Wales Self Drive Explorer

Welcome to Wales! Upon arrival at the Manchester Airport, you will pick up your rental vehicle and drive along the north coast of Wales –the so-called North Wales Way. In Llandudno, you can enjoy fish and chips on the pier or take the Victorian tram or the cable car up onto the Great Orme. Conwy is a historic walled town where you can visit the smallest house in Britain as well as the impressive 13th-century castle. Overnight in the Caernarfon/Llandudno area.

Today, drive through Snowdonia National Park and stop in some of the picturesque villages or explore Anglesey, the island off the coast of North Wales known for its prehistoric remains, as well as the town with the longest place name in Europe: Llanfair¬pwllgwyngyll¬gogery¬chwyrn¬drobwll¬llan-tysilio¬gogo¬goch. Alternatively, explore the Llyn peninsula, a stronghold of Welsh culture. Back in Caernarfon, explore the walled town. Overnight in the Caernarfon/Llandudno area. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, drive along the scenic west coast of Wales. Visit the fairy-tale village of Portmeirion, or continue along the coast to Harlech Castle. Stop at Barmouth to see its famous railway bridge, and continue through Aberystwyth, the main town on the west coast to Aberaeron, a picturesque village. Overnight in the Tenby/Pembrokeshire area. (B)

Explore the Pembrokeshire National Park. Take a walk around Tenby to see multi-coloured houses and beautiful beaches, voted the best beach in Europe recently. Take a boat trip out to Caldey Island or continue along the coast to visit Manorbier Castle. On the tip of Pembrokeshire, visit St. David’s to see the cathedral, named after Wales’ patron saint. You may also stop in Pembroke, and see the castle where Henry VII, the first Tudor king was born. Overnight in the Temby/Pembrokeshire area. (B)

Drive along the south coast of Wales to Cardiff the capital. On your way, stop at Penderyn Distillery or take a scenic drive around the Gower Peninsula to see some of the most stunning beaches in Wales. Upon arrival in Cardiff, visit the castle located in the centre of town. Overnight in the Cardiff area. (B)

Today, you can either drive north through the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park or drive through the beautiful Wye Valley which has inspired artists and writers for centuries. Stop at Tintern Abbey. Cross the border to Shropshire, famous for its black and white market towns. Ludlow has a reputation for the quality of its food and drink. Continue north to your hotel near your airport. Overnight in the Manchester Airport area. (B)

In the morning, you will check out of your hotel and drive approximately 25-minutes to the Manchester Airport where you will return your rental vehicle and check in for your onward flight. (B)