Valleys and Railways of Mid Wales

Today meet with your Tour Manager and fellow travellers and check into the 4-Star Metropole Hotel & Spa in Llandrindod Wells, where we enjoy a welcome dinner together this evening.

• Dinner

This morning we board the steam-hauled* Rheilfford Talyllyn Railway. Tucked away in the wildflower meadows of southern Snowdonia, the beautiful Talyllyn Railway paints its merry red trail over the bridges and through the forests of North Wales. This was the first heritage railway in the world - originally opened in 1865, and the society created for the upkeep was established in 1951.We enjoy the 7-mile journey which takes us past waterfalls and streams and through the delightful Merioneth mountains.

You have free time here, where you may wish to take a look around the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum and discover the world of locomotives through the delights of video, sound and plenty of displays. See how the Welsh slate industry was transformed by narrow gauge railways. There is also a recreation of Reverend Wilbert Awdry, author of the much-loved Thomas the Tank Engine book series. Awdry was also a volunteer on the Talyllyn Railway.

*Steam-hauled where possible

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we enjoy an excursion to Elan Valley, location of the mighty, and incredibly photogenic 6 dams. A particularly beautiful dam is Craig Goch, which is built in the 'Birmingham Baroque' style, a style which can be seen echoed slightly in the other 5 dams due to the water that it supplies to Birmingham, and the tower on the top of the dam.

Here we enjoy a guided tour by a local ranger and view the stunning architecture on display at the dam sites. Afterwards, we continue to Devil's Bridge, where we join the steam-hauled* Vale of Rheidol Railway for a scenic journey through Welsh valleys to Aberystwyth.

One of the many wonderful Welsh railway journeys which criss-cross this mystical nation, the Vale of Rheidol Railway is a heritage, narrow-gauge railway which runs between the Devil's Bridge and Aberystwyth. Winding through the verdant green Welsh countryside, the Vale of Rheidol Railway makes its way on a historical journey in restored carriages to give a true taste of the Wales of the past. You have free time in Aberystwyth to explore and you may like to take a journey on the Aberystwyth Cliff Railway.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we explore medieval Powis Castle and its attractive formal gardens. The castle dates back to the 13th century, and was built by Prince Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn, who wanted to establish independence from his enemies, the princes of Gwynedd. The gardens are a paradise steeped in history. They look truly marvellous all year round with something to see in every season. As the days become warmer, the gardens offer a fantasic burst of spring colours. Drawing into autumn, there is a glow about the gardens with the hazy, golden sunshine.

Later, we travel by coach to Welshpool, where we board the steam-hauled* Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway for a heritage journey through the heart of Wales.

Making the most of the wild and dramatic Mid-Welsh countryside, a green canvas of deep forests and impressive mountains, the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway was first opened in 1903. Its route, taking passengers from Welshpool to Llanfair, is one of the British Isles' most historic rail journeys, having been in operation for over 100 years. The charming old carriages and green steam engine run on a narrow gauge railway, recalling the halcyon days of train travel.

*Steam-hauled where possible

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, your tour concludes and you are free to depart in your own time.

• Breakfast