Welsh Wanderer - 5 days

London - Hay-on-Wye - Aberystwyth. Departing central London this morning, we drive away from the city and into the Cotswolds area of outstanding natural beauty. Pass through charming English postcard villages, stopping for photos and whenever we come across a site of interest.





Crossing into Wales, we stop first at Hay-on-Wye, nestled just outside the Brecon Beacons and known as the 'town of books' thanks to its large number of bookshops. Driving into the Elan Valley and the Cambrian Mountains we can enjoy the scenery before reaching the seaside town of Aberystwyth, home for the next two nights.





Please note: Check-in closes at 09:00 on day 1 (tour departs at 09:15) - Stance 3, Greenline Coach Terminal London, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London, SW1W 9SH.





Accommodation: Bodalwyn, GwesTY Guest House, The Glengower or similar

Taking a day trip from Aberystwyth, we head into the mountains of Snowdonia National Park, and stop in the village of Beddgelert. Here lies the grave of Gelert, the legendary dog, slain by Llywelyn the Great. This medieval Welsh ruler believed Gelert had devoured his baby and so killed him, when in fact Gelert had been protecting the infant from a wolf. Llywelyn never smiled again, or so the story goes.





Our next stop is Harlech Castle. Built by King Edward I during his conquest of Wales around 800 years ago, this fortress overlooks both the mountains of Snowdonia and the ocean. Returning to Aberystwyth, the rest of today is at leisure.





Accommodation: Bodalwyn, GwesTY Guest House, The Glengower or similar

Aberystwyth - New Quay - Tenby. Departing Aberystwyth, we travel along the coastline of Cardigan Bay, through charming Aberaeron to New Quay. This whitewashed town is on the beach, and there's time to wander on foot - keep your eyes peeled for whales off the coast!





Heading inland, we visit Dinefwr Estate (or Carreg Cennen Castle if it is closed) and the ruined castle located here before making a short stop in Laugharne where famous Welsh poet and playwright Dylan Thompson lived and wrote his iconic work 'Under Milk Wood'. We then complete our drive to the seaside town of Tenby, where we spend the night.





Accommodation: Southcliff Guest House or similar

Tenby - Pembrokeshire Coast National Park - St Davids - Pembroke - Tenby. We spend our last full day in Wales uncovering the country's south-west. Take in the scenic coastline of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, birthplace of the patron saint of Wales - St David. We then travel to the UK's smallest city, which is named after the patron saint. There's free time for lunch in St Davids before we visit the rural town of Pembroke, home to some well preserved medieval walls and a ruined castle. Returning to Tenby, our final evening is at leisure.





Accommodation: Southcliff Guest House or similar

Tenby - St Fagans - Castle Combe - London. We begin our journey back to London this morning. There's a stop at the National Museum of History in St Fagans (it is possible to leave the tour here and travel by public transport to Cardiff, should you wish). We then take the Severn Crossing back into England and enjoy a stop in the Cotswolds village of Castle Combe, the perfect place for a stroll and to enjoy a quintessential English village. We then complete our drive back to London.





Please note: This tour ends at 19:30 - London Victoria Drop Off, Stance 3, Greenline Coach Terminal, Bulleid Way, Victoria, London, SW1W 9SH.