Itinerary for: The Red Dragon of Wales (BRSRDW)

Day 1  Monmouth

Leaving the bright lights of London behind, our journey heads towards Wales through the exquisite countryside and villages of the Cotswolds where we take the opportunity to stop and explore the picturesque honey coloured villages in the area. From here we continue west and cross the border into Wales, known as Red Dragon country. We visit the impressive Cistercian abbey of Tintern, one of the country's greatest monastic ruins, where we revive the legacy of King Arthur and Knights of the Round Table.

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Day 2  Brecon Beacons

Following an interesting guided tour of the country's capital, Cardiff, we discover several aspects of Welsh history as we explore its cultural heritage, followed by a visit to St Fagans. A walk around Wales - from Celtic times to the present day, St Fagans is one of Europe's leading open-air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction. We then begin our winding Back-Roads journey north along the Rhonda Valley to experience the country's famous mining heritage, climbing to the rim of the Rhigos Mountain, Wales' last deep coal mine set against the breathtaking Brecon Beacons panorama. Our rural drive continues through the often ignored but rewarding central region of Wales to our traditional overnight accommodation.

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Day 3  Llandudno

Having explored the narrow streets of Georgian and Jacobean buildings of Brecon, we leave this delightful market town and continue along the Abergwesyn Pass from Tregaron to Llanwrtyd Wells - recently voted Britain's most scenic drive - and through the heart of Wales to the eccentricity of Portmeirion. This stunning private coastal village was created using a combination of rescued architectural follies and specially designed buildings from around the world. Those of a certain age might also recognise it as the location for the hit 1960's TV series, The Prisoner.  Heading northwards, we then follow the scenic coastal route to our base for the next two days in the handsome seaside town of Llandudno.

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Day 4  Llandudno

The flower filled Victorian resort town of Llandudno sits on a beautiful curved sandy bay overlooked by the mighty Great Orme, where you may take an optional tram to the top to experience a spellbinding vista over the Irish Sea and Snowdonia National Park. We then travel along the north welsh coastline admiring the medley of fortified castle towns including Conwy and Caernarfon and cross the Menai Straits to the pristine island of Anglesey. This is a whole new world of sightseeing, from prehistoric burial chambers to Celtic and Viking settlements. We also make a brief visit to the famous town of Llanfair P.G and attempt to pronounce its full name,Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.

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Day 5  Ludlow

Before continuing our journey through Wales, we visit the magnificent Bodnant Gardens situated above the River Conwy and overlooking the valley towards the Snowdonia range. We immerse ourselves in Welsh culture, skirting Snowdonia where the language still thrives today. We stop at Betws-y-Coed to stroll through this lovely village before continuing onto Llangollen where you may take a horse-drawn or motorised boat trip along the Llangollen Canal. Marvel at the architectural achievement of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct before heading across the border to our overnight stop in the 900 year English settlement of Ludlow.

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Day 6   Stratford-upon-Avon

Every corner of this lovely town breathes history and prior to our return to the back roads, time is made here to independently explore its fine mediaeval buildings and famous local produce shops. Get set to unearth Shakespeare's country as we visit the historic Stratford-upon-Avon, where we admire its historic buildings and literary associations during our guided walking tour of this small town. "Parting is such sweet sorrow" and alas having bid a sad farewell to Wales and the bard we must continue on our journey and return to London.

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Pick-up/Drop-off Information:

Tour departs and returns (approx) at 5.30pm from: