North Wales - Mountains and Lakes

Prices From: $807
Days: 4 days

On this tour you'll see the fantastic scenery of the Snowdonia National Park and the most impressive range of 12th Century castles of anywhere in the British Isles.

Itinerary

A 4 day tour in to north Wales enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Snowdonia National Park and the most impressive range of 12th Century castles of anywhere in the British Isles. Experience a tranquil Victorian coastal resort, a steam train ride into the mountains, industrial slate mines, prehistoric tombs, Roman remains and Europe's second oldest spoken language.

Day 1 - Chester, Victorian Llandudno and Medieval Conwy

We depart Manchester and en route to North Wales, we stop at Chester enjoying a tour of the Roman walled town with its cathedral and medieval shopping 'rows' before continuing to Llandudno. Llandudno is an elegant Victorian seaside resort with traditional pier, covered shopping streets, a flower-filled promenade and Victorian townhouses overlooking the bay, all reminiscent of a bygone age. We follow the coast a short distance to our second walled city of the day at Conwy. This wall was erected in the 12th century by Norman conquerors and with the massive castle dominating one corner, it makes this harbour town one of the most interesting in the UK. We'll find what claims to be Britain's smallest house, as well as an impressively restored mediaeval one. Climbing the turrets of one of Edward I 's most imposing fortresses will not be forgotten in a hurry!

Day 2 - Mount Snowdon and the Llyn Peninsula

Today we explore the heart of Snowdonia. This National Park has one of the dominating peaks (the highest in England and Wales ) and covers narrow mountain passes, flowing streams, cascading waterfalls, sheep-covered uplands and verdant, hidden valleys. It has been claimed that these secluded valleys were home to the real King Arthur . Certainly, an ancient Welsh culture and language still thrives here today. We'll explore taking you beyond the regular tourist haunts downs tracks and paths that will have you gasping! Our day will also include a visit to the great slate mine at Blaenau Ffestiniog, or copper mine at Sygun, a steam train journey through the mountains on a half-guage railway, a woollen mill, Harlech and the Llyn Peninsula .

Day 3 - Caernarfon and the Isle of Angelsey

Following a visit to Caernarfon, we continue to the Isle of Anglesey , crossing the Menai Straits by Thomas Telford's famed suspension bridge - a wonder of the age of the industrial revolution. This ancient and mystic island offers an astounding wealth of attractions including prehistoric burial chambers and monuments, Celtic and Viking settlements, fabulous flora and forna, and the village with the World's longest name - Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerchwyrndrobwllllandysilliogogogoch. There's the fabulously pretty harbour of Beaumaris with its Victorian gaol (it has the only working tread-mill wheel in Britain). Anglesey's geography is a natural haven for birds, with its wildly contrasting variety of sheer cliffs, sheltered coves, estuaries, dunes, heaths, wetlands, lakes and woodlands. Along the coast you will discover major breeding colonies of puffins, guillemots, razorbills, terns and cormorants - among many other species. Seal colonies are a common sight on the rockier stretches of the coastline, whilst dolphins can sometimes be glimpsed from shore. We'll spend the full day exploring this unique corner of the British Isles.

Day 4 - Bodnant Gardens, Llangollen and Lake Bala

Garden lovers are in for a treat this morning with a visit to Bodnant gardens. Quoting from their own website, it's "one of the most beautiful gardens in the UK", spanning some 80 acres and is situated above the River Conwy on ground sloping towards the west and looking across the valley towards the Snowdonia range. This afternoon we drive via Lake Bala to Llangollen. From the canal wharf you embark on either a horse drawn boat trip along the feeder for the main canal, or a motorised aqueduct cruise which takes you across the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct built by Thomas Telford. It's an unforgettable way to complete our North Wales explorer.

Optional Extras

Pre or post tour accommodation.
Private or rail airport transfers.

Make your mini-tour part of an extended city break in Manchester.

Make this itinerary part of an extended customized rail tour.
Combine this tour with the "Lake District and Lancashire Dales " or the "Red Dragon Tour of South Wales " mini-tours.

Prices

Prices

Dates and Rates

Departs Manchester every other Saturday throughout 2009 season.

Departure Dates	Price
Apr 18th 2009	US$819
May 2nd, 16th and 30th 2009	US$819
Jun 13th and 27th 2009	US$819
Jul 11th and 25th 2009	US$819
Aug 8th and 22nd 2009	US$819
Sept 5th and 19th 2009	US$819
Oct 3rd 2009	US$819

Prices are per person land only based on 2 people sharing a twin room.

What's Included

What's Included

3 nights accommodation in traditional bed and breakfast or quaint hotel including all bed taxes.
6 meals during tour (3 evening dinners and 3 full english breakfasts).
Entrance fees to any attractions visited.
All transport and fuel costs.
Services of your driver/guide-companion.
All taxes and tips other than those you may wish to give your guide.

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