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 on the ‘Harbourman’ up the Cambrian coast line for a return trip to Caernafon. 
• Discover some of the endless variety of ‘Great little trains’ on the railways of Llangollen railway, Bala Lake, Talyllyn, Vale of Rheidol and Welshpool Railway. 
• 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 9 June

London Euston to Crewe, Erddig Country House and canal cruise

The tour begins at London Euston where we will travel to Chester by first class rail. Upon arrival, we meet the coach and travel to Erddig Country House. An old family home, built in 1683 to 1687. With its large collection of servants’ portraits and carefully preserved rooms which capture life below stairs in early 20th century, while upstairs is a treasure trove of fine furniture textiles and wallpaper. We then travel a short distance to Pontcysyllte Viaduct where you will enjoy a narrowboat canal ride across world heritage Pontcysllte Aqueduct located 38 meters above river Dee. The knowledgeable team on board will provide you with commentary so you will learn more about the history of the site as you cruise gently along. Afterwards we depart for our hotel located in Llangollen. Dinner will be at your hotel this evening. (D)

Thursday 10 June

Ride on Llangollen railway, Bala Lake Railway 

After breakfast, enjoy a free morning in Llangollen, nestled in the North Wales Countryside, look around the quaint shops and take a stroll through the town. We meet at Llangollen railway where we take a return trip on this Heritage line running between Llangollen and River Dee through the Dee Valley, to Corwen. Enjoy lunch on board whilst taking in the outstanding natural beauty. Afterwards, we depart by coach to Llanuwchllyn where we join the Bala Lake Railway for a return journey.
Visit the heritage centre upon your return, includes interetsing exhibits and is home to some of their engines when not needed for service. We then travel by coach to the piquturesque Portmerion hotel where you spend the night. Enjoy dinner in the hotel restruant. (B L D)

Friday 11 June 

Free day to explore Portmeirion village 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before exploring Portmeirion Village. The day is yours.
Designed by Sir Clough Wiliams – Ellis in the early 20th century. Portmeirion’s Riviera inspired houses, ornamental gardens and campaniles are a beautiful pocket of madness like no other. Enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant (B D)

Saturday 12 June 

Travel on the Cambrian line on the Harbourman 

After breakfast, we travel by coach to Porthmadog where you travel on the Cambrian coast line to Caernarfon for a return trip on the ‘Harbourman Gold tour’. Travelling 25 miles, coast to coast across the foothills of Snowdon to its destination beside the harbour at Caernarfon. You will get an interval 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. After trip, you board a transport for Wales service to Aberdovey for a short visit before travelling along the scenic Cambrian Coast Line over the famous Barmouth viaduct to Aberdovey where the coach will be waiting to take you the short distance to the hotel. (B L D)

Sunday 13 June

Talyllyn Railway, 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 journey to Nant Gwernol and then on to Abergnolwyn, where we disembark. Here your coach is waiting to transfer you to Machynlleth, on arrival at Machynlleth you travel by service train down to Aberystwyth. You will embark on the Vale of Rheidol Railway from Aberystwyth to Devils Bridge, where will be a short visit to view the devils bridge waterfall before rejoining the Vale of Rheidol Railway back to Aberystwyth station and then onto a short coach transfer to your hotel where you will spend tonight. Dinner will be in the hotel restaurant. (B L D)

Monday 14 June

Welshpool & Llanfair Railway, Powis Castle, free evening at your own leisure 

After breakfast, we board the coach for the journey to the Welshpool & Llanfair light Railway where you will depart Llanfair Caereinion, to Welshpool. From Welshpool, there will be a short coach transfer to Powis Castle, where you will get to visit the castle, and there will be time to purchase lunch. Following a visit to the castle you transfer back to Welshpool where you reboard the train to Llanfair Caereinion where the coach will take to your overnight accommodation, you will have dinner in the hotel this evening. (B D)

Tuesday 15 June

Crewe to London Euston 

After enjoying your final breakfast whilst on tour, we depart by coach to Crewe railway station ready to depart in first class travel by service train back to London Euston.