The classic tour of Wales

Tour the borders of England and Wales and discover an impressive fortress and romantic ruin. Chepstow Castle is a wonder to explore, discover and dream of the Medieval world. Erupting out of the jagged limestone cliff, it towers over the river wye, the guardian of the main river crossing from England to Southern Wales. Wales is the land of dragons and castles. The principality has a turbulent past; raids have come from both sides of the border, invasion by the Anglo-Normans and English Kingdoms eventually made Wales part of an Anglo-Welsh dominion; This is a story of rebellion, power, and Royal politics, enjoy the tales. 

Cistercian monks founded Tintern Abbey in 1131. Now all that remains of this once-thriving monastery is a romantic ruin, lost in time. The ecclesiastical architecture is a skeleton of the Abbey, intricate and fragile. Its ethereal elegance is perhaps, more beautiful ruined than whole, and indeed more poignant. 

End your day with views from the famous beauty spot of Symonds Yat Rock. Far below see the River Wye in a beautiful looping shape and above, with luck, see Peregrin Falcons hurtle towards their prey.

Overnight: South Wales - Recommended Hotel: Llangoed Hall Hotel.

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The beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park covers 520 square miles from the Wales-England border. It feels like you’ve stepped into Tolkein’s middle earth. The folds of giant mountains frame emerald green vistas. This place is every outdoor lover's paradise! Where you can experience epic mountain bike adventures, hiking in an environment where you will meet more sheep than people. It’s glorious isolation with breath-taking scenery. 

Discover a hidden Castle with a secret, a fortification with Iron age origins. The earliest structure was probably the work of a Welsh prince - Lord Rhys, ruler of South Wales. The isolated imposing ruins we see today bear all the hallmarks of a border Lord demonstrating his power, wealth and influence. This spectacularly located Castle built as a symbol of control. Carreg Cennen was part of a series of such fortresses built by Marcher lords throughout Wales after the Edwardian conquest. There is a dark secret to discover deep below its ramparts, be brave and explore the dungeon and cave with your guide.

Option; To hike waterfall country and the most beautiful cascades of water in cool emerald valleys of the Four Falls Trail.

Stop for lunch and sample local cheese before heading back into the Brecon Beacons. Stop at the Red Kite feeding station. This successfully re-introduced raptor will be seen in high numbers when feeding begins. We watch quietly from a bird hide as they circle above, they then dive and battle in mid-air for flesh. It is an impressive sight to see. 

Overnight: South Wales - Recommended Hotel: Llangoed Hall Hotel.

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Situated on a steep rock ridge, Powis Castle is a medieval Welsh fortress.  The gardens and parkland, include a deer park. Within Powis is the Clive Museum, home to a collection of Indian and Far East artefacts. The pieces ranged from the 17th Century and made up of a variety of material such as gold, ivory, textiles and silver.  The 'Cat and Snake' marble sculpture in the museum is perhaps the most eccentric piece dating from Roman times. The coach house and stables are relatively modern were built in the 17^th century and contain a grand state coach still used today for family ceremonies. 

Powis Garden attracts visitors from around the world and all year; they come to see the Italian and French baroque style garden surrounding a colossal fortification. The yew trees in the terraced gardens flow downhill like an immense wave. The drive north into Snowdonia National Park is genuinely stunning, forests, mountain passes, and deep valleys.

Overnight: South Snowdonia National Park - Recommended Country Hotel and Restaurant: Pale Hall. 

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There are options to tackle a challenging walking trail or something more leisurely. We will have opportunities to suit your ability. Welsh mountains are dramatic, be amongst emerald coloured foothills, heather, rock and slate-covered slopes and windy peaks. It is a magical experience - Your driver guide will be on hand to make the day run smoothly. We can provide a professional mountain guide for those who choose more adventurous routes.

Options include; Sea Fishing, Zip Lining and Fly Fishing. 

Stop for a beer or afternoon tea in an authentic local village: sample, cheese, honey, and mead. Purchase a Welsh love spoon before heading back to the hotel. Drive along river banks, and through wooded valleys.

