Compare Discover Wales by Rabbies vs Country Roads of Wales, Devon & Cornwall - Small Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 5 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 325 | $ 5,975 |
| Price Per Day | $ 65 | $ 427 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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N/A |
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities | N/A | N/A |
| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Explore three national parks. Visit an incredible array of castles. And learn about ancient Celtic culture. This is our ultimate tour of Wales. |
Take the country roads across England and Wales on an exploration of Dorset’s quaint seaside vistas, Cardiff’s Welsh Rugby heritage and Bath’s ancient Roman history. After taking in the grandeur of Cornwall’s manor houses, indulge in the most quintessentially English experience—learning croquet on a country lawn, with tips from a professional instructor. From witnessing the millennia old Stonehenge to touring the stunning seventh century ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, this two week tour takes it all in. The rich honey color hues of the stone houses will delight in The Cotswolds, the literary legacy of Jane Austen will bring Pride and Prejudice to life in Bath and the luxury accommodations in Dartmoor’s Bovey Castle, will give you a rather regal taste of the high life. |
Day 1
Delve deep into history at the National History Museum and the Roman Fortress at Caerleon
Wander around the quintessential Cotswold village of Castle Combe
Leaving Tenby in the morning, you begin your return journey to London.
You travel past the big industrial cities of South Wales to the outskirts of Cardiff, for a visit to the outdoor National History Museum (an optional drop-off for anyone wanting to end the tour in Cardiff is available).
After a quick tour through the impressively modern Cardiff Bay area, head 2000 years back in time with a stop at the remarkably well preserved Roman Fortress at Caerleon.
From here, it’s time to say goodbye to Wales. You take the Severn Bridge back into England, where you have one final break at Castle Combe.
This gorgeous Cotswold village perfect for a relaxed stroll amongst 16th century ironstone cottages.
From here you will head back to central London
Day 2
Admire the crests and dips of sharp mountains and deep valleys at the Snowdonia National Park
Compare the ramparts of two magnificent medieval Welsh castles, at Harlech and Criccieth
Travel north into the spectacularly mountainous region of the Snowdonia National Park. You visit the beautiful mountain village of Beddgelert, where you can see the famous grave of ‘Gelert’, the legendary dog, or explore the nearby copper mine.
From here, it’s a short ride to the small coastal town of Criccieth. And nearby there’s an exemplary example of one of the castles of the Welsh Princes. You get stunning views from the ramparts along the coast and out into Cardigan Bay.
You travel on to Porthmadog and over the Cob causeway before reaching Harlech Castle. This mighty medieval castle sits high on a hill, and looks perfectly impenetrable.
After a fulfilling day you return to Aberystwyth in late afternoon.
Day 3
Wander around New Quay and wish you could move into this picturesque little town
Hunt for gold in Britain's only Roman gold mine
Leaving Aberystwyth, you travel around the coast of Cardigan Bay through the quaint town of Aberaeron, and to New Quay.
A sumptuous sandy harbour, whitewashed houses, and connections to Dylan thomas: this town is one of the most picturesque and interesting little towns in Britain. What’s more, is from the breakwater wall you may be lucky enough to spot dolphins and whales.
Turning inland, You strike out for gold at the Dolaucothi mine, which dates back to Roman times. Following this excursion you head into the foreboding Black Mountains.
You may get the chance to explore a mysterious bedrock cave under a castle before you head for the coast, and visit Laugharne, where Dylan Thomas wrote the famous play “Under Milk Wood”.
From here it’s a short distance to Tenby, the small, charming seaside town that’ll be your base for two nights
Day 4
Visit the only national park in Britain that’s dedicated to gorgeous coastline views
Stumble upon the grand cathedral of Britain’s smallest city, St Davids
Our last full day in Wales is spent exploring the extreme south-west.
You see some of Britain’s most gorgeous coastlines at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This region is stunning and was the birthplace of both the patron saint of Wales, and the Twdyr (anglicised to Tudor) royal dynasty.
You stop in the county town of Pembroke, where you can enter the thick medieval walls of the castle. And after this, you travel on to the tiny cathedral city of St Davids for lunch and time for exploration.
