Pass of Llanberis

*** If you require a Sunday or Monday booking please get in touch *** Meeting point. We start out tour after a briefing, and meander through llandudno and its promenade before taking the dive of the orme. A magical drive around Great Orme's one-way road with its spectacular mountain drop off into the sea. This is the longest coastal one way road in the UK. Keep an eye out for rock climbers on the limestone cliffs, fishermen casting off the rocks, an abundance of wildlife, birds, wild goats, and often dolphins and seals, as well as views towards the Snowdonia mountains and Anglesey. We pass through the ancient village of Conwy where you will get the see one of the most beautiful castle settings in Europe. View the guarding Welsh Dragon of Snowdonia, hidden in woodland over watching for invaders to our lands. (limited parking - if parking space unavailable we have to bypass this stop). Next, you'll head on to Penrhyn Quarry for a chance to see how our mining history has moved with the times and merged with the adrenaline adventure industry of today's generations. Once the world's largest slate quarry to now the world's fastest zip line! We enter the Snowdonia national park, and the glacial valley of Nant FFrancon. The mountains and lakes here start to envelope us, and the scenery takes a dramatic change. Another majestic stop with breathtaking scenery, however next to the lake of Ogwen we learn about a historic find at the lake which is linked to the legend of King Arthur and Excalibur. No visit to Snowdonia would feel complete unless you ventured down into one of its many thousands of mines from all the ages. Here we visit a self guided tour of an old copper mine and its history and workings are revealed. Wonder the quaint mountain village of Beddgelert where you will learn the legend of Gelert the faithful hound and how the village has it historic name. And take a walk to the historic monument where Gelert was laid to rest. Stop at Snowdonia viewpoint. Know as one of the UK's most spectacular views, this 360 panoramic view of snowdonia's horseshoe, gwynant valley and lakes, and the glyder's make it a photographers dream. Another of snowdonias spectacle. Pen y pass is one of Wales most beautiful drives. A V-shaped valley, dramatic scenery on the drive on route to Llanberis. A few minutes walk through woodland are worth the views alone. Dolbadarn Castle, built by the Welsh Prince Llywelyn the Great during the early 13th century is at the base of the Llanberis Pass and overlooks Padarn Lake. The castle was important to both militarily and as a symbol of Llywelyn's power and authority. A quick photo opportunity, looking up the beautiful lake of Padarn towards Mount Snowdon. Built in 1820, the worlds first large scale suspension bridge. Drive over this iconic bridge and a stroll under its arches and surroundings. Drive along the beautiful North Wales coastal road, enjoying the mountains, coastal beaches, and scenic views on our return leg to Llandudno

Day 1: You leave London and travel to the birthplace of William Shakespeare, Stratford-up-Avon. Home to the bard’s birthplace, schoolhouse, and resting place, you have time to explore this charming market town and enjoy lunch in one of the many restaurants and riverside pubs. You then head to the World Heritage Site of Ironbridge close to the Welsh border. Set in a stunning gorge of the River Severn, the historic valley boasts the world’s first bridge made of iron, as well as a host of other attractions. Then, travel to the beautiful town of Shrewsbury to check in to your accommodation for the next 2 nights. Day 2: Today, you will head into the heart of North Wales and visit the picture book castle of Conwy, built by Edward I in the late 13th century. Marvel at the mountain scenery of Snowdonia National Park, including the huge Dinorwic slate quarries and the dramatic Pass of Llanberis in the shadows of the highest mountain peak in Wales. Hear tales of Owain Glyndwr and the Welsh struggles for independence before traveling back through the borderlands into England. Day 3: Northeast of Shrewsbury lies the Peak District National Park, a landscape of rugged moorland, walled pastures, and wooded valleys. As you travel through, you'll see picturesque villages and stunning scenery. After a scenic drive, you arrive in Buxton, a spa town known for its natural thermal springs, popular since Roman times. You can even fill your bottle with water from the famous spring. In the afternoon, visit Chatsworth, the Duke of Devonshire's renowned stately home, famous for its vast collection of art and furniture. Heading north, you pass through England’s former industrial heartlands before reaching York, where you'll stay for two nights. Day 4: Today you have the option to spend the day at leisure exploring the medieval heart of York. Wander the streets of a city with a rich history that dates back to the time of the Romans, Vikings, and Normans. Visit some of York’s fascinating museums, and the stunning York Minster, or just lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets. Alternatively, join your guide on a half-day excursion into the Yorkshire Dales to visit the pretty market towns of Knaresborough or Ripon. Continue your scenic drive of the remote valleys and rugged scenery of the Eastern Dales, before returning to York for a free afternoon. Day 5: Depart the fair city of York in the morning, stopping in the town of Lincoln, famed for its beautiful historic center and delicious Lincolnshire sausages. Continue to the university City of Cambridge, where you can stroll the medieval streets in the shadow of the dreamy spires of historic colleges, including the famous Kings College Chapel. Take a guided punting ride along ‘the backs’ of the colleges, or climb the steps of St Mary’s tower to get a skyline view before heading back to London.