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Highlights of Wales

Highlights

From the mountains to the sea, let Wales whisper its secrets.

At a Glance

From the mountains to the sea, let Wales whisper its secrets

Price

From € 4,095 per person

Every journey is tailor-made and can be personalised to your travel style, preferred accommodation and budget.

All highlights

Start your Welsh odyssey in the vibrant capital, Cardiff. Roam through Cardiff Castle’s medieval splendour before venturing along the coast to Pembrokeshire, where pristine beaches and coastal paths are just waiting to be explored. Head to North Wales and the enchanting village of Portmeirion, a whimsical tapestry of Italian-inspired architecture. Meander the charming streets of Caernarfon, framed by its majestic castle. Absorb the historic allure and relish local cuisine. Each stop unfolds a unique chapter of Wales, weaving together landscapes, culture, and history to create an unforgettable journey.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cardiff — Begin with a delicious food tour!

Welcome to Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Among all its rich history, Cardiff has a thriving food scene – Welsh signature foods, ethnic and continental foods, markets, and festivals. The variety of cuisines includes French, Italian, Chinese, Indian, Thai, … the list goes on and on. The Cosmopolitan Cardiff Food Tour will allow you to enjoy samples of food from all over the world and find out about different cuisines (including Welsh of course) in cafes, delis, and restaurants dotted around Cardiff city centre. No visit to Cardiff would be complete without a visit to its imposing Castle, parts of which date back over 1000 years! Afterward take a stroll in one of the many parks in the city, with over 400 green spaces, Cardiff is one of the greenest cities in Britain. Don't worry if it's raining, Cardiff has lots of covered arcades both historic and modern, which you can explore at leisure. Overnight: Cardiff

Day 2: Hay-on- Wye — Explore the capital of books

Your Welsh road trip gets underway, exploring the stunning landscapes of Wales along the Wye Valley and through the Brecon Beacons. Visit Tintern Abbey along the way, a beautiful monument founded by Cistercian monks in 1131. Today, all that remains of this once-thriving monastery is a romantic ruin, lost in time. Take time to explore Hay on Wye, nestled on the banks of the river Wye. Here you will find quirky independent bookshops, stunning scenery, ruins, and outdoor pursuits. This wonderful Welsh village is a real page-turner, quite literally in fact, as it's renowned for its many bookstores. Overnight: Hay-on-Wye

Day 3: Monmouthshire — Travel back in the Middle Ages

No Highlights of Wales trip would be complete without visiting castles. Wales has many of the mightiest and best preserved in all of Britain. Storm the border and explore the ‘Three Castles’, a trio of fortresses built to control the border between England and Wales in Monmouthshire. Grosmont, Skenfrith and White Castle, were all built in the 13th century on the orders of Lord Edward, who later took the title King Edward I. White Castle stands as the most formidable and well-preserved. Initially built from wood and earth, it underwent substantial renovations to become the imposing fortress it is today. Its medieval name possibly stems from the white plaster that adorned its walls. Featuring a vast outer ward akin to a football field and a pear-shaped inner ward sheltered by a formidable water-filled moat, White Castle remains a remarkable testament to medieval defensive architecture. Overnight: Hay-on-Wye

Day 4: Tenby — Discover the Welsh countryside

Begin today's captivating journey with a visit to Epynt and Pen y Crug Hillfort above Brecon, offering a mesmerizing 360-degree view of the Usk Valley. Next, explore the immense Hillfort of Garn Goch in South Wales with its imposing stone walls and a prominent burial cairn. Continue your welsh adventure with a drive through Pen y Crug, where a once-thriving community inhabited round mud huts with thatched roofs. A short distance away, discover the enchanting ruins of Carreg Cennen Castle, perched on a limestone knoll, providing a stunning vista of the Black Mountain in the western corner of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Your wonderful day returns to the Welsh coast, concluding with a ghost walk in the beautiful village of Tenby, followed by a hearty traditional Welsh dinner. Overnight: Tenby

Day 5: Portmeirion — Road trip on the coastline!

