Railways & Castles of Wales

Meet in Llandudno

Our holiday begins as you meet your Tour Manager in Llandudno, where we stay at the Dunoon Hotel. This fabulous seaside resort, sometimes referred to as the 'Queen of the Welsh Resorts', is the ideal base from which to enjoy our explorations of Wales, thanks in part to its marvellous history in welcoming travellers and guests to its delightful sandy beaches.

Tonight we meet for a drinks reception ahead of our first dinner together in the hotel's award-winning restaurant.

Railways and Portmeirion

Today we head along the coast to Caernarfon, and join the narrow-gauge Welsh Highland Railway* into the foothills of the Snowdon Mountains to Porthmadog. Here we coach to Portmeirion. This excellent line was opened in what is considered to be the 'Golden Age of rail travel', the roaring 20's. Although it closed only 15 years later, a marvellous effort has come to restore the line, and in 1980 it began running again, to the great pleasure of anyone that has had the fortune of travelling on it.

The particular stretch of line that we are travelling on today was restored and re-opened in 2011, and takes us through the spectacular rolling hills and dipping valleys that are so synonymous with Wales. The windows in the marvellously restored carriages are large, perfect for watching the breathtaking views that sail past just outside them, and the seats are extremely comfortable, giving you no better way to see the countryside as it is meant to be seen.

On arrival in Porthmadog, we transfer to Portmeirion, which we get acquainted with on a short guided tour. This tiny tourist village started construction in 1925, after being designed by architect Clough Williams-Ellis in a rather successful attempt to re-create a village the likes of which you would see in the Italian Riviera: something that has been achieved to a marvellous effect. Portmeirion finished construction 52 years later, and now enjoys numerous visitors who come to enjoy the calming sea views, the lovely architecture, and verdant greenery.

After some time here at leisure, perhaps perusing the quaint souvenir shops, we return to Porthmadog to join the narrow-gauge Ffestiniog Railway* to Blaenau Ffestiniog. The second heritage railway that we travel on today is owned by the same company as the Welsh Highland Railway, and it boasts the title of being the oldest railway company in the world.

This particular line is short but sweet, and has a history dating back nearly 200 years. There are a number of locomotives that operate on this line, some of them steam, but the oldest of the locomotives is over 150 years old, and has been impeccably maintained to guarantee a marvellous train riding experience.

* Steam hauled where possible

Please note: For Departures WDS1902, WDS1914 & WDS1916 Day 2 and Day 5 are swapped over. For Departure WDS1901, WDS1907 & WDS1903 you will visit the National Slate Museum then the Snowden Mountain Railway.

Caernarfon Castle & Snowdon

We begin our day with a guided tour of the impressive Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the iconic polygonal towers of this famed attraction. As we wander through the sprawling ancient complex, it is easy to imagine what life must have been like for the soldiers that lived here - from the legions of Rome to the armies of Edward I.

After the tour of the castle, we then travel over the rather dramatic scenery of the Llanberis Pass to Llanberis, where we visit the National Slate Museum which outlines the history of quarrying and slate in Wales since the original quarry was opened in 1870. Later, we board the Snowdon Mountain Railway's diesel service†, which climbs to the summit of Snowdon at 3,494 feet.

Enjoy travelling up the rugged sides of Wales' highest mountain in the comfortable, and rather modern, carriages of this wonderful service. Mingled with the everunchanging scenery of Snowdonia National Park, it can be all to easy to lose yourself in the amazing and immersive experience of this fantastic mountain railway. Hopefully, if the weather is good, you are able to reach the summit† and marvel at the spectacular panorama that is laid out before you, as you enjoy a scene that was just this year voted 'the best view in Britain'.

This evening, we return to our hotel and enjoy a talk on the history of Llandudno ahead of dinner by special guests from the Llandudno Museum.

†Please note the first two departures are unlikely to reach the summit as it is too early in the season. Reaching the summit is dependent on weather conditions.

Please note: For Departures WDS1906 & WDS1911 Day 3 and Day 5 are swapped over.For Departure WDS1901 & 1903 you will visit the Conwy Castle and Bodnant Gardens. WDS1907 will be a free day.

At leisure in Llandudno

Today you are at leisure to explore Llandudno. The nostalgic Victorian pier is well worth a visit. Built in 1878, this charming attraction provides excellent views of the seafront promenade. The fantastic Great Orme Tramway is another option; this excellent transport system takes passengers up to the top of the Great Orme, an impressive headland which stands watch over Llandudno and offers some striking views across the bay. Originally opened in 1905, this is the only cable operated tramway in Britain and is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

Please note: For Departure WDS1907 you will visit Portmeirion, the Welsh Highland Railway and Ffestiniog Railways.

Conwy Castle and Bodnant Garden

This morning we visit Conwy Castle, a wonderfully preserved 13th century castle. A guided tour reveals its intriguing history, from its initial and somewhat humble beginnings as a Cistercian monastery, to its part played in the War of the Roses, to its eventual ruin in the 17th century. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, a title which it shares with many of the Castles of King Edward that are scattered throughout Wales.

We also visit Plas Mawr, the best-preserved Elizabethan townhouse in Britain. Constructed over the course of 9 years, what is perhaps most striking about this whitewashed house is it's lovely crow-stepped gables and the heraldry that stands out above the door. It has stood unchanged since the 16th century, and is therefore an incredible insight into how life was in the 1500's.

We then continue to Bodnant Garden, which spans 80 acres, including a beautiful wild garden, an explosion of colour and scents that is the perfect outing on which to end the final day of the holiday. This evening we enjoy a 'Taste of Wales' farewell dinner at the hotel.

Please note: For Departures WDS1902, WDS1914 & WDS1916 Day 2 and Day 5 are swapped over. For Departures WDS1906 & WDS1911 Day 3 and Day 5 are swapped over. For Departure WDS1901 & WDS1903 you will visit the Portmeirion and the Ffestiniog Railway. WDS1907 will visit Conwy Castle and Bodnant Gardens.

Homeward bound

The tour concludes after breakfast this morning, and you are free to depart Llandudno at your leisure.

Please note

Please note ** Diesel service in April & October Itinerary and excursions may vary on some departures.

For Departure WDS1909 Day 2 is Conway and Bodant. Day 3 is Caernarfon, Portmeirion and Ffestiniog. Day 4 is a free day, Day 5 is Caernarfon Castle and the National Slate Museum.

For Departure WDS1907 Day 2 is Caernarfon Castle and the National Slate Museum. Day 3 is a free day. Day 4 is Caernarfon, Portmeirion and Ffestiniog. Day 5 is Dunoon to Conwy Castle.

Departure Times

On many of our UK & Ireland tours, you may check in at the first hotel on your itinerary anytime after  14:00; your Tour Manager will be available between  16:00 and  18:00. You will receive a welcome drink at 18.00 just before dinner at 18.30.