Experience the spectacular natural beauty of North Wales on this delightful short break, based in Caernarfon. There will be free time to explore this historic town, best known for its magnificent 13th century castle. There will also be a number of included excursions introducing you to the highlights of this spectacular corner of the country. Explore the picture-postcard Italianate village of Portmeirion, setting for the TV series, ‘The Prisoner’, discover the lovely Bodnant Garden, ride the Snowdon Mountain Railway to the glorious summit of Wales’ highest mountain and pay a visit to the impressive Penrhyn Castle.
Including...
4 nights in Caernarfon (accommodation as specified or similar)
Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from home for your journey to the Celtic Royal Hotel (3T). We aim for you to arrive at the hotel between 4pm and 5pm and there will be time to settle into your room before dinner this evening.
Day 2 Portmeirion
Today’s included excursion takes us to the beautiful seaside village of Portmeirion, created by architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis over a period of fifty years. The project was inspired by his love of the Italian Riviera, with an array of buildings reminiscent of such places as Portofino, and has become one of Snowdonia’s most unusual and most popular tourist attractions. It has also been used as a film set, most notably for the cult 1960s TV series, ‘The Prisoner’. We enjoy a guided walking tour of the village, and stop here for a two-course lunch before returning to Caernarfon. This may be a good opportunity to visit the impressive castle, constructed in the 13th century as a military stronghold, a seat of government and royal palace.
Day 3 Bodnant Garden
Spread over 80 acres of hillside overlooking the Conwy Valley, Bodnant Garden is a lovely National Trust property featuring a series of terraced gardens, lawns and woodland, as well as the longest laburnum arch in the UK. The garden is also famous for its collection of exotic plants brought back from Asia and North America by 19th century explorers. Later today there will be free time in Caernarfon for you to make your own discoveries.
Day 4 Snowdon Mountain Railway - Penrhyn Castle
This morning we enjoy a scenic journey to Llanberis to ride the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Operating since 1896, the narrow gauge railway carries passengers to the summit of Snowdon, the tallest peak in Wales at 1,085 metres above sea level. It takes an hour for the steam and diesel locomotives to travel through the heart of the spectacular Snowdonia National Park to the summit where, weather permitting, you can enjoy incredible panoramic views over North Wales. In the afternoon we visit Penrhyn Castle, a 19th century stately home designed in the style of a Norman castle. Penrhyn houses an important collection of paintings, as well as a one-tonne slate bed made for Queen Victoria, who visited in 1859.
Day 5 Caernarfon
Following breakfast, you will be collected at 10am by your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.