Wales Tours
Welcome to Wales – Self-drive Tour
An 11-day self-drive tour through rolling green hills, dramatic coastlines and ancient castles – the key to unlocking the very soul of Wales.
Tour Overview
Prepare to be enchanted by Wales, a land of rolling green hills, dramatic coastlines, and ancient castles whispering tales of the past. This 11-day self-drive tour is your key to unlocking the very soul of this captivating nation.
Your journey begins in vibrant Cardiff, where modern cityscapes blend seamlessly with historic landmarks such as Cardiff Castle. From here, you'll make your way to the formidable Caerphilly Castle, the largest in Wales and a testament to medieval power. As you wind your way west, the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park unfolds, a tapestry of rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and charming fishing villages like St Davids, the smallest city in Britain. Breathe in the salty air, explore hidden coves, and perhaps even spot playful dolphins frolicking in the waves.
Next, prepare to be awestruck by the majestic Eryri National Park, also known as Snowdonia. Towering peaks, glacial valleys, and cascading waterfalls paint a picture of raw, untamed beauty. Hike to the summit of Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, and soak in panoramic views that stretch for miles. History buffs will be enthralled by Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site guarding the secrets of the past.
Your journey continues eastward, where the charming town of Wrexham awaits. Explore its Victorian architecture, bustling markets, and the magnificent Elidir Gardens, a haven for nature lovers. Then, step back in time at Powis Castle, a masterpiece of architecture nestled amidst breathtaking gardens. Finally, your adventure culminates in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, a land of rolling hills, ancient stone circles, and the charming town of Brecon – hike through dramatic landscapes, delve into local history, and savour the warm hospitality of the Welsh people.
This self-drive tour is just a taste of the magic that awaits you in Wales. Each twist and turn unveils a new wonder, a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and let Wales weave its spell on you.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrive Cardiff
On arrival check into your centrally located hotel for the evening. Why not venture out and explore the capital city of Wales' vibrant nightlife?
Overnight in Cardiff Hotel
DAY 2
Cardiff and Caerphilly Castle
Cardiff is the capital and largest city of Wales. We start the day with a walking tour of the city, including a visit to Cardiff Castle, a Norman marcher stronghold founded by William the Conqueror on the site of a Roman fort, most famous for its incredible Victorian apartments designed by William Burges. After lunch, collect your car and head to Caerphilly – in the heart of the town, you can't miss Caerphilly Castle, its construction begun in 1268 and meticulously restored throughout the 20th century, a great example of 13th century military architecture. (Cardiff to Caerphilly – 11 miles / 30 mins)
Overnight in Caerphilly Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 3
Pembrokeshire
This morning make the scenic drive west from the capital – we suggest stopping to visit St Fagans National Museum of History, Wales' most popular heritage attraction. Your destination today is Tenby, renowned for its long and illustrious history, including its medieval town walls, as well as its beaches and seaside charm. (Caerphilly to St Fagans – 12 miles / 25 mins; St Fagans to Tenby – 90 miles / 2 hours)
Overnight in Tenby Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 4
St Davids
A relaxed morning with time to explore Tenby at your leisure. Leave Tenby late morning and stop off for lunch in the attractive market town of Narberth. The journey then continues to St Davids, the smallest city in Britain and a place of pilgrimage for centuries – the 12th century St Davids Cathedral, constructed from dusky purple sandstone, is one of Wales' most iconic religious sites. Spend time exploring the city and cathedral before travelling up through Cardigan Bay, following the coast north to Aberystwyth. (Tenby to Narberth – 11 miles / 25 mins; Narberth to St Davids – 28 miles / 50 mins; St Davids to Aberystwyth – 73 miles / 2 hrs)
Overnight in Aberystwyth Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 5
Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park)
Covering a total of 823 square miles, Eryri is Wales' largest National Park, home to over 26,000 people and steeped with culture, history and heritage. Weather permitting, you will be taking the train to the top of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the largest mountain in Wales and England – the journey to the summit takes approximately 60 minutes with a 30-minute stop-over at Hafod Eryri, the UK's highest visitor centre (pre-booking the train is advisable). After your mountain adventure, take the short drive to Caernarfon. (Aberystwyth to Llanberis – 75 miles / 2 hrs 25; Llanberis to Caernarfon – 9 miles / 25 mins)
Overnight in Caernarfon Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 6
Caernarfon, Conwy and Llandudno
Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages, grouped with Edward I's other castles at Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech as a World Heritage Site. Spend time exploring the castle and the town, before the short drive north to Conwy Castle, one of the most magnificent medieval fortresses in Europe, still protected by an unbroken 1,400-yard ring of town walls. Your final stop of the day is the popular seaside resort of Llandudno. (Caernarfon to Conwy – 25 miles / 35 mins; Conwy to Llandudno – 5 miles / 15 mins)
Overnight in Llandudno Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 7
Welcome to Wrexham!
