On arrival at Heathrow Airport, a private transfer will take you to our overnight hotel, the Sofitel London Heathrow Hotel. In the evening, join the group for a welcome drink and canapés, followed by dinner.

Meals: Dinner

We head first to Tintern Abbey in the beautiful Wye Valley, located on the border between England and Wales. Built by Walter de Clare, Lord of Chepstow in 1131, it was only the second Cistercian foundation in Britain, and the first in Wales. Falling into ruins after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, these atmospheric, romantic remains have inspired poets and painters ever since, including Wordsworth and Turner. There’s time to enjoy some lunch here (not included) before we continue.

Next is the beautifully preserved Chepstow Castle, which again sits on the border between Wales and Gloucestershire and overlooks the River Wye. The castle was built in 1067 by Earl William FitzOsbern, a friend of William the Conqueror, to defend the Welsh Marches and was once known as Striguil (from the Welsh ystraigl for river bend). It evolved over time to cope with ever more destructive weaponry and is a fascinating place to discover more about medieval military architecture, the life of the border lords and the border disputes between the Welsh and English.

Afterward, we enjoy a photo stop at the England/Wales sign on the border before continuing to Cardiff. Here we check into the Parkgate Hotel, where we stay for the next three nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today begins with a coach and walking tour of Cardiff, the capital of Wales since 1955, but with a fascinating history stretching back through the centuries. There are many restaurants and pubs to enjoy lunch (not included), and other highlights include the Cardiff National Museum & Art Gallery, home to one of Europe’s finest art collections, and a wide range of shops.
Next, we visit The Royal Mint Experience on the outskirts of Cardiff, an interactive exhibition about how coin production works. During our guided tour, we watch as workers mint coins and discover fascinating facts about British coins, giving us a wonderful insight into one of the UK’s oldest institutions. We are treated to a private talk from the curator while we enjoy lunch.

A memorable experience awaits at the Rhondda Heritage Park, where we follow in the footsteps of the coal miners who once worked in the valley and learn about the area’s mining heritage. After our guided tour with a retired miner we are treated to a traditional male Welsh choir performance, complete with Welsh cakes and refreshments.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We start the day with a visit to Newton House, a beautiful Grade II listed mansion with a fairytale castellated structure in the heart of the Dinefwr estate. Built in 1660, it was home to the Rhys family for over 300 years, descendants of Lord Rhys, the Prince of the Welsh Kingdom of Deheubarth. Although a Gothic facade was added in 1850, many original 17th-century features remain inside, from the elegant ceilings to the grand staircase. There are many objects to discover too, including a charred book page dating back to 1689, an 18th-century silver thimble and intriguing items uncovered during the restoration from 1999-2000, believed to ward off evil spirits. We can find out more on the first floor exhibition rooms, a fascinating glimpse into life at Newton over the centuries, before exploring the grounds. A beautiful landscape of flowery meadows, reflective lakes and ancient woodland, Dinefwr is also hoping to restore the Fountain Garden.

Afterward we head to Craig Y Nos Castle on the southeastern edge of the Black Mountain, the former home of the famous Italian 19th-century opera singer, Adelina Patti. We are treated to lunch and a guided tour, learning all about the history of the property, Patti’s time here and the Grade I listed opera house, built to be her private auditorium, as well as the castle’s transformation into a tuberculosis hospital. Outside, the beautifully landscaped grounds are managed by the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we head to Elan Valley Visitor Center, set against a magnificent Victorian stone dam. The exhibition and audio-visual show provide an insight into the history and wildlife of the area, and we learn more during our Ranger coach tour. There’s also the chance for a photo at Caban Coch Dam, once used for secret experiments during World War II in preparation for the famous Dambusters Raid, and the peaceful Pen Y Garreg Dam.

Later we check in to Bodysgallen Hall & Spa, where we stay for the next four nights.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we cross the 19th-century Menai Bridge to spend the day on the Isle of Anglesey, where our first visit is to the fine country house of Plas Newydd. Its most famous past resident is the 1st Marquess of Anglesey, who commanded the cavalry at Waterloo in 1815. The elegant interior reflects the 1930s, thanks to its associations with the artist, socialite and fallen WWII soldier Rex Whistler. The garden’s climate allows extraordinary plants to flourish, including tender exotics and Mediterranean plants.

We continue on to Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens, a series of historic gardens which are gradually being restored to their former glory, where we enjoy a guided tour and lunch. Three different gardens have been discovered, including an unusual walled garden with curving walls, a secret valley garden with three waterfalls and a river, and an upper woodland garden with the remains of a 19th-century folly.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner