Overview
This is the whole of North Wales without hurrying: the mountains, the Llŷn to its tip, Anglesey's north coast and the Dee Valley, each with time to stop.
It runs from the inn below Snowdon where the 1953 Everest team trained to Aberdaron at the end of the Llŷn, round Anglesey's copper coast, and along the Dee to Telford's aqueduct. On the way there's Ty Coch, the pub on the beach at Morfa Nefyn, an Italian village on a Welsh estuary, and a castle at nearly every turn of the coast.
It ends on the promenade at Llandudno, where the Victorians' North Wales began.
- Duration
- 6 days
- Group size
- Up to 7 guests
- Vehicle
- Mercedes V-Class
Includes
- Expert bilingual local guide
- Travel in a Mercedes V-Class
- Daily pick-ups & drop offs
- Fully customisable
Excludes
- Flights, transfers and accommodation
- Food and drink
- Entry fees to attractions
- Castles
- Heritage & culture
- Houses & gardens
- Myths & legends
- Heritage railways
- Coast & beaches
- Mountains & lakes
Itinerary
Day 1 Snowdonia to Portmeirion
Straight into the mountains: Llanberis at the foot of Snowdon, the Everest team's inn at Pen y Gwryd and the top of the pass. Down through Beddgelert and the old town of Dolgellau to Harlech on its crag, and the evening at Portmeirion, the village Clough Williams-Ellis spent fifty years building.
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Slate village at the foot of Snowdon, on the shore of Llyn Padarn
Lies at the foot of Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales and England. It is known for its industrial heritage. The nearby Llyn Padarn lake was once a hub for slate quarrying, recently recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dolbadarn Castle is also situated in the village and was built in the early 13th century by Llywelyn the Great, a Welsh prince. It was constructed as a strategic stronghold to control the Llanberis Pass, which was an important route through the mountains. -
The inn where the 1953 Everest team trained before setting out
Gained historical significance as the base camp for the 1953 British Mount Everest expedition led by Sir John Hunt. The expedition aimed to conquer Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. The team, which included renowned climbers such as Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, used Pen y Gwryd as their training ground before departing for Everest. -
Mountain pass high in Snowdonia, a classic start for Snowdon walks
A mountain pass at the top of the Llanberis Pass in Snowdonia, offering dramatic views of the surrounding peaks. A popular starting point for walks up Snowdon and a stunning drive-through experience. -
Often called the prettiest village in Wales, and famed for ice cream
Often called the prettiest village in Wales, where the Glaslyn meets the Colwyn under the mountains. The name means Gelert's grave, and the story of the prince who killed his faithful hound by mistake is told at the grave a short walk downstream. Parts of the village date from the 12th century; it grew on copper mining in the 18th and 19th. Famous for its ice cream, and for the National Trust's Tŷ Isaf shop in a late 17th-century house in the centre. -
A stone-built market town, the gateway to southern Snowdonia
A historic market town with a rich history dating back to medieval times. Dolgellau features 17th-century houses, narrow streets, and the iconic stone bridge Pont y Wernddu. The architecture reflects the town's heritage and contributes to its considerable charm as a gateway to southern Snowdonia. -
Edward I's clifftop fortress above Cardigan Bay, a World Heritage Site
Edward I's castle on its rock above Cardigan Bay, built to the concentric plan in only twelve years, 1283 to 1295, by nearly a thousand craftsmen and labourers. The sea once came to the foot of the rock. A siege in the Wars of the Roses, when a small garrison held out for seven years, is said to be the origin of 'Men of Harlech'. A World Heritage Site. -
Clough Williams-Ellis's Italianate fantasy village on the estuary
Clough Williams-Ellis wanted to show that a beautiful site could be built on without spoiling it. He looked for twenty years, then in 1925 bought the Aber Iâ estate on the Dwyryd estuary near his home and spent the next fifty building Portmeirion: an Italianate village of towers, colonnades and painted facades, its streets turned so that each corner opens onto the estuary or the mountains, with woodland gardens behind. It was the Village in The Prisoner. A hotel, restaurants and shops.
Day 2 To the end of the Llŷn
The whole length of the Llŷn in a day, out to Aberdaron, where pilgrims once waited for the boat to Bardsey. On the way, the quarry villages of Trefor and Nant Gwrtheyrn and Ty Coch, the pub on the sand at Morfa Nefyn; on the way back, the cove at Porth Towyn and the boats at Abersoch.
