Day 1

Bask in the peace and beauty of the Cotswolds villages

Venture through the wondrously rolling hills of the Welsh borders

You leave London and travel west to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds.

This area of outstanding natural beauty boasts England’s prettiest historic villages. Your friendly driver-guide ensures you get the best photos and hear the most fascinating local tales.

Your first stop in Wales is Hay-on-Wye, the ‘town of books’, nestled just to the north of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

The route then leads to the beautiful Elan Valley and up into the Cambrian Mountains. From there, it’s an hour or so to the beautiful seaside town and cultural centre of Aberystwyth, where you spend the next two nights.

Day 2

Admire the mountainous landscape of Snowdonia National Park

Explore the ramparts of Harlech Castle

Travel north into the mountainous Snowdonia National Park. You visit the beautiful village of Beddgelert, where you can see the grave of ‘Gelert’, the legendary dog.

Later you travel to Harlech Castle. Built by King Edward I during his conquest of Wales nearly 800 years ago, this mighty fortress still stands overlooking the peaks of Snowdonia and the sea.

After a fulfilling day in the mountains, you return to Aberystwyth in the late afternoon.

Day 3

Wander around New Quay and wish you could move into this picturesque little town

Walk in the footsteps of the famous Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas

Leaving Aberystwyth, you travel around the coast of Cardigan Bay through the quaint town of Aberaeron, and to New Quay.

A sandy harbour, whitewashed houses, and connections to Dylan Thomas: this town is one of the most picturesque and interesting little towns in Britain. What’s more, you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins and whales.

You then go inland to explore the Dinefwr Estate* (Newton House) and its ruined castle before heading for Wales’s south coast to visit Laugharne, where Dylan Thomas lived for the last few years of his life and wrote the famous play “Under Milk Wood”.

From here, it’s a short distance to Tenby, the small, charming seaside town that’ll be your base for two nights.

*When the Dinefwr Estate is closed, you visit Carreg Cennen Castle instead.

Day 4

Visit the only national park in Britain that’s dedicated to gorgeous coastline views

Stumble upon the grand cathedral of Britain’s smallest city, St Davids

Our last full day in Wales is spent exploring the extreme southwest.

You see some of Britain’s most gorgeous coastlines at the Pembroke shire Coast National Park. This region is stunning and was the birthplace of both the patron saint of Wales and the Twdyr (anglicised to Tudor) royal dynasty.

You travel to the tiny cathedral city of St Davids for lunch and time for exploration, and you stop in the county town of Pembroke, where you can enter the thick medieval walls of the castle.

From here we return once more to Tenby for a relaxed evening.

Day 5

Delve deep into history at the National History Museum

Wander around the quintessential Cotswold village of Castle Combe

Leaving Tenby in the morning, you begin your return journey to London.

You travel past the big industrial cities of South Wales for a visit to the outdoor National Museum of History at St Fagans (public transport is available from the museum to central Cardiff for anyone who wishes to leave the tour at this point).

From here, it’s time to say goodbye to Wales. You take the Severn Crossing back into England, where you have one final break at Castle Combe.

This gorgeous Cotswold village is perfect for a relaxed stroll amongst 16th-century ironstone cottages.

From here, you head back to central London.

Tour Attractions

You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:

Harlech Castle

Other attractions may be booked and paid locally during the tour.