Tour: The best of Wales in 12 days
Tour: The best of Wales in 12 days
©George-Standen/iStock
600km from Cardiff to Snowdonia, a sea of castles.
Day 1: Cardiff
Spend the morning visiting the historic centre and Cardiff Castle.
Lunch in one of the city’s picturesque arcades.
Spend the afternoon at the National Museum, in the company of the Impressionists.
Stay overnight in Cardiff (see accommodation in Cardiff).
Rent a bicycle to visit Cardiff at your own pace.
Day 2: Wye Valley
Along the way, visit the handsome 17C Tredegar House, then tour the outstandingly beautiful hilly countryside of the Wye Valley, on the border between England and Wales: Raglan Castle, Monmouth, Tintern Abbey, Wyndcliff, Chepstow and its castle.
Stay overnight in Cardiff (see accommodation in Cardiff).
Day 3: Swansea
In the morning, wander around Swansea’s Maritime Quarter, emblematic of the town’s revival.
Spend the rest of the day enjoying the beaches and cliffs of Gower Peninsula.
Stay overnight in Swansea (see accommodation in Swansea).
Day 4 and 5: Pembrokeshire
Tour the Welsh peninsula, rich in stunning seaside landscapes and towns overflowing in heritage: from Tenby (harbour and seafront, walled town, Carew Castle and Tidal Mill) to St Davids, via Pembroke and its castle.
Stay overnight in Tenby, Pembroke, St Davids or Nevern (see accommodation in Tenby, Pembroke, St Davids, Nevern).
Day 6: Cardigan-Aberystwyth
Leaving Cardigan, topped with its ruined castle, wind your way up the shaded gorges of Teifi Valley before spending the afternoon at the National Wool Museum
Stay overnight in Aberystwyth (see accommodation in Aberystwyth).
Day 7: Portmeirion
Spend the morning in Aberystwyth, a quaint old-fashioned seaside resort (seafront, town centre, castle), then visit the Italianate-style village of Portmeirion.
Stay overnight in Portmeirion (see accommodation in Portmeirion).
Day 8: Llŷn Peninsula
Tour Llŷn Peninsula, from Criccieth to Caernarfon Castle, an impressive 13C fortress.
Stay overnight in Caernarfon (see accommodation in Caernarfon
In low season, the castle closes at 4pm.
Days 9 and 10: Snowdonia
Devote two days to exploring the national park, including walks, a visit to Llanberis and a trip on board the Snowdon Mountain Railway.
Stay overnight in Llanberis (see accommodation in Llanberis)
Feel like getting away from it all?
See our suggestions for novel trips and must-see places to visit near your home or holiday destination.