whEre will yoUr joUrney take you?

Our Classic Wales tour is the perfect way to explore two of Wales’ breathtaking national parks your way. We’ll help you curate your own journey through rolling hills and stunning valleys on some of the best driving routes in the UK.

Start & End

Cardiff or Manchester – Cardiff or Manchester

When to travel

March – September

Pricing

From $2,850pp (ex.flights)

Currency: $USD

key hIghlIghts
of this itinErary

Betws y Coed in Snowdonia National Park in Wales

history

Discover the history of the slate industry and its impact on Snowdonia, take historic steam railways to the summits of stunning mountains, and visit countless ancient castles on your travels around Wales.

Puffins on Handa Island

nature

Marvel at the rich wildlife of Wales as you watch hundreds of red kites feeding together in the Elan Valley and visit the vast puffin colony on Anglesey. Take in majestic mountains and dramatic waterfalls on your journey around this stunning country.

Kayaking

adventure

Create your own adventure on your driving tour of Wales, from sea kayaking around Anglesey and exploring caves in Blaenau Ffestiniog to conquering the highest peak in Wales as you hike Mount Snowdon. 

why we loVe this toUr

This is your time to explore everything you’ve ever dreamed of from the Celtic regions. Far off places, beautiful independent businesses and friendly locals await you.

With your personalised itinerary in one hand and our user-friendly app in the other, you’ll take to the open road in one of our beloved, lovingly maintained Land Rovers. 

Enjoy all the flexibility of driving holidays, with the security of knowing you have an expert team just a message away. 

Couple in a Celtic Routes Land Rover viewing the app

yoUr joUrney, yOur way

All Celtic Routes self-drive tours are unique, curated to suit you. Take a look at our sample itinerary as a starting point to begin planning your perfect trip.

1

day 1

2

day 2

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day 3

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day 4

5

day 5

6

day 6

7

day 7

8

day 8

classic wales

day 1

Arrival

Arrive at the outskirts of the Brecon Beacons and spend your first day visiting Caerphilly Castle. Marvel at the second-largest fortress in Britain, topped only by Windsor.

 

day 2

Explore the Brecon Beacons

Venture into the ancient hills of Brecon, spending the day exploring the twisting National Show Caves or strolling along the Brecon Canal. On your way, you’ll enjoy what we believe to be the UK’s best driving roads.

 

day 3

Wind north

Meander through the rolling valleys of the Cambrian Mountains, exploring the rugged landscapes of the stunning Elan Valley. Hike to the impressive Devil’s Bridge waterfalls then meet the sweeping coast at Cardigan Bay.

 

day 4

Coastal Adventures

Spend the day on the spectacular Llyn Peninsula dotted with picturesque seaside towns, visit the mighty coastal fortress of Harlech Castle, or take on one of the only two legal beach drives in the UK at Black Rock Sands.

 

day 5

Visit Anglesey

Explore sweeping beaches, bustling ports, and tiny fishing coves as you explore the island of Anglesey. Visit the medieval Caernarfon Castle then venture out to the romantic outcrop of Llanddwyn Island to watch the sunset.

 

day 6

Snowdonia National Park

Reach the summit of Mount Snowdon with an exhilarating hike or leisurely journey on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. Discover the history of the slate works in Blaenau Ffestiniog and its impact on the Wales you see today.

 

day 7

The Great Orme Headland

Skirt the sweeping bay to Llandudno and discover the Great Orme Headland, where a charming vintage tram climbs to panoramic heights, revealing dramatic coastal views, wildlife-rich landscapes, and  inviting footpaths meandering eading through swathes of wild flowers

 

day 8

Departure

Travel back through breathtaking Snowdonia or head around the bay to Llandudno where you can take a vintage tram to the summit of the Great Orme Headland

 

Progress – Day 1 of 8

South Wales - caerphilly castle Mynydd Illtyd Cardigan Bay in Wales Wales - North - llyn Peninsula - Ty Coch Inn South Stack Holyhead in Wales Snowdonia in Wales Wales North Great Orme tram River flowing in Snowdonia

Start & End

Cardiff or Manchester – Cardiff or Manchester

When to travel

March – September

Pricing

From $2,850pp (ex.flights)

Currency: $USD

brEcon beacons natiOnal park

Soak in the sights as you make your way through the stunning Brecon Beacons. Take the heritage mountain steam railway the length of the Taf Fechan Reservoir, follow the Brecon Canal to foodie Abergavenny below Sugar Loaf Mountain, or explore the vast caverns and underground waterfalls of the National Show Caves. 

Afterwards, stop at Penderyn Distillery to sample award-winning single-malt whiskies and their delicious range of Brecon gins.

Woman with binoculars inside a Land Rover
2

day 2

Brecon Beacons National Park

caMbrian mountAins

Take your time exploring the Elan Valley, an abundant wildlife habitat with 70 square miles of dams, aqueducts, reservoirs, and rugged Welsh landscapes. Then hike through the wooded gorge to the Devil’s Bridge waterfalls which, according to legend, were built by the devil himself. 

At Cardigan Bay, take the opportunity to ride in style on the Talyllyn Steam Railway up to the slate quarries of Southern Snowdonia, or spend time exploring its charming bays and beaches.

Cardigan in Wales
3

day 3

Cambrian Mountains

Snowdonia natiOnal park

From the village of Llanberis at the foot of Mount Snowdon, choose your route to the top, from classic hiking routes like the Pyg track to the historic ascent of the Snowdon Mountain Railway.

Take a trip to Blaenau Ffestiniog and the former slate works to explore its underground networks of caves and mines, discovering the impact of the industry on local culture and landscapes.

Snowdonia in Wales
6

day 6

Snowdonia National Park

More thAn a plAce to slEep

We have visited and handpicked all of the accommodation we offer, from regal Victorian mansions to cosy country inns. Wherever your tour of Wales takes you, your accommodation will be more than a place to lay your head, it’ll be a key part of your once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Massey Griffin

the felin fach griffin

$ $ $ $ $

The small touches make The Felin Fach Griffin such a fantastic place to stay, from soft lighting and local art to homemade biscuits and fresh flowers. Enjoy a warm welcome and multi-award-winning regional dishes from one of the top 50 gastropubs in the UK.

View Property
Barafundle Bay in Wales

palé hall

$ $ $ $ $

Lose yourself in this regal Victorian mansion and 50-acre estate on the fringes of Snowdonia National Park. Everything about this remote location exudes elegance, from the exceptional service to the highly-accoladed restaurant. 

View Property

rEviews

We’re trusted by clients across the world to make their Celtic adventure the trip of a lifetime. Hear what they have to say:

mAke the joUrney yoUr own

In one of our Land Rovers, you’re literally in the driving seat of your self-drive tour. Work with our destination experts to craft your perfect, personalised itinerary. 

Read about recent customisations
Couple in a Celtic Routes Land Rover map reading

enQuire abOut this Tour

    Please let us know your total budget per person for your tour. As a guide, our popular 7 day NC500 itinerary in a mid-size vehicle typically costs £2,900 per person excluding flights, during the summer months

    what’s

    inclUded?

    Your Celtic Routes holiday comes with everything you need to enjoy your tour of Wales to the fullest. From a spacious Land Rover suited to the wilder parts of your Celtic adventure, to a dedicated app featuring your itinerary, map and weather forecast, we’re with you every step of the way.

    Land Rover Hire

    Full insurance for two people

    Accommodation

    Breakfast each day

    Personalised handover and collection

    Detailed personalised trip notes

    Dedicated expert travel advisor

    App navigation

    Cultural information

    £GBP €EUR $USD