Overnight: South Snowdonia National Park - Recommended Country Hotel and Restaurant: Pale Hall. 

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Covering over 800 square miles, Snowdonia National Park breaks the horizon and clutches the skyline with the Snowdon Massif dominating the view. The most famous mountain and the highest peak is Snowdon, followed closely by Garnedd Ugain.

Many hikers train on Snowdon in preparation for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and Everest. For those not in training, we suggest we opt to travel up the mountain by steam locomotive, operated by the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Stop for a beer or afternoon tea in an authentic locals village: sample, cheese, honey, and mead. Purchase a Welsh love spoon before heading back to the hotel. Drive along river banks, and through wooded valleys.

Conwy town and Castle surrounded by the protective outer walls of the Castle, Conwy is a market town dating from the 13th Century. Ancient houses still exist along with the well-preserved Castle, imposing and magnificent. Built by King Edward I in the 13th Century, the primary purpose was protecting the town while managing and governing the local area.  The details add to the medieval charm of the Castle's decoration, whereas the arrow-slits on the towers add to the structure's serious roll.  Climb the turrets and town walls for the panoramic view of the town and Snowdonia. The chapel, kitchens, and chambers are intact and demonstrate life within the Castle.

Overnight: Conwy, North Wales - Recommended Manor House Hotel: Bodysgallen Hall.

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In the foothills of Snowdonia, with views of the Conwy valley and mountains beyond lies one of the most beautiful and impressive gardens in the world, Bodnant Gardens is a horticultural realm. The roots of this magnificent garden planned in the 19th century by Industrial Chemist, Henry Davis Pochin, who entirely re-landscaped this Georgian estate. 

Discover elegant Italianate terraces, ornamental ponds, the longest laburnum arch in the world, that turns bright yellow with flowers in the spring. Behold the vibrant pinks and reds of the rhododendron forests, Himalayan blue poppies, and more. Head down to the dell of cascading waterfalls and pantheon of champion trees; see Asian and American conifer, giant Californian redwoods, holly, pine and maple. The 'dell' is a heavenly space to visit in fall- autumn. 

Penrhyn Castle, a fantasy Neo Norman fort with industrial and colonial foundations. The unique architecture, opulent interiors and beautiful art collection financed by the sugar and slate industries. North Wales quite literally roofed the world with its abundance of high quality slate. The roofing slate was mined and shipped around the globe generating fortunes for the owners of the mountain. See the intricately carved stone walls and staircases with flora, faces, and elaborate patterns. It is a wonder to behold.

Overnight: Conwy, North Wales - Recommended Manor House Hotel: Bodysgallen Hall.

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Chatsworth, in its golden, neo-classical splendour, is an accurate illustration of the vast power and wealth of the British aristocracy. This stately house and grounds, comprising of 126 rooms is everything you hope to experience from a stately home. It has ornately decorated interiors, the finest art, antique furniture and a rich tapestry of family history. 

It is thought that Jane Austen visited Chatsworth House in 1811 and when writing Pride and Prejudice and used it as her inspiration for Darcy's house, Pemberley. Discover Britain's first-ever National Park, The Peak District National Park - with its breath-taking and distinctive landscape. The story of the Peaks is a story of a historical connection between the land and us humans. Its dramatic geological scenery holds clues to our archaeological past - your guide will enlighten you. 

Head down to the Cotswolds, and see picture-perfect villages, with cosy pubs and historic churches.

Overnight: The Cotswolds - Recommended Luxury Village Spa Hotel: The Lygon Arms Hotel.
Overnight: The Cotswolds - Recommended Country House Hotel: Buckland Manor.
Overnight: The Cotswolds - Recommended English Estate Spa Hotel: Dormy House.
Overnight: South Cotswolds - Recommended Country House Spa Hotel: Whatley Manor.
Overnight: South Cotswolds - Recommended Country House Spa Hotel: Calcot Manor.

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Stay an extra night, or head off to Heathrow. The journey time is around 2 hours from the Cotswolds.