Overview
From the mountains of the north to the capital, taking the long way down.
The north gives you Telford's aqueduct over the Dee, the Victorian resort of Llandudno and a day on Anglesey. Then the road runs down the west by Caernarfon and Aberystwyth, across the Elan Valley's dams to Hay, the Town of Books, and into the south: St Fagans, Roman Caerleon and Tintern Abbey.
It finishes at Chepstow, on its cliff above the Wye, the castle the Normans began within a year of 1066.
- Duration
- 5 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
Itinerary
Day 1 The Dee to the Orme
Llangollen and the aqueduct that carries its canal across the valley, then west to Betws-y-Coed, Swallow Falls and Llanrwst. The evening is on the coast at Llandudno, where a tram has climbed the Great Orme since 1902, to a copper mine that is 4,000 years old.
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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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Limestone headland above Llandudno with a Bronze Age copper mine
A limestone headland above Llandudno with a Bronze Age copper mine, one of the most important prehistoric mines in the world, a Victorian tramway and a cable car to the summit. The headland has plants found nowhere else on earth; in 2015 the National Trust bought Parc Farm on top and let it for £1 a year to a shepherd whose sheep graze it for the wildflowers.
Day 2 Anglesey
Cwm Idwal on the way to the island, then the burial chamber at Bryn Celli Ddu, the village with the long name, and the cliffs at South Stack. Back east for Beaumaris Castle and the Halen Môn salt works on the strait, and home over Telford's bridge.
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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. -
A 5,000-year-old Neolithic burial chamber, remarkably well preserved
The Mound in the Dark Grove: a Neolithic passage tomb on Anglesey, around 5,000 years old, built on top of an earlier henge, so that it is two monuments in one, tracing a change in belief. You can walk into the chamber, where a stone carved with spirals stands. The passage is aligned so that the rising midsummer sun lights the chamber. -
The village with Europe's longest name, and the photo to prove it
The village with the longest place name in Europe, 58 letters, stretched to that length in the 1860s as a stunt to bring visitors to the new railway station. It still works: everyone stops to be photographed under the station sign. The name means roughly 'St Mary's church in the hollow of the white hazel near the rapid whirlpool and St Tysilio's church by the red cave'. -
Clifftop seabird colonies around one of Wales's most photographed spots
A lighthouse of 1809 on a rock off the west coast of Holy Island, reached down 400 steps and across a bridge: an island off an island off an island. The cliffs hold thousands of guillemots, razorbills and puffins in early summer, and choughs all year, and the RSPB's rare-breed sheep graze the heath above. Above the car park are the Iron Age hut circles of Tŷ Mawr. -
Edward I's unfinished concentric castle, a World Heritage Site
The last of Edward I's Welsh castles, begun in 1295 and never finished: the money ran out and the king's attention turned to Scotland. Its concentric plan, a ring of inner walls inside a ring of outer ones, is the most perfectly worked out of any castle in Britain, and the moat still holds water. A World Heritage Site, in a small town of Georgian houses, cafes and independent shops. -
Artisan sea salt harvested from the Menai Strait, with tours and shop
Salt was made on Anglesey until the late 18th century, when the makers were fined for cutting the brine with Cheshire rock salt. Halen Môn revived the craft in the 1990s, drawing seawater from the Menai Strait, already filtered by a mussel bed and a sandbank, charcoal-filtering it and hand-harvesting the flakes with nothing added. The saltcote at Brynsiencyn runs tours and tastings and has a shop. -
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.
Day 3 Down the west
Caernarfon, Beddgelert and the stone town of Dolgellau, then the coast road to Aberystwyth. The afternoon cuts inland over the hills to the Elan Valley, where a chain of Victorian dams was built to send water to Birmingham.
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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. -
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. -
Mid Wales seaside town and university city below a clifftop railway
The largest town in Mid Wales, home to the oldest of the Welsh universities and the National Library, with a castle ruin on the front. It faces due west across Cardigan Bay, so on summer evenings the sun goes down straight in front of the promenade. The funicular cliff railway of 1896, the longest in Britain, climbs Constitution Hill to a view of 26 peaks on a clear day, and the Vale of Rheidol steam railway leaves from the station for Devil's Bridge. -
Monumental Victorian dams and reservoirs in wild mid-Wales scenery
The reservoirs stand as a remarkable achievement in Victorian engineering, addressing the pressing water needs of Birmingham while transforming the landscape into a stunning natural reserve. The project not only provided a reliable water supply for over a century but also created beautiful reservoirs that attract visitors for recreation and wildlife observation. Today, the Elan Valley is celebrated for its historical significance, breathtaking scenery, and the balance it strikes between human ingenuity and environmental preservation.
Day 4 Hay to the capital
Hay-on-Wye in the morning, with its dozens of bookshops, then south through Bannau Brycheiniog. At St Fagans more than fifty old Welsh buildings have been taken down and rebuilt across one estate, and from there it's into Cardiff.
