Pre-Tour - August 19th - Arrive into Manchester International Airport and be take to our accommodation near the airport. You will have the day to relax and get adjusted to the time change before the tour starts the following morning. Overnight near Manchester International.
Day 1 - August 20th - We will meet this morning at our accommodation and then our way into North Wales. Our first stop will be in the lovely wee town of Llangollen. Llangollen with its Victoria Promenade and Riverside Park is spectacularly sited on the River Dee and at the edge of the Berwyn Range and the Dee Valley Way Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We will experience the peace and tranquility of gliding along the Eleven Miles of Canal from Gledrid to the Horseshoe Falls via the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct! We will have lunch as we are gliding along amidst the beautiful scenery alongside the canal. Our next stop will be the bustling mountain village of Betws-y- Coed, the Gateway to the Snowdonia National Park. We will explore the village where you can take in the unique craft shops, cafés and lovely riverside walks. We then make our way to Abersoch on the Llyn Peninsula to get settled into our accommodation before a light Welcoming Buffet, get to know each other and set up the weeks adventures together. Dinner and Overnight Abersoch. (B,L,D)
Day 2 - This morning we keep fairly close to home as we head to Caernarfon to visit Caernarfon Castle. Caernarfon is architecturally one of the most impressive of all of the castles in Wales. Most impressive of all is the Eagle Tower crowned by its triple cluster of turrets. Edward I and his architect Master James of St. George built Caernarfon as an intended seat of power - and as a symbol of English dominance over the subdued Welsh and they did not fail! After you find some lunch in Caernarfon we board the Welsh Highland Railway for a Train Excursion along the Snowdonia National Park to Porthmadog. After arriving into Porthmadog we will take some time to explore before we make our way further into the Snowdonia National Park to Beddgelert, considered to be the prettiest village in Snowdonia, set in stunning scenery with a wide range of shops, pubs and cafés. You can visit the Grave of Gelert, the faithful hound of legend and explore the village that was the inspiration for the adventures of Rupert Bear. We then make our way home with a stop for Pub Dinner on the way. Dinner and Overnight Abersoch. (B,D)
Day 3 - We will be spending most of our day on the Isle of Anglesey. Our first stop this morning is to Penrhyn Castle at Bangor. This 19th-century fantasy castle with spectacular surroundings sits between Snowdonia and the Menai Strait. It's crammed with fascinating items, such as a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria, elaborate carvings, plasterwork and mock-Norman furniture. It also has an outstanding collection of paintings. The restored kitchens are a delight and the stable block houses a fascinating Industrial Railway Museum and a Model Railway Museum. Afternoon Tea at Red Boat Ice Cream Parlour in Beaumaris before visiting Beaumaris Castle, Edward I's great unfinished masterpiece. It was never finished as money and supplies ran out before the fortifications reached their full height. Nonetheless, it is an awesome sight and regarded by many as the finest of all the great Edwardian castles in Wales and also, the last! Dinner and Overnight Abersoch. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Today will be spent at our lovely home on the Llyn Peninsula at LLwyn Du House. We will have a Late Brunch and then the day is free for you to wander and explore or just take it easy and relax. Abersoch is just a short walk away with a fine selection of shops, pubs, cafés and restaurants. There are also three main beaches nearby to choose from, the long sandy Warren Beach, small and sheltered Porth Bach and sandy Porth Ceriad with its high cliffs. Most of the coastline is owned by the National Trust and there are many remote bays, sandy beaches and cliffs, as well as wildlife havens like Bardsey Island to explore. In the late afternoon we will gather on the Terrace for a Welsh Afternoon Tea prepared by the Scottish Dream Tours Team. Then the rest of the afternoon and evening is free again for more exploration and the village is nearby if you need further sustenance! Overnight Abersoch. (B,L)
Day 5 - This morning we make our way to Conwy for a visit to Conwy Castle and Walled Town. Words cannot do justice to Conwy Castle as it is by any standards, one of the great fortresses of medieval Europe. Conwy's well-preserved castle wall helps the town maintain a medieval character lost by other Welsh castle-towns over the years. Conwy is also home to Britain's smallest house, measuring 10 feet by 6 feet. The structure was used as a residence from the 16th century until 1900 when the owner was a 6ft 3 inch (1.9 meters) fisherman named Robert Jones. After some time to explore Conwy we make our way just a little further north to Llandudno, a seaside resort, town and community located on the Creuddyn Peninsula, which protrudes into the Irish Sea. While in Llandudno you can find some lunch and explore where lovely seaside resort town where Lewis Carroll met 8 year old Alice Liddell, his inspiration for Alice in Wonderland. You can wander through town and along the promenade and take in all of the Alice in Wonderland theme. We are then home before dinner. Dinner and Overnight Abersoch. (B,D)