In the afternoon the tour follows the coast to Strumble Head, the site of the last invasion of Britain in 1797, and on to the Presili Hills. These hills are a place of entombment in Neolithic times and the source of the bluestones of Stonehenge.
From here we return once more to Tenby for a relaxed evening.
Day 5
Delve deep into history at the National History Museum and the Roman Fortress at Caerleon
Wander around the quintessential Cotswold village of Castle Combe
Leaving Tenby in the morning, you begin your return journey to London.
You travel past the big industrial cities of South Wales to the outskirts of Cardiff, for a visit to the outdoor National History Museum (an optional drop-off for anyone wanting to end the tour in Cardiff is available).
After a quick tour through the impressively modern Cardiff Bay area, head 2000 years back in time with a stop at the remarkably well preserved Roman Fortress at Caerleon.
From here, it’s time to say goodbye to Wales. You take the Severn Bridge back into England, where you have one final break at Castle Combe.
This gorgeous Cotswold village perfect for a relaxed stroll amongst 16th century ironstone cottages.
From here you will head back to central London.
Day 1: Welcome to London
Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free.
The Clermont Victoria, London.
Day 2: Oxford, the Cotswolds and Bath
From lush green rolling hills to old-world villages, this pretty country surprises and delights at every corner. At 07:30, make your your way along the scenic Great West Way to Oxford. A city built to be discovered, Oxford is a wholesome image of leather-bound books, libraries, storybook buildings and picnics. Continue your journey on to the Cotswolds. Just as charming as Oxford, this breathtaking area is about as quintessentially British as it gets. Honey-coloured stone houses line the winding streets of the area’s most beautiful towns and villages, while rapeseed fields decorate this colourful part of the UK in splashes of gold. See Bourton-on-the-Water and the pretty market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, before heading to the historic city of Bath, with its Roman and Georgian architecture. Head on an orientation of the city before checking in to your accommodation for the night, the luxury Apex Hotel. End your day in the most British of manners with a Sunday roast at your Welcome Dinner.
Apex Hotel, Bath.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 3: Bath through the years Relaxed Start
After a relaxed start to enjoy the amenities at your spa hotel, begin your exploration of Bath in a rejuvenated manner. Having attained UNESCO World Heritage status in 1987, this unique city is famous for its Georgian and Victorian architecture and of course its Roman-built baths. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you visit the incredibly well-preserved Roman Baths, also an important hub of culture and education for the area. During free time perhaps learn more about the life of the esteemed author Jane Austen, who made Bath her home?
Apex Hotel, Bath.
Breakfast
Day 4: Brecon Beacons National Park
After a relaxed start you’ll move cities, and countries, as you make your way to Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Along the way you’ll visit the Brecon Beacons. A mountain range in South Wales, it is little surprise this striking location is a chosen destination for so many hikers and nature enthusiasts. Its old red sandstone cliffs hold a variety of plant life, including roseroot, green spleenwort and rue-leaved saxifrages, while its range of fauna includes otters, herons, kingfishers and the soaring red kite, which is the national bird of Wales. Visit the Brecon Beacons with Insight Choice. Choose to join your Local Expert for a foraging walk in the stunning surroundings of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Under her tuition she will show you how to reconnect with nature, and forage for edible and medicinal plants. Alternatively, visit a local kitchen garden for a peak into the freshest seasonal aromatics from the Brecon Beacons. After a morning in the great outdoors, rectify your lethargic bliss with a hearty Farm-to-Table pub lunch, where a delicious seasonal menu with local ingredients will be available. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Cardiff, Wales’ cultural hub.
Clayton Hotel, Cardiff.
Breakfast, Lunch with Wine
Day 5: Cardiff Relaxed Start
Enjoy a relaxed start this morning. Join your Travel Director for an orientation of this vibrant city. See Principality Stadium, home of Welsh Rugby, and Cardiff Castle. The rest of your day is at leisure.
Clayton Hotel, Cardiff.