Wrexham sits along the River Clywedog, about 5 miles west of the border with Cheshire, England, previously known for the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site and nearby Chirk Castle, plus Wrexham AFC, the oldest club in Wales. The purchase of the club in 2020 by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney and the subsequent 'Welcome to Wrexham' documentary propelled the club and city into the global spotlight – you can visit the ground and some of the places made famous by the documentary. (Llandudno to Wrexham – 55 miles / 1 hr)
Overnight in Wrexham Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 8
Powis Castle
Follow the Welsh-English border south this morning until we reach the market town of Welshpool. Just outside town is the National Trust's Powis Castle and Gardens, built around 1200 as a medieval fortress and reflecting the changing ambitions of the Herbert family, who occupied it from the 1570s. It's worth paying the entrance fee to view the Clive Museum, one of the UK's most significant collections of Indian objects. Powis is also one of the few Baroque gardens to survive almost intact since the 1680s, laid out under Italian and French influence and overhung with clipped yews. (Wrexham to Welshpool – 30 miles / 50 mins)
Overnight in Welshpool Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9
Brecon and Bannau Brycheiniog
The journey south continues to Llandrindod Wells, a Victorian spa town with wide avenues and ornate architectural flourishes – the Heritage Trail guides you on a gentle walking tour of the town. Next is Brecon, at the top edge of the glorious Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, known for the Brecon Jazz Festival, independent shops and cafés, and its magnificent cathedral – the perfect base for exploring the national park, water sports, fishing, cycling and mountain biking. (Welshpool to Brecon – 65 miles / 1 hr 40 mins)
Overnight in Brecon Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 10
Return to Cardiff
Head into Bannau Brycheiniog this morning and take your time to enjoy the stunning views, before your drive heads into the world-famous Welsh Valleys, the former industrial heartland of Wales. We recommend the Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery in Merthyr Tydfil, once the focal point of iron production during the Industrial Revolution and the most populated town in Wales at the turn of the 19th century. Continue on to Cardiff for the last night of your self-drive tour of Wales. (Brecon to Cardiff – 43 miles / 1 hr 10 mins)
Overnight in Cardiff Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 11
Leave Wales
Check out of your hotel this morning and shop for any additional souvenirs you may want. You can return your car to a convenient location and if required we can arrange transfers to the international airport or the train station with excellent links to London.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
10 nights accommodation in local hotel or guesthouse, including breakfast
Car hire – Toyota Aygo or similar (contact us for upgrade options and hire terms and conditions)
Walking tour of Cardiff
Detailed route guidance and 24 hours assistance
What’s Not Included
Travel to the start and end point – contact us for information and flight options
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Drinks at meals not mentioned
Fuel for car
Items of a personal nature
Optional extras – Snowdon Mountain Railway, entrance tickets for castles and other attractions
Tour Map
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Price & Availability
This is a private tour and can be arranged for any departure date. The itinerary can be tailor-made to your exact requirements.
From £975 per person
Based on two people travelling and sharing a room.
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