Grand Tour - Wales Coast to Coast

DAY 1

We arrive in Carmarthen and transfer the short distance to the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, our base for the next three nights.

DAY 2

Our second day is spent exploring the scenic coastline by coach in a region known as the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, including a visit to cathedral city of St David's, the smallest city in the UK and the resting place of St David, for which the city is bestowed the title of ecclesiastical capital of Wales.

DAY 3

Today we travel by train to the picturesque seaside resort of Tenby and have a free day to admire fantastic views of Caldey Island, stroll around the pretty cobbled streets or simply enjoy the beach and harbour area.

DAY 4

This morning we journey on the Teifi Railway, a small narrow-gauge railway built by volunteers along a former Great Western Railway branch line. Afterwards, we enjoy a visit to the National Botanic Gardens of Wales, a beautiful mix of modern and historic gardens and home of the world’s largest single-span glass house. Finally, transferring to Llandeilo, we join the Heart of Wales Line, one of Britain’s prettiest rural routes, travelling through tranquil scenery en route to Llandrindod Wells for our four-night stay at the Hotel Metropole.

DAY 5

A short transfer to Devil’s Bridge allows us to join the Vale of Rheidol Railway, one of the Great Little Trains of Wales. Running to the Cambrian coast, see the countryside change as we travel through rugged mountain scenery, woodland, and wide-open fields to Aberystwyth, where there is free time to take lunch before our return journey.

DAY 6

Today we depart Llandrindod by coach to Newtown, sampling the Cambrian Line, a different route to coastal Cardigan Bay for a journey special to anyone with an interest in railway heritage. The Talyllyn Railway runs for seven miles from Tywyn to Nant Gwernol through the Fathew Valley, passing Dolgoch Falls. Opened in 1865 to carry slate, the railway fell on hard times in the early 1950s. A team of pioneering enthusiasts took over the running of the line and built the world's first preserved railway.

DAY 7

Our adventure continues to Pant for a journey on the Brecon Mountain Railway. Formerly part of the Brecon & Merthyr Railway, the line passes the full length of the Pontsticill Reservoir on its way to Torpantau, high in the Brecon Beacons.

DAY 8

Crossing Wales northwards by coach, we call in at the Bala Lake Railway and the Llangollen Railway on our way to Llandudno where we stay for four nights at the superbly traditional Empire Hotel.

DAY 9

Our leisurely first day on the North Wales Coast includes a ride on the vintage tramcar to the summit of the Great Orme, offering magnificent views across the Irish Sea. We can enjoy free time to visit the pier, shops, beautiful beach, and attractions.

DAY 10

Take traditional Great Railway Journeys as we head along the beautiful Conwy Valley Line to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Here we board our narrow-gauge steam train on the world famous Ffestiniog Railway to travel to Porthmadog. After some free time, our journey continues on the Welsh Highland Railway to Caernarvon from where we transfer back to Llandudno.

DAY 11

Heading into Snowdonia, we take a steam train ride on the Llanberis Lake Railway followed, after a relaxing break, by a journey on the amazing Snowdon Mountain Railway. After enjoying this kaleidoscope of vistas, we return through the National Park and Conwy Valley to Llandudno.

DAY 12

A reluctant farewell to Llandudno and the lovely Empire Hotel sees us make our way to the station for our journeys homeward.

**Please note that we have based this itinerary on this year's timetables for the many heritage railways featured. Where possible the excursions will be steam, although occasionally we may book diesel trains instead if steam trains are not in operation. We may have to juggle one or two of the days to make the itinerary work with the heritage railways once their timetables are announced.

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner