The Wonders of Wales
Cardiff
Cardiff
The Wonders of Wales
Tour summary
8 days
Wales
11 meals
18 guests (max)
Luxury minicoach
Twin-share / double / double for single occupancy
7 nights in thoughtfully selected accommodation7 nights
Soak in the wonders of Wales on this captivating journey through emerald green valleys and along a breathtaking coastline. Feel the rhythmic heartbeat of a historic steam train ride, savour the classic flavours of a traditional afternoon tea and admire the distinctive beauty of a medieval palace, whose ruins whisper tales of time gone by – what makes Wales so unique is yours to discover.
Tour highlights
- Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea served in a delightful tearoom at the edge of Snowdonia National Park
- Embark on a steam train ride through the spectacular scenery of the Rheidol Valley
- Discover the majestic Gothic architecture of the Bishop’s Palace in St Davids
Tour itinerary
Day 1 - Cardiff (Wales)
After meeting the group in Wales’ vibrant capital, we’ll get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner at the hotel.
After meeting the group in Wales’ vibrant capital, we’ll get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner at the hotel.
Included today
Accommodation
Parkgate Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Dinner
Day 2 - Cardiff – Brecon Beacons
Following a hearty breakfast at our hotel we’ll venture through the dramatic Welsh Valleys to Brecon Beacons National Park. We’ll stop off at the impressive Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths which date back to AD 74. Afterwards – if time allows – we’ll delve into Welsh mining heritage at the Big Pit National Coal Museum. This evening, another delicious group dinner awaits us at our hotel.
Following a hearty breakfast at our hotel we’ll venture through the dramatic Welsh Valleys to Brecon Beacons National Park. We’ll stop off at the impressive Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths which date back to AD 74. Afterwards – if time allows – we’ll delve into Welsh mining heritage at the Big Pit National Coal Museum. This evening, another delicious group dinner awaits us at our hotel.
Included today
Accommodation
The Bear Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 3 - Brecon Beacons – Llangollen – North Wales
Today’s itinerary will take us further north along the border regions of Mid Wales to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct: the longest and highest structure of its kind (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Next, we’ll pass by the mesmerising Valle Crucis Abbey before pausing for an afternoon tea together at a charming local tearoom. Upon our arrival along the rugged North Welsh Coast, we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure.
Today’s itinerary will take us further north along the border regions of Mid Wales to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct: the longest and highest structure of its kind (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Next, we’ll pass by the mesmerising Valle Crucis Abbey before pausing for an afternoon tea together at a charming local tearoom. Upon our arrival along the rugged North Welsh Coast, we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure.
Included today
Accommodation
Empire Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 4 - North Wales
There’s plenty of free time to explore the nearby towns of Llandudno and Conwy today. How you choose to spend the day is up to you – but we recommend visiting the imposing Conwy Castle and taking a look at the medieval town walls. Later, you could uncover the self-proclaimed “smallest house in Great Britain” along the picturesque quay – which also plays host to an abundance of cosy cafes and traditional pubs perfect for spending a relaxing afternoon.
There’s plenty of free time to explore the nearby towns of Llandudno and Conwy today. How you choose to spend the day is up to you – but we recommend visiting the imposing Conwy Castle and taking a look at the medieval town walls. Later, you could uncover the self-proclaimed “smallest house in Great Britain” along the picturesque quay – which also plays host to an abundance of cosy cafes and traditional pubs perfect for spending a relaxing afternoon.
Included today
Accommodation
Empire Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 5 - North Wales – Snowdonia National Park – West Wales
Continuing our journey today, we’ll have a brief photo opportunity at the village with the longest place name in Europe – Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch – before moving on to Caernarfon Castle. After exploring its impressive medieval battlements and uncovering fascinating historic tales, we’ll journey through breathtaking Snowdonia National Park towards the Rheidol Valley to soak up its stunning landscapes aboard a historic steam train. Travelling around horseshoe bends, through mountain tunnels and along cliff edges – there’s no better way to discover the region’s lush green pastures, glittering lakes and serene forests. Finally, we’ll venture onwards to our hotel where we’ll discuss the day’s events over a delicious group dinner.
