SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 – Through the Gateway to Wales

Your holiday begins with a fine driving route, perhaps through the southern Cotswolds, across the Severn and into Monmouthshire on the way to the historic market town of Abergavenny.

Framed by the mighty Brecon Beacons and host to a wealth of attractions all its own, ‘Aber’ is a great place from which to commence your Welsh adventure.

Your accommodation

Right in the centre of town, your accommodation in Abergavenny is an ancient inn that’s been providing shelter and sustenance to travellers for centuries. The modernised exterior hides a classic interior, with beams and open fires and a popular bar with local dishes on the restaurant menu. Upstairs, rooms have undergone recent upgrade and refurb, with classic features blended alongside up-to-date en suites, fine beds and bedding.

Day 2 – Discover Wales’s epic driving routes

At Abergavenny, you’re within easy striking distance of some of south Wales’s most arresting locations.

The twisting passes of the Brecon Beacons invite the keen driver (but watch out for local constabulary), while Hay-on-Wye and Crickhowell are fine villages in which to wander. We’ll provide all the information you need to make the most of your time.

Day 3 – South to the Gower Peninsula

Choose your route today, either around or across the Beacons, taking your time through some of south Wales’s most arresting scenery, on your way to your next base for two nights on the exquisite Gower peninsula.

Your accommodation

Another gorgeous country house hotel awaits this evening in Gower. Set in the grounds of an extensive Norman deer park, this elegant retreat has been owned by the same family since the 1950s and has undergone extensive recent restoration, bringing the house and grounds up to remarkable standard.

Each of the comfortable bedrooms skilfully blends cosy comfort with antique style and modern en-suite bathrooms, while the pitch-pine floors of the secluded restaurant create a uniquely Welsh atmosphere. Guests are invited to relax in the sunroom or take to the grounds for a wander to spectacular Three Cliffs Bay, just 20 minutes away.

Day 4 – Gorgeous Gower

One of Wales’s most beautiful corners is waiting to be explored today, all within a short distance of your hotel. Stroll the streets, gardens and promenade of the colourful coastal town of Mumbles and be sure to take time to enjoy some of the UK’s finest (and often deserted) beaches at the bays of Caswell, Pwlldu, Bantam and Oxwich.

In the evening, make your way to the peninsula’s westernmost point, where you may be lucky to experience the most dramatic of sunsets over Worms Head.

Day 5 – Pembrokeshire and the tiny city of St David’s

Meander along the Carmarthenshire coast today, crossing the bridge over the River Loughor to Llanelli and perhaps stopping briefly at Burry Port, where Amelia Earhart completed her pioneering Transatlantic flight.

Soon you’ll reach the medieval walled town of Tenby, a fine place to stop for lunch while admiring its gorgeous sea views. From here, it’s a short distance to your next base for two nights in the UK’s smallest city, St David’s.

Your accommodation

Within sight of vast St David’s Cathedral, your accommodation in St David’s is a superbly presented, locally owned hotel, fashioned from a repurposed windmill. Bedrooms feature up-to-the-minute furnishing, beds and tech, as well as high-grade bathrooms equipped with every modern touch, while the in-house restaurant has received much recent acclaim, as one of the best in Wales.

Day 6 - Explore St David’s

Today is at leisure to explore St David’s.

Day 7 – Travel the length of Cardigan Bay to Snowdonia

A real treat in store today, as you travel almost the entire length of Cardigan Bay on your way to Snowdonia. Maybe you’d like to stop in ancient Aberystwyth to visit its medieval castle, before crossing the River Dyfi at Machynlleth and entering the southern tip of Snowdonia National Park on your way to its heart in Betws-y-Coed.

Your accommodation

This Victorian, family-owned guest house has been transformed over the last year or so into quirky and stylish accommodation in the alpine village of Betws-y-Coed. A stone’s throw from the 15th century Pont-y-Pair bridge over Afon Llugwy, you’re in the ideal spot from which to explore the overwhelming landscape that surrounds the village.

Each individually styled en-suite room is named after a favourite Snowdonia peak, and comes equipped with all you need for the most relaxing stay. Breakfast of Welsh classics and imaginatively created specials is served in the beautifully restored sunroom, with splashes of colour dotted around lifting the spirits as you plan your day ahead.

Day 8 – Vast vistas of Snowdonia

Enjoy breakfast in the sunroom this morning, before setting off to explore. Take in the challenging drive routes that fan out from Betws, perhaps heading south to Harlech for its imposing castle. Or drive north and cross the Menai Strait to Anglesey and the gorgeous coastal town of Beaumaris.

You won’t want to miss the chance of a photo-op at Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, before hopping back to the mainland into the heart of Snowdonia. Or drive along the north coast to Llandudno, the Great Orme peninsula and onwards to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Conwy.

Day 9 – Onward journey home

A final holiday breakfast this morning before commencing your homeward leg. There are several fine driving routes to take you back to the motorway system, and we’ll provide all the advice you need to make the most of your journey.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including full directions, recommended routes and suggestions on places to visit, depending on your interests, to help you get the most from your holiday.