Epic Heights and Depths of Wild North Wales Llanberis

4 Days - Mon 14th August 2023

+£100 Single Supplement

Includes Snowdon Mountain Railway, Penrhyn Castle, boat ride and salt experience!

This tour brings us inspiration, mammoth mountains, visionary voyages, wildlife wonders as well as taste tantalization! A seacoast safari takes us up close to magnificent scenery and wildlife on a Puffin Island cruise. We can ‘Pass the salt’ on a behind-the-scenes tour at Halen Môn - Anglesey ‘Pure’ Sea Salt, where an age-old craft produces crunchy white flakes enjoyed worldwide, as you hear how this culinary Welsh ‘gold’ is a vital ingredient to tasty treats. We rumble up a steep climb on Britain’s only public ‘rack’ railway to the summit of stunning Snowdon. Finally, we step behind the scenes at Penrhyn castle to discover formidable architecture, Victorian grandeur, and fine interiors. All this in a fantastic scenic setting.

Monday We head north and make a lunch time stop in the city of Chester. From here we follow the North Wales coast all the way before cutting inland to our hotel.

Tuesday In the morning we visit the coast and make a stop in the seaside resort of Criccieth with its castle between two beaches. Then in the afternoon we return to Llanberis and catch the Snowdon Mountain Railway for a ride which takes us up to the summit of Snowdon. On its route it crosses two viaducts and then has wonderful views of the surrounding area. Free time near the summit before we return.

Wednesday Penrhyn Castle sits dominant between Snowdonia and the Menai Strait, and we immerse ourselves in a revealing behind-the-scenes tour. This mediaeval manor houses an outstanding collection of treasure and is set in sixty-acres of grounds. Then over the Menai Bridge to the Isle of Anglesey for an eighty-minute boat trip to Puffin Island at the entrance to the Menai Straights, it was once home to a saint and his monastery is still visible. It is now a bird sanctuary and resting site for many species. Cormorants and shags are on the island all year round as are the resident Atlantic Grey Seals.

Thursday Back onto Anglesey again but we head south this time to Halen Môn Pure Sea Salt where a trained guide shows us how Welsh ‘gold’ sea salt is used by chefs and celebrities in twenty-two countries of the world. Our final stop is Caernarfon. Caernarfon is home to Wales’ most famous castle, and it is a UNESCO world heritage site. It’s narrow town centre streets and stylishly redeveloped waterfront are also worth a visit.

Friday We return by a different route with a final drive through Snowdonia before we make a lunch time stop in Llangollen.

Holiday Inclusions

• Return coach travel

Holiday Inclusions

• Return coach travel

• Tours as indicated (including boat trip)

• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

Royal Victoria Hotel

Located at the foot of Snowdon in its own thirty-acres of gardens and woodland. BAR

• Tours as indicated (including boat trip, railway, Penrhyn Castle and salt experience)

• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

West Wales & Snowdonia Barmouth

5 Days

Mon 19th June 2023

Mon 4th September 2023

Single rooms now sold out - call to add to wait list.

Barmouth is where the mountains meet the sea and you will love the area, the people and the scenery. The town is west facing over Cardigan Bay so the sunsets are spectacular. It is great to be heading back to the Min Y Mor Hotel where our feedback is always amazing.

Monday Grand scenery as we travel via Bridgnorth, and a lunchtime stop in Shrewsbury. Then on through the Cambrian mountains viewing Lake Bala enroute.

Tours whilst at resort

A | We make a morning stop in the small but flourishing town of Machynlleth, where Wednesday is market day. Then more wonderful scenery as we encounter the impressive Cader Idris mountain on our way to Aberystwyth. Walk along its promenade and maybe take a ride on the cliff railway to enjoy spectacular views (not included).

On our return we enjoy the scenic coastal route via Tywyn.

B | We head into Snowdonia and enjoy views of Snowdon as we travel via Capel-Curig to our first stop of the day in Betws-y-Coed, a village nestling in densely wooded hills. We then follow the pretty River Conwy to the resort of Llandudno where we make a stop. We return on a different route through the mountains via Blaenau Ffestiniog and make our way back to Barmouth on the scenic coastal route past Harlech Castle.

C | Free day to explore Barmouth, or maybe take a ride on the Cambrian Coast Railway. Hugging the coastline, the line offers spectacular views and interesting places to see. (cost not included)

Friday We return by a completely different route with more wonderful mountain scenery via Rhayader and Builth Wells to our lunchtime stop in Llandirdnod Wells.

