Castles and Manors of Wales

Arriving in London or Bristol, head West and across the Severn Estuary in to the magical land of Wales. Collect your vehicle in Cardiff, you may choose to stop at border town Chepstow to see the stunning medieval fortress at Chepstow Castle before following the beautiful Wye Valley to the attractive ruins of Tintern Abbey. Passing the market towns of Monmouth and Abergavenny and in the shadow of Raglan Castle you arrive in the dramatic moorlands of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Overnight: Gliffaes Country House Hotel or The Bear Hotel, Brecon Beacons National Park

Journey details: 75 miles / 120 km, 2 hours (approx.), if starting in central Cardiff*

Continue north in to the hills of mid Wales and stop at the elegant Powis Castle to explore the medieval fortress and its celebrated gardens and grounds before passing in to the border Marches. You may stop at Chirk Castle on route to quaint Welsh town of Llangollen, home to Wales' national Eistedfordd festival each year. This tiny town is a real gem, home to the mysterious Caer Drewyn hill fort, the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct which carries canal boats 126 feet above the valley floor, and the traditional Llangollen Steam Railway. Continue to your nearby Castle Hotel which will be your base for the next two nights.

Overnight: Ruthin Castle, Ruthin or Bodysgallen Hall Hotel, Conwy, North Wales.

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 115 miles / 185 km, 3 hours (approx.)*

Today pass through the heart of the beautiful Snowdonia National Park and Conwy Valley to the north coast of Wales. In the charming seaside resort town of Llandudno you can enjoy the elegant Victorian town-houses and promenade or ride a cable tram-way up the Great Orme. Nearby you'll find the beautiful town of Conwy, still almost completely encircled by its medieval city walls it is seemingly frozen in time; explore a tangle of medieval cobbled streets and market places, a tiny port and the most dramatic of Castles overlooking the town. Return to Ruthin for your overnight stay.

Overnight: Ruthin Castle, Ruthin or Bodysgallen Hall Hotel, Conwy, North Wales.

Meals: Breakfast included

Today, you may choose to visit Caernarfon Castle in the far North West Wales the imposing venue of the 1969 investiture of Prince Charles the Prince of Wales. Then make your way south along Wales’ West coast. At Porthmadog, you may choose to take a scenic ride on the Snowdon mountain railway or visit the intriguing Italianate town of Portmeirion made famous by the sixties cult TV show, the Prisoner. Perhaps stop at another of Wales’ UNESCO World Heritage fortresses at Harlech Castle, dramatically perched overlooking the Irish Sea before before arriving at your accommodation near to the coastal town of Aberystwyth.

Overnight: Penmaenuchaf Hall, near Dolgellau or Nanteos Mansion, near Aberystwyth.

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 130 miles / 3hrs approx*

Today continue South along Wales' West coast passing the sweeping sands of Cardigan Bay to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, home to almost two hundred miles of protected coastline. Perhaps walk stretches of the famous coastal path across bays and cliffs on route to visit the tiny settlement of St Davids; the patron Saint's namesake is a tiny village but enjoys city status due to its stunning cathedral and Bishop's Palace. Time-permitting, visit the historic coastal town of Tenby home to a bustling natural harbour and Norman town walls.

Overnight: The Grove at Narbeth or Roch Castle, Pembrokeshire

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 100 miles / 2hrs 30mins approx.*

From Pembrokeshire return East with a possible stop at Laugharne to visit the Boathouse visitor centre where welsh poet Dylan Thomas's penned some of his greatest works. Then arriving in Cardiff area spend the balance of the day exploring its outlying areas. Visit the contrasting castles at Castell Coch and Caerphilly Castle; the former is a Victorian fairy-tale folly of turrets and towers whilst the latter is a 13th century fortress complete with battlements, moat and a famous leaning tower. Round off the day with a visit to St Fagans National Museum of Wales, a living museum detailing Welsh history from Celtic times through to its industrial heritage.

Overnight: Holm House, Penarth or Lanely Hall, Pontyclun, near Cardiff

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 90 miles / 1hr 45 mins approx *

Today make your way in to central Cardiff to explore the cosmopolitan Welsh capital. Discover the Edwardian baroque architecture of Cathays park, home to the national museum and gallery of Wales, or shop in the unique Victorian shopping arcades. You may choose to visit the Cardiff Bay area where you’ll find the Norwegian Church, the cultural Welsh Millennium Centre and the beautiful red-brick pierhead building. By afternoon, head back to the city centre to see the magnificent centrepiece at Cardiff Castle; this sprawling castle combines Roman walls, a Norman motte and tower and a gloriously lavish Victorian mansion.

Overnight: Holm House, Penarth or Lanely Hall, Pontyclun, near Cardiff

Meals: Breakfast included

This morning enjoy a final breakfast in your hotel before checking out. Return your vehicle in Cardiff (downtown or airport) and make your onward journey within Britain or returning to your home nation. Ask about onward rail travel to London and post-tour accommodation in the English Capital.