Northern Wales Highlights

Leave Cardiff this morning in the comfort of your private vehicle and in the company of a knowledgeable driver-guide as you go exploring for the day. Today's destination is the pretty town of Betws-y-Coed, but there are lots of great things to see before you get there... First on the agenda is Snowdonia National Park - the first designated National Park in Wales. The park covers 823 square miles of the most beautiful and unspoilt countryside in North Wales. Take in the expansive views before continuing on to Llechwedd Slate Caverns. Set in 2,000 acres of land above the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, it has been an active, working slate mine since 1836. A unique underground experience will take you deep into the mountain to explore the mysterious world of the Victorian slate miner.

At days end, you'll be brought to your accommodation in Betws-y-Coed.

You will be provided with a welcome pack upon arrival which will include your vouchers, and itinerary as well as additional information such as city maps  and train tickets (as relevant).

You will be picked up from your accommodation in Betws-y-Coed, and taken by private car for your full day tour today.

Begin your day on the scenic Snowdon Mountain railway (open March - October) which will take you to the summit of Snowdon (3,560ft or 1085m), the highest mountain in England and Wales. This majestic mountain dominates the dramatic ancient landscape and scenery of North Wales. This is a truly spectacular railway journey.

Next on the agenda for the day is a visit to Caernarfon Castle. King Edward I intended this castle to be a royal residence and seat of government for North Wales. In 1969, the castle gained worldwide fame as the setting for the investiture of HRH Prince Charles as Prince of Wales.

Continue onwards to Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwlllantysiliogogogoch, translated as "St. Mary's Church in the hollow of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and the church of St. Tysilio near the red cave' - the town with the longest place name in Wales.

Next, head to Bryn-celli, probably the best known and most famous neolithic site in Anglesey. Regarded as a monument of the Bronze Age as well as the New Stone Age.

The final stop of the day is at Llandudno, Wales' most enduring archetype of a genteel Victorian seaside resort, before you are returned to Betws-y-Coed.

The Ty Gwyn restaurant is housed in the hotel of the same name and is situated in Betws-y-coed, at the heart of the Snowdonia National Park. The property is a former coaching Inn which dates back to 1636. The Ty Gwyn has a very good reputation for its food, renowned locally for its international cuisine using the freshest of local produce. Much of the produce used in the kitchen is grown and harvested throughout the year in Ty Gwyn's polytunnels situated in 2 acres adjoining the Ty Gwyn.

The Stables bistro is another restaurant option you may like to consider while you are staying in the area. It has an extensive menu with a specials board and serves a fine range of cask ales. Live Jazz is played every Thursday from 8.30 pm with the “Dixieland Jazz Rag Band” and the world famous Moelwyn Male Voice Choir play every other Friday from March till October from 8pm onwards (subject to change). There is also an outdoor dining option which is popular with the locals during the summer.

Today you will be privy to a scenic drive through the heart of Mid-Wales on your return journey back to Cardiff with your private driver-guide. Enjoy time in Hay-on-Wye, the 'Town Of Books’, with its maze of narrow ancient streets, housing over 35 bookshops with over a million books for sale - a mecca for second-hand book and antiquarian book lovers! The town is located on the northernmost point of the Brecon Beacons National Park and lies on the Welsh border in the county of Powys.  Continue onwards passing through the narrow Gospel Pass which weaves a tortuous route onto the glorious roof of the Black Mountains. The Black Mountains affords vast views across the Brecon Beacon National Park and distant view of tiny villiages. (subject to weather conditions). At days end you will be dropped off in Cardiff.

There are lots of restaurant options to choose from both in Cardiff city centre as well as Cardiff bay. If you like Italian cuisine, you may like to try Positano's (9-10 Church Street tel: 029 2023 5810) or Giovanni's (38 The Hayes, tel: 029 2022 0077) which has a great family atmosphere and an impressive array of barolo's and Chianti's. Alternatively, consider Bullys - (5 Romilly Crescent,  tel: 029 2022 1905). Bully’s uses seasonal produce from Welsh providers, complemented by a  unique French wine list sourced from small, passionate growers. If you feel like venturing outside of the city and to Cardiff Bay, consider Woods Brasserie - a contemporary restaurant situated within the iconic pilotage building of Cardiff Bay. The restaurant has a modern conservatory style dining room, a comfortable bar area and a balcony offering  views of Cardiff Bay. (Pilotage Building, Stuart Street tel: 02920 492 400). Another option in Cardigan Bay is the Pearl of the Orient, situated in the opulent surroundings of Cardiff Bay's mermaid quay development. The restaurant offers the first Cantonese, Peking, Malaysian and swechwan cuisine in Cardiff in a contemporary, relaxed surrounding. (Mermaid Quay, tel: 029 2049 8080). Of course, you may simply like to take a stroll through the city centre and decide what catches your fancy this evening.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.