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 FRIDAY We travel west across England and into Wales, reaching our hotel in Caernarfon late afternoon.
Day 2 SATURDAY A fabulous day today as we board the Welsh Highland Railway for a journey along its entire 25-mile length, travelling through the magnificent Aberglaslyn Pass and wonderfully dramatic Welsh scenery to Porthmadog. We return to our hotel by coach.
Day 3 SUNDAY Today we travel to the famous Italianate village of Portmeirion. The setting for the TV show ‘The Prisoner,’ the village stands on a rugged clifftop overlooking Cardigan Bay. We then transfer to Porthmadog to board the Ffestiniog Railway for a dramatically scenic ride over the mountains to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Our coach then takes us on a scenic drive via Betws-y-Coed.
Day 4 MONDAY We drive to Llanberis in the shadow of Mount Snowdon and join the Llanberis Lake Railway for a ride along the lake shore. This afternoon 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 TUESDAY 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.
