Guided Drive of Wales: Brecon Beacons, St Davids, Portmeirion, Conwy & Manchester - 7 Days

Highlights

• Spend time in the breathtakingly beautiful mountains of the Brecon Beacons
• Take a ghost walk around the harbor town of Tenby
• Enjoy a free day exploring the Italian-inspired village of Portmeirion 
• Visit the stunning northern coasts and splendid castles in Conwy

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Cardiff, Tintern Abbey

Welcome to Wales! Once your flight lands in Cardiff, gather your belongings and find your driver. After settling in your accommodations, it's time to explore Tintern Abbey. Cistercian monks founded Tintern Abbey in 1131, and now, all that remains of this once-thriving monastery is a romantic ruin lost in time. Discover the Abbey's soaring Gothic arches, a testament to pre-Reformation monastic wealth and power. The finest features are the ornate tracery, which once contained magnificent windows. The remains of cloisters, the infirmary, chapter house, refectory, latrines, and a complex system of drains and sewers are all visible and easy to explore and understand. 

Following the tour, spend more time around Monmouthshire, which happens to be a beautiful place for scenic walks. Consider the Devil's Pulpit, which takes you up on the valley edge and offers spectacular views of Tintern. You can also reach this point via Offa's Dyke Trail, a north-to-south route on the old Welsh-English border. Or, perhaps go for a nice hike along a wooded bank colored with vibrant wildflowers beside the River Wye. 

Visit a pub in Rhayader for dinner before returning to your hotel in the Brecon Beacons to get some rest after the long first day.

Day 2: Discover the Brecon Beacons

Today's tour takes you further into the Brecon Beacons. Begin the journey traveling toward the Epynt and then onto Pen y Crug Hillfort above Brecon. From there, take in a 360-degree view of the Usk Valley. Then, travel to the largest hillfort in South Wales, Hillfort of Garn Goch, with a staggering internal area of 28 acres (11 ha) surrounded by massive stone walls. Though most have collapsed, they're still imposing—the huge burial cairn is one of the main features.

Then, drive and explore Pen y Crug, a thriving community that once lived in round mud huts with thatched roofs. Only a few miles away are the ruins of Carreg Cennen Castle standing on a limestone knoll. The castle boasts a spectacular location overlooking Black Mountain in the western corner of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The castle is believed to have been built by the Welsh Prince Rhys Ap Gruffydd in the 12th and 13th centuries. If you're feeling adventurous, explore a tunnel that takes you under the castle. Remember to take a flashlight! 

Day 3: The Ghost Walk and Story of Tenby & Private Guided Tour of Caldey Island 

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Today, it's time to leave the Brecon Beacons with your private driver and head west to Tenby, approximately 2.5 hours away. Upon arrival, take "The Ghost Walk and Story of Tenby" private two-hour tour. Learn about ghosts, fairies, witches, and strange Pembrokeshire customs, along with omens, mysteries, and murder. Enjoy a mix of lighthearted stories and haunting tales on a leisurely walk with magnificent views, starting at Lifeboat Tavern in Tudor Square.

Next, it's onto Caldey Island for a private, guided three-hour tour. Take a relaxed walk that includes the island's development from the 6th century to the present day. Visit the old priory and churches of St Illtud's and St David's, and view the outside of Caldey Abbey. 

Following the tours, head to your accommodations in St Davids and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Day 4: Free Day in Portmeirion

Today, your driver will transport you to enjoy a free day in Portmeirion, a popular Italian-inspired village in North Wales designed and built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975. A guided or self-guided walk along the cobbles will get you acquainted with the charming town, which is also outfitted with a beautiful coastal path. 

Central Plaza, the Japanese Gardens, and Battery Square are great places to stroll. Or, take an architectural walk past Gothic Pavilion, Hercules Hall, and Bristol Collenade. Plus, do not miss the Art Deco-clad Hotel Portmeirion, a great place for a nice meal. And if there's interest, you might enjoy a scenic walk in the Gyllt woodland for the wild gardens on display.

And if you're looking to venture slightly outside of town, you can take a steam train ride from Minnffordd Station—just a mile walk from Portmeirion. Following your self-guided exploration, the evening is yours in Portmeirion. Consider treating yourself to dinner at a local brasserie tonight.

Day 5: Explore Northern Coasts, Visit Caernarfon Castle & Transfer to Conwy

Get ready today to explore Anglesey and the northern coast, where plenty of castles reside. As for the coast, there's a reason that Llandudno has been crowned the "Queen of Welsh Resorts." Its upscale appeal starkly contrasts the wild edges of the Isle of Anglesey, where the waves crash along the South Stack and the breezes eddy around clifftop barrows. This part of Wales offers plenty of opportunities for surfing, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, kitesurfing, powerboating, paddleboarding, walking, and birdwatching. So whether you're interested in watersports, scenic strolls, or nature, you'll want to seize the day.

Next, stop to tour Caernarfon Castle, recognized as an excellent building example of the Middle Ages. This fortress-palace on the River Seiont has been grouped with Edward I's other castles at Conwy—Beaumaris and Harlech—as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In terms of the sheer scale and architectural splendor, Caernarfon reigns supreme. Its immense curtain walls and daunting King's Gate were designed to withstand conflict. The polygonal towers, eagle statues, and multi-colored masonry echo imperial Roman architecture, especially the walls of Constantinople. 

Following the castle tour, enjoy your first night in Conwy. 

Day 6: Guided Trail with Tales of a Lady of Wales & Snowdonian Mountain Railway

Get to know Conwy today on the 1.5-hour "Conwy Guilded Trail with Tales of a Lady of Wales." This historical tour covers the conquests and river crossings, made interesting with plenty of stories. Your guide is a lady in traditional Welsh costume—tall black hat and all. See all the main attractions in Conwy, including Conwy Castle, Plas Mawr Elizabethan townhouse, the Church of St Mary & All Saints, the Town Walls, the quayside, and much more. Hear all about the town's rich history and past and present inhabitants, real and ghostly.

Next, take a two-hour adventure on the Snowdon Mountain Railway for a scenic railway journey. Trains depart from Llanberis Station and begin climbing up Snowdon, Yr Wyddfa, a journey experienced by some 12 million travelers since 1896. Its stunning scenery and awe-inspiring views make it quite a memorable afternoon activity.

Day 7: Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour, Depart

Your driver will transfer you from Wales to Manchester today for a behind-the-scenes of one of the world's most popular and most successful football clubs on the 80-minute "Manchester United Museum & Stadium Tour." Since the club's formation in 1878, Manchester United has won 64 titles, with Old Trafford Stadium at the heart of the team's success. Discover the history of the club and take an inside look. Find your favorite player's seat in the dressing room, walk in their footsteps—through the players' tunnel—toward the pitch, and take the manager's seat in the dugout.

Next, visit the museum, which blends historical exhibits with state-of-the-art interactive experiences. Discover the stories of the club's most famous players, including Bobby Charlton, George Best, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Wayne Rooney. Learn about the remarkable managers, including Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson. After the tour, prepare to depart from Manchester. Until next time!

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