LONDON | WALES
This 7-day small-group journey explores three national parks, with visits to an incredible array of castles, filled with ancient Celtic culture. Begin in London, travelling through the rolling hills of the Cotswolds through the Welsh Marches, and the border between England and Wales, marked by the ancient Offa’s Dyke. Head into the heart of the Cambrian Mountains and Elan Valley. Spend two nights in Aberystwyth, a base from which you will discover Snowdonia, Machynlleth, a treasure trove of history and Porthmadog. Visit the coast of Cardigan Bay, the quaint town of Aberaeron and the sandy harbour of New Quay, where you might spot dolphins and whales. Turn inland and head toward the foreboding Black Mountains. You may have enough time to explore a mysterious bedrock cave before heading towards the town of Laugharne, where poet Dylan Thomas wrote the famous play, Under Milk Wood. Overnight in Tenby, a charming seaside town, for two nights. Discover the extreme southwest of Wales, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the birthplace of the patron saint of Wales and the Tudor dynasty. See charming St Davids and Pembroke before continuing on to the port city of Cardiff. Enjoy one last stop in Castle Combe, a charming Cotswold village before returning to London for overnight. The following day, transfer to the airport to begin your home-bound journey.
Highlights:
- Welsh Borderlands and the Cambrian Mountains
- Jagged peaks of Snowdonia National Park
- Harlech Castle, one of the finest examples of late 13th-century military architecture in Europe
- White houses overlooking beautiful beaches at New Quay and Cardigan Bay
- Laugharne, the town that inspired one of the world’s greatest poets, Dylan Thomas
- Pembrokeshire Coast National Park & the Preseli Mountains
- Britain’s smallest city of St Davids
Tour Overview:
- Total 6 nights accommodation:
- 2 nights in London at K+K Hotel George, Double Classic Room ★★★★
- 2 nights in Aberysteyth, Wales
- 2 nights in Tenby, Wales
- Private transfers to/from airport and group meeting point
- 5 days Small-Group Escorted tour with driver-guide, maximum 16 passengers
- Breakfast daily
- Hotel taxes and service charges**
|
|
Pricing valid for April 5, 2020, based on two passengers travelling together. Subject to availability at time of booking.
Blackout periods apply. For alternative dates, inquire for pricing. Itineraries are subject to change. Some touring may be reversed on actual tour. Hotel names during escorted journey confirmed at time of booking.
International airfare not included. Minimum 2 passengers travelling together.
Entrance fees paid locally.
**European city/tourist taxes collected locally unless otherwise indicated.
For full terms and conditions, click here.
Tour Code: EU0920B
Itinerary
Day 1
LONDON Arrival in London. Enjoy your day at leisure to explore on your own. Take some time to explore this beautiful city.
Day 2
BreakfastLONDON – COTSWOLDS – ABERYSTWYTH After breakfast, travel west to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, beautiful historic villages, hearing fascinating local tales. Travel west through the Welsh Marches and the border between England and Wales, marked by the ancient Offa’s Dyke. Head into the heart of the Cambrian Mountains and beautiful Elan Valley. Arrive in the seaside town and cultural centre of Aberystwyth, where you spend the next two nights.
Day 3
BreakfastSNOWDONIA – MACHYNLLETH – PORTHMADOG After breakfast, head north into the mountainous region of the Snowdonia National Park; visit the beautiful mountain village of Beddgelert, to see the famous grave of Gelert, the legendary dog, or explore the nearby copper mine. Visit scenic Machynlleth, a treasure trove of history where you can gave up at the ancient clock tower, marvel at the quaint houses and go antique hunting. Continue on to Porthmadog and over the Cob causeway before reaching Harlech Castle, a medieval castle. Return to Aberystwyth later afternoon for overnight.
Day 4
BreakfastCARDIGAN BAY – NEW QUAY – LAUGHARNE, TENBY After breakfast, check out and continue to the coast of Cardigan Bay through the quaint town of Aberaeron, and to New Quay. A sumptuous sandy harbour, whitewashed houses, and connections to Dylan Thomas, this town is one of the most picturesque and interesting little towns in Britain. You may just be lucky enough to spot dolphins and whales. Turning inland, you head into the foreboding Black Mountains. You may get the chance to explore a mysterious bedrock cave under a castle before you head for the coast, and visit Laugharne, where Dylan Thomas wrote the famous play Under Milk Wood. From here it’s a short distance to Tenby, a small, charming seaside town. Overnight for the next two nights.
Day 5
BreakfastPEMBROKE After breakfast, begin exploring the extreme south-west of Wales. See some of Britain’s most gorgeous coastlines at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This region is stunning and was the birthplace of both the patron saint of Wales, and the Twdyr (anglicised to Tudor) royal dynasty. Travel to the tiny cathedral city of St. Davids for lunch and time for exploration on your own, and stop in the county town of Pembroke, where you can enter the thick medieval walls of the castle. Return once more to Tenby for a relaxed evening.
Day 6
BreakfastCARDIFF – LONDON After breakfast, check out of your hotel. Travel past the big industrial cities of South Wales to the outskirts of Cardiff, for a visit to the outdoor National History Museum (an optional drop-off for anyone wanting to end the tour in Cardiff is available). Head 2,000 years back in time with a stop at the remarkably well preserved Roman Fortress at Caerleon. Say goodbye to wales, taking the Severn Bridge back into England with one final stop at Castle Combe, a beautiful Cotswold village perfect for a relaxed stroll among 16th-century ironstone cottages. Continue on to London; transfer to your hotel and enjoy your evening at leisure.
Day 7
BreakfastLONDON – HOME After breakfast, private transfer to the airport to board your homebound flight.
General Information & Maps
Not Included:
- Airport and departure taxes
- Gratuities to guides and drivers
- Items of a personal nature
- Travel insurance
- Reciprocity and/or local taxes if applicable
- Visas required for entry into the country as necessary. Please discuss this with your travel agent to determine your requirements prior to departure.
Gateways International Tailor-made Tours
View LargeDiscover Wales
