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North Wales Sampler – Celts, Castles & Gardens

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Llandudno, Conwy, Bodnant Welsh Food, Bodnant Gardens, Snowdonia National Park, steam train ride, Caernarfon Castle, Isle of Anglesey, Chirk Castle​

4 days from Manchester

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“I never realized that Wales was such a beautiful country…tour of Wales was a revelation. Traveling with the small group of us in our trusty mini-van was definitely the way to see it! Thanks… ”

Jessie
Overviewicon Itineraryicon

This is a suggested tour itinerary for private departures, adjustable to best suit your specific wishes. Price based on how many travelers, your chosen package inclusions and your chosen level of accommodation.

 

This tour begins and ends in Manchester.

 

TENTATIVE ITINERARY

Day 1

We depart central Manchester meeting point at approximately 09:00. Garden lovers are in for a treat visiting Bodnant Gardens. Quoting from their own website, it’s “one of the most beautiful gardens in the UK”, spanning some 80 acres and situated above the River Conwy. The upper garden around Bodnant Hall consists of the terraced gardens and informal lawns shaded by trees. The lower portion, known as the “The Dell,” is formed by the valley of the River Hiraethlyn and contains ‘the wild garden.’

 

Enjoy a visit to Bodnant Welsh Food where guests can sample local specialties as they choose. Within the centre, explore the award winning farm shop and perhaps sample Bodnant’s own produce, local cheeses and treats such as Welsh cakes.

 

Our accommodation stop will be either the lovely Victoria seaside town of Llandudno or the walled, castle city of Conwy. We’ll be sure to explore both during our stay in the area.

 

Accommodation: Can-Y-Bae Llandudno, Castle Hotel Conwy or similar http://www.can-y-baehotel.com/  http://www.castlewales.co.uk/

Day 2

The iconic Caernarfon Castle, a fairy tale like structure built as part of Edward I domination programme of the 13th century, is our first port of call today. Caernarfon is possibly the most famous of Wales’s 641 castles. The castle’s majestic persona is no architectural accident, it was designed as the dream castle, ‘the fairest that ever man saw’ of Welsh myth and legend.

 

The rest of our day will be spent discovering the Isle of Anglesey. This ancient and mystic island offers an astounding wealth of attractions including prehistoric burial chambers, Celtic and Viking settlements, fabulous flora and fauna, and the village with the World’s longest name – Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerchwyrndrobwllllandysilliogogogoch.

 

Spring and summer turn Anglesey into a giant rock garden, carpeted with flowers of every hue. The island’s geography is a natural haven for wildlife with its wildly contrasting variety of sheer cliffs, sheltered coves, estuaries, dunes, wetlands and woodlands. If we’re lucky, we may just catch sight of puffins, guillemots, seal colonies or perhaps some dolphins glimpsed from the shore. Fingers crossed and cameras ready for the possibility!

 

Accommodation: Llandudno/Conwy, same property as above

 

Day 3

What better way to start our day than with a breathtaking scenic drive through the very heart of Snowdonia! Enjoy the stunning landscape of Snowdonia National Park. One dominating peaks, the highest in England and Wales, the park features narrow mountain passes, flowing stream, cascading waterfalls, sheep-covered uplands and verdant, hidden valleys. Certainly, an ancient Welsh culture and language still thrives here today. Explore it in true off the beaten track fashion taking you beyond the regular tourist haunts downs tracks and paths that will have you gasping!

 

Our day will include a visit to one of the local craftspeople – a local Welsh winery, a cheese farm or a woolen mill. Our day will also include a steam train journey through the mountains.

 

Accommodation: Llandudno/Conwy, same property as above

Day 4

For our final day together, more wonderful scenery is in store! Nearby scenic Lake Bala, visit Llangollen, the small town that ‘Welcomes the World’ each year as host to the Wales International Music Festival.

 

Also today is Chirk Castle. This castle, built in the time of Edward I, has been home to the Myddleton family for over 500 years. Featuring some of the best gardens in Wales, the estate was landscaped in the 18thCentury. yew topiary, a 17th century lime tree arcade. With a view over 9 counties, it’s a perfect finish to our North Wales adventure!

 

 

 

Please note: All attraction opening times are correct at time of printing this website. While we will do our utmost to include all of the properties mentioned as central visits, we reserve the right to change an attraction should it become impossible to deliver a planned visit due to changes in opening days or times beyond our control.

 

Please note that your final day to day itinerary may fluctuate to accommodate variable opening times/days for listed attractions, special events and places of interest. Please discuss your needs with us for an individual itinerary with rate quote.

 

Oft imitated, never duplicated! This is an original SGT itinerary, property of Special Group Tours and to be used only with express permission/in conjunction with SGT.

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What Your Tour Package Includes

This is a suggested tour itinerary and can be modified to best you your individual wishes.

 

Suggested tour package includes: # of touring days with vehicle & exclusive services of your driver/guide/companion, your accommodation for # nights while on the tour including full breakfasts, all taxes and tips other than those you may wish to give your guide. Your price also can include dinners and/or entrance fees to attractions or these items can be left out of the up front package/to be paid directly for maximum flexibility. Airport transfers, accommodation pre and post tour, scheduled city day tours/attraction passes/transport passes or theatre/event tickets can be added to your package as you wish, subject to availability.

 

SGT is at your service!

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The Special Group Tours Advantage is our unique and intimate understanding of what you expect traveling in the UK and Europe. We have not only visited but have spent many years living in and loving the cultures you will experience down the ‘B’ Roads and off the beaten track. We have worked with local suppliers and our guide/companion team for over a decade, creating unique special interest itineraries. Special Group Tours offers our “insider” knowledge to you.

 

The SGT Small Group Touring Concept is traveling with just 4 - 14 guests per departure. It is our aim to introduce you to the 'real' country and its people, not just ticking the boxes of a standardized route and treating you as an individual and not a number. Our concept allows for a leisurely touring pace and flexibility to get off the beaten track to discover hidden gems. Of course you'll see the major sites but so much more too!

 

At Special Group Tours, it is our priority that you have the most enjoyable holiday possible. You deserve it!