Your highlights of Wales tour continues by exploring the coastlines of South and West Wales with a scenic route offering sights and delights all the way. You'll delight in picturesque landscapes, rugged cliffs, and beautiful seascapes worthy of many photo stops. Take time to explore the Pembrokeshire National Park and its charming coastal villages and towns, historical landmarks, and opportunities to explore the natural beauty of this rugged Welsh region. Steady your sea legs and take a morning boat trip from St Davids or take time to stop and admire Strumble Head Lighthouse, near Fishguard, before heading north. All that sea air can help work up an appetite. We recommend a lunch stop at The Lobster Pot or The Mermaid Fish & Chip Shop in Barmouth, where you can sample their award-winning fish and chips. Your final destination today will be the delightful village of Portmeirion surrounded by the Snowdonia National Park. Overnight: Portmeirion

Day 6: Portmeirion — Unique architectural gem

Portmeirion is a picturesque village in North Wales designed by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis. Built between 1925 and 1973, it features colourful buildings, Italian-inspired architecture, and lush gardens. Famous for its eclectic style, its located in a wonderful estuary setting surrounded by the dramatic mountains of Snowdonia National Park. Highlights include strolling through lush gardens, enjoying panoramic views, and discovering unique structures like the Pantheon and the Colonnade. The village also hosts cultural events, and visitors can dine in restaurants, shop for local crafts, and experience the coastal beauty of North Wales. You can also explore a little further afield such as visiting the wonderful clifftop castle at Harlech, exploring the beautiful village of Beddgelert in the heart of Snowdonia and enjoying a local ice cream or a pint of Welsh beer, or taking a steam train ride through the mountains to Ffestiniog and learn more about slate mining which has left its imprint on the Welsh landscape. Overnight: Portmeirion

Day 7: Caernarfon — Snowdonia : between legends and mountains

Nestled within the rugged beauty of North Wales, Caernarfon offers a captivating blend of history and natural splendour. Begin your journey at the iconic Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where medieval tales come to life and where King Charles was crowned Prince of Wales in 1969. Wander through charming streets adorned with colourful shops and cafes, savouring local delicacies. Explore the serene waters of Menai Strait on a boat tour or embark on a scenic hike in Snowdonia National Park, just a stone's throw away. If hiking is not your thing, you can always take the scenic railway to the very summit of Snowdon, the highest point in Wales, for magnificent views in all directions. Surely a highlight of any trip to Wales. Immerse yourself in Welsh culture at Galeri, showcasing art and performances. With its rich tapestry of experiences, Caernarfon promises an enchanting escape for every traveller. Overnight: Caernarfon

Day 8: Chester — Back to England !

Leave the mountains of North Wales behind and step just over the border into England and the enchanting city of Chester, where history and modernity intertwine seamlessly. Begin your day's tour with a stroll along the ancient Roman walls, offering panoramic views of the cityscape. Immerse yourself in the medieval charm of The Rows, where timbered buildings house a variety of boutique shops. Explore the iconic Chester Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. For nature enthusiasts, the picturesque Grosvenor Park provides a tranquil retreat. Delight in a leisurely boat cruise along the river Dee or experience the thrill of the Chester Zoo, home to a fascinating array of wildlife. Overnight: Chester

Day 9: Manchester — We are sorry to see you go!

Sadly, it is time to bid you farewell. Thank you for choosing to journey with us. We wish you a safe onward journey, departing from Manchester and may your memories of your Highlights of Wales adventure last a lifetime. We hope our paths cross again soon!

Services

Included:

accommodation
transportation
visits
immersive experiences
personal crafting
unique roadbook creation
assistance on the ground (meals & flights excluded)

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Salomé Deroyer

travel expert: Scotland England Ireland and Wales

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