Railways & Castles of Wales

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.

Today we head along the coast to Caernarfon, joining the
narrow-gauge Welsh Highland Railway* for a journey into the
foothills of the Snowdon Mountain Range to Beddgelert. This
excellent line was opened in what is considered to be the 'Golden
Age of rail travel', the roaring 20s. Although it closed only 15
years later, a marvellous effort has brought the line back to life,
and in 1980 it began running again.

On arrival in Beddgelert, we transfer to Portmeirion by coach
for a short guided tour. This tiny tourist village was designed by
architect Clough Williams-Ellis, in 1925, who wanted to create a
town that wouldn't look out of place on the Italian Riviera:
something that has been achieved to a marvellous effect.
Construction of Portmeririon was finished 52 years later, and now
enjoys numerous visitors, who come to enjoy the calming sea views,
the lovely architecture, and abundant greenery.

After some time at leisure, perhaps perusing the quaint souvenir
shops, we travel 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 among them are over 150 years
old, and has been impeccably maintained to guarantee a marvellous
experience.

*Steam-hauled where possible

Please Note: For departure WDS2012 Days 2,
3 and 5 have swapped around

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 (weather
dependent).

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.

*April departures will not travel to the summit

Please Note: For
departure WDS2015 Days 3 and 5 have
swapped around

Today is 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. It
also has the lovely title of being the longest pier in Wales,
taking you out into the sea and giving a delightful view of
Llandudno behind you.

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 and 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
built on the borders 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 white-washed house is its
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 1500s. We
then continue to Bodnant Garden, which spans 80 acres and includes
a beautiful wild garden, an explosion of colour and scents. This
evening we enjoy a 'Taste of Wales' farewell dinner at the hotel
with a harpist.

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

Please note: The itinerary order may differ dependent on
departure. Please call for more details.