Welsh Delights

Group members gather for their overnight flight to Manchester.

This morning we arrive in Manchester and transfer to North Wales and our hotel. En route we make a stop in the walled Roman city of Chester. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at our hotel to celebrate our arrival in Wales. St

George’s Hotel (4 nights) 

This morning we visit Conwy Castle, one of the finest examples of thirteenth century military architecture. What makes this castle stand out among other fortifications in Wales are the eight large towers, two barbicans, and easy access to resupply by sea. This afternoon we take a short drive to Bodnant Garden, known worldwide for its botanical collections. A packed lunch is planned to enjoy in the gardens of the Magnolia cafe.

Today we will travel through North Wales to the beautiful island of Anglesey. Connected to the North Wales coast by two bridges, it features long stretches of coastline that have been declared Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There is a lot to see packed into this little island, and it was the marital home for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge! Spend the morning visiting Halen Môn Saltcote, a family company that began creating their own salt nineteen years ago. This salt is stocked throughout the UK, as well as in more than 22 countries across the globe. Next, enjoy a quick stop at the town with the longest name in Europe before visiting Beaumaris, known for its castle and jail.

This morning we take a short drive through the north of Snowdonia NP to Caernarfon for a guided tour of Caernarfon Castle, a hulking medieval fortress that is a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. From there we board the Welsh Highland Railway for a journey via the Aberglaslyn Pass to Porthmadog. A fabulous afternoon tea will be served on board as we enjoy the beautiful Welsh countryside.

Today we travel through the beautiful Snowdonia National Park, one of the three National Parks in Wales and known as Eryri in the Welsh language, a name that can be translated as “the place of the eagles”. Enjoy a guided visit with some free time in the unique resort town of Portmeirion. It is based on an Italian village and, while it opened in 1926, the gardens are much older with some plants dating from the mid-1800s. Since inception, it has been used as a back drop for numerous film productions. We continue to our hotel just outside the costal town of Aberystwyth.

Nanteos Mansion Hotel (2 nights)

Today we head inland to view the world-famous Powis Castle. Originally built circa 1200, it began life as the medieval fortress of the Welsh Princes of Powys, who held onto their kingdom despite the threats of their more powerful neighbours. Through the years it has seen some additions that were richly decorated with coats of arms of ancestors and treasures from the conquest of India. Today, the medieval Castle contains one of the finest collections of paintings and furniture in Wales. The world-famous garden, overhung with clipped yews, shelters rare and tender plants laid out under the influence of Italian and French styles. It retains its original lead statues and an orangery on the terraces. We return to our hotel with the balance of the day at leisure.  

The Vale of Rheidol Railway re-creates the Edwardian spirit of adventure. Step aboard the steam train for a stunning journey along the scenic woodlands of Rheidol Valley to Devil’s Bridge, nestled in the magnificent Cambrian Mountains. The countryside changes as we travel through wide-open fields and meadows, woodland and rugged mountain scenery. The narrow track gauge allows the railway to follow the contours of the terrain with many sharp curves and steep gradients, which add to the charm. Listen to the sound of a powerful narrow gauge steam locomotive working hard to climb 700ft (200m) during the 12 miles from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge. 

Ty Waterfront Hotel (2 nights)

This morning we spend time in the unique city of St. David's where we will visit the wonderful Cathedral and the ruins of the medieval Bishop’s Palace. This afternoon, we continue to the picturesque harbour town of Tenby where we will enjoy a free afternoon. You may want to visit Tenby Castle, the Tudor Merchant’s House that is run by the National Trust, the 13th century medieval town walls or Tenby Museum and Art Gallery.

Learn about the tradition of lovespoons carved as a token of affection and love before we continue to lunch in Cardiff’s thriving food scene: Welsh signature foods, ethnic and continental foods, traditional and street markets and festivals. Learn about the history, as we taste our way in the capital. 

Hilton Hotel (3 nights)

This morning we travel to St. Fagans National History Museum, one of Europe’s leading open air museums. This fascinating look into Wales’ history is set on 100 acres of parkland surrounding the 16th century Manor house, St. Fagans Castle. This afternoon we will spend some time in the capital city of Wales, Cardiff. This vibrant city is built around Cardiff Castle, which features plenty of impressive historic buildings to visit as well as handsome parks and gardens. 

Enjoy a relaxing morning at the hotel. We will visit the World Heritage Site of Blaenavon in the afternoon, whose main highlight is the Blaenavon Big Pit. Here we embark on a 300-foot descent into the former colliery to experience the life of a working miner before touring the rugged Brecon Beacons National Park, displaying incredible natural beauty! No visit is complete without a tour of Penderyn Distillery and a tasting of their award-winning whiskey, followed by an early dinner at the Old White Horse pub in Brecon Beacon National Park. We continue into the Welsh Valleys to enjoy a unique insight into the historic Welsh Male Voice choirs, featuring an intimate rehearsal at the well-known Treorchy Male Voice Choir before returning to our hotel.  

All too soon, our Welsh adventure comes to an end as we gather for our flight(s) back to Canada.