Welsh Wonders

Experience the heritage, stunning mountain scenery and fascinating culture of wonderful South Wales. Discover how coins, coal and gin are made in Wales and enjoy a vintage railway journey and a visit to a beautiful country estate. 

Thursday 15th – Monday 19th July 2027

Tour Price £785.00
Single supplement: £129.00

o Four nights dinner, bed & breakfast

o Full cooked breakfast

o Three course dinner menu

o Tour of the Royal Mint Experience

o Tour of the Rhondda Heritage Park

o Entrance to Dyffryn House & Gardens

o Brecon Mountain Railway journey

o Guided tour & tasting at Hensol Castle Distillery

o Fully escorted

o All coach travel

THU  We leave the local area this morning and head to Wales, stopping en route for coffee and lunch. We then make our way to Cwmbran and the Parkway Hotel & Spa, our base for the next four nights, where we have time to settle in before this evening’s dinner.

FRI  This morning, we have a fascinating guided tour of the Royal Mint Experience. We go behind the scenes of coin making to see an exhibition of precious historical coins and rare artefacts which includes the Alfred the Great penny, a staggering 1,100 years old. This afternoon, we head to the Rhondda Heritage Park for a tour of the colliery by ex-coal miners. Providing firsthand commentary of life underground, our knowledgeable guides reveal the international story of Welsh coal and the colliery owner who wrote the first one-million-pound cheque!

SAT  This morning, we have free time in the welcoming city of Cardiff to explore its wide range of attractions and discover more of its history and culture. Or enjoy some shopping by strolling around the city’s ornate Victorian arcades with many independent shops and cafes. This afternoon, we visit Dyffryn House & Gardens. Set in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan and built by coal mine owner, John Cory, the Edwardian gardens have something for everyone from the internationally themed gardens, including the Pompeiian Garden and Exotics Garden, sweeping formal lawns to the kitchen gardens and large arboretum.

SUN  This morning, we step aboard the historic Brecon Mountain Railway for a return journey from Pant to Torpantau. Pulled by a vintage Steam Locomotive, our all-weather observation carriage will provide us with the perfect view of the spectacular Brecon Beacons National Park. This afternoon, we have a guided tour and gin tasting at the Hensol Castle Distillery. Situated in the Vale of Glamorgan countryside in a 17th century castle, we will be treated to an immersive guided tour of the distillery, craftmanship of gin-making, the historic castle, and most importantly, tutored gin tasting.

MON  After breakfast this morning we leave our hotel and make our way back home. We stop en route in Bath where we have time to explore this beautiful city before continuing our journey, arriving back in the local area in the late afternoon.