Breakfast
Day 6: Exmoor National Park to Dartmoor
Start your day at Glastonbury Abbey, where you can explore its historic ruins. Founded in the 7th century, the monastery is now registered as a Grade I listed building. Later, you’ll move on to Exmoor National Park, a beautiful area of moorland in Somerset. A protected Area of Outstanding Beauty, this stunning park is a mass of verdant open land, livestock and flora. Stop in historic Bideford. Your day ends at Bovey Castle, where you’ll stay for the next two nights in the rolling valleys of Dartmoor National Park. Catch up with your fellow travellers tonight over a wholesome dinner at the hotel.
Bovey Castle, Dartmoor.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 7: Exploring the Southwest Relaxed Start
This morning, head to the port city of Plymouth in Devon. Famous for its cobbled streets, gin distilleries and of course the Mayflower, the English ship that transported the first English Puritans to the New World. Next, you’ll journey to the quaint coastal town of Looe. With its turquoise waters and sandy beach, on a sunny day you could easily pass this destination off as one in the south of France. A holiday hotspot in the Victorian era, explore Looe’s comely stores and winding streets at leisure before travelling back to Bovey Castle.
Bovey Castle, Dartmoor.
Breakfast
Day 8: Legends and Glitz in Cornwall
Begin your day in Padstow. Though it has become more gentrified in the past few years, the town has not lost its nautical ambiance. If anything, its gentrification has brought a glitzy gastronomic scene to this pretty port town. Move on to Port Isaac, a pretty fishing village on the Atlantic coast. It is the filming location of British television show Doc Martin, and more recently, Poldark. Be sure to have your camera ready as you enjoy an orientation around the village. Continue your scenic drive to Tintagel, mentioned in the legendary tale of King Arthur. See the ruins of its 13th century castle. Your day ends in the river-port town of Barnstaple.
The Barnstaple Hotel., The Royal and Fortescue Hotel, Barnstaple.
Breakfast
Day 9: Pirates of Penzance
Begin your full day exploring Cornwall with a trip to Penzance. Famous for the comic opera, “The Pirates of Penzance”, true to the story, its shores just 100 years previous, in the late 18th century, had met real-life pirates. Explore this beautiful destination with your group before moving on to St Ives. Perhaps England’s equivalent of St Tropez, it has long been popular with artists, with galleries and studios lining its fanciful streets. It is also the preferred retreat for British celebrities Gordon Ramsay and Kate Winslet, who both have holiday homes close by. Your final discovery for the day is Land’s End. A world-famous landmark, you’ll explore Britain’s most southwestern point. From its wild cliffs you can see the Isles of Scilly. Beyond that is the Atlantic Ocean and North America. In the evening, you have the option of heading out for a traditional Cornish meal enjoying the ambience of a local pub.
The Bodmin Jail Hotel, Bodmin.
Breakfast
Day 10: Country houses in Dorset Relaxed Start
Your first stop this morning is at Athelhampton, a 500-year-old Tudor Manor House in the heart of Dorset. Join the estate manager Owen for a walk through one of the world’s greatest estates, with free time to explore the tranquil Elizabethan gardens. Next enjoy a quintessential Devonshire high tea, with freshly baked scones garnished with seasonal fruits from the kitchen garden.
Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant, Dorset.
Breakfast, Morning Tea, Dinner with Wine
Day 11: Dorset at Leisure Relaxed Start
Today is your to enjoy at leisure at the beautiful Summer Lodge Country House Hotel and Restaurant. Perhaps visit nearby stately homes Montacute House or Mapperton House? In the evening, join your fellow companions for an elegant Celebration Dinner at your hotel's famed restaurant. Delight in a seasonal and local menu.
Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant, Dorset.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 12: Depart Dorchester
It’s time to say goodbye to Dorchester as you make your way to Stonehenge. A prehistoric monument found in Wiltshire, its ring of standing stones is believed to have been constructed between 3000 BC and 2000 BC. It was made a legally protected Scheduled Ancient Monument in 1882 and as one of Britain’s most iconic sites, it draws visitors in every year to find out more about its mystical formation. Later, head to Selborne to visit the Selbourne Pottery workshop famous for the pottery established by Robert Goldsmith in 1985. Meet Robert himself and learn more about how he makes these acclaimed ceramics over a demonstration. End your day back in London at the hotel.
The Clermont Victoria, London.
Breakfast
Day 13: Homeward Bound
Your journey ends this morning.
Breakfast
