The Wonders of Wales
Cardiff
Cardiff
The Wonders of Wales
Tour summary
8 days
7 nights
Wales
11 meals
18 guests (max)
Luxury minicoach
Twin-share / double / double for single occupancy 7 nights in thoughtfully selected accommodation
Soak in the wonders of Wales on this captivating journey through emerald green valleys and along a breathtaking coastline. Feel the rhythmic heartbeat of a historic train ride, savour the classic flavours of a traditional afternoon tea and admire the distinctive beauty of a medieval palace, whose ruins whisper tales of time gone by – what makes Wales so unique is yours to discover.
Tour highlights
- Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea served in a delightful tearoom at the edge of Snowdonia National Park
- Embark on a historic narrow gauge train ride through the spectacular scenery of the Rheidol Valley
- Discover the majestic Gothic architecture of the Bishop’s Palace in St Davids
Tour itinerary
Day 1 - Cardiff (Wales)
After meeting the group in Wales’ vibrant capital, we’ll get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner at the hotel.
After meeting the group in Wales’ vibrant capital, we’ll get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner at the hotel.
Included today
Accommodation
Parkgate Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Dinner
Day 2 - Cardiff – Brecon Beacons
Following a hearty breakfast at our hotel we’ll venture through the dramatic Welsh Valleys to Brecon Beacons National Park. We’ll stop off at the impressive Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths which date back to AD 74. Afterwards – if time allows – we’ll delve into Welsh mining heritage at the Big Pit National Coal Museum. This evening, another delicious group dinner awaits us at our hotel.
Following a hearty breakfast at our hotel we’ll venture through the dramatic Welsh Valleys to Brecon Beacons National Park. We’ll stop off at the impressive Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths which date back to AD 74. Afterwards – if time allows – we’ll delve into Welsh mining heritage at the Big Pit National Coal Museum. This evening, another delicious group dinner awaits us at our hotel.
Included today
Accommodation
The Bear Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 3 - Brecon Beacons – Llangollen – North Wales
Today’s itinerary will take us further north along the border regions of Mid Wales to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct: the longest and highest structure of its kind (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Next, we’ll pass by the mesmerising Valle Crucis Abbey before pausing for an afternoon tea together at a charming local tearoom. Upon our arrival along the rugged North Welsh Coast, we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure.
Today’s itinerary will take us further north along the border regions of Mid Wales to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct: the longest and highest structure of its kind (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Next, we’ll pass by the mesmerising Valle Crucis Abbey before pausing for an afternoon tea together at a charming local tearoom. Upon our arrival along the rugged North Welsh Coast, we’ll have the evening to spend at our leisure.
Included today
Accommodation
Empire Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 4 - North Wales
There’s plenty of free time to explore the nearby towns of Llandudno and Conwy today. How you choose to spend the day is up to you – but we recommend visiting the imposing Conwy Castle and taking a look at the medieval town walls. Later, you could uncover the self-proclaimed “smallest house in Great Britain” along the picturesque quay – which also plays host to an abundance of cosy cafes and traditional pubs perfect for spending a relaxing afternoon.
There’s plenty of free time to explore the nearby towns of Llandudno and Conwy today. How you choose to spend the day is up to you – but we recommend visiting the imposing Conwy Castle and taking a look at the medieval town walls. Later, you could uncover the self-proclaimed “smallest house in Great Britain” along the picturesque quay – which also plays host to an abundance of cosy cafes and traditional pubs perfect for spending a relaxing afternoon.
Included today
Accommodation
Empire Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 5 - North Wales – Snowdonia National Park – West Wales
Continuing our journey today, we’ll have a brief photo opportunity at the village with the longest place name in Europe – Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch – before moving on to Caernarfon Castle. After exploring its impressive medieval battlements and uncovering fascinating historic tales, we’ll journey through breathtaking Snowdonia National Park towards the Rheidol Valley. Here we’ll take in the valley’s stunning landscapes in comfort and style with a historic narrow gauge train ride. Travelling around horseshoe bends, through mountain tunnels and along cliff edges – there’s no better way to discover the region’s lush green pastures, glittering lakes and serene forests. Tonight, we’ll discuss the day’s events over a group dinner.