Continuing our journey today, we’ll have a brief photo opportunity at the village with the longest place name in Europe – Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch – before moving on to Caernarfon Castle. After exploring its impressive medieval battlements and uncovering fascinating historic tales, we’ll journey through breathtaking Snowdonia National Park towards the Rheidol Valley to soak up its stunning landscapes aboard a historic steam train. Travelling around horseshoe bends, through mountain tunnels and along cliff edges – there’s no better way to discover the region’s lush green pastures, glittering lakes and serene forests. Finally, we’ll venture onwards to our hotel where we’ll discuss the day’s events over a delicious group dinner.
Included today
Accommodation
The Falcondale (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 6 - West Wales – Pembrokeshire
Ready for more intriguing local heritage? We'll kick things off this morning by paying a visit to the National Wool Museum to learn more about the booming Welsh wool industry during the 19th century. Then, it’s time to jump back even further in time at the highly atmospheric Castell Henllys Iron Age Village. Wander around reconstructed, thatched-roof roundhouses and learn the secrets of surviving in the prehistoric era from friendly villagers. Finally, our day will end in picturesque Pembrokeshire – where you’ll have the evening to spend at your leisure.
Ready for more intriguing local heritage? We'll kick things off this morning by paying a visit to the National Wool Museum to learn more about the booming Welsh wool industry during the 19th century. Then, it’s time to jump back even further in time at the highly atmospheric Castell Henllys Iron Age Village. Wander around reconstructed, thatched-roof roundhouses and learn the secrets of surviving in the prehistoric era from friendly villagers. Finally, our day will end in picturesque Pembrokeshire – where you’ll have the evening to spend at your leisure.
Included today
Accommodation
Wolfscastle Country Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 7 - Pembrokeshire, including Tenby and St Davids
This morning we’ll admire the verdant rolling hills of the Welsh countryside as we set a course for the picture-perfect fishing village of Tenby. Perched on a headland and surrounded by Norman-built walls, we’ll have time to explore the medieval village streets and array of cafes and stores at our own pace. Later, we'll stop off at lovely St Davids – Britain’s smallest city – to discover the ruins of the magnificent Gothic Bishop’s Palace. Upon returning to our hotel, we’ll don our best outfits for tonight’s final group dinner. Here’s to an incredible journey!
This morning we’ll admire the verdant rolling hills of the Welsh countryside as we set a course for the picture-perfect fishing village of Tenby. Perched on a headland and surrounded by Norman-built walls, we’ll have time to explore the medieval village streets and array of cafes and stores at our own pace. Later, we'll stop off at lovely St Davids – Britain’s smallest city – to discover the ruins of the magnificent Gothic Bishop’s Palace. Upon returning to our hotel, we’ll don our best outfits for tonight’s final group dinner. Here’s to an incredible journey!
Included today
Accommodation
Wolfscastle Country Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 8 - Pembrokeshire – Cardiff
After breakfast, it’s back to Cardiff we go! This morning we’ll make the scenic drive south towards the capital, where we’ll pay a visit to St Fagans National Museum of History – Wales’ most popular heritage attraction – before our tour comes to a close.
After breakfast, it’s back to Cardiff we go! This morning we’ll make the scenic drive south towards the capital, where we’ll pay a visit to St Fagans National Museum of History – Wales’ most popular heritage attraction – before our tour comes to a close.
Included today
Meals
- Breakfast
Things we think you'll love

A coal miner's tale
Dig deep into the past as we venture a mighty 300 feet underground for a tour of the Big Pit - a one-time working mine and UNESCO World Heritage Site - with a former coal miner who'll share his stories of life and work in these tunnels.

Steam train ambles
See hues of green everywhere as you settle in a classic steam train and amble through Rheidol Valley - bag yourself a good seat!

Powerful palace ruins
Rewind the clock to a time of towering columns and arched stained glass windows at the ruins of St Davids Bishop's Palace.
