Itinerary
Day 1 - Tuesday, May 11
Group departure from Toronto. Escorted by tour leader Susan Pearson, our memorable journey begins with a non-stop flight to Manchester, England.
Day 2 - Wednesday, May 12
Upon arriving in Manchester, we are greeted by our Welsh tour guide and transferred to our hotel in the Victorian seaside resort of Llandudno, Wales. Our base for the next five nights is the centrally located, privately owned Can Y Bae Hotel. Since the late nineteenth century, the Can-Y-Bae (Song of the bay) has provided an elegant escape from busy everyday life. Can-Y-Bae offers a relaxed elegance and a contemporary twist at the centre of Llandudno's gently curving sea-front promenade. Rated in January 2009 by Trip Advisor as the best hotel in the U.K. we've arranged for Broad Horizons to have 'Sole Occupancy' in this charming boutique hotel during our custom group tour.
Following lunch at Can Y Bae, we'll enjoy this afternoon is at leisure. Llandudno is the perfect setting for an afternoon stroll on the boardwalk. You'll enjoy views from the pier to a wide promenade lined with elegant Victorian pastel-coloured hotels, quaint cafes and charming shops preserved in this classic British seaside resort, framed between the cliffs of the Great and Little Orme Headland.
At 5pm, we'll join our tour guide for a "meet and greet" cocktail reception followed by a delicious group dinner at our hotel. A special presentation will take place after the meal with a light hearted but informative talk on the Welsh language, culture, traditions and heritage with anecdotes and other fascinating facts by Dr. Elwyn Hughes. (L, D)
Day 3 - Thursday, May 13
Our day begins with a delightful breakfast followed by a walk along the promenade to board Britain's only remaining cable operated street tramway, which takes us up 680 ft to the Great Orme Country Park. Here we'll have some free time to enjoy the magnificent views over the ocean, take a walk in the park and visit the excellent information centre. Get your cameras ready ladies - the scenery is breathtaking from this vantage point!
Next stop is the spectacular Bodnant Garden (a National Trust site). Considered one of the world's most glorious gardens, we guarantee this will be a highlight of your trip! To read more about Bodnant Garden visit us at: http://broadhorizonsnetwork.blogspot.com
Our day ends with a sumptuous dinner at our hotel followed by a special musical treat! Wales is referred to as The Land of Song, and the music scene has never been richer in talent, diversity and originality. Tonight, we share this love of music with our travel companions by taking a short walk after dinner to the town's new 1500 seat theatre to see the 'West End' touring version of 'The Sound Of Music'. (B, D)
Day 4 - Friday, May 14
At 0930 am we drive through the upper reaches of the Conwy Vale to visit an authentic mountain farm where we'll see 'world champion' sheep dogs at work. Everyone loves this experience and we're sure you will too! Following the demonstration we'll enjoy lunch 'at the farm' and then we're off to Llangollen, a small town steeped in myth and legend.
This afternoon we visit 'Plas Newydd' home of Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby, who from 1780-1829 were known as "The Ladies of Llangollen." With its spectacular views of Snowdonia, this estate is considered one of the U.K.'s finest mansion house settings.
After a scenic drive over Horseshoe Pass, we arrive back at our Llandudno hotel where we share the day's events over dinner with our travel buddies. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Saturday, May 15
After breakfast we depart for the one hour drive to Chester. When it comes to beautiful cities, Chester is one of the loveliest cities in England and on every tourist's 'must see' itinerary.
The city comfortably ranks alongside the cities of London, York, Bath and Edinburgh. Considering its close proximity to Wales we felt it was important to include Chester in our itinerary.
Upon arrival in Chester we'll meet with our local guide for a one-hour walk-about. Famous for its galleried rows, black & white timbered buildings, Roman remains, magnificent cathedral, shops & boutiques and town crier, these are just a few of the many jewels in Chester's crown.
Following our guided walk, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Feel free to explore on your own, with your travel companions or with our Broad Horizons tour escort. At the end of the day we'll meet for a delightful dinner in one of Chester's charming restaurants before we head back to our hotel in Llandudno. (B, D)
For more information on attractions in Chester please visit our Broad Horizons blog at: http://broadhorizonsnetwork.blogspot.com/.
Day 6 - Sunday, May 16
After breakfast we bid farewell to Can y Bae and travel a short distance to Conwy. As a world heritage site, it is a classic walled town. Its circuit of walls, over ¾ of a mile long and guarded by no less than 22 towers, is one of the finest in the world. Here we tour the magnificent Conwy Castle.
Step back in time and stroll through the narrow streets, and enjoy the shops and the quaint houses of this ancient town. In the afternoon, we join our specialist guide for a guided tour of Conwy's Mighty Castle constructed in the late 13C under orders from King Edward 1st of England.