Continuing our journey today, we’ll have a brief photo opportunity at the village with the longest place name in Europe – Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch – before moving on to Caernarfon Castle. After exploring its impressive medieval battlements and uncovering fascinating historic tales, we’ll journey through breathtaking Snowdonia National Park towards the Rheidol Valley. Here we’ll take in the valley’s stunning landscapes in comfort and style with a historic narrow gauge train ride. Travelling around horseshoe bends, through mountain tunnels and along cliff edges – there’s no better way to discover the region’s lush green pastures, glittering lakes and serene forests. Tonight, we’ll discuss the day’s events over a group dinner.
Included today
Accommodation
The Hafod (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 6 - West Wales – Pembrokeshire
Ready for more intriguing local heritage? We'll kick things off this morning by paying a visit to the National Wool Museum to learn more about the booming Welsh wool industry during the 19th century. Then, it’s time to jump back even further in time at the highly atmospheric Castell Henllys Iron Age Village. Wander around reconstructed, thatched-roof roundhouses and learn the secrets of surviving in the prehistoric era from friendly villagers. Finally, our day will end in picturesque Pembrokeshire – where you’ll have the evening to spend at your leisure.
Ready for more intriguing local heritage? We'll kick things off this morning by paying a visit to the National Wool Museum to learn more about the booming Welsh wool industry during the 19th century. Then, it’s time to jump back even further in time at the highly atmospheric Castell Henllys Iron Age Village. Wander around reconstructed, thatched-roof roundhouses and learn the secrets of surviving in the prehistoric era from friendly villagers. Finally, our day will end in picturesque Pembrokeshire – where you’ll have the evening to spend at your leisure.
Included today
Accommodation
Wolfscastle Country Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
Day 7 - Pembrokeshire, including Tenby and St Davids
This morning we’ll admire the verdant rolling hills of the Welsh countryside as we set a course for the picture-perfect fishing village of Tenby. Perched on a headland and surrounded by Norman-built walls, we’ll have time to explore the medieval village streets and array of cafes and stores at our own pace. Later, we'll stop off at lovely St Davids – Britain’s smallest city – to discover the ruins of the magnificent Gothic Bishop’s Palace. Upon returning to our hotel, we’ll don our best outfits for tonight’s final group dinner. Here’s to an incredible journey!
This morning we’ll admire the verdant rolling hills of the Welsh countryside as we set a course for the picture-perfect fishing village of Tenby. Perched on a headland and surrounded by Norman-built walls, we’ll have time to explore the medieval village streets and array of cafes and stores at our own pace. Later, we'll stop off at lovely St Davids – Britain’s smallest city – to discover the ruins of the magnificent Gothic Bishop’s Palace. Upon returning to our hotel, we’ll don our best outfits for tonight’s final group dinner. Here’s to an incredible journey!
Included today
Accommodation
Wolfscastle Country Hotel (or similar)
Meals
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Day 8 - Pembrokeshire – Cardiff
After breakfast, it’s back to Cardiff we go! This morning we’ll make the scenic drive south towards the capital, where we’ll pay a visit to St Fagans National Museum of History – Wales’ most popular heritage attraction – before our tour comes to a close.
After breakfast, it’s back to Cardiff we go! This morning we’ll make the scenic drive south towards the capital, where we’ll pay a visit to St Fagans National Museum of History – Wales’ most popular heritage attraction – before our tour comes to a close.
Included today
Meals
- Breakfast
Things we think you'll love
A coal miner's tale
Dig deep into the past as we venture a mighty 300 feet underground for a tour of the Big Pit - a one-time working mine and UNESCO World Heritage Site - with a former coal miner who'll share his stories of life and work in these tunnels.
Historic train ambles
See hues of green everywhere as you settle in a classic narrow gauge train and amble through the Rheidol Valley – bag yourself a good seat!
Powerful palace ruins
Rewind the clock to a time of towering columns and arched stained glass windows at the ruins of St Davids Bishop's Palace.
Read the reviews
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Anonymous October 2025
In general good, had issues with some of the accommodation, not up to the mark.
Anonymous September 2025
Really enjoyed our trip, well organised everyday. First class choice of hotels, meals excellent.
