Day 1 - We start with a local departure and travel to Wales and our hotel – the Beaches Hotel, Prestatyn.
Day 2 – North Wales Coast and Penrhyn Castle- we visit the North Wales coast, dotted with bays, sandy beaches, villages and resorts, passing Rhyll and Colwyn Bay to Llandudno where there is time for you to explore at your leisure. We then visit nearby Penrhyn Castle. This enormous 19th century neo-Norman castle is crammed with fascinating items such as a 1 ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria, elaborate carvings, plasterwork, mock-Norman furniture and an outstanding collection of paintings. The stable block houses a fascinating industrial railway museum. The 60 acres of grounds include parkland, an exotic tree and shrub collection and a Victorian walled garden.
Day 3 – a journey to the rooftop of Wales. We travel through the Welsh Highlands to join the 4.7 mile rail journey at Llanberis to Snowdon’s summit – the highest peak in Wales and a place of legend. At 3,506 feet it dominates the landscape, with stunning views of ancient landscapes. At the summit there is a ‘state of the art’ Visitor Centre with a restaurant and a path leading to Snowdon’s summit. Close-by we visit the National Slate Museum – travel back to Victorian times, see the workshops, split a slate and hear the stories giving a real insight into the hardships of quarry life.
Day 4 – Anglesey and Puffin Island Cruise. Firstly Caernarfon, a town dating back to the 13th century, dominated by Caernarfon Castle, built by Edward I and is surely one of the most impressive castles in Wales and worthy of its World Heritage status. Later we venture over the Menai Straights and on to the Isle of Anglesey. Photo stop at the impressive Beaumaris Castle, a great unfinished masterpiece, built in 1295. Nearby we join the cruise to Puffin Island – home to many species of birds and wildlife. The 1½ hour cruise takes you right round the island with regular sightings of puffins, grey seals and dolphins.
Day 5 – after breakfast we bid a fond farewell to Wales and travel back to the Midlands.
Your Hotel – 3* Beaches Hotel, Prestatyn. This hotel has a beautiful beach location. There is an indoor pool, sauna and steam room. There is a large reception lounge with a fireplace and a games room as well as a bar and restaurant.
Important Note: If any aspect of the tour is unavailable for any reason, compensation will not be payable.