Read the reviews
Verified customer feedback powered byFeefo

Anonymous October 2024
This tour provided me with background information on the history, society and culture of Wales through the ages; from Neolithic dolmen and Roman occupation to English ********** and modern self...
Read full reviewAlison Br October 2024
Excellent driver guide input but felt bit long due to it being round trip, bus travel periods would need more stops of interest so not as long between stops. Comfort stops good timing tho.
Personally...
Jerry Va October 2024
The Wonders of Wales tour greatly exceeded our expectations. Terry, our guide was very knowledgeable and brought great insights into every destination on the tour. Dmitri, our driver made the trip...
Read full reviewCatherine Sm October 2024
My first time using Blue Roads. The Wonders Of Wales was excellent..
Love the small group, you get to know everyone, made friends with all. We had a great bunch!!
Our tour guide Terry was excellent...
Anonymous September 2024
Wales was even more beautiful than we thought. So green and our tour director and coach driver were ever helpful and interesting.
Anonymous September 2024
Amazing scenery and a great look back at the history of Wales. Our guide had good local knowledge and spoke Welsh. He was not great at communication and we often were just left to see places on our...
Read full reviewAnonymous September 2024
Beautiful scenery, competent guide, bus too small for 18 people and driver drove too fast
Anonymous September 2024
It mostly depends on the guide. Neil was excellent.
Anonymous September 2024
The only tour that covers most of Wales. A beautiful country and language with a lot of history. Blue-Roads transport can get into places the large buses can't. A maximum of 18 people with plenty...
Read full reviewAnonymous September 2024
We had a great time and recommend anyone to experience this tour.
Anonymous September 2024
Good pacing, wonderful tour leader and driver. Liked the small group size and the selected accommodations.
Anonymous September 2024
Great trip. Truly on the back roads a small villages.
Lynn Bl September 2024
Right amount of days and activities. Good tour, knowledgeable, polite, problem solving leader, would be better with local guides versus being on our own. Nice having drinks in opening meeting but...
Read full reviewAnonymous September 2024
Chose Back Roads because of previous experience in 2018, but very disappointed with company post Covid. Driver personable, guide personable and helpful but both lacking local knowledge/history....
Read full reviewCheryl Ev September 2024
Terry and Ashley were great. They helped me with my disability. The places we stayed were great. Where we went was interesting. I had family from there.
Anonymous September 2024
Very disappointed with the tour as previous experience with Blue-Roads has been excellent. The tour leader & driver were lovely people, however the lack of local knowledge & history was very obvious...
Read full reviewAnonymous August 2024
Great tour much enjoyed
Patricia Ma August 2024
I enjoyed the Wonders of Wales tour very much. Excellent tour guide Terry and driver Vince. I worked it out that the price is about the same as if we had done it all ourselves. Back Roads had...
Read full reviewAnonymous August 2024
Amazing experience made even more special by the tour leader, the bus driver and the other 15 people who accompanied us. So many interesting things to see and experience. Accommodation was excellent...
Read full reviewAnonymous August 2024
Fantastic experience visiting places and Blue-Roads we would never have otherwise gone. Friendly people and nothing was too much trouble. Totally recommend for anyone wanting to experience genuine...
Read full reviewAnonymous August 2024
Excellent tour. Well-paced and provided the opportunity to see much of the countryside and historical sights of Wales. Very good itinerary and would recommend to anyone interested undertaking a tour...
Read full reviewAnonymous August 2024
Brilliant tour, exploring many amazing sites in Wales, as our tour guide said, it was just “a small taste of Wales, there is much more to explore. The tour stops along the way gave the opportunity...
Read full reviewAnonymous August 2024
Amazing scenery. Great variety of places to visit and things to do. Tour guide, Terry, was exceptional.
Joyce Ha August 2024
Tour leader Terry was very welcoming at the meet and greet, an excellent guide with lots of historical; political and general knowledge: Shared his life experiences that were relevant to the tour. The...
Read full reviewJacob Fe June 2024
Beautiful landscapes, interesting sights including castles, churches, Roman ruins and beachside towns and an interesting railroad excursion. Included dinners were excellent as were the picturesque...
