Itinerary
DAY 1
Wednesday: Arrival
On arrival at Heathrow Airport, a private transfer will take you to our overnight hotel, the Sofitel London Heathrow Hotel. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink and canapés, followed by dinner.
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2
Thursday: Tintern Abbey & Chepstow Castle
We head first to Tintern Abbey in the beautiful Wye Valley, located on the border between England and Wales. Built by Walter de Clare, Lord of Chepstow in 1131, it was only the second Cistercian foundation in Britain, and the first in Wales. Falling into ruins after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, these atmospheric, romantic remains have inspired poets and painters ever since, including Wordsworth and Turner. There’s time to enjoy some lunch here (not included) before we continue.
Next is the beautifully preserved Chepstow Castle, which again sits on the border between Wales and Gloucestershire and overlooks the River Wye. The castle was built in 1067 by Earl William FitzOsbern, a friend of William the Conqueror, to defend the Welsh Marches and was once known as Striguil (from the Welsh ystraigl for river bend). It evolved over time to cope with ever more destructive weaponry and is a fascinating place to discover more about medieval military architecture, the life of the border lords and the border disputes between the Welsh and English.
Afterward, we enjoy a photo stop at the England/Wales sign on the border before continuing to Cardiff. Here we check into the Parkgate Hotel, where we stay for the next three nights.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3
Friday: Cardiff, The Royal Mint & Rhondda Heritage Park
Today begins with a coach and walking tour of Cardiff, the capital of Wales since 1955, but with a fascinating history stretching back through the centuries. There are many restaurants and pubs to enjoy lunch (not included), and other highlights include the Cardiff National Museum & Art Gallery, home to one of Europe’s finest art collections, and a wide range of shops.
Next, we visit The Royal Mint Experience on the outskirts of Cardiff, an interactive exhibition about how coin production works. During our guided tour, we watch as workers mint coins and discover fascinating facts about British coins, giving us a wonderful insight into one of the UK’s oldest institutions. We are treated to a private talk from the curator while we enjoy lunch.
A memorable experience awaits at the Rhondda Heritage Park, where we follow in the footsteps of the coal miners who once worked in the valley and learn about the area’s mining heritage. After our guided tour with a retired miner we are treated to a traditional male Welsh choir performance, complete with Welsh cakes and refreshments.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
Saturday: Newton House at Dinefwr Park & Craig y Nos
We start the day with a visit to Newton House, a beautiful Grade II listed mansion with a fairytale castellated structure in the heart of the Dinefwr estate. Built in 1660, it was home to the Rhys family for over 300 years, descendants of Lord Rhys, the Prince of the Welsh Kingdom of Deheubarth. Although a Gothic facade was added in 1850, many original 17th-century features remain inside, from the elegant ceilings to the grand staircase. There are many objects to discover too, including a charred book page dating back to 1689, an 18th-century silver thimble and intriguing items uncovered during the restoration from 1999-2000, believed to ward off evil spirits. We can find out more on the first floor exhibition rooms, a fascinating glimpse into life at Newton over the centuries, before exploring the grounds. A beautiful landscape of flowery meadows, reflective lakes and ancient woodland, Dinefwr is also hoping to restore the Fountain Garden.
Afterward we head to Craig Y Nos Castle on the southeastern edge of the Black Mountain, the former home of the famous Italian 19th-century opera singer, Adelina Patti. We are treated to lunch and a guided tour, learning all about the history of the property, Patti’s time here and the Grade I listed opera house, built to be her private auditorium, as well as the castle’s transformation into a tuberculosis hospital. Outside, the beautifully landscaped grounds are managed by the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
Sunday: Elan Valley Visitor Center
This morning we head to Elan Valley Visitor Center, set against a magnificent Victorian stone dam. The exhibition and audio-visual show provide an insight into the history and wildlife of the area, and we learn more during our Ranger coach tour. There’s also the chance for a photo at Caban Coch Dam, once used for secret experiments during World War II in preparation for the famous Dambusters Raid, and the peaceful Pen Y Garreg Dam.
Later we check in to Bodysgallen Hall & Spa, where we stay for the next four nights.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6
Monday: Plas Newydd House & Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens
Today we cross the 19th-century Menai Bridge to spend the day on the Isle of Anglesey, where our first visit is to the fine country house of Plas Newydd. Its most famous past resident is the 1st Marquess of Anglesey, who commanded the cavalry at Waterloo in 1815. The elegant interior reflects the 1930s, thanks to its associations with the artist, socialite and fallen WWII soldier Rex Whistler. The garden’s climate allows extraordinary plants to flourish, including tender exotics and Mediterranean plants.
