Some of the most famous narrow-gauge and miniature gauge railways in the world can be found in Wales. So, what better way to journey through this epic landscape and discover this distinctive culture than with our Explore Wales by Rail tour. Travelling on the Ffestiniog Mountain Railway, Llangollen Railway and Welsh Highland Railways you’ll get to experience Wales at its finest.
Explore Wales by Rail
Some of the most famous narrow-gauge and miniature gauge railways in the world can be found in Wales. So, what better way to journey through this epic landscape and discover this distinctive culture than with our Explore Wales by Rail tour. Travelling on the Ffestiniog Mountain Railway, Llangollen Railway and Welsh Highland Railways you’ll get to experience Wales at its finest.
Operating from Caernarfon to Porthmadog, the Welsh Highland Railway is a 25-mile long, restored narrow gauge heritage railway. The Ffestiniog Mountain Railway, also a narrow-gauge railway, runs from the harbour town of Porthmadog to the slate mining town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. The Llangollen Railway runs between the River Dee and the Berwyn Mountains. Discover untapped beauty, rugged mountains and visit charming towns as you journey on these iconic railways.
Our Explore Wales by Rail experience includes:
Day 1: Llandudno
A warm welcome awaits at the family-run Kensington Hotel overlooking Llandudno Bay. Your Tour Manager will be waiting to meet you when you arrive. You will also have some free to time familiarise yourself with the area and take a look around before enjoying a welcome dinner with the rest of your group.
Includes Dinner
Day 2: Portmeirion
Take in the natural beauty of Snowdonia National Park as you make your way to Porthmadog and Portmeirion. Originally founded in 1832 as a means to transport slate and miners from the quarries, the steam hauled Ffestiniog Railway claims to be the oldest independent railway company in the world.
When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to discover Portmeirion for yourself. Famous for its Italianate architecture, the central piazza and Japanese gardens are worth exploring.
Includes Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3: The Llangollen Steam Railway
Take a journey through some of the most compelling scenery that the UK has to offer courtesy of the Llangollen Steam Railway. Built in 1975 by a group of railway enthusiasts, the route meanders along the banks of the River Dee to Carrog Station. After some free time for lunch, learn how heavy goods were transported through the region with a horse-drawn boat trip along the Llangollen Canal.
Includes Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Llandudno
A free day and time to yourself to explore Llandudno. Llandudno has something for everyone. If you would like to take in more of the awe-inspiring scenery, why not ride the Great Orme cable hauled tramway? It has breath-taking views of Snowdonia and Anglesey.
Or, if you’d prefer to learn about Welsh history, Conwy has one of the most impressive castles in the UK. Plas Mawr, an Elizabethan townhouse has stood unchanged since the 16th century. There are also the Great Orme Copper Mines. The worlds’ largest prehistoric copper mines, visitors can explore the excavated caverns tunnelled in the Bronze Age around 3500 years ago.
Includes Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5: Caernarfon
Your final day of adventure starts with an excursion by coach though a dramatic mountain backdrop to Caernarfon and a guided tour of the castle. We leave Caernarfon to board the Welsh Highland Railway. A narrow-gauge line, it runs along the foothills of the Snowdonia Mountain range to Beddgelert.
The charming stone village of Beddgelert is surrounded by beautiful-wooded valleys, rolling hills and mountain lakes. The town, according to legend, is the final resting place of a faithful dog named Gelert who was killed after his owner mistakenly believed he had attacked his son. When the owner, a 13th-century prince, realised that the dog was actually defending the baby from an attacking wolf, the remorseful prince buried the dog and the town took on its name. Beddgelert in English means ‘Gelert’s Grave’
Includes Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6: Llandudno and Home
After a leisurely breakfast it’s time to think about your journey home. We hope to see you again on one of our Escorted Rail Holidays soon.
Includes Breakfast
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