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Iron Age coastal hillfort with views across to the Llŷn Peninsula
An Iron Age hillfort thought to have been constructed around 300 BCE, serving as a defensive structure offering protection to its inhabitants. Located on the coast near Caernarfon with views across to the Llŷn Peninsula. -
A quarry village under Yr Eifl with a stone pier and a shingle beach
Trefor grew around the Yr Eifl granite quarry, which shipped setts from its own pier to pave the cities of Victorian Britain. The quarry closed in the 1960s and the village is now a quiet base for walking the three peaks of Yr Eifl and the Llŷn coast path. -
Restored quarry village, now a Welsh language and heritage centre
A beautifully restored Victorian quarry village set on a 200-acre site in a secluded wooded valley overlooking Porthdinllaen Bay on the Llyn Peninsula. Transformed into a Welsh language and cultural centre, Nant Gwrtheyrn is a wonderful spot to enjoy stunning coastal scenery and learn about Welsh culture and heritage. -
Sandy Llŷn beach, and the Ty Coch pub right on the shoreline
Is particularly famous for its picturesque beach, which stretches along the coast and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The beach is sandy and attracts a number of visitors. Ty Coch pub has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. Its idyllic setting makes it a popular spot for enjoying a drink or a meal while taking in the breathtaking coastal views. -
The last village before Ynys Enlli, and the end of the pilgrims' road
Aberdaron sits in a bay at the tip of the Llŷn, the final stop for medieval pilgrims crossing to Ynys Enlli (Bardsey). St Hywyn's church stands on the beach itself, and Y Gegin Fawr fed pilgrims waiting for a crossing from the thirteenth century onwards. -
A sheltered sandy cove on the north coast of the Llŷn
A small west-facing beach near Tudweiliog, backed by low cliffs and reached down a farm track. Sand at all states of the tide and clear water, with views along the coast to Yr Eifl. -
A sailing village with two beaches and the St Tudwal's islands offshore
Abersoch is the Llŷn's sailing centre, busy with boats through the summer and looking out to the two St Tudwal's islands. The main beach runs south towards Llanbedrog; the Warren beach behind it is private. -
Seaside resort with castle ruins on a headland above two beaches
Located on the Llŷn Peninsula and is known for its beaches, scenic views and castle ruins. Great spot to take in the views and admire the stunning backdrop of a Welsh castle later taken over by King Edward I in the 13th century, perched on the hill. The town began developing into a seaside resort back in 1868, when the Welsh Coast railways were beginning to be constructed.
Day 3 Anglesey's north and east
Over the Menai to Beaumaris, the castle Edward I never finished, and the priory at Penmon facing Puffin Island. Then the island's north coast: Moelfre, where the Royal Charter was wrecked in 1859, the stained rock of Parys Mountain, St Patrick's church above the sea, and the sea views at Church Bay.
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Wales's oldest nature reserve, a dramatic hanging valley and lake
A hanging valley and lake under the cliffs of Glyder Fawr, Wales's first National Nature Reserve, where Darwin came in 1831 and only later realised he had been looking at the work of glaciers. The legend is darker: Idwal, a prince's son, was drowned in the lake by his guardian, and no bird, they say, has flown over it since. The circuit of the lake is about three miles from the Ogwen car park. -
Telford's 1826 span, the world's first major suspension bridge
Thomas Telford's suspension bridge of 1826, the first major one in the world, crossing the Menai Strait where the ferries used to run. The small town on the Anglesey bank takes its name from it, with a waterfront walk to Church Island, and shops and restaurants near the bridge. -
Elegant Georgian seaside town with its World Heritage castle and cafes
A small Georgian town on the Menai Strait, laid out beside the last of Edward I's castles, which sits in its moat at the top of the main street. The Victorian pier looks across the water to Snowdonia and up the strait to Puffin Island. Independent cafes, restaurants, gift shops and galleries, and the old courthouse and gaol to visit. -
Headland views across to Puffin Island and the mainland coast
A scenic headland on Anglesey offering panoramic views of the Menai Strait, Puffin Island, and the coast of mainland Wales. The area is home to historic landmarks including Penmon Priory, a 12th-century priory, and Penmon Lighthouse, built in 1838 and still in operation today. -
Whitewashed coastal village with a small harbour and sea views
A picturesque coastal village on the Anglesey Coastal Path, offering stunning views of the Irish Sea and the surrounding countryside. The village retains its traditional charm with whitewashed cottages, a small harbour, and a lovely beach. -
A vivid copper-mined landscape of red, orange and purple rock
Copper was dug here in the Bronze Age and by the Romans, but Parys Mountain's great age was the late 18th century, when it was the largest copper mine in the world and its ore sheathed the hulls of the Royal Navy. Women, the copar ledis, broke the ore with hammers on twelve-hour shifts, and children carried it to them. What is left is a hillside stained red, orange, purple and green, with a marked trail around the open pit. -
One of the oldest churches in Wales, on the north Anglesey coast
Is located in the town of Llanbadrig on the northern coast of Anglesey. It is one of the oldest churches in Wales, with origins dating back to the 5th century AD. According to tradition, the church was founded by St Patrick himself during his missionary work in Wales and Ireland. The current building dates primarily from the 13th century, though it has undergone various renovations and restorations over the centuries. -
Former brickworks village with Irish Sea views, tea and cake
An old brickworks village on the coast of Anglesey, offering a warm welcome with stunning sea views over the Irish Sea. A great spot for a cup of tea and cake. The village features a charming 17th-century cottage where you can experience life as it was centuries ago.
Day 4 Caernarfon and the north Llŷn
Caernarfon Castle in the morning, Edward I's grandest. Then a slower look at the Llŷn's north shore: the beach and hillfort at Dinas Dinlle, Trefor's pier, the Welsh language centre at Nant Gwrtheyrn and Nefyn's sands. Criccieth, and the Menai waterfront at Y Felinheli, to end.
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Wales's oldest nature reserve, a dramatic hanging valley and lake
A hanging valley and lake under the cliffs of Glyder Fawr, Wales's first National Nature Reserve, where Darwin came in 1831 and only later realised he had been looking at the work of glaciers. The legend is darker: Idwal, a prince's son, was drowned in the lake by his guardian, and no bird, they say, has flown over it since. The circuit of the lake is about three miles from the Ogwen car park. -
Edward I's mightiest fortress, guarding the Menai Strait since 1283
Edward I's fortress palace at the mouth of the Seiont, begun in 1283, its banded masonry and polygonal towers modelled on the walls of Constantinople. The first English Prince of Wales was born here in 1284, and the investiture of Prince Charles took place here in 1969. A World Heritage Site with its walled town, and one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. -
Iron Age coastal hillfort with views across to the Llŷn Peninsula
An Iron Age hillfort thought to have been constructed around 300 BCE, serving as a defensive structure offering protection to its inhabitants. Located on the coast near Caernarfon with views across to the Llŷn Peninsula. -
A quarry village under Yr Eifl with a stone pier and a shingle beach
Trefor grew around the Yr Eifl granite quarry, which shipped setts from its own pier to pave the cities of Victorian Britain. The quarry closed in the 1960s and the village is now a quiet base for walking the three peaks of Yr Eifl and the Llŷn coast path. -
Restored quarry village, now a Welsh language and heritage centre
A beautifully restored Victorian quarry village set on a 200-acre site in a secluded wooded valley overlooking Porthdinllaen Bay on the Llyn Peninsula. Transformed into a Welsh language and cultural centre, Nant Gwrtheyrn is a wonderful spot to enjoy stunning coastal scenery and learn about Welsh culture and heritage. -
Small coastal town with sandy beaches on the Llŷn Peninsula AONB
A small coastal town located on the Llyn Peninsula in Gwynedd, Wales. It is known for its scenic beauty, sandy beaches, and its location within the designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) of the Llyn Peninsula. -
Seaside resort with castle ruins on a headland above two beaches
Located on the Llŷn Peninsula and is known for its beaches, scenic views and castle ruins. Great spot to take in the views and admire the stunning backdrop of a Welsh castle later taken over by King Edward I in the 13th century, perched on the hill. The town began developing into a seaside resort back in 1868, when the Welsh Coast railways were beginning to be constructed. -
Maritime village with a small harbour looking over the Menai Strait
Is a village in Gwynedd, Wales, located near the Menai Straits and close to the city of Bangor. It has a rich history and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, including Snowdonia. The village is known for its maritime heritage, with a small harbor and opportunities for outdoor activities like walking and sailing.
Day 5 The Dee Valley
East across the country to Ruthin and Wrexham, then the Dee: walk over Pontcysyllte, 38 metres above the river, and into Llangollen. On the way back, the Rhug estate's farm shop on the A5, Betws-y-Coed, and Llanrwst's old bridge over the Conwy.
