Want to tour the back roads of North Wales but don't want to join a large coach group? Looking for a little flexibility and spontaneity in your itinerary? Do you have a few days to really get deep into the Welsh countryside?

Wales, derived from the Saxon word for foreigner. It was to these hills that England original Celtic inhabitants retreated before the conquering Roman, Saxon and Norman armies. Where "foreigners" established their Celtic redoubt and preserved their culture. It is here that you find the living heart of the modern Welsh culture. The hills are alive, both with singing and the second oldest language spoken in Europe. But, despite the retreat and preservation of an ancient culture made possible by the protection of the magnificent mountains, the invader left his tell tale sign in castles, settlement and industry.

With a maximum group size of 11 and a university educated guide/driver, you are sure to have a memorable and personal experience.

Schedule Details

Departure Dates:

Seasonal - 2008 dates

• April 19
• May 03, 17 and 31
• June 14 and 28
• July 12 and 26
• August 09 and 23
• September 06 and 20
• October 04

Departure Point:

Tour departs from centrally located Manchester hotels

Departure Time:

8:00am

Return details:

Tour returns to original point of departure at approximately 6:00pm (Day 4)

Hotel Pickup:

Tour departs from centrally located Manchester hotels. Please include the details of your hotel at the time of booking. You MUST call the supplier at least 24 hours prior to tour commencement to reconfirm all tour and departure details. If the supplier does not pickup from your hotel, they will advise you of the meeting point when you call.

Itinerary:

Day One:
En route to North Wales, stop at Chester and enjoy a tour of the Roman walled town of with its cathedral and medieval shopping rows before continuing to Llandudno, an elegant Victorian seaside resort. The pier with its pier-end theatre, wide, flower-filled promenade, imposing Victorian buildings that face the sea and covered shopping streets are all reminiscent of a bygone age. The town also boasts a funicular railway that takes you to the top of the Great Orme for splendid views of the Snowdonia.

Follow the coast a short distance to the second walled city of the day at Conwy. This wall was erected in the 12th century by Norman conquerors and with the massive castle dominating one corner, it makes this harbor town one of the most interesting in the UK. Find what claims to be Britain's smallest house, as well as an impressively restored mediaeval one. Climbing the turrets of one of Edward I's most imposing fortresses will not be forgotten in a hurry! Your accommodation base for the three nights is near the walled town of Conwy.

Day Two:
Today explore the heart of Snowdonia. This National Park is one of dominating peaks (the highest in England and Wales), narrow mountain passes, flowing stream, cascading waterfalls, sheep-covered uplands and verdant, hidden valleys. It has been claimed that these secluded valleys were home to the real King Arthur. Certainly, an ancient Welsh culture and language still thrives here today. Explore beyond the regular tourist haunts downs tracks and paths that will have you gasping. The day will also include a visit to the great slate mine at Blaenau Ffestiniog, or copper mine at Sygun, a steam train journey through the mountains on a half-gage railway, a woolen mill, Harlech and the Llewyn Peninsular.

Day Three:
Following an obligatory visit to Caernarfon, continue to the Isle of Anglesey, crossing the Menai Straits by Thomas Telford's famed suspension bridge - a wonder of the age of the industrial revolution. This ancient and mystic island offers an astounding wealth of attractions including prehistoric burial chambers and monuments, Celtic and Viking settlements, fabulous flora and fauna, and the village with the World's longest name - Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerchwyrndrobwllllandysilliogogogoch.

There's the fabulously pretty harbor of Beaumaris with its Victorian jail (it has the only working tread-mill wheel in Britain), a magnificent 12th Century Norman castle, and a Roman Army museum, in addition to a 900 year old pub! The island's geography is a natural haven for birds, with wildly contrasting variety of sheer cliffs, sheltered coves, estuaries, dunes, heaths, wetlands, lakes and woodlands. Along the coast you will discover major breeding colonies of puffins, guillemots, razorbills, terns and cormorants - among many other species. Spring and summer turn the Isle of Anglesey into a giant rock garden, carpeted with flowers of every hue. Seal colonies are a common sight on the rockier stretches of the coastline, whilst dolphins can sometimes be glimpsed from shore.

 

Day Four:
Garden lovers are in for a treat this morning with a visit to Bodnant gardens. Quoting from their own website, it's "one of the most beautiful gardens in the UK", spanning some 80 acres and is situated above the River Conwy on ground sloping towards the west and looking across the valley towards the Snowdonia range. The garden has two parts. The upper garden around Bodnant Hall consists of the terraced gardens and informal lawns shaded by trees. The lower portion, known as the "Dell" is formed by the valley of the River Hiraethlyn and contains the Wild garden.

This afternoon drive via Lake Bala to Llangollen. From the canal wharf you embark on either a horse drawn boat trip along the feeder for the main canal, or a motorized aqueduct cruise which takes you across the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct built by Thomas Telford. It's an unforgettable way to complete your North Wales explorer.

Additional Information

Inclusions:

• Entrance fees
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• University-educated driver/guide
• Three nights accommodation with breakfast and dinner

Exclusions:

• Optional gratuities
• Food and drinks, unless specified

Hotel list:

All properties are chosen on the basis of style, friendliness of welcome, location, historical interest and cooking. All are three star but may include 17th century working farm houses, 17th century coaching Inns, pubs, guest houses, small family run hotels and manor houses.

Additional Info:

• This tour must be booked at least 48 hours in advance of your travel date
• Confirmation for this product will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of departure in which case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
• Tour is operated in English unless otherwise specified
• Maximum group size is 11

Terms and Conditions:

A 100% cancellation penalty applies if cancelled 15 days or less prior to travel date.

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Go back to top to select a date