Mid Wales Explorer

Experience the very best of British steam on this highlight-packed steam rail tour through the magnificent landscapes of Mid Wales.

• Cruise over the World Heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct 38 metres above river Dee. This ‘bucket list’ experience offers and exciting and unforgettable cruise of a lifetime along the Llangollen Canal.
• A definitive tour highlight would be travelling in Gold class on the ‘Harbourmaster’ up the Cambrian coast line for a return trip to Caernarfon, on the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway.
• Discover some of the endless variety of ‘Great little trains’ on the railways of Llangollen, Bala Lake, Talyllyn, Vale of Rheidol and Welshpool. All offering something different and travelling through stunning Welsh countryside.
• With overnight stays in comfortable hotels, fine cuisine and efficient luggage transfers, this unique steam tour is the ideal way to explore these outstanding landscapes in relaxed comfort and style.

Wednesday 10 June
London Euston to Chester, Erddig country house and canal cruise
The tour begins at London Euston where we will travel to Chester by rail in first class. Upon arrival, we meet the coach and travel to the National Trusts Erddig Country House. An old family home, built between 1683 and 1687. With its large collection of servants’ portraits and carefully preserved rooms which capture life below stairs in early 20th century Wales, while upstairs is a treasure trove of fine furniture textiles and wallpaper. We then travel a short distance to Pontcysyllte where you will enjoy a narrowboat canal ride across world heritage Pontcysyllte Aqueduct located 38 meters above the River Dee. Afterwards we depart to our hotel located in Llangollen. Dinner will be at your hotel this evening. (D)

Thursday 11 June
Ride on Llangollen Railway and Bala Lake Railway 
After breakfast, enjoy a free morning in Llangollen, nestled in the beautiful Wales countryside, look around the quaint shops and take a stroll through the town. We meet at the Llangollen Railway where we take a one way trip on this heritage line running between Llangollen, through the Dee Valley to Corwen. Afterwards, we depart by coach to Llanuwchllyn where we join the Bala Lake Railway for a one way journey to Bala. Visit the heritage centre, which includes interesting exhibits and is home to some of the steam engines, before travelling by coach to Machynlleth Railway Station. Here you will board the Transport for Wales service along the Cambrian Coast Line to Barmouth, travelling over the famous Barmouth Rail Viaduct. You disembark for some free time to view the bridge before rejoining the TFW service train to Minnffordd. Here you’ll transfer by coach for the short journey to the picturesque Portmerion hotel where you spend the next two nights. Enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant. (B L D)

Friday 12 June 
Free day to explorer Portmeirion village 
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before exploring Portmeirion Village. The day is yours to enjoy plenty of time in the location designed by Sir Clough Wiliams – Ellis in the early 20th century. Portmeirion’s Riviera inspired houses, ornamental gardens and campanile are a stunning Italianate village, which is renowned architectural heritage site. Enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant
(B D)

Saturday 13 June 
Travel on the Welsh Highland line on the Harbourmaster 
After breakfast, we travel by coach to Porthmadog where you travel on the Welsh Highland line to Caernarfon for a return trip on the ‘Harbourmaster tour’. Travelling 25 miles on the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway, coast to coast across the foothills of Snowdon to its destination beside the harbour at Caernarfon. You will get a break at Caernarfon to explore the historic town with its famous castle, narrow streets, small shops and market square before the train heads back to Porthmadog. You then meet the coach at the station ready to depart to your next hotel stop. Dinner will be in the hotel restaurant. (B L D)

Sunday 14 June
Talyllyn Railway and Vale of Rheidol Railway 
After breakfast we take a short journey by coach to Tywyn Wharf to travel on board the Talyllyn Railway. The line opened in 1865 to carry slate from quarries and the first narrow gauge railway in Britain authorized by act of parliament to carry passengers using steam haulage. Depart Tywyn Wharf for a single journey to Nant Gwernol. Refreshment stop at The Railway Inn before departing by coach to Devils Bridge. Once arriving at Devils bridge, you will have time to take in the views of the waterfalls before departing on board the Vale of Rheidol Railway from Devils Bridge to Aberystwyth. There will be free time to explore the seaside town before meeting your coach and departing to the hotel where you will spend the next two nights.
Dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant. (B L D)

Monday 15 June
Welshpool and Llanfair Railway, Powis Castle, free evening at your own leisure 
After breakfast we take a short coach journey to Powis Castle where you will spend the morning immersed in the history of this medieval castle. You will have time to purchase lunch from the castle café. Afterwards we travel back to Welshpool ready to depart on board the Welshpool and Llanfair light Railway for a return trip to Llanfair Caereinion. Your road coach then takes you to Kerry Vale Vineyard for a guided wine tasting experience, cheeseboard and an opportunity to explore the vineyards and learn about the winemaking process. We then travel back to the hotel where you will get ready for your light farewell dinner.
(B D)

Tuesday 16 June
Chester to London Euston 
After enjoying your final breakfast whilst on tour, we depart by coach to Chester train station ready to depart in first class by service train back to London Euston after an interesting tour if Mid Wales and all that has to offer. (B)