Scenic Wales with Steam Train Experience

9 days
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
This 8-night itinerary takes you through Wales via road and rail. Fly into Cardiff, pick up your rental car, and let the adventure begin! Spend your first night in Cardiff relaxing and resting up for your trip. You'll start your journey with a drive from Cardiff to Brecon Beacons National Park, where you'll stay for two nights. Then, take a trip on the Brec...
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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

What's this trip about?

    This 8-night itinerary takes you through Wales via road and rail. Fly into Cardiff, pick up your rental car, and let the adventure begin! Spend your first night in Cardiff relaxing and resting up for your trip. You'll start your journey with a drive from Cardiff to Brecon Beacons National Park, where you'll stay for two nights. Then, take a trip on the Brecon Mountain Railway; the first rail adventure of your vacation. This scenic route runs through the Brecon Beacons. Spend your remaining free time exploring the National Park! Spend two nights in Caernarfon while you explore Snowdonia National Park and take a trip on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highlands Railway. From there, you'll drive to Aberystwyth. Stop en route to take a ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway, which will take you to Mount Snowdon-- the highest peak in England and Wales! You'll spend one night in Aberystwyth before continuing back to Cardiff.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIndependent
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transport
Start CityCardiff
End CityWales

Destinations

Attractions

  • Cardiff

Activities

  • Trains & Rail

Trip includes

    • Round-trip economy class airfare to Cardiff (CWL)
    • Manual rental car for the duration of your trip – upgrade to automatic available
    • 1 night in Cardiff at the Cardiff Coal Exchange Hotel, or similar
    • 2 nights in Brecon Beacons at the Brecon Castle Hotel, or similar
    • Brecon Mountain Railway round-trip journey
    • Bala Lake Railway round-trip journey
    • 2 nights in Caernafron at the Celtic Royal Hotel, or similar
    • Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway round-trip journey
    • Snowdon Mountain Railway journey
    • 1 night in Aberystwyth (Mid-Wales) at the Nanteos Mansion or similar
    • Vale of Rheidol Railway round-trip journey
    • 2 nights inCardiff Coal Exchange Hotel, or similar
    • Breakfast Daily *Please note: The rail journey experiences within this package operate like day tours (departing from and returning to the same place). Transportation between cities is done with your included rental car.

Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Cardiff!

Upon arrival at the airport, you'll pick up your rental car and drive to your hotel. Check in, freshen up, and treat yourself to a delicious dinner in the city center. You made it!

Day 2 Cardiff - Brecon Beacons

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting off on your first adventure. Today, you'll drive to beautiful Brecon Beacons to enjoy the first of two nights! The drive will take approximately one hour. 

Day 3 Brecon Beacons

Wake up and enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Then, you'll embark on the Brecon Mountain Railway. Soak up the stunning views of the mountains and Pontcticill Reservoir. Spend the rest of the day exploring the National Park!

Day 4 Brecon Beacons - Caernarfon

Today, you'll drive from Brecon Beacons to Caernarfon. Stop along the way in the town of Bala, where you'll enjoy a trip on the Bala Lake Railway. This journey offers incredible views of Llyn Tegid and the countryside. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way! After the rail excursion, continue to Caernarfon where you'll enjoy the first of two nights. 

Day 5 Caernarfon

Today, you'll visit Blaenau Ffestiniog, a town in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. The steam train is Ffestiniog and Welsh Highlands Railway, which goes at a slower speed so you can truly absorb the beautiful surroundings.

Day 6 Caernarfon - Aberystwyth

Wake up and enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Continue your journey towards Aberystwyth, with a stop to ride the Snowdon Mountain Railway. This experience will take you up to the peak of Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in England and Wales! 

Day 7 Aberystwyth - Cardiff

Enjoy breakfast before taking the Vale of Rheidol steam train! This journey will take you to the Devil's Bridge where it is said to be the last place the Devil visited in Wales-- Spooky! You'll experience breathtaking views of the Rheidol Valley and see numerous waterfalls. Continue south to Cardiff to check into your hotel. 

Day 8 Cardiff

Explore Cardiff's busy capital city! You have the opportunity to visit St. Fagan's, one of the best open-air museums in all of Europe. Treat yourself to dinner overlooking Cardiff Bay to cap off your trip!

Day 9 Depart Wales

Enjoy a final breakfast before beginning your drive to the airport. Return your rental car at the airport and fly home! 

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,470
Price per day$386
Last Updated: 11/10/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Great Value Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

Accommodation

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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
Greatvaluevacations-PK-GC4P-SH-SWSTE-CWL

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