Day 6 - This morning we visit Bodnant Gardens at Glan Conwy. Bodnant Garden is one of the most beautiful gardens in the UK, spanning some 80 acres and is situated above the River Conwy on ground sloping towards the west and looking across the valley towards the Snowdonia range. The Garden has two parts. The upper garden around Bodnant Hall consists of the terraced gardens and informal lawns shaded by trees. The lower portion, known as the "Dell" is formed by the valley of the River Hiraethlyn and contains the Wild garden. We will Lunch in the Tearoom before a visit to Bodelwyddan Castle. This historic house with over 500 years of history, has been restored to the height of its Victorian splendour as a family home to the Baronets of Bodelwyddan. There are nine historic rooms to discover with collections from the V&A Museum & Royal Academy of Arts as well as original features dating back over 300 years. As a regional partner of the National Portrait Gallery unique to Wales and the surrounding area, on display are a large collection of Victorian portraits. Pub Dinner Outing this evening. Overnight Abersoch. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - This morning we visit we visit Plas Nywedd House and Gardens, an enchanting mansion and gardens, with spectacular views of Snowdonia. The house was one of Anglesey's principal residences and owned successively by Griffiths, Baylys and Pagets, it became the country seat of the Marquesses of Anglesey, and the core of a large agricultural estate. Set on the shores of the Menai Strait amidst breathtakingly beautiful scenery, this elegant house was redesigned by James Wyatt in the 18th century. The 1930s restyled interior is famous for its Rex Whistler association and contains his exquisite romantic mural and the largest exhibition of his works. We then have a Sumptuous Afternoon Tea at Chateau Rhianfa, a 5 Star Fairytale Country House Hotel. We then visit Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens, described as one of North Wales best kept secrets. The hidden world of the gardens is situated at the side of the Menai Strait, hidden from view near to Menai Bridge. We will stop in the town of Menai Bridge on the way home for a bit of exploration and for you to find some dinner on your own before our last night together in North Wales! Overnight Abersoch. (B,L)
Day 8 - This morning we start our long journey south to Tenby with a first stop at Harlech and Harlech Castle. This spectacularly sited castle seems to grow naturally from the rock on which it is perched. Like an all seeing sentinel, it gazes out across land and sea, keeping a watchful eye over Snowdonia. The English Monarch Edward I built Harlech in the late 13th century to fulfil this very role. It was one of the most formidable of his 'Iron Ring' of fortresses designed to contain the Welsh in their mountain fastness. After some time to explore Harlech we stop for Afternoon Tea before resuming our journey. Our next stop will Aberystwyth, an ancient market town, administrative centre, community, and holiday resort along the coast of Wales. It is located near the confluence of the Ystwyth and the Afon Rheidol Rivers and is always a perfect half way stop! We then continue on to Tenby where we will get settled into our accommodation and then have a late supper. Dinner and Overnight Tenby (B,L,D)
Day 9 - This morning we make our way through Penally and Manorbier on our way to Pembroke. The Medieval Castle of Pembroke that is at the heart of Pembroke town. This birthplace of Henry VII is idyllically set on the banks of the river estuary and this mighty fortress is steeped in history. The late 12th century keep is both an outstanding feature and architectural novelty, for it has a massive cylindrical tower with an unusual stone dome. Then our drive takes us through Milford Haven, Sandy Haven, St. Anne's Head, Marloes, St. Brides, Little Haven and Broad Haven with a stop for you to find some lunch along the way. Protected by their National Park Status, Pembrokeshire’s beaches have some of the cleanest waters and sands with many awards to show for it with eleven blue flags, twelve green coast, eleven seaside, and twenty one rural seaside awards! That makes Pembrokeshire beaches the best in Wales. We then return to Tenby Harbour to take a Seal Safari Cruise to explore the hidden bays on the Atlantic side of Caldey Island. Our local guides will share an in depth knowledge of the island’s wildlife and surrounding waters. As we make our way to the ocean side of the island, we drift amongst the Grey Seal population.. Dinner and Overnight Tenby. (B,D)
Day 10 - This morning we visit Picton Castle and Gardens, Pembrokeshire's finest stately home. Picton is a most unusual ancient building being in design half fortified manor house and half fully developed medieval castle. With its four half round towers and gatehouse entrance flanked by two narrower towers it looks like a miniature version of a great Edwardian Castle such as Conwy in North Wales. However as soon as you enter the gatehouse you find a series of finely planned rooms typical of the grand country house that it is. There is no other building quite like it in Britain! The we stop in Lawrenny for Lunch at the Quayside Tearoom before a visit to Carew Castle. When the Normans extended their conquest of England into Wales, Gerald de Windsor was constable of Pembroke Castle on behalf of Henry I when he decided to build his own fortification on the Carew River, some ten miles up the tidal waterway from Pembroke. Over the years the castle went from a Medieval Fortress to Elizabethan Manor. Then back home for dinner in Tenby. Dinner and Overnight Tenby. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Today is a free day to enjoy the house and its surrounds. Tenby is a delightful little harbour town and seaside resort, and it would be difficult to find a setting more picturesque. Tenby is a walled city surrounded by beautiful beaches stretching to the north, the west, and the south of the town while the walls surround many restaurants, shops, cafés and pubs all linked by cobbled streets. You can shop, explore, walk on the beach and take the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path for fantastic views of Caldey Island. In the afternoon we will gather at Castle View for a true Welsh Afternoon Tea. After tea you will want to visit the Tudor Merchant's House, a 15th century relic of Tenby's prosperous seafaring days. Step back 500 years and discover how the Tudor merchant and his family would have lived in this fascinating three storey house. We will have entry tickets for you. You may also want to take the 20 minute journey across to Caldey Island. Caldey Island has been inhabited for many centuries by various orders of monks and is currently owned by the Cistercian Order who live in the beautiful Abbey, found just a few minutes walk from the landing stage. You will then have the rest of the afternoon and evening at your leisure. You will want to sample one of the many eateries to be found in Tenby town centre. Overnight Tenby. (B,L)
Day 12 - This morning our journey will take us to my favourite Stately Home in Wales, Abbey-Cwm-Hir. Along the way we stop in the lovely village of Llandeilo. There can be fewer towns in Wales more attractive than Llandeilo, sitting proudly on a hill above the River Tywi. And there are fewer valleys lovelier than the Tywi, the longest river which flows entirely through Wales. We will have a bit of a leg stretch and perhaps some shopping before we continue or journey to Wales most unique and beautiful stately home and historic house. This 52 Room Victorian Revival Gothic Mansion sits in 12 acres of gardens overlooking the ruins of the 12th Century Cistercian Abbey and is almost beyond description! Before our tour of the house we will have a Lovely Lunch in the House and then we will wander through all 52 rooms of the house hearing wonderful stories and learn its history up to present day. After some time to explore the gardens we then make our way back to our accommodation in Tenby to get settled in before dinner after a long days outing. Dinner and Overnight near Tenby. (B,L,D)
Day 13 - Today we make our way to one of very favourite places anywhere in Wales, St. David's. St. David's Cathedral has been the dominant presence since the 12th century and was a popular pilgrimage destination throughout the middle ages. In the 6th century a monastic community was founded by Saint David, Abbot of Menevia. There has been a church on this site since that time and for the past 1500 years prayer and worship has been offered on a daily basis which continues to this day. St. David's is also the most Westerly Point of Wales and has a lovely town square with quaint shops including a wonderful chocolate shop! St. David's is a perfect place for you to find some lunch on your own and have a wee wander around before we make our way to the most popular megalithic site in Wales, Pentre Ifan. It is a splendid burial chamber with a huge capstone delicately poised on three uprights. Once known as Arthur's' Quoit, Pentre Ifan means Ivan's Village. The monument dates back to about 3500 BC and is a great example of a burial tomb or dolmen. We will drive through the lovely Pembrokeshire Coast National Park on our way back home with a stop for dinner. Overnight Tenby. (B,D)
Day 14 - This morning we start our long journey toward Manchester with a few stops along the way. We will first stop in Llandovery, a lovely market Town on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Llandovery is still very much a farming town, with a sheep market every Wednesday and cattle market on the third Friday of each month. We next stop in Montgomery for Lunch. Montgomery is the historic county town of Montgomeryshire with a history that stretches back to Roman occupation. The 13th Century Montgomery Castle dominates the skyline and a large Iron Age Hill Fort is located nearby. You will be charmed by the Georgian Town Square and Market Hall, St Nicholas Church and the story of the Robber's Grave and the rolling Mid Wales Marches countryside surrounding the town. Our final stop is Chester, first settled by the Romans in AD 79. The main street is lined with timber buildings called the Chester Rows first built in the 13th & 14th centuries. The Rows are unique in the world and some are the original 13th century buildings, inclding the Three Old Arches in Bridge Street which have survived the ravages of time and are still magnificent and greatly contribute to the beauty and character of Chester. Then it is just a short way to our accommodation near Manchester Airport. Dinner and Overnight near Manchester Airport. (B,L,D)
Day 15 - September 3rd - This morning we all depart to Manchester International for the journey home.
