Your tailor-made itinerary – No cost, no commitment
Your tailor-made itinerary – No cost, no commitment
Experience the best of Wales on this 9-day self-drive adventure, combining coastal charm, historic castles, and lush national parks. Begin in Cardiff, the vibrant capital, where modern life meets medieval roots at Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch. Head west to the coastal town of St Davids, Britain’s smallest city, where the cathedral and Bishop’s Palace offer serene beauty by the sea. Continue to Aberystwyth on the scenic west coast, a university town with a lively promenade and sweeping bay views, perfect for a relaxing evening.More...
Day 1 - 2
Explore Cardiff, the vibrant capital and largest city of Wales, uniquely positioned at the meeting point of the Severn Estuary and the River Taff along the stunning southern Welsh coast. Once recognized as the world's largest coal port, this dynamic city has experienced a remarkable transformation. Today, it stands as a sought-after tourist destination within the United Kingdom, boasting beautifully restored Victorian arcades, welcoming craft beer pubs, and a thriving arts scene. Cardiff also serves as an ideal starting point for excursions into the surrounding Welsh countryside, where ancient castles, spectacular beaches, and intriguing historical sites await discovery. Key attractions include the enchanting 13th-century Castell Coch, a fairy-tale castle nestled amidst lush woodlands, and the modern Cardiff Bay Waterfront, home to the iconic Millennium Centre.
Clayton Hotel Cardiff is located in the heart of Cardiff city, just a stone's throw from the train and bus stations, with easy access to all the attractions and stores in the area. The hotel offers modern rooms with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel's Cardiff Restaurant serves an extensive seasonal menu as well as à la carte dishes, with great views of the city, while the bar serves a selection of snacks, drinks and beverages. Attractions in the area include Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Bay and Sophias Gardens.
Explore Cardiff Castle, a Norman fortress founded by William the Conqueror himself and built on the site of a 1st-century AD Roman fort, parts of which were reconstructed in the 20th century. However, the castle is best known for its incredible Victorian apartments, designed by William Burges for the wealthy 3rd Marquess of Bute. Both men were fascinated by medieval history and spared little expense to realize their neo-Gothic vision of the past.
Today, Cardiff Castle is one of Wales' most popular tourist attractions, offering you a unique opportunity to experience almost 2,000 years of incredible history in a single location.
Day 3 - 4
St. David's, the smallest city in Great Britain, is located in Pembrokeshire, Wales. She is known for her majesty St. Davids Cathedral, which is one of the most beautiful churches in the UK. The city also offers the opportunity to explore the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, which offers spectacular coastal landscapes and hiking trails. St. David's is a spiritual and natural destination in Wales.
Located at Ffordd Caerfai in Pembrokeshire, Twr y Felin Hotel is a great accommodation option for leisure and business travelers as well as a wedding or conference venue. Guest rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, televisions, mini fridges and Nespresso machines, while suites have separate lounges. You can start the day with a home-cooked breakfast and enjoy dinner in the on-site restaurant. The surrounding area offers attractions and activities for all visitors, such as visiting St. Davids Cathedral, exploring the Bishop's Palace of St. Davids or walking along the Wales Coastal Path.
Visit the Bishop's Palace of St. Davids - an impressive ruin in the charming town of St. Davids in Pembrokeshire, Wales, which brings the splendor of medieval church architecture to life.
This palace was once the magnificent residence of the bishops of St. Davids. Today, you can stroll through its extensive courtyards, admire ornate stone carvings and explore the imposing halls and the once private chambers of the bishop.
Informative display boards and audio guides accompany you on your journey of discovery and provide fascinating insights into the rich history of this extraordinary place.
With the impressive St. David's Cathedral in the background, you will experience at first hand the importance of the power and prestige of the church in the Middle Ages.
Day 5
Resting at Ystwyth and Afon Rheidol rivers' confluence, Aberystwyth, a Ceredigion market town in Wales, offers a base to tour the Coast Way route. With Victorian promenade, colourful townhouses, and beaches, it's a classic resort. Explore Ceredigion coast, stroll the oldest Welsh pier, or enjoy views from Constitution Hill's giant camera obscura. Aberystwyth Cliff Railway, Pen Dinas' Iron Age ruins, and Penglais Nature Park are other highlights. An administrative hub with scenic charm.
Located at the centre of Aberystwyth’s Victorian promenade, Gwesty Cymru Hotel & Restaurant overlooks Cardigan Bay and is within easy walking distance of the town centre. The hotel offers elegant rooms with handcrafted oak furniture inlaid with Welsh slate made by local craftsmen, specially commissioned artwork by local artist Bethan Clwyd, LCD televisions and free Wi-Fi. An on-site restaurant serving a seasonal menu is open for lunch and dinner. For guests that are keen on exploring the attractions in the area, the Aberystwyth’s train and bus stations are just a short walk from the hotel.
Day 6 - 7
In northwest Wales, along Menai Strait, Caernarfon is steeped in Welsh culture and iconic sights. Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site from 1283, stands out. History buffs explore Segontium Roman Fort's 2000-year-old ruins, marking the Roman Empire's frontier. Parc Glynllifon offers scenic walks, while Welsh Highland Railway's steam trains journey into Snowdonia National Park, home to Mount Snowdon, Wales' highest peak. Caernarfon merges history and nature for a captivating experience.
Celtic Royal Hotel is located in the historic town of Caernarfon, with the world-famous UNESCO Heritage site of Caernarfon Castle, a few hundred yards away. The guest rooms are bright, spacious and comfortable, each equipped with Wi-Fi, a TV, tea/coffee facilities, a hairdryer and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy dining at the onsite restaurants serving delicious classic dishes or relax with a quiet drink from the well-stocked bar. Additional amenities and services include afternoon tea, meeting rooms, event hosting, an indoor heated pool, a sauna and a gym.
Caernarfon Castle, an imposing medieval fortress in North Wales, stands as a testament to the grandeur of Edward I's castle-building campaign. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its impressive polygonal towers and striking curtain walls, all designed to symbolize the might of the English crown. Visitors can explore the castle's extensive grounds, climb its lofty towers for panoramic views of the Menai Strait, and delve into its rich history through engaging exhibits and interpretive displays. With its majestic architecture and storied past, Caernarfon Castle offers a captivating journey into medieval history and the legacy of Welsh heritage.
Day 8
Crickhowell, nestled in Powys' southeast by the Black Mountains, is a gateway to Brecon Beacons National Park and Vale of Ewyas. This Georgian gem with 13th-century castle ruins and Crug Hywel hillfort captivates. Nature walks offer scenic delight. The charming town, a High Street Awards winner, boasts family-run shops, eateries, and an 18th-century stone bridge over River Usk. A base for exploration, Crickhowell marries history, nature, and community warmth in the heart of Wales.
Surrounded by the scenery of the Brecon Beacons National Park, The Bear Hotel is an excellent accommodation for leisure and business travelers. All guest rooms are equipped with work desks, televisions and tea/coffee making facilities. The hotel has a restaurant serving complimentary breakfast daily and traditional evening meals using locally sourced produce. The surrounding area offers attractions and activities to suit all tastes, such as trout fishing on the River Usk or exploring the Dan-yr-Ogof caves.
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8 Days
5 Stops
Self drive
Custom holiday packages and trips that fit your budget
Itineraries built exactly to your needs
A personal English-speaking, native-European travel expert for every step
Full service assistance before, during, and after your trip
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