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Itinerary
Day 1
We depart in our private executive coach from our designated pick up points. En route to our hotel we visit the National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield, comprising 150 acres of trees and memorials devoted to those who have died in service since the Second World War. During our visit we enjoy a fifty minute land train tour. Complete with pre-recorded commentary, the Arboretum’s land train is the perfect way to discover the stories behind many of the memorials. We continue to the 3* Best Western Waterloo Hotel and Lodge at Betwsy- Coed for a four night stay on a half board basis.
Day 2
Our Blue Badge guide meets us at our hotel this morning and accompanies us throughout the day. The 80 acre National Trust property at Bodnant Gardens is our destination this morning. Located above the River Conwy the gardens feature huge Italianate terraces and stunning views across Snowdonia. This afternoon we continue to Conwy Castle, completed in 1287 and one of Edward I’s chain of Welsh fortresses. We then visit Plas Mawr, the finest surviving Elizabethan town house anywhere in Britain. Robert Wynn, third son of a local landowner, bought this mansion house in Conwy for £200, and between 1576 and 1585, turned it into a celebration of his life, times and wealth.
Day 3
We visit Caernarfon Castle with our Blue Badge guide this morning. Begun in 1283 as the definitive chapter in Edward I’s conquest of Wales, Caernarfon was constructed not only as a military stronghold but also as a seat of government and royal palace. We continue to Portmeirion where we have free time to explore and relax in this charming Welsh village. Later this afternoon there is an included scenic excursion on the Festiniog Narrow Gauge Railway from Porthmadog Station to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
Day 4
With our Blue Badge guide we visit the National Slate Museum this morning, located in the Victorian workshops of the Dinorwig Quarry, and contemplating the history of the Welsh slate industry. This afternoon we visit the National Trust’s Plas Newydd Country House and Gardens. Associated with the 1st Marquess of Anglesey, who commanded the cavalry at the Battle of Waterloo, Plas Newydd is a beautiful 18th century country house with spectacular views across the Menai Strait to Snowdonia.
Day 5
After checking out of our hotel and before returning home we visit the National Trust’s Powis Castle and Garden. Laid out under the influence of Italian and French styles, this world famous garden retains its original lead statues, and the medieval castle contains one of the finest collections of paintings and furniture in Wales.
NB: Please note we reserve the right to alter the above itinerary if required for operational reasons. Given the historic nature of the places visited, a certain degree of walking will be involved, and this holiday may not be suitable for those with mobility problems. Price based on twin share. Minimum numbers required. Normal booking conditions apply.
Featuring
Half board accommodation
All excursion travel & guided tours included
Entrance fees to non-National Trust properties included
Executive coach throughout
Blue Badge guide included on Days 2 to 4
National Memorial Arboretum – land train tour (land train tour included)
Bodnant Gardens
Conwy Castle (entrance fee included)
Plas Mawr (entrance fee included)
Caernarfon Castle (entrance fee included)
Portmeirion (entrance fee included)
Ffestiniog Narrow Gauge Railway (train ticket included)
National Slate Museum
Plas Newydd Country House & Gardens
Powis Castle & Garden
Hotel
We stay four nights on a half board basis at the 3* Best Western Waterloo Hotel and Lodge at Betws-y-Coed (www.bestwestern.co.uk). Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant, bar, indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and gymnasium. All rooms are en suite and feature television, telephone, hairdryer and tea & coffee making facilities. Some of the rooms (the lodge rooms) are located within the annex, which is less than a minute’s outside walk to the main hotel.
Extras
Insurance (including Covid cover) £29
Single room supplement £99
Entrance fees to National Trust properties (free to NT members)
Gratuities
Optional Excursions
All excursion travel & guided tours included
