Wonderful Wales

DAY 1

Journey from your home station to Llandudno and, on arrival, we will make our way to the Empire Hotel, our base for the next five nights. We enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings before meeting for our first evening meal together.

DAY 2

Today, we head into Snowdonia to take a five-mile return steam train journey on the characterful Llanberis Lake Railway* running alongside Lake Padarn and providing stunning views of Snowdon. After a relaxing break, we enjoy a heritage railway adventure to the summit of Snowdon on the amazing Snowdon Mountain Railway uncovering the hidden secrets of the mountain from viaducts, waterfalls, and gorges to the remnants of chapels and settlements. After enjoying this kaleidoscope of vistas, we return through the National Park and Conwy Valley to Llandudno.

*From the 6th September 2025 the Llanberis Lake Railway intend to operate a shorter passenger train service due to the National Grids electricity cable replacement project.

DAY 3

Today, we will enjoy a traditional "Great Railway Journey" as we head along the beautiful Conwy Valley Line to Blaenau Ffestiniog where we board our narrow-gauge steam train on the world-famous Ffestiniog Railway following the path of the old slate trains to Porthmadog. The afternoon is free to enjoy lunch, explore the harbour area, or visit the maritime museum before returning by steam train, climbing steep gradients back to Blaenau Ffestiniog, then down the Conwy Valley Line to Llandudno with seats on the opposite side as outward so no vista is missed.

DAY 4

After breakfast this morning, we enjoy a truly scenic rail journey as we board the magnificent Welsh Highland Railway at Caernarfon for a steam-hauled journey climbing into Snowdonia, twisting around forests to Beddgelert, and through the treasured beauty of the Aberglaslyn Pass. We then visit the magnificent Portmeirion with its Italian-style architecture and sub-tropical gardens before returning to our hotel via a brief stop at the alpine-style Betws-y-Coed.

DAY 5

Today, we journey to Bodnant Garden, picturesquely located above the River Conwy, where we will explore the beautiful gardens home to National Collections and Champion Trees and indulge in a sumptuous cream tea. On arrival back in Llandudno, we follow in the footsteps of Victorian holidaymakers aboard a vintage tramcar to the summit of the Great Orme, offering magnificent views across the Irish Sea and enjoy free time before reconvening for our final evening meal together.

DAY 6

After breakfast, we bid farewell to Llandudno and make our way to the station for our homeward journeys.

*Important Note: Whilst the arrangements for all described steam train travel are in place, we do reserve the right to make substitutions should it be deemed necessary for whatever reason.

B=Breakfast, LR=Light Refreshments, D=Dinner