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The Town of Books, with dozens of bookshops beside the River Wye
Is a small town located on the border between England and Wales, in Powys County, Wales. It is renowned for being a major center for second-hand and antiquarian books, earning it the nickname 'The Town of Books'. Hay-on-Wye is also known for its picturesque setting. The town is situated in the beautiful countryside of the Wye Valley, with the River Wye flowing nearby and stunning landscapes of the Brecon Beacons National Park. -
Dramatic mountain scenery, waterfalls and valleys on a scenic drive
A stunning national park in South Wales known for its dramatic mountain scenery, waterfalls, and beautiful valleys. A scenic drive through the park and Neath Valley is a memorable experience. -
Over 50 historic Welsh buildings rebuilt in an open-air museum
Is one of Europe's leading open-air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction. The Museum stands in the grounds of St Fagans Castle and gardens, a late 16th century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth in 1948. Over 50 historic buildings from all over Wales have been re-built at the Museum including a Victorian school, a medieval church and a Workmen's Institute. -
Wales's capital city, from Roman fort to castle and waterfront
Based on the southern coast of Wales, along the Bristol Channel and River Taff estuary. Cardiff originated as a minor Roman fort before gradually growing into a major port city during the Industrial Revolution. It was officially proclaimed the capital of Wales in 1955. One of the main highlights is Cardiff Castle which dates back 2,000 years ago.
Day 5 Caerleon and the Wye
Cardiff Bay first, then the Roman legion's fortress at Caerleon, amphitheatre and all. Up the Wye to the Gothic ruins of Tintern Abbey, founded in 1131, and back down the valley to Chepstow Castle on its cliff.
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Redeveloped docklands waterfront, home to the Senedd and Pierhead
A waterfront district located in the capital city of Cardiff, Wales. Historically, this area was the site of Cardiff's docklands and maritime industries. However, in the late 20th century, the area underwent a major redevelopment. The redevelopment has created a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly district with scenic walking paths, public art, and green spaces. It has become a popular destination. -
Roman legionary fortress with amphitheatre, baths and museum
The Romans established a legionary fortress at Caerleon around 75 AD, and it remained in use for over 200 years. The fortress was strategically positioned on the River Usk and served as a key defence point for the Roman Empire in Britain. Within the fortress, various structures were constructed, including barracks, granaries, a bathhouse, an amphitheatre, and an impressive Roman Legionary Museum. The amphitheatre was used for gladiatorial contests and other forms of entertainment. -
Gothic ruins of a 1131 Cistercian abbey beside the River Wye
Also known as Tintern Parva, is a historic ruined abbey located on the banks of the River Wye in Monmouthshire, Wales. It is one of the most famous and well-preserved medieval abbeys in the country. Was founded in 1131 by Walter de Clare, the Lord of Chepstow, and belonged to the Cistercian order of monks. The abbey church and monastic buildings were constructed over the course of the 13th century, showcasing some of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the UK. -
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the England-Wales border
The Wye winds between wooded limestone gorges on the border of Wales and England, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the birthplace of British tourism, where Georgian travellers took boats down from Ross to Chepstow in search of the picturesque. Tintern Abbey stands on its bank, and Symonds Yat Rock gives the classic view. -
Norman castle set dramatically on cliffs above the River Wye
Located in the historic town of Chepstow, this castle sits dramatically above the River Wye. The town's well-preserved historic centre features many old buildings, churches, and narrow streets with a charming medieval character. Chepstow's architecture reflects its long history as an important market town and port.
What guests say
My wife and I and our adult son spend one week in beautiful Wales and could not have been happier with John as our guide. He picked us up in Liverpool and we toured with him for five days. We started across the north coast and then into northwest Wales/Anglesey. We then ventured south through the national parks and ended up in Cardiff.
Our trip had been planned by a travel agent, but throughout our journey, he made a number of wonderful suggestions for changes in our planned itinerary, and every place that he chose turned out to be delightful! In addition to experiencing the stunning natural beauty of Wales, we loved interacting with locals, which he facilitated because he seems to know everyone! We love learning about history and culture as we travel. John is obviously very proud of his Welsh heritage, and he taught us so much about the history and culture as we traveled together.
My wife and I travel to Europe often and always prefer having a private guide if possible. We’ve had many wonderful guides over the years, but I can say with all honesty that John is truly the best guide we’ve ever had. We hope to return to Wales and when we do, we will be reaching out to him again.
I find that people who love what they do are incredibly good at what they do and John is a shining example of this. He is also a kind, engaging and gregarious person. By the end of our trip, it felt like he was part of the family.
We spent 5 days with John and could not have asked for more in a guide and ambassador for Wales! We traveled from Caernarfon to Cardiff but northern Wales has our hearts. We continue to talk incessantly about our trip and it certainly ranks as one of the best we have ever taken! John gave us a wonderful itinerary and each day we were able to adjust according to our interests and John’s suggestions. John would stop when there was something interesting to see - the Mach Loop! We were also very honored to meet his dear Welsh speaking sheep farmer friend, Will, who made the effort to speak with us in English. This was just one of many special highlights of our trip. John’s pride in his homeland and family was evident every day.
If you go to Wales you MUST use John!!
Diloch yn fawr iawn!!
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.
- 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. Many of the castles are cared for by Cadw, and we can advise on the best-value tickets when you book.
- 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.