Stephen M September 2025
This was an interesting way to see the scenery and history of Wales. The tour was fine but I must say that the accommodation supplied was wonderful, and way beyond expectations. As were th3 supplied...
Read full reviewAnonymous September 2025
There was so many different experiences and a great, knowledgeable tour leader. Wales has so much to offer and such a rich history. We certainly saw much of this part of Britain - mountains, coastal...
Read full reviewGeoffrey Mo September 2025
We visited an historic Coalmine, (Pit) which I did not really want to descend into. I was glad to get our of the mine, however it was the relization that life was extremely hard and Human Beings, had...
Read full reviewJagedish Ch September 2025
Fantastic journey and amazing guide🤩
Susanne Ne August 2025
I think the trip was a bit rushed
There were a lot of places that were too rushed time wise
Anonymous August 2025
Wonders of Wales was totally wonderful adventure. A major plus was beginning and ending in Cardiff and not London which is a pain to get into and a waste of time to get out of.
Our guide, John and our...
Anonymous August 2025
An informative and in depth insight into Wales both past and present. Made extra special by Anthony Wade our guide and Steve our driver. Both men experts in their respective fields.
Anonymous August 2025
My husband & I were very satisfied with our Wales tour. Our tour guide was excellent & also the driver. They both went beyond their duties to accommodate our wants & needs. Yes. We would definitely...
Read full reviewAnonymous July 2025
Great team leader with Terry. Lee excellent driver. Sites visited good. meal arrangements great and excellent tasting food.
Anonymous July 2025
The Wonders of Wales was a truly a wonderful experience.
Thank you to Terry and Lee for making the trip enjoyable and memorable.
Anonymous June 2025
Just loved the tour. Great scenery and accommodation Bus was very comfortable . Tour guide fsntadtic
Anonymous June 2025
Great guide and driver
Anonymous June 2025
We recently completed The Wonders of Wales tour with Back-Roads Touring Company and had a truly memorable experience. Our guide was incredibly attentive and made sure every detail was taken care of....
Read full reviewNoela Da June 2025
We had such a wonderful tour. John and driver, Simon were fantastic.
Anonymous June 2025
Excellent friendly, efficient tour. A bit too many long driving days but this meant we saw a lot of Wales. Great travelling companions and John and Simon were terrific.
Wendy Wi June 2025
Wales is such a beautiful part of the UK - so many shades of green and our Back Roads tour took some lovely tree lined lanes and back roads.
Our tour guide John was wonderful and very attentive and...
Anonymous June 2025
Just wish we spent more time in Snowdonia National Park
It was a two minute stop, take a photo then back on the bus.
The train ride was disappointing as it was not the one described in our broucher...
Anonymous June 2025
We all enjoyed this lovely tour. Our guide, Neil and driver, Mark were excellent.
I learned so much about Wales as our guide was very knowledgeable and interesting. And very organised. We stayed at...
Anonymous May 2025
Small comfortable informative
Guide knowledgeable interactive frinfly bus driver great.
Group all easy to get along with
A little rushed but minor detail
Meals awesome too much sometimes 🤣
Could...
Anonymous May 2025
A good tour. Small group touring and off the beaten track experience. If castles and churches and history are your thing then this is for you.
Anonymous October 2024
This tour provided me with background information on the history, society and culture of Wales through the ages; from Neolithic dolmen and Roman occupation to English ********** and modern self...
Read full reviewAlison Br October 2024
Excellent driver guide input but felt bit long due to it being round trip, bus travel periods would need more stops of interest so not as long between stops. Comfort stops good timing tho.
Personally...
Anonymous September 2024
Wales was even more beautiful than we thought. So green and our tour director and coach driver were ever helpful and interesting.
Anonymous September 2024
Amazing scenery and a great look back at the history of Wales. Our guide had good local knowledge and spoke Welsh. He was not great at communication and we often were just left to see places on our...
Read full reviewAnonymous September 2024
Beautiful scenery, competent guide, bus too small for 18 people and driver drove too fast
Anonymous September 2024
Chose Back Roads because of previous experience in 2018, but very disappointed with company post Covid. Driver personable, guide personable and helpful but both lacking local knowledge/history....
Read full reviewCheryl Ev September 2024
Terry and Ashley were great. They helped me with my disability. The places we stayed were great. Where we went was interesting. I had family from there.
Anonymous September 2024
Very disappointed with the tour as previous experience with Back-Roads has been excellent. The tour leader & driver were lovely people, however the lack of local knowledge & history was very obvious...
Read full reviewAnonymous August 2024
Great tour much enjoyed
Patricia Ma August 2024
I enjoyed the Wonders of Wales tour very much. Excellent tour guide Terry and driver Vince. I worked it out that the price is about the same as if we had done it all ourselves. Back Roads had...
Read full reviewAnonymous August 2024
Amazing experience made even more special by the tour leader, the bus driver and the other 15 people who accompanied us. So many interesting things to see and experience. Accommodation was excellent...
Read full reviewAnonymous August 2024
Fantastic experience visiting places and backroads we would never have otherwise gone. Friendly people and nothing was too much trouble. Totally recommend for anyone wanting to experience genuine...
Read full reviewAnonymous August 2024
Excellent tour. Well-paced and provided the opportunity to see much of the countryside and historical sights of Wales. Very good itinerary and would recommend to anyone interested undertaking a tour...
Read full reviewAnonymous August 2024
Brilliant tour, exploring many amazing sites in Wales, as our tour guide said, it was just “a small taste of Wales, there is much more to explore. The tour stops along the way gave the opportunity...
Read full reviewAnonymous August 2024
Amazing scenery. Great variety of places to visit and things to do. Tour guide, Terry, was exceptional.
Joyce Ha August 2024
Tour leader Terry was very welcoming at the meet and greet, an excellent guide with lots of historical; political and general knowledge: Shared his life experiences that were relevant to the tour. The...
Read full reviewAnonymous May 2024
Efficiently organised and run.
Guide Terry was excellent and was at all times caring, calm and courteous, as well as imparting his considerable knowledge.
Accommodation was generally excellent....
Anonymous May 2024
An absolutely wonderful tour- covered so much in a very enjoyable, well organised manner with a fabulous tour guide.
Joy Ki May 2024
We had a terrific 8 day tour with BackRoads. Small group of likeminded people keen to learn about Wales.
Our tour guide Terry was outstanding- knowledgeable, amusing, encouraging our questions and...
Anonymous May 2024
Excellent trip with interesting visits and a great guide.
Helen Co May 2024
We stayed at excellent hotels where the food was wonderful and staff extremely helpful and friendly. The pace was vey good, not rushed at most times. We had some authentic experiences. We really...
Read full reviewMichael Ho October 2023
Fantastic hotels, and meals great value for money. Everything was done for us we just had to enjoy ourselves
Olive Ca September 2023
Wales is a beautiful country & I thoroughly enjoyed its beauty. Snowdonia NP was my favourite scenic destination & Llandudno was a wonderful place to spend time & to explore Conway from, loved it...
Read full reviewAnonymous August 2023
Beautiful country steeped in history every place I toured was exceptional and equal on all levels
Susan Re August 2023
Wales is a hidden gem, the history is interesting, the locations picturesque
Marian Na August 2023
Jeremy was excellent guide - showed good understanding of how to tailor commentary etc to group. Tan, the bus driver was a great driver and went the extra mile for members of group. Pace of tour was...
Read full reviewLex Ni July 2023
good value for money as so much was included
Robin Ho June 2023
The blend of history and beautiful landscapes along with lovely villages and friendly Welsh people made for a week of delightful discoveries.
Our friendly Customer Service team are available to advise you Monday to Friday.
Full tour details covering accommodation, transport and included experiences are available in our tour notes.
FAQs
Wales neighbours the Atlantic Ocean, so its maritime climate means changeable, wet weather that’s generally mild. We suggest packing for variable weather conditions – layers, an umbrella and a trusty raincoat will be essential.
While we do cover ground in our minicoach to maximise our time, some of the best discoveries are made on foot! As a result, we ask that you are comfortable with walking small hills in order to make the most of our journey through Wales together.
All the tour details in one handy document available to read at your leisure!
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