West Wales & Pembrokeshire Coast Gwbert

5 Days - Mon 28th August 2023

+£48 Single Supplement

Includes Picton Castle and National Wool Museum, plus free use of hotel spa!

We see the great coastal scenery in this area of West Wales and we have included two fascinating guided tours. We love the Cliff Hotel & Spa and they offer all guests an hours’ use of the spa each day for no additional cost.

Monday Following a lunchtime stop in Abergavenny we enjoy a scenic journey via the Brecon Beacons to West Wales where we are met at our hotel with a welcome drink.

Tuesday Into Pembrokeshire National Park and we follow the scenic coast road through to a stop in St David’s for an early lunch time stop, it is a beautiful and unique city surrounded by some of the finest coastline in Europe. We then continue the coastal road to visit Picton Castle and Gardens where we have a guided tour. The castle is half manor house and half Mediaeval castle, set in forty-acres of stunning gardens.

Wednesday Following the coast road northwards today, with its picturesque villages that cling to the sides of the hills rising above the blue waters of Cardigan Bay, we make our way to Aberystwyth, nestling between three hills and two beaches. Here we have the option of taking the Vale of Rheidol Railway on a return journey to Devil’s Bridge and back. (cost not included) Or spend your time in Aberystwyth itself which has much to offer including shopping, promenade, cliff railway and an observatory.

Thursday Up the Teifi Valley to Cenarth, a conservation village huddled around spectacular waterfalls. We then continue up the valley to the National Wool Museum where we enjoy an informative guided tour and let the story of wool weave its magic in this unique working museum!

Friday Home with a stop at The Mumbles, undoubtedly one of the finest seaside villages in the UK.

Seafront hotel and is a great place to escape and unwind.

BAR | WIFI minymor.com

Holiday Inclusions

• Return coach travel

• Tours as indicated

• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

A renowned 3-star hotel with great facilities and stunning views of the Pembrokeshire coast LIFT | BAR | POOL | GYM SAUNA | STEAM ROOM | SPA HYDRO SPA cliffhotel.com

Holiday Inclusions

• Return coach travel

• Tours as indicated (including Picton Castle and National Wool Museum)

Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

Gower Peninsula LLanelli

5 Days - Sun 30th July 2023

Single rooms now sold out - call to add to wait list.

Includes a local guide, heritage centre and steam train ride!

We spend the week in an ‘area of outstanding natural beauty’ with two included attractions and a day in beautiful Tenby. All whilst based in a 3-star hotel with great leisure facilities.

Glorious Gower Peninsula | LLanelli

5 Days - Mon 9th October 2023

+£100 Single Supplement

Includes local guide, National Botanic Gardens of Wales, Plus Gower Heritage Centre and a cream tea!

NEW TOUR!

A much-loved Welsh destination, epitomized by the beautiful golden beaches of the Gower Peninsula and the welcoming seaside resort of Tenby. Savour the beautiful land and seascapes on this tour and explore the award winning National Botanic Garden of Wales.

Monday A lunchtime stop in Abergavenny and a lovely drive through the Brecon Beacons to Tenby.

Tours whilst at resort

Sunday A lunchtime stop in Abergavenny and a lovely drive through the Brecon Beacons to Tenby.

Tours whilst at resort

A | We experience the sheer beauty of the Gower including a stop at the Gower Heritage Centre which offers crafts, a watermill and a museum. We have a tour of the mill and then a local guide joins us on our coach for a tour of the best of the Gower.

B | All day in Tenby, a historic seaside resort with natural charm, narrow streets, harbour and beautiful beaches.

C | We travel to Carmarthen for a lunchtime stop, where there is good shopping and Wednesday is market day. Then on to Gwili Steam Railway where we are welcomed aboard a most popular steam train trip for a scenic, memorable ride! Journey through pretty fields, over sparkling rivers on this steam-powered locomotive trip.

Thursday We head towards home with a stop in Cardiff, with unique attractions and quality shopping all in walking distance.

A | We experience the sheer beauty of the Gower including a stop at the Gower Heritage Centre which offers crafts, a watermill, and a museum. We have a tour of the mill and then a local guide joins us on our coach for a tour of the best of the Gower. We are also treated to a cream tea.

B | All day in Tenby, a historic seaside resort with natural charm, narrow streets, harbour and beautiful beaches.

C | We begin the day at the National Botanic Gardens of Wales, nestled in the Tywi Valley. The gardens combine themed displays, rolling parkland and secluded woodland. The award-winning Great Glasshouse is home to a profusion or rare, fragrant, exotic and even spooky plants. Then on to Carmarthen, one of Wales’ oldest towns for a short stop.

Friday We head towards home with a stop in Cardiff, with unique attractions and quality shopping all in walking distance.

Diplomat Hotel & Spa

3-star hotel with warm hospitality, style and sophistication. Plus great leisure facilities. LIFT | BAR | GYM

INDOOR POOL | JACUZZI | SAUNA | STEAM ROOM diplomat-hotel-wales.com

Holiday Inclusions

• Return coach travel

• Tours as indicated

• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

Diplomat Hotel & Spa

3-star hotel with warm hospitality, style and sophistication. Plus, great leisure facilities.

LIFT | BAR | INDOOR POOL | GYM JACUZZI | SAUNA | STEAM ROOM diplomat-hotel-wales.com

Holiday Inclusions

• Return coach travel

• Tours as indicated (including Heritage centre, local guide, cream tea and Botanic Gardens)

• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

4 & 6 Days From £329

&

Loch Lomond

All Inclusive Scottish House Party! | Drymen

4 Days - Fri 20th October 2023

+£82 Single Supplement

NEW TOUR!

4 Days (Inc. tour A)

Fri 22nd September 2023 £389

Fri 20th October 2023 £329

6 Days (Inc. all tours)

Sun 6th August 2023 £559

Pembrokeshire is known throughout the world for its awesome coastal scenery and its golden sands are backed by towering cliffs. Tenby is one of the UK’s favourite seaside towns, it is steeped in ancient history and surrounded by an imposing medieval stone wall.

First Day A lunchtime stop in Abergavenny and a lovely drive through the Brecon Beacons to Tenby.

Tours whilst at resort

A | A grand circular tour of Pembrokeshire starts as we cross the Cleddau Bridge and travel along the coast road known for its ‘Seventeen Hills in Sixteen Miles’ through Newgale Beach and the quaint little village of Solva to St. Davids. Where ample time is allowed for lunch and to view the cathedral, the largest in Wales. We continue along the Irish Sea coast to Fishguard and then return to Tenby to complete a wonderful day.

B | Another day exploring Pembrokeshire as we take a beautiful morning drive along the coast through Penally and Lydstep to St Govans. We continue through Merrion, Hundleton and pass the impressive, Mediaeval fortress of Pembroke Castle. Our late lunch and afternoon are spent in Saundersfoot, a fishing village at the foot of a picturesque, wooded valley.

C | We travel to Carmarthen for a lunchtime stop, where there is good shopping and Wednesday is market day. Then on to Laugharne for a short stop in this attractive village. Our return to Tenby takes in Pendine Sands and the narrow coast road past Amroth Castle, where during the last twenty-five years all the houses on the sea-ward side have been washed away.

Holiday Inclusions

Our hotel has a fantastic scenic location just a couple of miles from stunning Loch Lomond and there is a huge amount packed into our visit both at the hotel and sight-seeing trips by coach nearby. There is a glass of wine each night with dinner and then an open bar on selected drinks from 19:30 – 22:30. There is a full Scottish show one-night, live musical entertainment on another and finally a Scottish weaponry display with swords, kilts, and storytelling. We visited this hotel for the first time in 2022 and customers loved it!

Friday To Glasgow and we cross the River Clyde across the Erskine Bridge then on to Loch Lomond and our hotel.

Saturday We pick up our packed lunch and head into the Trossachs ‘the highland in miniature’ and we enjoy a scenic drive via the Duke’s Pass, taking in Loch Achray & Loch Venachar, on the way to our lunchtime stop in Stirling. Stirling is a wee city with a big history and punches well above its weight with historic attractions, spectacular scenery, and great shopping! You may wish to visit the castle (not included) which has magnificent views.

Sunday We follow the banks of Loch Lomond and make a short stop in Luss, on the banks of the Loch, before returning to the hotel for soup and sandwiches. In the afternoon we visit nearby Loch Lomond Shores with over 100 shops and fabulous views via easy access walks.

Monday We head home.

Clarence House Hotel Superbly situated with stunning sea views. BAR | LIFT clarencehotel-tenby.co.uk

• Return coach travel

• Tours as indicated

• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

Winnock Hotel, Drymen

A warm welcome awaits at this 3-star hotel which is a former coaching inn dating back to the 1700s that has been lovingly restored.

BAR | FREEVIEW TV | GROUND FLOOR ROOMS winnockhotel.com

Holiday Inclusions

• Return coach travel

• Tours as indicated

• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast, evening meal & 2 lunches

Majestic Scottish Borders | Peebles

5 Days - Mon 18th September 2023

+£100 Single Supplement

Includes three castles, a distillery and Edinburgh!

On the rugged, hilly Scotland-England border, we enjoy a varied tour of boundless local bounty. A piper’s welcome and towering turrets await our arrival at Thirlestane Castle. A very different welcome awaits at Floors Castle, an established Scottish icon and majestic architectural gem. We visit the most comfortable jail in Scotland at Jedburgh, keep your eyes peeled for ghostly sightings, then after we calm our nerves with a wee dram at Borders Distillery!

Monday North and over the border to our hotel in Peebles.

Tuesday Our first visit is Thirlestane Castle, a 16th century five storey tower house in unmissable rose-pink sandstone with fairy-tale turrets, where we are met with a piper’s welcome! We are here out of hours and get a guided tour. Then free time in Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh.

Wednesday Dubbed the most comfortable jail in Scotland, Jedburgh Castle Jail, with the appearance of a grand castle, is a 4-star visitor experience giving a true taste of 1820’s prison life as well as being the town museum. We can walk the original cells with a storyteller who brings the experience to life. Then to the world-famous town of Hawick, home to five premium products and where cashmere and tweed were invented! We have a tour and tasting at Borders Distillery and free time to explore the other shops including Lockies, Hawico & Lovat Mill.

Thursday To an iconic country house rather than a fortress, Floors castle is the largest inhabited house in Scotland, home to eleven generations of Duke of Roxburghe. A true fairy tale we can discover collections of fine art, porcelain, tapestries in grand rooms set among 52,000 acres of Borders landscapes, and stunning Victorian walled gardens. After visiting the castle we have a tour of the gardens. Free time in the town of Peebles before we return to our hotel.

Friday We return home.

Barony Castle Hotel

3-star hotel that was 16th century castle and has transformed into a luxury hotel with full leisure facilities.

LIFT (please request) | BAR

TV | POOL | SAUNA

| GYM baronycastle.com

Holiday Inclusions

• Return coach travel

• Tours as indicated (Including Thirlestane Castle, Jedburgh Castle, Floors Castle and Borders Distillery)

• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal

Jacobite Steam Train and Loch Ness Cruise Fort William

7 Days - Sun 8th October 2023

+£109 Single Supplement

Spectacular Highland scenery awaits on one of the world’s most famous rail journeys and along the most infamous of lochs. We pass through The Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park on our way to Fort William, and return through the Cairngorms National Park, so even our travelling days are full of scenery and interest. This year we’ve improved the holiday by staying at the 3-star Tinto Hotel in Biggar on the first night of the holiday and the 4-star Dryfesdale Country House Hotel near Lockerbie on the last night. This means we have longer to explore and enjoy Scotland.

Sunday We head north to the border and make a stop at Gretna Green before continuing to our hotel, the 3-star Tinto Hotel in Biggar.

Monday We travel by Edinburgh, over the Forth Estuary and into the highlands. We make a short lunchtime stop in Pitlochry with its clear sparkling air, beautiful scenery, and rich clan history. From here we have great highland scenery as we travel through the Cairngorms National Park to our hotel for four nights in Fort William.

Tuesday We board the Jacobite steam train for a four-hour return journey on what’s regarded as one of the world’s greatest rail journeys to Mallaig and back. This was the route used by the Hogwarts Express and there are views of the mighty Ben Nevis, Loch Morar and we travel over the famous twenty-one arch Glenfinnan viaduct. A truly magical experience and we have free time in Mallaig before our return.

Wednesday To Fort Augustus, a lovely town where the Caledonian Canal meets Loch Ness. Following free time, we board our boat for a wonderfully relaxing cruise on Loch Ness with stunning views of Urquhart Castle and possibly Nessie!

Thursday In to the northern Cairngorms and we make a stop in Aviemore. We return in time for you to spend time in Fort William.

Friday We return south on a different route with more superb Highland scenery including Ben Nevis. We make a short stop in Glencoe and then at Loch Lomond shores with shops, eating options and walks on the banks of the loch. Our overnight hotel is the 4-star Dryfesdale Country House.

Saturday We return home.

Main: Alexandra Hotel

Providing traditional Scottish hospitality this 3-star hotel has a great location with everything nearby and full use of the leisure facilities at the nearby Ben Nevis Hotel. WIFI | BAR | POOL & at Ben Nevis Hotel: GYM | SAUNA STEAM ROOM | JACUZZI strathmorehotels-thealexandra.com

Holiday Inclusions

• Return coach travel

• Tours as indicated (including train ride and boat cruise)

• Hotel accomodation of bed, breakfast and evening meal