We continue on to Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens, a series of historic gardens which are gradually being restored to their former glory, where we enjoy a guided tour and lunch. Three different gardens have been discovered, including an unusual walled garden with curving walls, a secret valley garden with three waterfalls and a river, and an upper woodland garden with the remains of a 19th-century folly.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
Tuesday: Welsh Highland Railway & Portmeirion
We head to Beddgelert and board the Welsh Highland Railway for a picturesque trip to the quaint coastal town of Porthmadog, admiring the awe-inspiring scenery of the Snowdonia National Park along the way. Stunning coastlines, ancient woodlands, towering mountains, sparkling rivers and historic castles create an enchanting and memorable journey.
We then continue to Portmeirion, an Italianate village created by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis, inspired by his visits to the Mediterranean. Its unique atmosphere has been featured on camera many times, most famously in the iconic 1960s British TV series The Prisoner. After a guided tour, we are treated to afternoon tea here.
Meals: Breakfast, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
DAY 8
Wednesday: Great Orme Victorian Tramway, Conwy Castle, The Smallest House in Great Britain & Ty’n Llwyfan Farm
This morning takes us to the traditional seaside resort of Llandudno, where we enjoy a trip on the Great Orme Victorian tramway. Delighting passengers since 1902, this is Britain’s only cable-hauled tramway that travels on public roads and the tramcars have been carefully restored to provide a nostalgic experience. Beginning at Victoria station, the tram meanders through stunning scenery to the summit of the Great Orme headland, offering lovely views of Llandudno below.
From here, we head to the medieval walled town of Conwy to visit the imposing Conwy Castle. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this imposing castle was built by Edward I during his conquest of Wales in the late 13th century and is considered to be among the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain with soaring curtain walls, round towers and fortified gateways.
We also visit another of Conwy’s highlights, The Smallest House in Great Britain. Standing at just 72 inches wide and 122 inches tall, this extraordinary house was lived in until May 1900 (the last occupant was a 6 foot 3 fisherman!) and has since become a popular national treasure.
This afternoon we visit Ty’n Llwyfan Farm for a truly immersive experience. Celebrity farmer Gareth Wyn Jones and his wife Rhian love sharing their passion and vision for sustainable farming with guests and they invite us to take a peek into their way of life. Nestled in stunning countryside and boasting views over to the Isle of Anglesey, Gareth’s family has been working this land for over 370 years and we find out more during our visit. We also enjoy a tractor pull, sheep shearing and sheepdog demonstrations as well as a local Welsh lamb dinner and a private Welsh harpist performance. As Gareth and Rhian are Welsh speakers, we may like to practise some useful phrases too!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9
Thursday: Bodnant Gardens & Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
We begin our day with a visit Bodnant Garden, nestled in the Snowdonian foothills. Created over 150 years, this world-famous garden is home to National Collections and Champion Trees and boasts sweeping lawns, grand terraces and verdant woodland.
Afterward we then enjoy a slice of traditional Bara Brith as part of our unique canal journey, which features a trip along the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a World Heritage Site. Translated in English as ‘the bridge that connects,’ the incredible feat of Victorian engineering carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Later we check in to the Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa, where we stay for the next two nights.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10
Friday: Chirk Castle & Erddig Hall
The day starts with a guided tour of Chirk Castle, the last of Edward Longshanks’ magnificent fortresses still inhabited today and boasting over 700 years of history contained within its walls. The medieval dungeons and tower are relics of more brutal times, while the Long Gallery and State Rooms are sumptuous by comparison, with an eclectic collection reflecting the tastes of the castle’s many occupants. The award-winning gardens contain manicured lawns, clipped yews, herbaceous borders, along with beautiful rose, shrub and rock gardens.
Next stop is Erddig Hall, an atmospheric early 18th-century house that reflects the ‘upstairs, downstairs’ life of a gentry family, and offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the family and their servants. Outside, don’t miss the superb walled garden, now restored to its former 18th-century formal design with rare fruit trees and a national collection of ivies.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11
Saturday: Charlecote Park
Today we head further south of England. While nearby Stratford is synonymous with Shakespeare’s theatrical success, there lurks in nearby Charlecote Park’s history a far less respectable connection; the famous playwright is rumoured to have been caught poaching deer here. Home to the Lucy family for 900 years, this lovely Tudor manor is a real treasure, and there’s time for lunch here (not included).
Later, we check into the Macdonald Windsor Hotel, where we enjoy a farewell dinner together.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 12
Sunday: Departure
A private transfer will take you back to Heathrow Airport for your return flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
