriguing Iron Age site. After that, we'll visit the National Coracle Centre – before donning our best outfits and meeting for one last dinner together.(B/D)

Day 8: Pembrokeshire - Saint David's Head - Cardiff

Back to Cardiff we go! From Pembrokeshire, we'll make the scenic drive along Wales' west coast, stopping off at St David's Head (a dramatic headland that's famous for its wildflowers). When we reach the Welsh capital, our tour will come to a close.(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner