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Experience a warm Welsh welcome on this discovery of breathtaking countryside and culture-packed towns, journeying on the scenic heritage railways of mid Wales.5 DAYS from%u00a3749ppDay 1. Welcome to Llandrindod WellsYour Welsh holiday starts at the Metropole Hotel and Spa in Llandrindod Wells where the Tour Manager greets you. After check-in, you%u2019re at leisure to start exploring this attractive town in mid Wales. The town boomed in the 19th century as a spa town and retains grand Victorian and Edwardian architecture in its small centre, including our historic hotel. Regularly voted among the UK%u2019s happiest places to live, there are many green spaces to explore. Take a stroll round the peaceful lake, admiring the rugged surrounding scenery or walk among the mature woodlands of Rock Park. Dinner is served at our hotel. Day 2. To the coast on the Talyllyn RailwayToday, we board the steam-hauled Talyllyn Railway* in the village of Abergynolwyn. Tucked away in southern Snowdonia, this beautiful railway paints a cheerful red trail through forests and over bridges. Opened in 1865, the seven-mile journey takes us past waterfalls, streams and mountains. With time at leisure in Tywyn at the end of the line, you could visit the NarrowGauge Railway Museum or stroll along the beachfront promenade. Our coach then takes us down to Aberdovey, at the mouth of the Dyfi Estuary, where you can explore this pictursque coastal village at your own pace. We drive back to our hotel later this afternoon, arriving before dinner. Day 3. Aberystwyth and the Elan ValleyThis morning, we head into the beautiful Elan Valley by coach where a local ranger joins us for a guided tour. Known as the %u2018Welsh Lake District%u2019, the valley is made up of man-made lakes connected by six dams. Our tour ends at Devil%u2019s Bridge, an 18th-century stone bridge shrouded in myth and legend. Here, we join the steam-hauled Vale of Rheidol Railway* for a scenic journey through 12 miles of captivating landscapes, seen from vintage carriages. Arriving in historic Aberystwyth, we head to its esteemed university. As the school where King Charles studied Welsh, this is the perfect place to gain an insight into Welsh heritage, with an %u2018Introduction to Welsh Language%u2019 lesson. After time at leisure to explore the stunning beaches, architecture and culture of Aberystwyth, we head back to our hotel for dinner.Day 4. Powis Castle and Welshpool & Llanfair Light RailwayHeading to historic Montgomeryshire at the northern edge of Powys today, we visit medieval Powis Castle. Dating back to the 13th century, the castle and its gardens are a paradise steeped in history, which you can discover as you explore at leisure. Our coach takes us to nearby Welshpool, where we board the steam-hauled Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway*. Opened as a heritage railway in 1963, this charming route is one of the British Isles%u2019 most historic rail journeys, as an evocative green steam engine hauls vintage carriages through a canvas of dense woodland and rolling hills. Back at our hotel, dinner is accompanied by a performance from the Builth Wells Ladies Choir, who show us why Wales remains the %u2018land of song%u2019.Day 5. Homeward boundYour railway adventure in scenic mid-Wales draws to a close this morning. After breakfast, it%u2019s time to say goodbyes and to head home, or you may decide to continue exploring independently. *Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.YOUR ITINERARYSecure your place now with a %u00a3150pp deposit2025 Departures: APR, MAY, JUN, JUL, AUG, SEP, OCTTour Code: MWS | %u00a3 per person based on 2 sharing. Supplement for solo travellers from %u00a380.WHAT%u2019S INCLUDED:%u2713 4 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 excursionsLlandrindod WellsWALESPowis CastleWelshpoolLlanfairElan ValleyDevil%u2019s BridgeAberystwythTywynTalyllyn RailwayAberdovey4Mobility Rating 1 2 3 4WALES 25Search greatrail.com/MWS25Classic