Snowdonia, North Wales & Chester 3 days
Start/end in Manchester
Wed, Sat.
Conwy Castle - Set near an impressive pair of bridges, this brilliantly preserved 13th-century fortress is a visual treat.
Llanberis Slate Mine - This museum stands as testament to the people who worked in the mines of Elidir mountain.
Llandudno - Stroll along the longest pier in Wales and soak up the atmosphere of the seaside resort that oozes Victorian charm.
Snowdonia National Park - Discover the jagged peaks of Wales’ premier national park.
Portmeirion - The Italian Riviera meets North Wales in this spectacular village, home of the cult TV series The Prisoner.
Harlech Castle - UNESCO described this castle as one of "the finest examples of late 13th-century military architecture in Europe".
Chester - This ancient border city is a fascinating collection of Roman, Medieval, Tudor and modern city planning.
day 1 Llandudno
Savour the seaside life in the castle-crested town of Conwy
Discover the rugged natural beauty of the Isle of Anglesey
You leave Manchester and head straight for the border of Wales.
Your first stop of the day is Conwy. This little town deserves to win awards for most picture-perfect harbour town.
There’s a castle perched by the sea, the ‘world’s smallest house’, and lots of little restaurants boasting the best fish and chips.
After you’ve soaked up the sea air, you cross the world’s first modern day suspension bridge across the Menai Straits and onto Anglesey Island.
Prior to its construction, cattle farmers would have to persuade their herd to swim across the Menai Straits on their way to market. We head for the most westerly point of North Wales to marvel at the South Stack Lighthouse, sea cliffs, and nature reserve.
But that’s not all. You stop in the lovely seaside town of Beaumaris, and also visit the town of Llanfairpwllgwyngyll for a quick photo stop.
Then you travel back over the bridge and along the coastline to Llandudno, your overnight stop.
You are able to pre-purchase entrance tickets to the following attractions at the time of booking:
Conwy Castle
Harlech Castle
day 2 Llandudno
Capture the medieval spirit of Harlech Castle
Wind through mountains and mines in the Snowdonia National Park
Feel like you’re in the Mediterranean in one of Britain’s most idiosyncratic towns, Portmeirion
This morning when you head off, your first stop is to Betws-y-Coed. This beautiful little village is known as the gateway to Snowdonia National Park.
Next, sit back and watch Snowdonia’s mountains fly by as you continue onto Harlech Castle. This is one of our favourite castles in the whole of the UK. It boasts epic sea views and an amazingly war-torn history that involves a lot of dynamite.
You then venture to one of the most charming and unique villages in Wales, Portmeirion. This town is the brainchild of Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis. He wanted to demonstrate how a naturally beautiful location could be developed without spoiling it.
The result is a stunning piece of the Mediterranean transported into North Wales. You have free time here to explore and grab a bite to eat.
You head back to Llandudno for the evening.
day 3
Discover fascinating history at the Llanberis Slate Museum*
Wander through the fine, historic alleyways of Chester
After breakfast, your first stop is to the Llanberis Slate Museum*. The history of the second largest slate mine on the planet will stay in your memory for a long time.
For your lunch stop today, we head to Llangollen. Situated along the River Dee, this little town will steal your heart.
Next you’re off to one of England’s most historic towns, Chester. There’s a lot to do here, but we’d advise you just head to the Cathedral, you could spend a whole week in this fine building and not get bored.
You arrive back in Manchester in the early evening, or leave in Chester.
4-day South Wales, Cotswolds & Oxford
Tues Start/end in Bristol
8:15 departure from DoubleTree by Hilton, Redcliffe Way, Bristol,
Tenby - After a night in this beautiful medieval harbour town, you might never want to leave.
Carreg Cennen Castle - Protected by limestone cliffs to the south and rock-cut ditches to the west, this striking Welsh castle has a dramatic history.
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park - Each area of this national park is unique in its own way.
Hay–on–Wye - Booklovers are going to lose it when they visit the world’s first book town.
Stratford–upon–Avon - Spend the night in the birthplace of Shakespeare.
Cotswolds - Drive through and explore this iconic region, enjoying beautiful landscapes and villages along the way.
Oxford - Whether you’re excited for the internationally-acclaimed university, or for seeing locations where they shot Harry Potter, we know you’ll enjoy Oxford.
Pembrokeshire Coast - Backed by hills, estuaries, valleys, and woodlands, and a stunning coastline.
From coastal roads to the scenic Bannau Brycheiniog National Park mountain range, you'll be spoilt for views on this trip.
Awe-inspiring nature isn't all you're getting on this trip. History lovers will get their fill too. If you’ve always wondered what the fuss is all about over Oxford, now is the time to dive deep into the city and learn all about its past.
Day 1 Tenby
Leaving Bristol, your first main destination is St Davids, known as the smallest city in Britain. Despite its tiny stature, St Davids has claimed city status thanks to the 12th century cathedral found in the heart of the town. The cathedral is definitely worth a visit.
In the afternoon, your driver-guide will take you on a beautiful drive along the Pembrokeshire Coast in the south of Wales, choosing the best places to stop depending on what might interest the group. Hills, estuaries, valleys, and woodlands, this stunning region really has it all.
You arrive in Tenby in the early evening and this is your destination for the night. Settlement in Tenby town dates back to the 9th century, so no surprise there’s plenty to see here.
Day 2 Abergavenny
Wander the medieval town walls and castle of Tenby
Retrace Welsh poet Dylan Thomas’ steps in Laugharne
Marvel at Carreg Cennen Castle
You have the morning to explore Tenby and we’d highly recommend taking advantage. This town has some fascinating history and amazing things to see, including Tenby Castle and the medieval town walls.
Poetry lovers will enjoy the stop at the lovely town of Laugharne. Welsh poet Dylan Thomas lived here. Perhaps you’ll use your time for a quick refreshment since there are plenty of pubs to choose from.
In the afternoon you visit Castle Carreg Cennen. This incredible stronghold sits high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Cennen. There’s time here to explore the ruins and grab a quick bite for lunch.
We then treat you to a drive through the scenic Bannau Brycheiniog National Park mountain range. A perfect way to end the day before you arrive in Abergavenny for the evening.
Day 3 Stratford-upon-Avon
Lose yourself in the many bookstores of Hay-on-Wye. You then travel onwards to Ross-on-Wye, the UK’s best loved market town.
Then it’s time to head to Broadway, the picturesque village in the Cotswolds, before heading to Stratford-upon-Avon, your base for the night. You arrive in the birthplace of Shakespeare in the mid-afternoon so there’s still some time to explore and sort yourself out for dinner.
Day 4
Wander around the picturesque village of Chipping Campden, one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the UK, before heading to Bourton-on-the-Water. Quite a literal name, as this village boasts the beautiful River Windrush running through it.
You continue onto Oxford, your main stop for the day.
Famously known for its university, the city of Oxford has an interesting history and plenty of things to do and see. You can learn about some of it at the Ashmolean Museum, Britain’s oldest public museum. If museums aren’t your thing, there’s always Oxford Castle & Prison, a tour of the University and several Harry Potter locations to spot.
Enjoy a relaxing drive back through some of England’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the perfect way to end your day as you head to Bristol where your tour ends in the early evening.
3-day Yorkshire Dales & Peak District
Tues Start/end in Manchester
Castleton - This beautiful village shelters in the shadow of the scenic Shivering Mountain.
Monsal Headstone Viaduct - A landmark viaduct and walking route that spans the serene Monsal Dale
Bakewell - The attractive stone buildings and courtyards attract artists and photographers from around the world.
Chatsworth House - The magnificent grand house of the Devonshire family lies in a stunning estate. You can decide whether you get lost in the luxurious rooms or its famous maze.
York and the Dales - North England’s remote sheep-rearing valleys lay beside the bustling, history-rich city of York.
Goathland Village - The rugged moorland setting of this handsome village have shaped its architecture and outlook
York Minster - Majestic Gothic spires reach up into the York sky, a focal point for dramatic events throughout English history.
Robin Hood's Bay - This beautifully preserved fishing village offers a stunning contrast between its dainty cottages and rugged cliffs.
Peak District National Park - Broadleaved woodlands give way to sheltered deep valleys in this geological wonderland.
Day 1 Peak District
Wander through green mazes and ornate halls at Chatsworth House.
It’s time to leave the big city behind and travel to the Peak District.
In the late morning, you arrive in Castleton. This quaint old town attracts travellers from all over the world for its quintessential English charm. Nearby, there are caves, a beautiful view up a valley, and an insightful information centre.
You then venture to another beautiful valley at Monsal Head. There’s an old rail line viaduct that emerges from the green hills. It’s a gorgeous structure with an impressive history.
If you’re hungry, then you’re in luck, because you’re stopping for lunch in Bakewell. Not only is this town delicious to look at, but it’s also the home of one of England’s most famous desserts, the Bakewell Pudding.
You should ensure you’ve cleaned up the crumbs, because now you’re heading to Chatsworth House. This luxurious stately home is incredible; you can admire architecture, get lost in a massive maze, or praise precious art.
You head off in the early evening to your overnight stop in York.
Day 2
Visit a magnificent cathedral and learn about the Viking past in York
Explore two essential harbour towns at Whitby and Robin Hood Bay
You have the choice to spend your whole day in York or come with us on a day trip around the nearby sights.
If you choose to stay in York, you can visit a chocolate museum, find out about the Vikings, or stroll around the ancient walls.
Alternatively, you may head out with us to Goathland in the morning. This town was used in the Harry Potter movies and is situated in one of the largest expanses of heather moorland in the UK. Your next stop on the day trip is Whitby. This is the type of town everyone dreams of retiring in. There’s a beautifully located, ruined abbey; old stone steps curving around viewpoints; and a lovely little beach to play about on. After exploring all the nooks and crannies of Whitby, you travel to Robin Hood’s Bay. They doubt if the real Robin Hood ever came here, but there are still plenty of smugglers tales dotted around this remarkable harbour village.
You arrive back in York mid-afternoon with time to admire the famous cathedral.
Day 3
Satiate your taste buds with a classic English cake and a famous cheese
Praise the marvels of one of the largest ruined abbeys in England at Fountains Abbey
It’s time to say goodbye to York, England’s capital of Vikings and chocolate.
And although it’s your last day, there’s still plenty more to see. You first take the road to Fountains Abbey. This is one of the largest ruined abbeys in England and part of an important UNESCO Heritage site.
You then find yourself surrounded by some of England’s most lovely waterfalls at Aysgarth.
Now, there’s a delicious lunch for you, because you’re travelling around Wensleydale, home of England’s most famous cheese.
You travel past the epic Ribblehead railway viaduct before having a short snoop around the old castle-topped town of Clitheroe.
You arrive in Manchester in the evening.