Highlights
- Explore the stunning Welsh mountains of Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia
- Enjoy the highlights of the Pembrokeshire Coast, from Stackpole to St Davids
- Go sightseeing in Edingburgh and discover the best historical stops in Inverness
- Visit Trossachs National Park, cruise Loch Lomond and get to know native wildlife
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive, Explore Cardiff, Welsh Valleys & Brecon Beacons | Brecon Beacons |
| Days 2-3 | Discover the Pembrokeshire Coast | Narberth |
| Days 4 | Tour the Cambrian Coast & Snowdonia | Snowdonia |
| Days 5-6 | Transfer to Edinburgh, Self-Guided Tour | Edinburgh |
| Days 7-8 | Explore Inverness | Inverness |
| Day 9 | Loch Lomond, Trossachs National Park & Wildlife Tours | Balquhidder |
| Day 10 | Depart Cardiff |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive, Explore Cardiff, Welsh Valleys & Brecon Beacons
Welcome to Wales! Upon arrival, gather your bags and head to the capital city center. Then, it's time to explore Cardiff. Spend time at Cardiff Castle, home of the Marquess of Bute and a former Roman fort, or head to his fairy tale holiday home at Castell Coch. Then, visit the second-largest castle in Britain nestled in the Welsh Valleys at Caerphilly. From here, carry on to explore some of Wales's most beautiful valleys, rich in local history and folklore, with the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains as your backdrop.
Head deep into the Brecon Beacons National Park and take in the wild landscape of high peaks, mountain grasslands, and heather plateaus with glacial lakes, rushing streams, and spectacular Ystradfellte waterfalls. Next, make a trip to Penderyn Whisky Distillery, followed by a stop in the small booklovers' town of Hay-on-Wye. With its two Norman castles and over 20 bookshops, Hay-on-Wye is the secondhand book capital of the world and home to a world-famous literary festival.
Days 2-3: Discover the Pembrokeshire Coast
Spend two days discovering the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, world-renowned for its breathtaking seascapes. Stroll the Stackpole estate, complete with sandy beaches, wooded valleys, and its famous lily ponds. Next, visit St Davids, a tiny-but-magical city with its impressive St Davids Cathedral and Bishop's Palace.
Then, it's on to explore the largest castle in southwest Wales, the stunning Pembroke Castle—the birthplace of Henry VII, founder of the Tudor Dynasty. Continue to experience the windswept coastal scenery. Warm up with a hot chocolate overlooking the sea, have a snack at a harborside pub, or dine in one of Pembrokeshire's top fish restaurants. The evenings are yours to enjoy in Narbeth.
Days 4: Tour the Cambrian Coast & Snowdonia
Get ready to explore the Cambrian Coast today. It's a loosely-defined, mountain-backed strip of land that runs from Cardigan Bay to the Llyn Peninsula in the north. The winding coastal route is full of spectacular coastal views.
Begin by discovering the legends of Harlech, a pretty village and home to the spectacular Harlech Castle. Next, explore Snowdonia, which evokes tales of magic, giants, and dragons. Find Llyn Llydaw, the lake where King Arthur's sword, Excalibur, was allegedly thrown. If you're not one for hiking Wales's tallest peak of Mount Snowdon, take a ride up the Snowdon Mountain Railway instead.
Days 5-6: Transfer to Edinburgh, Self-Guided Tour
Today, cross into Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, which offers a charming mix of medieval cobbled alleyways and elegant Georgian design among rocky hills. Spend two days exploring the best of the city.
Take a tour of the namesake Edinburgh Castle, which dominates the townscape, followed by a visit to Holyrood Palace, the official residence of kings and queens since the 16th century. Next, stroll through Old Town's picturesque Royal Mile and visit the Scottish National Gallery. Then, follow in the footsteps of Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson at the Writer's Museum, or visit the famous 12th-century Lewis Chessmen and many Celtic artifacts on display at the National Museum of Scotland. End the eventful day at Calton Hill to watch the sunset over Edinburgh.
Enjoy dinner in a truly atmospheric restaurant by Edinburgh Castle with a unique and historic feel on one night, and spend the other at a top Scottish chef's relaxed restaurant on the edge of the city.
Days 7-8: Explore Inverness
It's time to head into the Scottish Highlands. For the next two days, explore Inverness, the historic town that sits on Loch Ness's shores and the Highlands' capital. See the wonderful Cawdor Castle, an impressive structure built around a legendary thorn tree. Then, take a boat trip around Loch Ness to truly appreciate the castles, monuments, wildlife, and scenery. Make sure to stop at the Victorian Market, the nearby Bronze Age Cairns, Culloden Battlefield, Fort George, and The Highlanders' Museum.
Day 9: Loch Lomond, Trossachs National Park & Wildlife Tours
Today, explore Trossachs National Park, which is overflowing with mountains, lochs, forests, and glens—there are breathtaking views wherever you go. It's an excellent base for scenic walks to explore wildlife and nature. Next, take a cruise on Loch Katrine or kayak on Loch Lomond if you prefer something more active. Then, it's on to the Sea Life Loch Lomond Aquarium and Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre to learn more about the native species.
Finally, it's time for a toast! Tour Scotland's most picturesque distillery at Glengoyne before finding the Falls of Dochart, which run through the small town of Killin. While there, find out more about the local folklore and clan history. Finally, visit Arrochar, which sits in the high mountains, and Aberfoyle on the banks of the River Forth in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park.
Day 10: Depart Cardiff
Today, make the transfer back to Wales and prepare for your departure flight out of Cardiff. Safe Travels!
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