The Wonders of Wales Road Trip
Road Trips
Trip Overview:
Discover the soul of Wales on a scenic self-drive journey through its storied landscapes and vibrant towns. Begin in Cardiff, where the historic castle and revitalised waterfront set the tone for a country rich in character. Just beyond the city lies St. Fagans National Museum of History, where centuries of Welsh life unfold across open-air exhibits and restored buildings.
Follow the coast to the Gower Peninsula and breathe in the salty air at Three Cliffs Bay, where limestone peaks frame golden sands and peaceful tidal estuaries. Then head west to St. David’s, a city in name but village in spirit, where narrow lanes lead to one of the most serene cathedrals in the UK.
Your route then winds north into the untamed beauty of Snowdonia National Park, where glacial valleys, shimmering lakes and dramatic peaks invite exploration. Nearby Caernarfon Castle rises imposingly above the River Seiont, a striking symbol of Welsh resilience and a UNESCO World Heritage treasure.
End your journey in Wrexham, where a blend of mediaeval roots and modern energy gives the town a distinct edge. With its atmospheric architecture, lively markets and strong sense of identity, it’s a fitting finale to a drive that brings Wales' diverse landscapes and deep heritage into sharp and unforgettable focus.
Highlights:
- Wander through Cardiff’s historic heart, from Cardiff Castle to the waterfront calm of Cardiff Bay.
- Step inside Principality Stadium before discovering centuries of Welsh life at open-air St Fagans.
- Trace Wales’s wild coastline from St Davids Bay to the dune-lined beauty of Three Cliffs Bay.
- Journey through the Welsh Valleys to Brecon Beacons National Park and the misty drop of Pistyll Rhaeadr.
- Explore Snowdonia’s mountain landscapes and medieval heritage, crowned by a visit to mighty Caernarfon Castle.
Included Services:
8-Day Car rental, economy car with airport pick up / drop off, CDW, 24-hour Breakdown Assistance, 2,500 miles (4,000 KM)
7-night hotel including breakfast daily
Excluded Services:
- Travel insurance
- International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
- Gratuities
- Optional excursions
- Items of a personal nature
- Passport & Visa fees, if applicable
- Self Drive
Arrival into Cardiff. Today enjoy exploring the capital of Wales. Packed with shops and restaurants, Cardiff city centre is also bursting with history, with Cardiff Castle situated just a short walk from the local transport hubs. If time permits, head down to Cardiff Bay Barrage. Situated in a stunning maritime setting, enjoy a relaxing stroll with spectacular views of Cardiff Bay and the Severn Estuary and explore the free exhibitions. Overnight in Cardiff.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Cardiff Bay (3 Star Rating)
Boasting a stunning setting on Cardiff Bay's old east dock, this wonderful hotel offers guests a spectacular insight into the beauty of Wales. The hotel is located just a 15 minutes' walking distance from the Cardiff Indoor Arena and the bustling city centre. It provides the ideal setting from which to explore the delights the area has to offer. Catering to the needs of business and leisure travellers alike, this delightful hotel offers tastefully-appointed guest rooms which feature functional space and a relaxing ambience. The rooms come complete with modern amenities for the convenience and comfort of guests. The hotel provides a wide selection of excellent facilities, ensuring that every type of traveller enjoys a relaxing stay.
Day 2: Principality Stadium to St. Fagans
Home to the Wales Rugby Team, a tour of the Principality Stadium is a must see for sporting fans. For those who are adventurous, there are options to prebook a climb to the rooftop to experience Cardiff’s skyline from a breathtaking different perspective! We would also suggest taking a short drive to Wales’s most popular heritage attraction, and one of Europe’s leading open air museums St Fagans. The museum stands in the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle and gardens, a late 16th-century manor house, and over the last fifty years, over fifty original buildings from different locations in Wales from different historical periods have been re-built in the 100-acre parkland and offers a fascinating insight into the history of how people previously lived. In the afternoon you can enjoy afternoon tea at The Ivy Cardiff in Wales, which is located in the St Davids Centre. It includes classic afternoon tea items like scones, finger sandwiches, and sweet treats, with options to add Champagne. Overnight in Cardiff.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Cardiff Bay (3 Star Rating)
Boasting a stunning setting on Cardiff Bay's old east dock, this wonderful hotel offers guests a spectacular insight into the beauty of Wales. The hotel is located just a 15 minutes' walking distance from the Cardiff Indoor Arena and the bustling city centre. It provides the ideal setting from which to explore the delights the area has to offer. Catering to the needs of business and leisure travellers alike, this delightful hotel offers tastefully-appointed guest rooms which feature functional space and a relaxing ambience. The rooms come complete with modern amenities for the convenience and comfort of guests. The hotel provides a wide selection of excellent facilities, ensuring that every type of traveller enjoys a relaxing stay.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 3: Three Cliff’s Bay to St. Fagans
Set within the spectacular Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, today take a scenic drive to St Davids Bay. It may be known as the smallest city in the UK, but it is packed with plenty of things to see and do. Discover many of the beautiful beaches, including Whitesands and Caerfai Bay or visit St Davids Cathedral, one of Wales’s most iconic religious sites.
