North Wales & Conwy Castle

OVERVIEW

Spend a memorable day in North Wales, exploring a UNESCO-listed medieval castle and wandering a pair of enchanting Welsh villages. Your comfortable coach will head across the Mersey and through Cheshire, into an unspoiled Welsh landscape of heather-clad hills and hidden river valleys. It’s an area rich in legend, cultural heritage and picture-perfect hamlets – a suitable setting for Conwy Castle, a landmark fortress with few equals. Built in the 13th-century, it took two thousand construction workers to complete. While partially in ruins, more than enough of Conwy’s fortified towers and gateways remain intact to create a dramatically atmospheric vision. After touring the castle proper, you’ll have a free interval to stroll Comwy village, encircled safely by the castle’s 1400 yards of curtain walls and beautifully preserved. Meander through the picturesque old town, walk the serene riverfront, visit the Quay House, Wales’ tiniest residence. Afterwards, motoring across yet another delightful expanse of rural Wales, you’ll arrive at Betws-y-Coed village – a hill-hikers favorite, ringed by mountains and with the River Llugwy running through it. After being served lunch in a town hotel, take some free time to browse shops and galleries well worth your attention.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel into Wales to the walled medieval village of Conwy, still protected by its 13th-century castle.
• Tour the caste’s ruined central structure, much of it still intact enough to get a clear sense of the layout.
• Enjoy free time in cobbled Conwy village, where the calendar appears to have stopped centuries ago.
• Motor across another stretch of picturesque Welsh countryside to the village of Betws-y-Coed.
• Savor a refreshing lunch served at a local hotel, then explore this quaint mountain town independently.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and an umbrella as needed.