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From superb railways to historic castles and breathtaking mountain landscapes, discover the rugged beauty of north Wales from idyllic Portmeirion to majestic Snowdon.6 DAYS from%u00a3849ppDay 1. Arrival in the Victorian seaside resort of LlandudnoYour holiday begins in the %u2018Queen of Welsh Resorts%u2019, Llandudno, meeting the Tour Manager at our hotel. On the rugged north coast of Wales, with a backdrop of Snowdonia National Park, this is an ideal base for exploring. The afternoon is at leisure, and you could wander along the waterfront or through the town before dinner in the hotel%u2019s award-winning restaurant. Day 2. Riding the Ffestiniog Railway & picture-perfect PortmeirionTransferring to Caernarfon, we enjoy an excursion from the coast into the mountains on the Ffestiniog Railway* to Beddgelert. As we draw closer to the riverside village, the peak of Mount Snowdon dominates the horizon. With free time over lunch in Beddgelert, you could stroll along the river and learn more about the village legend of Gelert, the faithful hound of Prince Llewelyn. We continue to the town of Portmeirion, the design of which was inspired by Portofino on the Italian Riviera, with time at leisure to look around. Our next stop is Porthmadog, where we rejoin the Ffestiniog Railway, taking a different route to Blaenau Ffestiniog. This narrow-gauge steam train weaves a scenic path through rugged mountains with panoramic views of Snowdonia National Park. At the end of the afternoon, we return to our hotel for dinner.*Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however, due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.Day 3. Caernarfon Castle & Snowdon Mountain RailwayOur day begins with a guided tour of 13th-century Caernarfon Castle, a World Heritage site and one of Europe%u2019s best examples of medieval defensive architecture. Next, we board the Snowdon Mountain Railway* for a trip over the dramatic Llanberis Pass to the summit of Wales%u2019 highest mountain. Our route navigates steep gradients into striking landscapes. As we climb to the summit, views of the lakes, mountains and valleys of Snowdonia National Park unfold. There%u2019s time to take in the vista at the summit of Snowdon before we travel back to our hotel, with time to relax before dinner. *Please note, in the event of adverse weather, we ascend to a stop below Snowdon%u2019s summit. The running order of today is slightly different for each tour departure.Day 4. At leisure in LlandudnoYou are free to explore Llandudno today The town%u2019s Victorian pier boasts the title of the longest pier in Wales. From here are excellent views of the seafront promenade, which has a number of traditional seaside attractions, food stalls, and shops. Another option is to take a trip on the Great Orme Tramway. The Llandudno Cable Car is another way to reach the top of Great Orme. However you decide to spend the day, enjoy dinner at our hotel this evening. Day 5. Conwy Castle and north Wales%u2019 historic stately homesOn the final full day, we uncover the treasures lying in Snowdon%u2019s shadow. Travelling by coach, our first visit is to the UNESCO-listed 13th-century Conwy Castle. A guided tour reveals its history, from its beginnings as a Cistercian monastery to its role in the War of the Roses. We continue to Plas Cadnant%u2019s historic gardens and Tudor-era Gwydir Castle, where we have a tour from the owners. This evening is a %u2018Taste of Wales%u2019 dinner, accompanied by a harpist. Days 6. Homeward boundYour holiday ends today and you can travel home or continue exploring. YOUR ITINERARYSecure your place now with a %u00a3200pp deposit2025 Departures: APR, MAY, JUN, JUL, AUG, SEP, OCTTour Code: WDS | %u00a3 per person based on 2 sharing. Supplement for solo travellers from %u00a370.WHAT%u2019S INCLUDED:%u2713 5 nights%u2019 4-Star hotel accommodation %u2713 Standard Class rail travel%u2713 All rail and coach travel throughout your tour%u2713 Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish%u2713 Breakfast and dinner each day%u2713 All guided tours and excursionsPortmeirionBlaenau Ffestiniog BeddgelertCaernarfonLlandudnoWALESMt SnowdonLlanberisPlas CadnantGardens Conwy Castle5Mobility Rating 1 2 3 4WALES 23Search greatrail.com/WDS25Classic