With its sandy beach, and a backdrop of three limestone cliffs and a spectacular shoreline of sand dunes, salt marsh and encrusted with rock pools, we recommend stopping at one of the most popular photographed areas in Gower, Three Cliffs Bay Beach on route to or on the way back from St Davids. Overnight in Cardiff.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Cardiff Bay (3 Star Rating)
Boasting a stunning setting on Cardiff Bay's old east dock, this wonderful hotel offers guests a spectacular insight into the beauty of Wales. The hotel is located just a 15 minutes' walking distance from the Cardiff Indoor Arena and the bustling city centre. It provides the ideal setting from which to explore the delights the area has to offer. Catering to the needs of business and leisure travellers alike, this delightful hotel offers tastefully-appointed guest rooms which feature functional space and a relaxing ambience. The rooms come complete with modern amenities for the convenience and comfort of guests. The hotel provides a wide selection of excellent facilities, ensuring that every type of traveller enjoys a relaxing stay.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 4: Brecon Beacons National Park to Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall
Today head north through the dramatic Welsh Valleys and make a stop at the Breacon Beacons National Park. Here you will find a variety of options from market towns to prehistoric monuments and many walking and hiking trails. Continue north to the enchanting Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall, described as one of the seven wonders of Wales. At 240ft high, it is Britains highest single drop waterfall. Overnight in Llandudno.
Hotel: Belmont Llandudno (4 Star Rating)
Situated in the beautiful town of Llandudno. In the Conwy region, 200 metres from Llandudno pier, The Belmont Llandudno features a modern approach to the Promenade, where guests can enjoy the on-site bar and the relaxing terrace observing the exquisite scenery. Originally built in the 1850’s The Belmont Llandudno is one of the oldest buildings on the Parade.
There is also a restaurant area, where a tasty breakfast is served, with views of the sea!
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5: Explore Snowdonia
Today explore Snowdonia, where you’ll find many activities, from walking trails, shops selling local produce, family fun parks, Castles, railways and many natural attractions. For breathtaking views, we suggest the Snowdon Mountain railway that offers an adventure to the summit of Snowdon. In the afternoon as you make your way to your hotel in Llandudno stop at the Penderyn Distillery for a tour and tasting. During the hour-long tour you will learn about the founding of Penderyn, the new distillery building, how our award-winning whisky is made and what makes it so unique. See our mill, our mash tun and our innovative single copper-pot Penderyn still. At the end of your tour sample some of our products in our Tasting Bar. Overnight in Llandudno.
Hotel: Belmont Llandudno (4 Star Rating)
Situated in the beautiful town of Llandudno. In the Conwy region, 200 metres from Llandudno pier, The Belmont Llandudno features a modern approach to the Promenade, where guests can enjoy the on-site bar and the relaxing terrace observing the exquisite scenery. Originally built in the 1850’s The Belmont Llandudno is one of the oldest buildings on the Parade.
There is also a restaurant area, where a tasty breakfast is served, with views of the sea!
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6: Experience Caernarfon Castle
Begin your day in Italiano style with a morning at whimsical Portmeirion. Designed in the 1920s to replicate an Italian village, its quirky pastel-hued houses, classical mansions, and maze-like gardens are straight from the pages of a storybook. This afternoon, head to Castell Caernarfon, a Castle that is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. It is also included in the UNESCO listing of the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward I in Gwynedd, as is the adjoining historic towns of Conwy and Caernarfon. Overnight in Llandudno.
Hotel: Belmont Llandudno (4 Star Rating)
Situated in the beautiful town of Llandudno. In the Conwy region, 200 metres from Llandudno pier, The Belmont Llandudno features a modern approach to the Promenade, where guests can enjoy the on-site bar and the relaxing terrace observing the exquisite scenery. Originally built in the 1850’s The Belmont Llandudno is one of the oldest buildings on the Parade.
There is also a restaurant area, where a tasty breakfast is served, with views of the sea!
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7: St. Giles Church to Wrexham
Before heading to Wrexham, if time permits, visit the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, part of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal World Heritage Site. A 20-minute drive from here, will bring you to Wrexham, that is most recently famous for Ryan Reynolds Football Team, however it is also home to another “Wonder of Wales” The historic St Giles Church. Continue south back towards the Cardiff Area. Overnight in Cardiff.
Hotel: Holiday Inn Express Cardiff Bay (3 Star Rating)
Boasting a stunning setting on Cardiff Bay's old east dock, this wonderful hotel offers guests a spectacular insight into the beauty of Wales. The hotel is located just a 15 minutes' walking distance from the Cardiff Indoor Arena and the bustling city centre. It provides the ideal setting from which to explore the delights the area has to offer. Catering to the needs of business and leisure travellers alike, this delightful hotel offers tastefully-appointed guest rooms which feature functional space and a relaxing ambience. The rooms come complete with modern amenities for the convenience and comfort of guests. The hotel provides a wide selection of excellent facilities, ensuring that every type of traveller enjoys a relaxing stay.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8: Depart from Cardiff
Sadly, it is now time to leave the UK, check out of your hotel and make your way to the airport to join your flight home.
Meal(s): Breakfast