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Denbighshire town of historic squares below the Clwydian Range
Is a picturesque town in Denbighshire, celebrated for its rich history and scenic landscapes. Dating back to Roman times, it features the historic Ruthin Castle, a 13th-century building that now serves as a hotel. The town's heart is St. Peter's Square, surrounded by attractions like the Ruthin Craft Centre and the Old Courthouse, which hosts galleries and community events. Nestled near the Clwydian Range and the River Clwyd, Ruthin offers ample opportunities for hiking and enjoying nature. -
Wales's newest city, with St Giles' tower and a famous football club
Wales's newest city, since 2022, and the largest in the north-east. St Giles' Church has one of the Seven Wonders of Wales, its 16th-century tower, and the grave of Elihu Yale, who gave his name to the university. Wrexham AFC, one of the oldest professional clubs in the world, is owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, whose documentary put the city on screens everywhere. -
Telford's 1805 aqueduct, the highest navigable one in the world
Thomas Telford's aqueduct of 1805 carries the Llangollen Canal 307 metres across the Dee on 18 tapering stone piers, hollow at the top to save weight, 38 metres above the river: the highest navigable aqueduct in the world and a World Heritage Site. You can walk the towpath across, with a railing on one side and the drop on the other, or see it from the riverbank below. -
Dee Valley town below the Berwyn Mountains and Castell Dinas Bran
A small town at a crossing of the Dee, in the narrowest part of the valley below the Berwyn Mountains. The river runs fast here and canoeists fight through it under the old bridge, while a horse pulls the passenger boats along the canal above the town. Each July the International Musical Eisteddfod fills the Royal Pavilion with singers and dancers from around the world, and a heritage railway runs ten miles up the valley to Corwen. On the hill above are the ruins of Castell Dinas Brân. -
Organic estate farm shop, cafe and restaurant on the Rhug Estate
The farm shop is renowned for its high-quality products and commitment to organic and sustainable farming practices. It aims to provide customers with fresh, wholesome, and ethically produced food. In addition to the farm shop, Rhug Estate also encompasses a cafe and restaurant where visitors can enjoy meals made using ingredients from the farm. Prince Charles opened the shop in 2013 and has been known to stop by. -
Victorian resort village of stone bridges and riverside woodland walks
A gem of a village and the gateway to Snowdonia, Betws-y-Coed has been a popular holiday destination since the Victorian era. Situated in a picturesque valley at the confluence of the River Conwy and River Llugwy, the village offers charming stone bridges, woodland walks, and a wonderful selection of outdoor shops and cafes. -
A Conwy Valley market town beside the 17th-century Pont Fawr
A small market town on the River Conwy. Pont Fawr, the three-arched bridge of 1636, is attributed by tradition to Inigo Jones, and Tŷ Hwnt i'r Bont beside it is a 15th-century house, now the ivy-covered tearoom in every photograph of the town. Gwydir Castle, the Wynn family's Tudor house, is across the river.
Day 6 The Conwy Valley to Llandudno
A last day that gathers up the north: Caernarfon, Swallow Falls and Betws-y-Coed, then down the Conwy Valley to Bodnant's terraces. Conwy's walls and castle come next, and the last stop is Llandudno, its Victorian pier and promenade under the Great Orme.
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Wales's oldest nature reserve, a dramatic hanging valley and lake
A hanging valley and lake under the cliffs of Glyder Fawr, Wales's first National Nature Reserve, where Darwin came in 1831 and only later realised he had been looking at the work of glaciers. The legend is darker: Idwal, a prince's son, was drowned in the lake by his guardian, and no bird, they say, has flown over it since. The circuit of the lake is about three miles from the Ogwen car park. -
Maritime village with a small harbour looking over the Menai Strait
Is a village in Gwynedd, Wales, located near the Menai Straits and close to the city of Bangor. It has a rich history and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape, including Snowdonia. The village is known for its maritime heritage, with a small harbor and opportunities for outdoor activities like walking and sailing. -
Edward I's mightiest fortress, guarding the Menai Strait since 1283
Edward I's fortress palace at the mouth of the Seiont, begun in 1283, its banded masonry and polygonal towers modelled on the walls of Constantinople. The first English Prince of Wales was born here in 1284, and the investiture of Prince Charles took place here in 1969. A World Heritage Site with its walled town, and one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. -
Snowdonia's most popular waterfall, a short way from Betws-y-Coed
A series of falls on the Afon Llugwy two miles above Betws-y-Coed, the most visited waterfall in Snowdonia since the Victorians came by train. The Welsh name, Rhaeadr Ewynnol, means the foaming fall; 'ewynnol' sounds like 'y wennol', the swallow, and the English name stuck. -
Victorian resort village of stone bridges and riverside woodland walks
A gem of a village and the gateway to Snowdonia, Betws-y-Coed has been a popular holiday destination since the Victorian era. Situated in a picturesque valley at the confluence of the River Conwy and River Llugwy, the village offers charming stone bridges, woodland walks, and a wonderful selection of outdoor shops and cafes. -
