The Best of Wales In a Nutshell 2026

Overview

UPDATED TOUR

A firm favourite, we experience the best of Wales on this tour which offers your guests a true Welsh experience and the customary warm Welsh welcome. From Carmarthen to Caernarfon, we take in some of Wales’ most beautiful landscapes and popular attractions from both the south and north of the country, including Aberglasney, Tenby, Portmeirion, Llandudno, the Snowdon Mountain Railway, the Mumbles and the Gower Peninsula.

Itinerary

PACKAGED ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.

Day 2 Aberglasney Gardens & Tenby
After breakfast, we visit Aberglasney Gardens, one of the finest gardens in Wales, set in a serene and beautiful location. With 10 acres of magnificent gardens and a sub-tropical indoor garden in the mansion to explore, Aberglasney is a stunning venue for groups. In the afternoon, we make our way to the picturesque seaside resort of Tenby, from where we can enjoy fantastic views of Caldey Island, stroll around the pretty cobbled streets of the old town or simply enjoy the beach and harbour area. We have the option of visiting the Lovespoon Workshop located just outside of Tenby where we can enjoy a demonstration of the ancient tradition of carving Lovespoons (entrance is free of charge, pre-booking is advised).

Day 3 Parc Howard Museum, Mumbles & the Gower Peninsula
This morning, we visit the must-see Parc Howard Museum which showcases some of the greatest ideas and inventions from Llanelli, a town of innovation and change. We can browse the Painting Gallery showcasing some of the finest Welsh artists or the Llanelly Pottery Stories Gallery. Afterwards, we enjoy a scenic drive to the Mumbles en route to the beautiful Gower Peninsula. Enjoy the delightful scenery of this famous region with its picturesque cliffs, woodlands and beautiful beaches, perhaps with a stop for sightseeing and refreshments.

Day 4 Portmeirion & Caernarfon
This morning we check out of our hotel and depart Swansea, heading north and pausing at Aberystwyth. Afterwards we make our way to the beautiful village of Portmeirion. Created by the architect Clough Williams-Ellis from 1925 to 1975, he wanted to pay tribute to the atmosphere of the Mediterranean and show how a naturally beautiful site could be developed without spoiling it. At this unique attraction, we visit the lovely gardens, picturesque village and shops and perhaps enjoy a bite to eat (not included) in one of the six restaurants. We then continue our journey to Caernarfon, the location of our second hotel.

Day 5 Great Orme Tramway, Llandudno & Anglesey
Today, we make our way to the “queen of Welsh resorts”, Llandudno, where we spend time enjoying its beautiful Victorian architecture, Edwardian elegance, pier, shops and attractions. While there we enjoy a ride to the top of the Great Orme on the beautifully restored tram. In the afternoon, we continue our journey along the coast to the Menai Bridge, which takes us over the Menai Straits to Anglesey and the town of Beaumaris, home to Beaumaris Castle, regarded by many as the finest Edwardian castle in Wales. This pretty seaside town is home to a Victorian pier, pastel painted houses and a wide range of shops, tea rooms and pubs. On the way home we stop off briefly at Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch station (otherwise known as Llanfairpwll for short) for a quick photo of the longest name in Britain!

Day 6 Snowdon Mountain Railway & Llanberis
This morning we enjoy a scenic trip on the Snowdon Mountain Railway, a narrow-gauge rack and pinion railway that will take us from Llanberis to the summit of Mount Snowdon, the tallest peak in England and Wales. We spend a little time taking in the view at the Summit Visitor Centre, before making the return trip to Llanberis. We spend the afternoon at leisure back at our hotel or exploring Caernarfon. There is also the option of visiting the First Hydro Company’s Visitor Centre.

Day 7 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.

Map
Hotel

Celtic Royal Hotel

Caernarfon

AAA+

The traditional Celtic Royal Hotel is located just a 10-minute walk from Caernarfon’s walled old town and prides itself on its award-winning standards of customer service. All 112 guest rooms are well decorated and equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. The restaurant is bright and spacious and there is a contemporary pub-style bar offering plenty of comfortable seating. There are also four luxurious, cosy lounge areas with plenty of sofas and armchairs.

BarLeisure FacilitiesLiftParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities

Mercure Swansea

Swansea

AAA

Although located on a commercial estate, the modern Mercure Swansea Hotel is nestled within its own parkland and is perfectly positioned for touring Swansea, Carmarthenshire and the Gower Peninsula. All 119 bedrooms are modern, well decorated and equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. There is no lift but half of the bedrooms are located on the ground floor. There is a spacious café/bistro style restaurant, a modern, contemporary open plan bar with comfortable seating and an outside terrace.

BarGround Floor RoomsParking On Site & Free of ChargeRestaurantTea & Coffee making facilities
Pricing

Mercure Swansea

Swansea

 

Nights 1, 2 & 3

 

Celtic Royal Hotel

Caernarfon, North Wales

 

Nights 4, 5 & 6

 

6 Nights Half Board
Twin from £599pp
Double for Sole Use Supplement from £200
Based on Thursday arrivals

Inclusions
• Entrance to Aberglasney House & Gardens
• Entrance to Parc Howard Museum
• Entrance to Portmeirion
• Tram ride to the top of the Great Orme
• Return journey on the Snowdon Mountain Railway

Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.