Day 1 - We start with a local departure and travel to Wales and our hotel – the Beaufort Park Hotel, Mold or Royal Victoria Hotel, Llanberis.
Day 2 – North Wales Coast and Penrhyn Castle- we visit the North Wales coast, dotted with bays, sandy beaches, villages and resorts, to Llandudno where there is time for you to explore at your leisure. We then visit nearby Penrhyn Castle. This enormous 19th century neo-Norman castle is crammed with fascinating items such as a 1 ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria, elaborate carvings, plasterwork, mock-Norman furniture and an outstanding collection of paintings. The stable block houses a fascinating industrial railway museum. The 60 acres of grounds include parkland, an exotic tree and shrub collection and a Victorian walled garden.
Day 3 – a journey to the rooftop of Wales. We travel through the Welsh Highlands to join the 4.7 mile rail journey, (diesel), at Llanberis to Snowdon’s summit – the highest peak in Wales and a place of legend. At 3,506 feet it dominates the landscape, with stunning views of ancient landscapes. At the summit there is a ‘state of the art’ Visitor Centre with a restaurant and a path leading to Snowdon’s summit. Close-by we visit the National Slate Museum – travel back to Victorian times, see the workshops, split a slate and hear the stories giving a real insight into the hardships of quarry life
Day 4 – Anglesey and Puffin Island Cruise. Firstly Caernarfon, a town dating back to the 13th century, dominated by Caernarfon Castle, built by Edward I and is surely one of the most impressive castles in Wales and worthy of its World Heritage status. Later we venture over the Menai Straights and on to the Isle of Anglesey. Photo stop at the impressive Beaumaris Castle, a great unfinished masterpiece, built in 1295. Nearby we join the cruise to Puffin Island – home to many species of birds and wildlife. The 1½ hour cruise takes you right round the island with regular sightings of puffins, grey seals and dolphins.
Day 5 – After breakfast we bid a fond farewell to Wales and travel back to the Midlands.
Your Hotels:
Beaufort Park Hotel, Mold. This is set in the beautiful north Wales countryside approximately 5 minutes drive from the historic town of Mold. It features a restaurant and bar. All rooms are well appointed.
3* Royal Victoria, Llanberis. This lovely hotel is set in 30 acres of garden at the foot of Mount Snowdon. All rooms are ensuite and hotel features include a bar and restaurant.