Upon our departure from Conwy we travel through the small towns and villages of the southern reaches of the picturesque Conwy valley to the family owned Glan Aber Hotel in the mountain village of Betws y Coed, our base for the next four days. Traditionally built of stone and slate last century, the hotel is equipped with all modern facilities, whilst retaining wonderful Olde Worlde Charm.
Betws y Coed is a magnet for anyone who loves beauty. Set in a stunning valley in the Snowdonia National Park, this beautiful village draws visitors for its cascading waterfalls, famed stone bridges and Victorian architecture.
On arrival at Betws y Coed we'll check into the Glan Aber Hotel. Again, Broad Horizons has arranged for 'Sole Occupancy' of this charming hotel for our custom group tour.
Following check-in we'll join our Welsh tour guide in the lobby for a short, walking tour of the town. A delicious dinner is scheduled for 7:30 pm at our hotel tonight. (B, D)
Day 7 - Monday, May 17
Our first visit today is the Trefriw Woollen Mill, one of the few mills remaining that continue to operate traditional Dobcross looms. The present owners, Morgan and Elaine, are the fifth generation of the Williams' family to produce traditional Welsh double weave (tapestry), bedspreads and tweeds at Trefriw; and we join Morgan for a tour and demonstration.
Our excursion today continues as we leave mainland Wales and cross over Thomas Telfords suspension bridge (b. 1826) to the beautiful, mythical Isle of Anglesey. Here we'll visit Oriel Mon (Anglesey Art Gallery). The Oriel is a show place for local artists and craftspeople as well as being a fascinating museum illustrating the island's history, culture and wildlife.
A visit to "LlanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllLlantysiliogogogoch", the smallest village with the longest name is a must! This Welsh town actually exists and its name translates as "The church of St. Mary in the hollow of white hazel trees near the rapid whirlpool by St. Tysilio's of the red cave".
Our exciting and varied day on the Isle of Anglesey ends with a group dinner at Y Bont - a delightful restaurant overlooking the Menai Strait and situated within yards of one of the most stunning places in Wales.
Leaving the isle we have arranged a special visit with the Penrhyn Male Choir at their rehearsal room in Bethesda. This is one of Wales's oldest and best-known male choirs - first established in 1890. Watching them perform is a unique and special opportunity! (B, D)
For a video glimpse of the Penrhyn Male Choir please visit our BH blog at: http://broadhorizonsnetwork.blogspot.com/
Day 8 - Tuesday, May 18
From Betws we drive through the Lledr valley passing Dolwyddelan Castle perched high above the valley floor to the village of Portmeirion, a unique 'fantasy' village. We'll have some free time to stroll through the village and then join Arwel, the very entertaining and knowledgeable head gardener for a walk through the woodland and gardens. Afterwards we continue on to Beddgelert, one of Snowdonia's prettiest villages. Perhaps you'll taste the famous Cadwaladrs' homemade ice cream or enjoy a riverbank walk. Afterwards we drive back through the Nant Gwynant pass and spectacular Snowdonia.
Our memorable day ends with a delectable dinner at our hotel and perhaps an evening stroll in beautiful Betws y Coed. (B, D)
Day 9 - Wednesday, May 19
Today's highlight is a special presentation 'private visit' to Penrhyn Castle (a National Trust site). This enormous neo-Norman castle sits between Snowdonia and the Menai Strait. Built by Thomas Hopper between 1820 and 1845 for the wealthy Pennant family, who made their fortune from Jamaican sugar and Welsh slate, the castle is filled with fine furniture, priceless works of art and other fascinating objects such as a one ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria. Referred to as 'the fantasy castle' it is renowned for its captivating contents and incredible grounds.
Later we continue with the theme of 'slate' by visiting the Slate Museum, where we gain an insight into the slate industry, past and present, through demonstrations and film. (B,D)
Day 10 - Thursday, May 20
Get ready ladies for the 'journey of a lifetime' as we board the Snowdon Mountain Railway and travel to the 'rooftop of Wales'. At 3560 feet, Snowdon is the highest peak in Britain, south of the Scottish Highlands, and the easiest way to get to the top is by the famous Snowdon Mountain Railway. The relaxing train trip is 9 ½ miles there and back to the summit of Snowdon where you'll enjoy the most breathtaking views in Britain, extending as far as Irelands' Wicklow Hills.
And to end our tour on a 'high', we'll enjoy our last lunch together by having a picnic on the summit. After the descent, our luxury coach will take us back to Betws y Coed for some last minute shopping or perhaps you'll relax and soak in the ambiance of a quaint cafe or trendy wine bar. Tonight we celebrate our Welsh adventure together with a farewell dinner that includes traditional Welsh entertainment. (B, L, D)
Iechyd da (Cheers and good health)
Day 11 - Friday, May 21
After breakfast, we are transferred to the Manchester airport for our return home.
***Broad Horizons reserves the right to change the itinerary when deemed necessary***
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