Day 01: London

Arrive London. Transfer to your hotel is included. You are free to enjoy London on your own. (Please note: hotel check-in is generally between 2 pm and 4 pm. If you are arriving in London early - the hotel should be happy to hold your luggage until your room is ready).

Day 02: Aberystwyth

• Bask in the peace and beauty of the Cotswolds villages
• Venture through the wondrously rolling hills of the Welsh borders

Make your own way to the London departure point - Greenline Coach Terminal, Bulleid Way, Victoria London - by 9 am (unless an optional transfer was purchased at the time of booking). Depart from London at 9:15 am. You leave London and travel west to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds. This area of outstanding natural beauty boasts England’s prettiest historic villages. Your friendly driver-guide ensures you get the best photos and hear the most fascinating local tales. Your first stop in Wales is Hay-on-Wye, the ‘town of books’, nestled just to the north of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The route then leads to the beautiful Elan Valley and up into the Cambrian Mountains. From there, it’s an hour or so to the beautiful seaside town and cultural center of Aberystwyth, where you spend the next two nights. You will be dropped off at your accommodation.

Day 03: Aberystwyth

• Admire the mountainous landscape of Snowdonia National Park
• Explore the ramparts of Harlech Castle

Travel north into the mountainous Snowdonia National Park. You visit the beautiful village of Beddgelert, where you can see the grave of ‘Gelert’, the legendary dog. Later you travel to Harlech Castle. Built by King Edward I during his conquest of Wales nearly 800 years ago, this mighty fortress still stands overlooking the peaks of Snowdonia and the sea. After a fulfilling day in the mountains, you return to Aberystwyth in late afternoon, where the remainder of the evening is free.

Day 04: Tenby

• Wander around New Quay and wish you could move into this picturesque little town
• Walk in the footsteps of the famous Welsh poet, Dylan Thomas

Leaving Aberystwyth, we travel around the coast of Cardigan Bay, through the pretty little planned town of Aberaeron to New Quay, with its charming sandy harbor containing fishing boats and its connections with Dylan Thomas. From the breakwater wall you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins or whales out in the bay. You then go inland to explore the Dinefwr Estate* (Newton House) and its ruined castle before heading for Wales’s south coast to visit Laugharne, where Dylan Thomas lived for the last few years of his life and wrote the famous play “Under Milk Wood”. From here, it’s a short distance to Tenby, the small, charming seaside town that’ll be your base for two nights. 

Day 05: Pembrokeshire

• Visit the only national park in Britain that’s dedicated to gorgeous coastline views
• Stumble upon the grand cathedral of Britain’s smallest city, St Davids

Our last full day in Wales is spent exploring the extreme southwest of the country, in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This region was the birthplace of both the patron saint of Wales, St. David, and the Twdyr (anglicized to Tudor) royal dynasty. After stopping in the county town of Pembroke itself, with yet another fabulous castle, you will travel on to the tiny cathedral city of St. David's for lunch and time to explore this magical place. In the afternoon, we return to Tenby to explore this colorful town, with its beachside Georgian Houses, cobbled alleys, and 13th-century medieval town walls. Overnight in Tenby.

Day 06: Tenby - London

• Delve deep into history at the National History Museum

• Wander around the quintessential Cotswold village of Castle Combe

Leaving Tenby in the morning, you begin your return journey to London. You travel past the big industrial cities of South Wales for a visit to the outdoor National Museum of History at St Fagans (public transport is available from the museum to central Cardiff for anyone who wishes to leave the tour at this point). From here, it’s time to say goodbye to Wales. You take the Severn Crossing back into England, where you have one final break at Castle Combe. This gorgeous Cotswold village is perfect for a relaxed stroll amongst 16th-century ironstone cottages. From here, you head back to central London.  Arrive back in London at approximately 7:30 pm. Make your own way back to your pre-booked London hotel.

Day 07: London - US

After breakfast, check out of your London hotel. A transfer to the airport is included that will collect you from your hotel to the airport. We welcome your feedback on your return home.