Wonders of Wales 2023

Following a hearty breakfast at our hotel, 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. Continuing our journey, we’ll venture through the dramatic Welsh Valleys to Brecon Beacons National Park, stopping at the 13th-century Caerphilly Castle along the way. Afterwards – if time allows – we’ll delve into Welsh mining heritage at the Big Pit National Coal Museum. This evening, another delicious group dinner awaits us at our hotel. (B,D)

Accommodation: The Bear Hotel (or similar)

Today’s itinerary 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). We’ll have the opportunity to visit the mesmerising Valle Crucis Abbey before pausing for an afternoon tea together at a charming local tearoom. Upon our arrival along the rugged North Welsh Coast, we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure. (B)

Accommodation: Dunoon Hotel (or similar)

After an eventful few days, today you’ll have plenty of free time to explore the nearby towns of Llandudno and Conwy. How you choose to spend the day is up to you – but we recommend visiting the imposing Conwy Castle and taking a look at the medieval town walls. Later, you could uncover the self-proclaimed “smallest house in Great Britain” along the picturesque Quay – which also plays host to an abundance of cosy cafes and traditional pubs perfect for spending a relaxing afternoon. (B)

Accommodation: Dunoon Hotel (or similar)

Continuing our journey today, we’ll have a brief photo opportunity at the village with the longest place name in Europe – Llanfair­pwllgwyngyll­gogery­chwyrn­drobwll­llan­tysilio­gogo­goch – before moving on to the fascinating Llanberis Slate Mine. After enjoying a demonstration and stroll around the museum, 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 our included dinner tonight! (B,D)

Accommodation: Dunoon Hotel (or similar)

Buongiorno! We’ll begin our day in Italiano style this morning at whimsical Portmeirion. Designed in the 1920s to replicate an Italian village, its quirky pastel-hued houses, classical mansions and maze-like gardens are straight from the pages of a storybook. Then, we’ll take in the breathtaking landscapes of the Welsh countryside in comfort and style with a historic steam train ride. Travelling around horseshoe bends, through mountain tunnels and along cliff edges – there’s no better way to discover the region’s lush green pastures, glittering lakes and magnificent forests. Our day will end in picturesque West Wales – where you’ll have the evening to spend at your leisure. (B)

Accommodation: The Falcondale (or similar)

This morning, we’ll admire the verdant rolling hills of the Pembrokeshire countryside as we set a course for the picture-perfect fishing village of Tenby. Perched on a headland and surrounded by Norman-built walls – we’ll have plenty of time to explore the medieval village streets and array of cafes and stores at our own pace. Upon returning to our hotel, we’ll don our best outfits for tonight’s final group dinner. Here’s to an incredible journey! (B,D)

Accommodation: The Falcondale (or similar)