A Conwy Valley market town beside the 17th-century Pont Fawr
A small market town on the River Conwy. Pont Fawr, the three-arched bridge of 1636, is attributed by tradition to Inigo Jones, and Tŷ Hwnt i'r Bont beside it is a 15th-century house, now the ivy-covered tearoom in every photograph of the town. Gwydir Castle, the Wynn family's Tudor house, is across the river. -
Eighty acres of terraced gardens with views to the Snowdonia range
Eighty acres above the River Conwy, sloping west with Snowdonia across the valley. Formal Italianate terraces and a rose garden run down into the Dell, a wooded valley of streams and glades planted with seeds and cuttings brought back by plant-hunting expeditions more than a century ago. Something is at its best in every season: daffodils and magnolias in spring, the laburnum arch in late May, summer meadows, autumn colour and frost on the terraces in winter. There are record-breaking trees among the two-hundred-year-old ones. -
Edward I's exceptionally preserved fortress on the River Conwy
Built for Edward I by Master James of St George from 1283, on a rock at the mouth of the Conwy: eight towers, two barbicans and a great hall in one long ring, with no need for the concentric walls of his other castles because the rock did that work. It cost about £15,000, the most Edward spent so quickly on any Welsh castle, and it is the best preserved of them all. A World Heritage Site together with the town walls, which still run unbroken round the old town. -
Victorian seaside resort with a grand promenade, pier and bay
A popular seaside resort town located on the north coast of Wales, known for its Victorian-era charm and architecture. It gained popularity as a holiday destination during the 19th century and has retained much of its original Victorian character. The town's elegant promenade, pier, and crescent-shaped bay contribute to its nostalgic appeal.
What guests say
If you ever get a chance to travel to Wales, you much seek out John Pritchard owner of Celticos.com. He is outstanding in so many ways. He is a true Welsh with so much knowledge about the history, fables and culture. He will treat you to culinary delights of oggies, Dylan’s brown sauce, Welsh cakes and so much more. He is kind, funny, flexible and extremely helpful. If you are not sure of what you want to see, he will curate a memorable trip after gathering what your preferences might be. We could not have asked for a better driver/tour guide. He has become a dear friend of ours.
Exploring North Wales with John from CELTICOS as our main guide was a truly unforgettable experience. John served as an excellent ambassador for the region, sharing his deep knowledge and passion through captivating stories that greatly enhanced our appreciation for each site we visited. During the pre-tour planning, John was exceptionally accommodating and patient, thoroughly answering all our questions and providing all the necessary support to help us make the best decisions.
Throughout the 4-day tour, John's adaptability and attentiveness to the needs of our diverse group of eight allowed him to manage different paces and interests effortlessly, ensuring no one felt rushed. He was quick to adjust plans to accommodate the challenging weather, making sure we still enjoyed our experience. John's commitment to providing exceptional service extended well beyond the tour and he was always ready to help whenever needed. A shout out also to Adam who drove the second car. With his easygoing and affable nature, he was a great addition to our trip.
I most highly recommend CELTICOS to anyone planning a visit to North Wales for a truly enjoyable and memorable trip.
Frequently asked questions
- Can we change the itinerary?
Yes. Every tour we run is customised, so treat this itinerary as a starting point. Tell us what interests you and we will build the days around it.
- What time do we start and finish?
Usually around 9am to 5pm, but we are flexible. What matters most is that you have a good time, so if starting earlier or finishing later makes for a better day, that is what we will do.
- How many of us can come?
Up to 7 guests, travelling together in our Mercedes V-Class. For a party of 8 or more, get in touch and we will make special arrangements.
- Can children come?
Children over 12 years old are welcome. Not every tour suits children, so tell us their ages when you get in touch and we will plan the day around them. We are not able to accommodate infants and babies.
- Can this tour be combined with other tours, or made longer or shorter?
Yes. A day tour can be built into a multi-day tour, and a multi-day tour can be shortened, extended or joined to another. Tell us how many days you have and we will plan around them.
- Are admission fees included?
No. Entry to castles, gardens and other attractions is paid on the day, where a fee applies. Most of the castles are maintained by Cadw, part of the Welsh Government. Please visit cadw.gov.wales. We can advise you on the best deals when you book your tour with us.
- Is food included?
No. As we tour we will suggest eating places that our guests have enjoyed.
- What should we wear and bring?
Sensible footwear for some light walking, and a rain jacket, just in case.
- How much walking is involved?
Some, and none of it strenuous: the walk from the car to a castle gate or a viewpoint. If walking is a concern, tell us and we will plan the stops accordingly.
- Where should we stay?
Somewhere central, so that touring time is not spent driving to the start. Our accommodation advice lists places our guests have used, and we are happy to suggest a base for your tour.
