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  1. Day 1 Arrive in Cardiff

    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

  2. Day 2 Cardiff Bay and Cardiff Castle.

    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

  3. Day 3 Laugharne Boathouse and Tenby Village.

    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 *

  4. Day 4 Pembrokeshire Coast and St Davids

    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

  5. Day 5 Cardigan Bay and Aberystwyth

    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*

  6. Day 6 Harlech Castle, Port Meirion and Caernarfon Castle

    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)*

  7. Day 7 Llandudno, Conwy Village and Snowdonia National Park

    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

  8. Day 8 Langollen Viaduct and Powis Castle Gardens

    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*

  9. Day 9 The Brecon Beacons National Park

    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

  10. Day 10 Tintern Abbey and the Wye Valley

    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

*Journey times and distances are estimates and are based on the direct route between the start location and end location for each day of the itinerary, where applicable. They do not include detours or stops for sightseeing.

What's included

  • 9 nights accommodation (suggested accommodations listed below).
  • Full cooked Welsh breakfast each morning.
  • 8 days car rental (outside of Cardiff) inclusive of all mandatory taxes, insurances and charges.
  • Admission to Cardiff Castle.
  • CADW Wales Explorer Pass (7 days in 14) offering admission to dozens of Castles and historic sites across South Wales such as Beaumaris or Caerphilly castles.
  • Shipment of your personal travel document and information pack containing all travel vouchers/tickets, printed copy of your itinerary, overview driving map and our own travel information and tips.
  • Toll-free calls (from USA and Canada) to your Britain vacation specialist whilst planning your trip.
  • Expert assistance during the planning of your trip and local out-of-hours number for use during travel.

Suggested accommodations

  • The Lincoln House Hotel, Cardiff x 2 nights
  • The Grove at Narbeth, Pembrokeshire x 2 nights
  • Nanteos Mansion Hotel, near Aberystwyth x 1 night
  • St George's Hotel, Llandudno, North Wales x 2 nights
  • The Bear Hotel, Crickhowell, Brecon Beacons National Park x 2 nights

As our self-drive tours are fully customizable we can tailor the suggested accommodations for your particular quotation based on your preferences, budget etc.

Optional extras

  • Enjoy a City Sightseeing open top bus tour in Cardiff.
  • Add pre/post tour accommodation in London before or after your trip.
  • Add rail travel to/from Cardiff before or after your tour.

Customize this tour!

  • Have your very own private driver-guide chauffeur your tour.
  • Combine this tour with one of our other Britain self-tours.
  • Enjoy an upgrade to a luxury castle or manor hotel on one or more nights of your stay.

Exclusions

  • Trip Insurance – we ask that our guests purchase suitable cover in case planned travel is affected or disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances. More information on the benefits of trip insurance can be found here.
  • Flights – adeo Travel do not book air travel but are happy to offer advice on where to seek competitive airfare.
  • Meals and/or sightseeing other than that outlined above.

Departure Dates 2023/2024

This self-guided tour is customizable and can be taken at any time throughout the year and starting and ending on any day of the week - simply let us know your preferred dates of travel!

Pricing 2023/2024

From GBP £1,865 per person (based on two people travelling).

 

Representative pricing above based on travel in shoulder season (May/September) with two people sharing a twin/double room, staying in sample accommodations as listed and sharing a compact automatic vehicle. For a direct quote for your preferred dates of travel please contact us.

 

Single supplements apply for single occupancy rooms, please ask for a quotation for details.

Pricing Notes

  • As this tour can be taken at any time pricing will vary dependent on departure day, date of travel, selected accommodations etc.
  • Your quotation will be based on the suggested accommodations listed however please note that we may tailor your specific quote to accommodate your budget and preferences. Please indicate these when you contact us.
  • Prices are calculated as per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room and one vehicle.
  • Prices are for land only travel and do not include flights.
  • Prices are in GBP£ currency, for approximate amounts in other currencies please contact us.
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