Vacations By Rail
Railroads & Castles of Wales
6 daysfrom $1,299
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Railways & Castles of Wales
Wonderful mountain railways and castles of Wales are an integral part of this escorted rail adventure as we explore the highlights.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Llandudno
The coastal beauty of Llandudno
Your holiday begins in the 'Queen of Welsh Resorts', Llandudno, where the Tour Manager meets us at the hotel, whose owners pride themselves on attention to detail and high levels of service and comfort. Nestled on the rugged north coast of Wales, with a backdrop of Snowdonia National Park, this is an ideal base for exploring. Once you have arrived and settled in, you may wish to get to know your new surroundings while wandering the waterfront or strolling past the town's Victorian buildings. This evening, you are served a four-course dinner in the hotel's award-winning restaurant.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2railovernight: Llandudno
The historic Ffestiniog Railway and Portmeirion
Transfer by coach to Caernarfon Station for an excursion on the Ffestiniog Railway to Beddgelert. Travelling from the coast into the mountains with panoramic views as far as Anglesey. Free time over lunch in Beddgelert to stroll along the river and learn about the village legend of Gelert. Continue to Portmeirion, inspired by Portofino on the Italian Riviera, with time at leisure. Rejoin the Ffestiniog Railway at Porthmadog, taking a different route to Blaenau Ffestiniog through rugged mountains, past Llyn Ystradau reservoir. Note: on the 16th June departure, guests will ride on the Llangollen railway from Llangollen to Corwen before visiting Portmeirion.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 3railovernight: Llandudno
Caernarfon Castle and the Snowdon Mountain Railway
Guided tour of Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating to 1283, one of Europe's best examples of medieval defensive architecture. Board the Snowdon Mountain Railway for a journey over the dramatic Llanberis Pass to the summit of Wales' highest mountain, Mount Snowdon (weather permitting). Panoramic views of the lakes, mountains and valleys of Snowdonia National Park unfold as you climb. Return to the hotel with time to relax before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: Llandudno
Discovering historic Llandudno
Free day to explore Llandudno at your own pace. Options include visiting the Victorian pier (the longest pier in Wales), taking a trip on the Great Orme Tramway through a country park to the summit of Great Orme, or riding the Llandudno Cable Car for views over the Irish Sea and the Snowdonia mountain range. Dinner at the hotel this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 5overnight: Llandudno
Exploring the castles and gardens of north Wales
Guided tour of the UNESCO-listed 13th-century Conwy Castle, revealing its history from a Cistercian monastery to its role in the War of the Roses. Continue to Plas Cadnant, a series of historic gardens on the Isle of Anglesey featuring a walled garden, secret valley garden and water garden across a 200-acre estate. Final visit to Gwydir Castle, one of the finest Tudor country houses in Wales, with an informative guided tour from the current owners. Celebrate the final evening with a 'Taste of Wales' dinner accompanied by a harpist.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6
Homeward bound
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and bid farewell to Victorian Llandudno and scenic north Wales. You are free to make your way home or continue exploring Wales independently.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 5 nights' 4-star accommodation
- Standard Class rail travel
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Breakfast and dinner each day
- All tour excursions including heritage rail journeys
Not included
- Cancellation & Travel Insurance
