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Day 1 Monmouth
Leaving the bright lights of London behind, we head towards Wales through the exquisite countryside and villages of the Cotswolds where we take the opportunity to stop and explore the picturesque honey coloured villages in the area. From here we continue across the border into Wales, known as Red Dragon country. We visit the impressive Cistercian abbey of Tintern, one of the country’s greatest monastic ruins, where we revive the legacy of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. (D)
Day 2 Brecon Beacons
Following an interesting guided tour of the country’s capital, Cardiff, we learn more about the Celtic history as we explore its cultural heritage first hand. St Fagans National History Museum is one of Europe's leading open–air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction, standing in the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle, a late 16th-century manor house. We then continue our winding Back-Roads journey north along the Rhonda Valley. We understand more of the country’s famous mining-heritage, climbing to the rim of the Rhigos Mountain, Wales’ last deep coal mine set against the breathtaking Brecon Beacons panorama. Our rural drive continues through the often ignored but rewarding central region of Wales to our traditional overnight accommodation. (B,D)
Day 3 Llandudno
Having explored the narrow streets and Georgian and Jacobean buildings of Brecon, we leave this delightful market town and continue along the Abergwesyn Pass from Tregaron to Llanwrtyd Wells - recently voted Britain’s most scenic drive – and through the heart of Wales to the eccentricity of Portmeirion. This stunning private coastal village was created using a combination of rescued architectural follies and specially designed buildings from around the world. Some might recognise it as the location for the hit 1960’s TV series, The Prisoner. Heading northwards, we then follow the scenic coastal route to our base for the next two days in the handsome seaside town of Llandudno. (B)
Day 4 Llandudno
The flower filled Victorian resort town of Llandudno sits on a beautiful curved sandy bay overlooked by the mighty Great Orme, where you may take an optional tram to the top to experience a spellbinding vista over the Irish Sea and Snowdonia National Park. We travel along the north Welsh coastline admiring the medley of fortified castle towns including Conwy and Caernarfon and cross the Menai Strait to the pristine island of Anglesey. This is a whole new world of sightseeing, from prehistoric burial chambers to Celtic and Viking settlements. We also make a brief visit to the famous town of Llanfair P.G and attempt to pronounce its full name, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. (B)
Day 5 Ludlow
Before continuing our journey through Wales, we visit the magnificent Bodnant Gardens situated above the River Conwy and overlooking the valley towards the Snowdonia range. We immerse ourselves in Welsh culture, skirting Snowdonia where the Celtic language still thrives today. We stop at Betws-y-Coed to stroll through this lovely village before continuing on to Llangollen where you might take a horse-drawn or motorised boat trip along the Llangollen Canal. Marvel at the architectural achievement of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct before heading across the border to our overnight stop in the 900 year English settlement of Ludlow. (B/D)
Day 6 Stratford-upon-Avon
Every corner of this lovely town breathes history and, prior to our return to the back roads, time is made here to independently explore its fine mediaeval buildings and famous local produce shops. Get set to unearth Shakespeare’s country as we visit the historic Stratford-upon-Avon, where we admire its historic buildings and literary associations during our guided walking tour of this small town. “Parting is such sweet sorrow” and alas having bid farewell to Wales and the bard we must continue on our journey and return to London. The tour ends back in London late afternoon at one of our tour hotels. (B)
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