Read full reviewAnonymous June 2024
The tour was well organized and our tour guide Terry Gibson was the best. He was very personable, knowledgeable and concerned that everyone on the tour was having a good experience. The pace was...
Read full reviewMonica La June 2024
The itinerary, tour director, hotels and food were all great!!!!
Anonymous May 2024
Efficiently organised and run.
Guide Terry was excellent and was at all times caring, calm and courteous, as well as imparting his considerable knowledge.
Accommodation was generally excellent....
Anonymous May 2024
An absolutely wonderful tour- covered so much in a very enjoyable, well organised manner with a fabulous tour guide.
Joy Ki May 2024
We had a terrific 8 day tour with Blue-Roads. Small group of likeminded people keen to learn about Wales.
Our tour guide Terry was outstanding- knowledgeable, amusing, encouraging our questions and...
Anonymous May 2024
Excellent trip with interesting visits and a great guide.
Helen Co May 2024
We stayed at excellent hotels where the food was wonderful and staff extremely helpful and friendly. The pace was vey good, not rushed at most times. We had some authentic experiences. We really...
Read full reviewMichael Ho October 2023
Fantastic hotels, and meals great value for money. Everything was done for us we just had to enjoy ourselves
Anonymous September 2023
“Pass by the mesmerizing” - If it’s mesmerizing, why pass by? The Welsh Language Center did not offer a lesson, merely an excuse to visit a dramatic spot. I thought Portmeirion was a weird anomaly....
Read full reviewOlive Ca September 2023
Wales is a beautiful country & I thoroughly enjoyed its beauty. Snowdonia NP was my favourite scenic destination & Llandudno was a wonderful place to spend time & to explore Conway from, loved it...
Read full reviewAnonymous August 2023
Beautiful country steeped in history every place I toured was exceptional and equal on all levels
Susan Re August 2023
Wales is a hidden gem, the history is interesting, the locations picturesque
Anonymous August 2023
The tour was affordable for what was included. really got my money's worth on this tour.
Marian Na August 2023
Jeremy was excellent guide - showed good understanding of how to tailor commentary etc to group. Tan, the bus driver was a great driver and went the extra mile for members of group. Pace of tour was...
Read full reviewFred Du August 2023
Outstanding value for the scope of the tour.. Blue Roads provided all the information required for an enjoyable tour.
Lex Ni July 2023
good value for money as so much was included
Anonymous June 2023
Well worth the money. Accomodations were perfect and the provided meals were more than I expected.
Robin Ho June 2023
The blend of history and beautiful landscapes along with lovely villages and friendly Welsh people made for a week of delightful discoveries.
Kathleen Ba June 2023
Excellant tour. Something for everyone with a very knowledgable and kind guide who went out of his way to meet everyone's needs. The driver was excellent and his personal knowledge of the area added...
Read full reviewDenise La June 2023
Loved the scenery and variety of experiences plus the pace of the tour was great
Sally Wi June 2023
the cost increase was a bit more than I expected but realise that with Covid 19 most things have increased and it is still value for money.
Anonymous June 2023
We feel we got excellent value for our costs.
Anonymous June 2023
see previous statement...
Leanne Cl May 2023
No complaints all good recommended it.
Lyn Ni May 2023
Just what I said above covers it

Our friendly Customer Service team are available to advise you Monday to Friday.

Full tour details covering accommodation, transport and included experiences are available in our tour notes.
FAQs
Wales neighbours the Atlantic Ocean, so its maritime climate means changeable, wet weather that’s generally mild. We suggest packing for variable weather conditions – layers, an umbrella and a trusty raincoat will be essential.
While we do cover ground in our minicoach to maximise our time, some of the best discoveries are made on foot! As a result, we ask that you are comfortable with walking small hills in order to make the most of our journey through Wales together.
All the tour details in one handy document available to read at your leisure!
Download tour notesYou may also like
Corners of Southern Ireland
From $2,299
Highlights of Britain
From $3,799
Heart of England
From $2,039
Code: BWWCC5