Rails of England and Wales

After arriving in to Heathrow or Gatwick Airports, validate your BritRail Passes and travel by rail to the vibrant Welsh capital city of Cardiff. Drop your bags at your hotel and begin by wandering the Edwardian Baroque architecture of Cathays Park, home to the National Museum and Gallery of Wales, the Victorian market and shopping arcades or tour the famous Millennium Stadium home of the Welsh national rugby team. Not to be missed is the city's magnificent centrepiece at Cardiff Castle which combines Roman walls and Norman tower with a gloriously lavish Victorian mansion.

Overnight: Cardiff

Journey details: 20 minutes to London (via Gatwick/ Heathrow Express) followed by 2 hours to Cardiff (approx.)*

Today is dedicated to exploring rural South Wales which is more difficult to reach by rail alone. Meet your local guide and tour group for a journey to take you away from the bright lights of Cardiff deep in to the scenic Wye Valley. On your journey we’ll make various stops to take in beautiful forest vistas, charming Welsh market towns and enchanting historic sites; we’ll pause at the elegant ruins of Tintern Abbey, which once inspired poet William Wordsworth, and stop at one of the magnificent medieval fortresses which dot the Welsh borders region. Please note: on some days an alternative tour to the Gower Peninsula or the Brecon Beacons may be substituted.

Overnight: Cardiff

Meals: Breakfast included

Today, take the rails through the Welsh border Marches and into the heart of England to arrive in vibrant city of Birmingham which will be your base for two days. As England’s central rail hub, there are plenty of options for places to visit from here; make the short journey south to the medieval market town of Warwick to see the imposing Warwick Castle, or visit Stratford-upon-Avon, a picturesque town of Tudor timberwork buildings, abundant in heritage sites dedicated to its most famous resident the great bard himself, William Shakespeare.

Overnight: Birmingham (Central England Rail Hub)

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 2 hours (approx.)*

Dedicate today to visiting the medieval university town of Oxford just over an hour by rail from your central England base; here you can soak up the unique academic ambience and explore the lawns, quads and spires of renowned Oxford University which once inspired the likes of J.R.R. Tolkien and Oscar Wilde. By evening return to Birmingham, itself a vibrant city with an historic town hall and cathedral and fashionable canal side bars and restaurants.

Overnight: Birmingham (Central England Rail Hub)

Meals: Breakfast included

Board the train northbound to the charming city of Chester to discover the many historic sites including the medieval city walls and gate towers, the stunning excavated Roman Amphitheatre and an impressive cathedral before wandering along the unique Tudor Facaded The Rows offering some unique boutique shopping. Time-permitting you may choose to take a short rail ride to the contrasting but equally enchanting city of Liverpool. Achieving the accolade of European City of Culture in 2008, Liverpool is a thriving destination bustling with heritage sites dedicated to its most famous residents – the Beatles.

Overnight: Chester

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

This morning you’ll meet a local guide and join a small-group tour taking you once again over the border in to the dramatic scenery of North Wales. Your journey will take you along the coastline to the elegant Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno before heading south along the Conwy Valley and in to the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. We’ll pause for photo-stops along the way and take lunch in the honey-pot village of Betws-y-Coed before returning to the ancient village of Conwy dominated by its magnificent 13th century castle and town walls before returning west to Chester.

Overnight: Chester

Meals: Breakfast included

Hop on the train once more and head east over the rustic landscapes of the Yorkshire to the historic city of York itself. This grandiose city is home to a wealth of historic and cultural sites to explore; wander the city from the cobbles of the famous Shambles, Britain’s first shopping street, to the medieval city walls, gates and towers. The highlight of course will be exploring the Gothic masterpiece at the iconic York Minster which dominates the city and marks York as the ecclesiastical capital of the North of England.

Overnight: York

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Today explore magnificent York in more depth; discover the city’s Viking history at the Jorvik Center, visit the opulent Georgian era townhouse at Fairfax House or see the Flying Scotsman itself at the National Railway Museum. A short train ride from York you’ll find the elegant Victorian spa town of Harrogate where you can shop in classic boutiques or take afternoon tea in one of the town’s many traditional tea-rooms. Alternatively enjoy an optional small group day-tour to either the Yorkshire Dales or Yorkshire Moors National Parks – subject to availability.

Overnight: York

Meals: Breakfast included

Today you’ll be whisked south on the direct line to London; this will be your base for your final two nights offering you time to explore the stunning English Capital. London is a thriving metropolis with a vibrant modern culture and rich history and heritage. Explore world renowned sights including Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. In the east of the city you’ll find the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral. By evening why not take a flight on the London Eye for spectacular views of the city skyline.

Overnight: London

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 2 hours (approx.)

Today explore London in more depth; culture vultures will delight in some of the world’s most prestigious museums and galleries including the Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum and the Imperial War Museum. You may choose to stroll through Hyde Park to the elegant Kensington Palace or simply enjoy the abundance of shopping opportunities the city has to offer; from the department stores of Oxford Street to the host of traditional street markets such as the one in Covent Garden.

Overnight: London

Meals: Breakfast included

Today bid farewell to the UK as you board the Heathrow or Gatwick Express rail links to take you back to your departure airport.

Meals: Breakfast included