Great Rail Journeys
Railways & Castles of Wales
6 daysfrom $1,201
The Railway Touring Company · Escorted tour
Mid Wales Explorer
Experience the very best of British steam on this highlight-packed steam rail tour through the magnificent landscapes of Mid Wales.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Llangollen
London Euston to Chester, Erddig country house and Bala Lake Railway
Travel First Class on Avanti West Coast from London Euston to Chester, then by coach to the National Trust's Erddig Country House (built 1683-1687), followed by a return journey on the Bala Lake Railway between Llanuwchllyn and Bala, with time to visit the Heritage Centre. Depart for the hotel in Llangollen, with dinner there.
- Day 2railovernight: Portmeirion
Ride on Llangollen Railway, Canal Cruise and the Cambrian Coast Line
Narrowboat canal ride across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, 38 metres above the River Dee, then a one-way trip on the Llangollen Railway through the Dee Valley to Corwen. Coach to Machynlleth to join the Transport for Wales Cambrian Coast Line service to Barmouth, crossing the Barmouth Rail Viaduct, with free time before rejoining the train to Minffordd and transferring by coach to the Portmeirion hotel for two nights. Dinner at the hotel.
- Day 3overnight: Portmeirion
Free day to explore Portmeirion village
A leisurely day exploring Portmeirion, the Italianate village designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis in the early 20th century, with its Riviera-inspired houses, ornamental gardens and campanile. Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
- Day 4rail
Travel on the Welsh Highland line on the Harbourmaster
Coach to Porthmadog to travel on the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway's 'Harbourmaster' service, 25 miles coast to coast across the foothills of Snowdon to Caernarfon, with time to explore the historic town and its castle before the return trip. Meet the coach for transfer to the next hotel, with dinner in the hotel restaurant.
- Day 5railovernight: Aberystwyth area
Talyllyn Railway and Vale of Rheidol Railway
Coach to Tywyn Wharf to ride the Talyllyn Railway, Britain's first narrow gauge railway authorised to carry passengers by steam, to Nant Gwernol, with a refreshment stop at The Railway Inn. Continue by coach to Devil's Bridge to view the waterfalls before riding the Vale of Rheidol Railway to Aberystwyth, with free time in the seaside town before checking into the hotel for two nights. Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
- Day 6railovernight: Aberystwyth area
Welshpool and Llanfair Railway, Powis Castle, free evening at your own leisure
Coach to Powis Castle for a morning immersed in its medieval history, then to Welshpool to ride the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway to Llanfair Caereinion and back. Visit Kerry Vale Vineyard for a guided wine tasting and cheeseboard before returning to the hotel for a light farewell dinner.
- Day 7rail
Chester to London Euston
Depart by coach to Chester railway station to travel First Class on Avanti West Coast back to London Euston.
Included
- 6 nights accommodation with breakfast in 3 or 4-star hotels
- 3 lunches
- 6 dinners
- All visits as detailed on the itinerary
- All train and heritage rail travel as detailed in the itinerary
- All seat reservations and coach transfers
- The services of a Tour Manager
