Great Little Trains of Snowdonia

Departing the hotel after breakfast we journey to Portmeirion for free time. Architect Sir Clough Williams-Ellis designed and built the Italianate village of Portmeirion after being inspired by visits to the Mediterranean. Its unique atmosphere has seen it featured on camera many times, most famously in the 1960s TV series, The Prisoner. Enjoy browsing the cluster of historic cottages and iconic architecture whilst admiring the glorious views. Continuing our journey to the resort of Cricceth, overlooking Cardigan Bay, where we make a break. Criccieth is a beautiful seaside resort town, on the Southern side of the Llyn Peninsula, known as the ‘Pearl of Wales on the Shores of Snowdonia’ , this attractive Victorian seaside resort is popular with tourists for its beautiful beaches and traditional Welsh charm.

This morning we have a leisurely morning in Caernarfon to explore the Mighty Caernarfon Castle, the town’s narrow streets and stylishly redeveloped waterfront. Discover a wide selection of shops with a mix of High Street names plus small independent retailers and set alongside the beautiful harbour looking out over the Menai Strait and Anglesey, you'll find the Celtica Retail Centre, pub, restaurants and a café, where you can enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we journey to the picturesque Llanberis Railway Station, through the Snowdonia National Park, where we enjoy a majestic return mountain adventure and have a ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway. This world-famous little train takes you on a breathtaking ride to the top of Snowdon, at 3560 ft (1085m) the highest mountain in England and Wales. As the train travels up the mountain, you’ll experience awe-inspiring views and uncover the mountain’s hidden secrets, from viaducts, waterfalls and gorges to the remnants of abandoned farms, chapels and medieval settlements. Arriving back in Llanberis, our coach will meet you at the station and return you to Caernarfon.

Departing the hotel after breakfast we journey through the beautiful National Park of Snowdonia to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Here we board the Ffestiniog Railway for an exhilarating ride across the mountains, descending to the sea at Porthmadog. Nestled on the picturesque Glaslyn Estuary in North Wales, Porthmadog is a charming harbour town steeped in maritime history and natural beauty, free time is available here to explore and have lunch. In the afternoon, we enjoy a journey on the Welsh Highland Railway, departing from Portmadog through a stunning variety of Snowdonia’s beautiful scenery all the way back to Caernarfon, where we re-join the coach to return to the hotel.

Departing the hotel after breakfast we make our return journey, with suitable comfort breaks en route, to arrive home approximately late afternoon.