Caernarfon is our base for this magical journey into railway nostalgia in the Snowdonia National Park. We travel on the Welsh Highland Railway including the Aberglaslyn Pass, and we also take to the rails on old favourites Ffestiniog and Llanberis and visit the remarkable village of Portmeirion.
Day 1 THURSDAY We travel west across England and into Wales, reaching our hotel in Caernarfon late afternoon.
Day 2 FRIDAY Today we travel to Porthmadog to board the Ffestiniog Railway for a dramatically scenic ride over the mountains to Blaenau Ffestiniog. We then return to Porthmadog for a short lunch stop before visiting the famous Italianate village of Portmeirion. The setting for the TV show ‘The Prisoner,’ the village stands on a rugged clifftop overlooking Cardigan Bay.
Day 3 SATURDAY After a leisurely breakfast, our coach takes us on a scenic drive via Betws-y-Coed to Porthmadog, where we have a fabulous afternoon aboard the Welsh Highland Railway for a journey along its entire 25-mile length, travelling through the magnificent Aberglaslyn Pass and wonderfully dramatic Welsh scenery all the way to Caernarfon. We return to our hotel by coach.
Day 4 SUNDAY We drive to Llanberis in the shadow of Mount Snowdon, where we have an included light lunch. This afternoon you can have free time in Caernarfon or take a ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway to Clogwyn, a dramatic and beautiful journey, but very weather dependent. (Approx £40. Must be requested when booking).
Day 5 MONDAY Leaving Caernarfon after breakfast, we travel homewards making suitable refreshment stops along the way.
The three-star Celtic Royal Hotel stands in the centre of Caernarfon, just a short walk from Caernarfon Castle. Leisure facilities include swimming pool, gym, sauna, bubble pool and steam room. Bedrooms have TV, telephone, Wi-Fi, hairdryer and hospitality tray. The hotel has a bar, lounges, split level restaurant and a lift, although there are a few isolated steps.
