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Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. The same itinerary is still sold by another operator, listed under Also sold by below.

Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Belmond Britannic Explorer - Wales

Three-night luxury train journey through Wales from London to the Cotswolds

Illustration of Belmond Britannic Explorer - Wales

The Belmond Britannic Explorer, operated by Vacations By Rail, is a four-day, three-night luxury train journey departing London Victoria and returning to the same station after traversing the Welsh countryside and coastal regions. This independent rail vacation keeps you aboard the brand-new Belmond train for three nights as it travels through the Cotswolds, Pembrokeshire, mid-Wales, and Snowdonia National Park. The itinerary balances relaxation aboard the train with optional excursions: a guided hike through Welsh countryside near Llandrindod Wells followed by time at a lavender farm, and clay-pigeon shooting near Machynlleth at the edge of Snowdonia. All meals are curated by chef Simon Rogan of the three Michelin-starred restaurant l'Enclume; afternoon tea features Welsh specialties such as bara brith, and dinners are table d'hôte service paired with entertainment. The trip concludes with an exclusive evening at a 16th-century Cotswolds pub. This trip suits luxury seekers and food-focused travellers who want a refined, multi-day rail experience without daily packing and unpacking.

What to know before you look closer

  • This is a premium luxury product at GBP 8,315 per person; the price does not include flights, airport transfers, or travel insurance.
  • The guided hike and clay-pigeon shooting near Llandrindod Wells and Machynlleth are optional extras; confirm inclusion or additional cost with Vacations By Rail.
  • The itinerary includes unguided exploration in Welsh towns; the guided hike is the main structured activity ashore.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Train

    Leaving London

    Board the Belmond Britannic Explorer at London Victoria; afternoon tea curated by chef Simon Rogan featuring Welsh teacakes and bara brith as the train passes through the golden-hued Cotswolds; time in the Wellness Suite, the gin bar, or board games, followed by dinner curated by Chef Rogan.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Near Barmouth (aboard the train)

    Pembrokeshire & mid-Wales

    Breakfast as the train reveals the Pembrokeshire coastline before disembarking at Llandrindod Wells for a guided hike through the Welsh heartland, with time to relax at Farmers' Welsh Lavender; continue along the Heart of Wales Line toward Cardigan Bay and the edge of Snowdonia; dinner and entertainment on board, with the train stabling for the night near Barmouth.

  3. Day 3overnight: Train

    Snowdonia & the Cotswolds

    Leisurely morning aboard before arriving in Machynlleth, at the edge of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), with excursions such as clay-pigeon shooting; lunch on board while travelling through mid-Wales and Montgomeryshire into Shropshire and on to Moreton-in-Marsh; dinner on board, then disembark for an exclusive party at the Fox in Oddington, a 16th-century Cotswolds pub.

  4. Day 4rail

    Homeward bound

    Farewell breakfast as the train travels through Oxfordshire and the Chilterns, arriving at London Victoria this morning.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board the Belmond Britannic Explorer at London Victoria; afternoon tea curated by chef Simon Rogan, featuring Welsh teacakes and bara brith, served as the train passes through the Cotswolds.
  • Day 2Disembark at Llandrindod Wells for a guided hike through the Welsh heartland, then relax at Farmers' Welsh Lavender with sauna and log fire before the train continues toward Barmouth.
  • Day 3Arrive in Machynlleth at the edge of Snowdonia National Park; optional clay-pigeon shooting, then an exclusive evening party at the Fox in Oddington, a 16th-century Cotswolds pub.

Included

  • 3 nights aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer luxury train
  • 24-hour steward service
  • Onboard entertainment
  • All meals aboard the train and all beverages including alcoholic drinks

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included in the price?
Yes. Three nights aboard the Belmond Britannic Explorer, all onboard meals and beverages, entertainment, and 24-hour steward service are included in the from-price of USD 8,315.
Is this an escorted or independent trip?
It is independent. Vacations By Rail provides a well-planned itinerary, and you travel on your own. A guided hike near Llandrindod Wells and optional clay-pigeon shooting are structured; other time in towns is self-directed.
Which train am I on?
The Belmond Britannic Explorer, a brand-new luxury train. The route runs from London through the Cotswolds, Pembrokeshire, mid-Wales, and Snowdonia, returning to London Victoria.
Where do I sleep?
Aboard the train for all three nights. The train stables near Barmouth on night two; you remain onboard.
What is included in the meals?
All meals aboard the train, curated by chef Simon Rogan, plus all beverages including alcoholic drinks. Lunch is served while travelling; dinner includes onboard entertainment.
When does this trip depart?
Vacations By Rail has not published specific departure dates in the available information. Contact them directly to confirm availability.

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