Wales Explorer

Landing in the UK make your way to Wales’ small but cosmopolitan capital city, Cardiff. If you’re landing in England, Cardiff is a swift rail journey from London – ask your adeo Travel consultant for more information. Arriving in Cardiff check-in to your hotel and take your time to orient yourself in this beautiful city – see the magnificent Principality Stadium, spiritual home of Rugby, Wales’ national sport, discover the Edwardian baroque architecture of Cathays Park, home of the national museum and gallery of Wales or explore the unique alleys and lanes of the Victorian shopping arcades and town market.

Overnight: Cardiff

Dedicate this morning to visiting Cardiff Bay – once the world’s largest industrial port it is rejuvenated to home a bustle of waterfront cafes and bars. After a stroll along the ocean barrage or a boat trip across the waters, discover a host of cultural sites surrounding Roald Dahl Plas (dedicated to the famous children’s author who grew up in Cardiff). Here you’ll find the Norwegian Church, the cultural Welsh Millennium Centre and the beautiful red-brick pierhead building. By afternoon, head back to the central area to see the magnificent city centrepiece at Cardiff Castle; this sprawling castle combines Roman walls, a Norman mote and tower and a gloriously lavish Victorian mansion.

Overnight: Cardiff

Meals: Breakfast included

Today collect your vehicle in Cardiff and head out of the city making your way to the scenic coastlines of West Wales. Arriving in Pembrokeshire, stop firstly at Laugharne, a charming coastal town whose Boathouse was once the home of Wales' most famous poet Dylan Thomas. Then onwards to the nearby town of Tenby – this small historic harbour town is a true gem. Discover the bustling fishing harbour, Norman Castle and city walls, a labyrinth of cobbled streets and two golden sandy bays. Time-permitting you may choose to visit nearby historic sites such as Pembroke Castle and Lamphey Bishop's Palace.

Overnight: Pembrokeshire

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 90 miles / 2hrs approx *

Dedicate today to exploring the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park; Britain’s only coastal national park is home to almost two hundred miles of protected coastline. You may choose to enjoy a walk along one of the stretches of the famous coastal path across golden bays and along craggy cliff-tops to spot an array of natural wildlife; the coastal waters are home to dolphins, porpoise and grey seals whilst the cliffs and sea stacks are home to nesting sea-birds and Puffins. Not to be missed is the town of St David’s, the Welsh patron Saint's namesake; this tiny village has city status due to its stunning cathedral and Bishop’s Palace.

Overnight: Pembrokeshire

Meals: Breakfast included

Today make your way north through the heart of Pembrokeshire and to the beautiful West Wales coast passing the sweeping sands of Cardigan Bay. Pause in charming fishing villages such as Aberaeron, an ideal spot for a traditional "fish 'n' chip" lunch, or the grandiose Victorian resort towns such as Aberystwyth where you can stroll along the elegant promenade and visit the intriguing National Libarary of Wales. Nearby is a little-known area of outstanding natural beauty at Devil’s Bridge Falls – see the unique “stacked” bridges overlooking the waterfalls, walk in the Rheidol Gorge and discover the legend of when the Devil was outwitted by a little old Welsh lady.

Overnight: Aberystwyth area

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 75 miles / 2hrs approx*

Today continue north in to the magnificent mountain scenery of the Snowdonia National Park. Visit the majestic Harlech Castle overlooking the Irish Sea before making your way to the intriguing Italianate town of Port Meirion renowned as featuring in the sixties cult television show "the Prisoner". You may choose to take a train ride up the mountain before making your way to the historic town visit Caernarfon Castle which was used for the investiture of the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles in 1969. Continue to your overnight base on the North Wales coast.

Overnight: Llandudno

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 105 miles / 2hrs 30mins approx. (when travelling via Caernarfon)*

Today explore the contrasting towns of Llandudno and Conwy; in the former you can enjoy a stroll along the promenade to enjoy the elegant Victorian architecture or take an historic tram up the Great Orme. In the latter discover a quaint medieval harbour town of cobbled streets and squares; Conwy is seemingly frozen in time with its medieval town walls and stunning 13th century fortress at Conwy Castle. Time-permitting venture South in to the spectacular mountain scenery of the Snowdonia National Park along the scenic Conwy Valley.

Overnight: Llandudno

Meals: Breakfast included

Today make your way south through the heart of Wales. Head firstly to the traditional Welsh town of Llangollen home to an historic steam railway and the stunning aqueduct which transports canal boats 150ft above the valley floor. The onwards through the Welsh border Marches in to mid-Wales where you can make a stop at the elegant Powis Castle and Gardens before passing through traditional Welsh market towns such as Builth Wells on route to the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Overnight: Brecon Beacons National Park

Meals: Breakfast included

Journey details: 140miles / 3hrs 45mins approx*

Dedicate today to exploring the beautiful and barren moorlands and mountains of the Beacons National Park where sheep and wild-horses roam the hillsides. You may choose to visit the southern valleys where Wales' industrial heritage is evident especially at Big Pit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can descend a real working coal mine. Alternatively, head to the border town of Hay-on-Wye, self-proclaimed second-hand book capital of the world the quaint town bustles with bookshops, tea-rooms and antique dealers.

Overnight: Brecon Beacons National Park

Meals: Breakfast included

From Brecon, head south to through the picturesque market town of Abergavenny passing Raglan Castle to the border-town Monmouth. From here follow the course of the scenic Wye Valley to visit the magical Tintern Abbey one of Britain's most renowned monastic ruins which once inspired Wordsworth. You may choose to view the 13th century border fort at Chepstow Castle before returning West to Cardiff. Return your vehicle and board a train back to London.

Meals: Breakfast included