Railroads & Castles of Wales

Our tour begins as you meet your Tour Manager in Llandudno, where we stay at the Dunoon Hotel. This fabulous seaside resort sometimes referred to as the 'Queen of the Welsh Resorts', is the ideal base from which to enjoy our explorations of Wales, thanks in part to its marvelous history in welcoming travelers and guests to its delightful sandy beaches. Tonight we meet for a drinks reception ahead of our first dinner together in the hotel's award-winning restaurant. Overnight Llandudno 5 nights. (D)

Today we head along the coast to Caernarfon and join the narrow-gauge Welsh Highland Railroad* into the foothills of the Snowdon Mountains to Porthmadog. Here we transfer to Portmeirion, which we get acquainted with on a short guided tour. After some time here at leisure, perhaps perusing the quaint souvenir shops, we return to Porthmadog to join the narrow-gauge Ffestiniog Railroad* to Blaenau Ffestiniog. (B, D) *Steam hauled where possible

We begin our day with a guided tour of the impressive Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the iconic polygonal towers of this famed attraction. As we wander through the sprawling ancient complex, it is easy to imagine what life must have been like for the soldiers that lived here - from the legions of Rome to the armies of Edward I. After the tour of the castle, we then travel over the rather dramatic scenery of the Llanberis Pass to Llanberis, where we visit the National Slate Museum which outlines the history of quarrying and slate in Wales since the original quarry was opened in 1870. Later, we board the Snowdon Mountain Railroad's diesel service**, which climbs to the summit of Snowdon at 3,494 feet. This evening, we return to our hotel and enjoy a talk on the history of Llandudno ahead of dinner by special guests from the Llandudno Museum. (B, D) **Please note the first two departures are unlikely to reach the summit as it is too early in the season. Reaching the summit is dependent on weather conditions.

Today you are at leisure to explore Llandudno. The nostalgic Victorian pier is well worth a visit. Built in 1878, this charming attraction provides excellent views of the seafront promenade. It also has the lovely title of being the longest pier in Wales, taking you out into the sea and giving you a delightful view of Llandudno behind you. (B, D)

This morning we visit Conwy Castle, a wonderfully preserved 13th-century castle that stands in majestic ruins over the town of Conwy. A guided tour reveals its intriguing history. We also visit Plas Mawr, a lovely whitewashed building that holds the title of the best preserved Elizabethan townhouse in Britain. We then continue to Bodnant Garden, which spans 80 acres, including a beautiful wild garden. This evening we enjoy a 'Taste of Wales' farewell dinner at the hotel. (B, D)

The tour concludes after breakfast this morning, and you are free to depart Llandudno at your leisure. (B)