North Wales & Chester

Welcome to England! Your driver will be waiting in arrivals hall with a sign board, he will then transfer you to Bodysgallen Hall. Welcome to Wales!

This morning, enjoy a visit to Bodnant Gardens with your driver-guide. This world class garden has many plants from all over the world, thanks to the Victorian vision of one gentleman. The garden has been cultivated by five generations of the same family and has beautiful views over the Snowdonian foothills.

Enjoy lunch at leisure before visiting Conwy, a town dominated by its well-preserved castle. The views from the top of the (eight) towers are spectacular, stretching miles along the hilly coastline and across the harbour below.

Caernarfon Castle is one of Wales' most iconic buildings and is home to the Royal Welch Fusiliers - Wales' oldest regiment. Its size, presence and medieval heritage mean it makes for a fascinating visit. Make sure you take in the lofty wall walks, the twin-towered gate house and exhibitions within the towers.

After lunch enjoy a visit to Port Merrion, a coastal village created by Clough Williams-Ellis who aimed for his buildings to enhance and blend in with the naturally beautiful site. From here take the steam train from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog. This thirteen mile journey climbs from the harbour up to the mountains past forests, lakes and waterfalls. Your driver-guide will be waiting for you at the top to transfer you back to your hotel, approximately 45 minutes away.

This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Bodysgallen Hall. After a relaxing morning your driver-guide will be on hand to take you to Penryhn Castle and Gardens, a 19th century structure built to look like a Norman castle, and which is home to interesting items such as a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria! The exotic tree collection and Victorian walled garden in the 60-acre estate are not to be missed.

This morning, depart for Chester. As can be expected of a city built up over such a long period with such a varied mix of influences and styles, there is a charmingly haphazard feel to Chester; its mismatched buildings line the irregular streets in an endearing higgledy-piggeldy fashion. Tudor buildings sit alongside faithful Victorian reproductions, a testament to the city's duration and importance through the ages. Northwards is the neo-Gothic Town Hall imperiously glaring across at Chester Cathedral, whose inner sanctum Georgian Abbey Square is a delightful place to stop.

Enjoy afternoon tea in the beautiful Chester Grosvenor Hotel.