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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Railroads & Castles of Wales

Six-day escorted rail journey through north Wales, castles, and mountain railways

Illustration of Railroads & Castles of Wales

Vacations By Rail's six-day escorted tour, Railroads and Castles of Wales, begins and ends in Llandudno, the Victorian resort town on the north Wales coast. The itinerary balances heritage railway journeys, medieval castle exploration, and one free day to suit your pace. You will ride the Ffestiniog Railway, the world's oldest independent line, winding through Snowdonia National Park; ascend Mount Snowdon aboard the Snowdon Mountain Railway; explore UNESCO-listed Caernarfon Castle and Conwy Castle; and visit Portmeirion, a village built in the style of the Italian Riviera. Throughout, a Tour Manager guides the group, and all transport, five nights' accommodation at the four-star Dunoon Hotel, breakfasts, dinners, and tours are included. The tour suits repeat rail enthusiasts, history lovers drawn to 13th-century castles, and couples seeking guided comfort with a leisurely base in one location.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Snowdon Mountain Railway summit visit depends on weather; poor conditions may limit the experience.
  • Day 4 is free time in Llandudno; the Great Orme Tramway and Llandudno Cable Car are optional extras at additional cost.
  • Flights and airport transfers are not included in the tour price.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Llandudno

    The coastal beauty of Llandudno

    Meet the Tour Manager at the hotel in Llandudno, the "Queen of Welsh Resorts." Time at leisure to explore the waterfront and Victorian buildings before a four-course dinner at the hotel's award-winning restaurant.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Llandudno

    The historic Ffestiniog Railway and Portmeirion

    Coach to Caernarfon for the Ffestiniog Railway to Beddgelert, with free time by the river. Visit the village of Portmeirion, then rejoin the Ffestiniog Railway at Porthmadog for a different route to Blaenau Ffestiniog through Snowdonia, passing the Dduallt spiral and Llyn Ystradau reservoir.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Llandudno

    Caernarfon Castle and the Snowdon Mountain Railway

    Guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Caernarfon Castle (1283), then the Snowdon Mountain Railway from Llanberis over the Llanberis Pass to the summit of Mount Snowdon (weather permitting).

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Llandudno

    Discovering historic Llandudno

    Free day in Llandudno; options include the Victorian pier (the longest in Wales), the Great Orme Tramway, or the Llandudno Cable Car to the summit of Great Orme.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Llandudno

    Exploring the castles and gardens of north Wales

    Coach to the UNESCO-listed 13th-century Conwy Castle, then Plas Cadnant gardens on Anglesey, and a guided tour of Gwydir Castle by its current owners. Evening 'Taste of Wales' dinner with a harpist.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6

    Homeward bound

    Check out after breakfast and travel home or continue exploring Wales independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Journey on the Ffestiniog Railway from Caernarfon through Snowdonia to Beddgelert, then return via Porthmadog, passing the Dduallt spiral and Llyn Ystradau reservoir.
  • Day 3Guided tour of UNESCO-listed Caernarfon Castle, then ascend Mount Snowdon aboard the Snowdon Mountain Railway over the Llanberis Pass to the summit (weather permitting).
  • Day 5Explore Conwy Castle and Plas Cadnant gardens on Anglesey, followed by a guided tour of Gwydir Castle with its owners, capped with a 'Taste of Wales' dinner and harp music.

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 5 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel on local rail networks
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast and dinner each day
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

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

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Standard Class rail travel on the Ffestiniog Railway, Snowdon Mountain Railway, and local rail networks is included, as is all coach travel throughout the tour.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Vacations By Rail provides a Tour Manager from start to finish.
Which trains does the tour use?
The Ffestiniog Railway (from Caernarfon to Blaenau Ffestiniog via Beddgelert and Porthmadog), the Snowdon Mountain Railway (Llanberis to Mount Snowdon summit), and the Welsh Highland Railway. Day 4 offers optional travel on the Great Orme Tramway.
Where do we stay?
The Dunoon Hotel in Llandudno, a four-star property, for all five nights.
What meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner each day, including a four-course dinner at the hotel on Day 1 and a 'Taste of Wales' dinner with a harpist on Day 5.
What castles does the tour visit?
Caernarfon Castle (UNESCO-listed, built 1283), Conwy Castle (UNESCO-listed, 13th century), and Gwydir Castle (guided tour by the current owners).

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