Railtrail Main Brochure 2023 FULL PROOF

G rand T ours by R ail –

Another unique Grand Tour by Rail, visiting some of our best loved hotels, crossing Wales from coast to coast. From our bases in Carmarthen, Llandrindod, and Llandudno we tick off more steam and heritage railways than you could imagine, plus we bask in the wonderful scenery of the valleys, mountains and coasts.

DAY 1 We arrive in Carmarthen and walk the shor t distance to the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, our base for the next three nights. (D) DAY 2 Our second day is spent exploring the scenic coastline by coach in a region known as the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park , including a visit to cathedral city of St David’s , the smallest city in the UK and the resting place of St David, for which the city is bestowed the title of ecclesiastical capital of Wales. (B,D) DAY 3 Today we travel to train to the picturesque seaside resor t of Tenby and have a free day to admire fantastic views of Caldey Island, stroll around the pretty cobbled streets or simply enjoy the beach and harbour area. (B,D) Station toTour Base (Standard or First Class) ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ Hotel Por terage TOUR HIGHLIGHTS ★ Explore the Pembrokeshire Coast & St David’s ★ Enjoy a day in beautiful Tenby ★ Visit the Teifi Railway ★ Discover the National Botanic Gardens of Wales ★ Travel along the picturesque Hear t of Wales Line & Cambrian Line ★ Experience the Talyllyn Railway, the mother of all preserved lines ★ Steam on the Vale of Rheidol Railway – one of the Great Little Trains of Wales ★ Marvel at reservoirs and mountains on the Brecon Mountain Railway ★ Visit the Bala Lake Railway ★ Enjoy the fabulous Llangollen Railway ★ Explore Snowdonia on theWelsh Highland Railway, world famous Ffestiniog Railway and picturesque Llanberis Lake Railway ★ Spectacular Snowdon Mountain Railway ★ Conwy Valley Line scenic train journey ★ Great Orme Mountain tram ride ★ Stay in some of our most popular hotels Also included in your Tour Fare: ★ Dinner every evening ★ Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home

Fares From £1979

Tenby Harbour

© Lukasz Pajor- shutterstock

DAY 4 This morning we journey on the Teifi Railway , a small narrow-gauge railway built by volunteers along a former GreatWestern Railway branch line. Afterwards, we enjoy a visit to the National Botanic Gardens of Wales , a beautiful mix of modern and historic gardens and home of the world’s largest single-span glass house. Finally, transferring to Llandeilo, we join the Heart of Wales Line , one of Britain’s prettiest rural routes, travelling through tranquil scenery en route to LlandrindodWells for our four nights stay at the Hotel Metropole. (B,D) DAY 5 A shor t transfer to Devil’s Bridge allows us to join the Vale of Rheidol Railway , one of the Great Little Trains of Wales. Running to the Cambrian coast, see the countryside change as we travel through rugged mountain scenery, woodland, and wide open fields to Aberystwyth , where there is free time to take lunch before our return journey. (B,D)

DAY 6 Today we depar t Llandrindod by coach to Newtown, sampling the Cambrian Line, a different route to coastal Cardigan Bay for a journey special to anyone with an interest in railway heritage. The Talyllyn Railway runs for seven miles fromTywyn to Nant Gwernol through the Fathew Valley, passing Dolgoch Falls. Opened in 1865 to carry slate, the railway fell on hard times in

Brecon Mountain Railway

© Brecon Mountain Railway

St. David’s

Vale of Rheidol Railway

© Andrew Roland - shutterstock

© Gareth Griffiths

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