Pre-Tour

Wales

Dragons, Bays & Castles. A 5-day immersive Welsh journey, ending in York for the World Meeting.

Duration
5 days · 4 nights
Cardiff
2 nights — Hotel Indigo
Conwy
2 nights — Quays Hotel
Price
€1,000.00 per person

About this tour

A journey from the capital city of Cardiff to the Victorian seaside charm of Conwy, with time in the Brecon Beacons countryside and the dramatic North Wales coast.

City culture, rugged hills and coastal castles culminate in a gala evening overlooking the sea.

Mountains, beaches and castles.

Cardiff Castle and its Norman keep
Cardiff Castle and its Norman keep
The Royal Arcade, Cardiff
The Royal Arcade, Cardiff
Inside the Royal Arcade
Inside the Royal Arcade
Morgan Arcade's glass rotunda
Morgan Arcade's glass rotunda
Castle Arcade
Castle Arcade
Cardiff Market — Marchnad Caerdydd, 1891
Cardiff Market — Marchnad Caerdydd, 1891
Welsh cakes on the bakestones, Cardiff Market
Welsh cakes on the bakestones, Cardiff Market
Cardiff Bay — the Senedd, the Millennium Centre and the Pierhead
Cardiff Bay — the Senedd, the Millennium Centre and the Pierhead
The Pierhead Building at dusk
The Pierhead Building at dusk
The summit of Yr Wyddfa, Eryri
The summit of Yr Wyddfa, Eryri
Conwy Castle above the estuary
Conwy Castle above the estuary
Llandudno Pier and the Great Orme
Llandudno Pier and the Great Orme

Highlights

🏰

Cardiff Castle

A panoramic tour of the castle quarter, the Civic Centre and the Principality Stadium, then a guided visit inside the castle or the stadium depending on the group.

🛍️

The Cardiff arcades

Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades like the Royal Arcade and Morgan Arcade — worth visiting for the architecture as much as the window shopping.

🌊

Cardiff Bay

The Senedd, the Wales Millennium Centre and a waterfront walk, with an optional boat trip in the bay when the weather allows.

⛰️

Brecon Beacons & Eryri

A scenic drive into the national park with a short guided walk or viewpoint stop, then north through Snowdonia's castles and villages.

🗼

Conwy Castle & town walls

A guided visit of the castle, with time to explore the harbour and walk the medieval town walls.

🐉

The “Dragons & Bays” gala

A three-course Welsh dinner at the award-winning Ebb & Flow, overlooking Conwy Castle, with a drinks reception and local musicians.

“Dragons & Bays” — the final night

“Dragons & Bays” — the final night

A three-course Welsh dinner in the fabulous Ebb & Flow, an award-winning restaurant. Enjoy all the unique Welsh flavours, Welsh ales and an extensive wine list, overlooking the historic Conwy Castle.

A drinks reception with local musicians, a Welsh-inspired gala menu, entertainment from a band or traditional musicians, and a small Welsh keepsake for every guest.

Your itinerary

  1. 1
    Day 1 — Cardiff arrival & the castle quarter

    Arrive in Cardiff and check in to your central Cardiff hotel, then take some free time to explore. Two suggestions: Bute Park, a 130-acre urban park next to Cardiff Castle with walking trails, wildlife and the Animal Wall sculptures; and the Cardiff arcades — Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades like the Royal Arcade and Morgan Arcade, worth a wander for the architecture as much as the window shopping. Evening — a Welsh Welcome Experience, with a three-course dinner at Lefel 6. Lefel 6 is housed on the top floor, and boasting views over Cardiff's skyline from the balcony you will find a tasteful Welsh-inspired menu and locally curated cocktails to suit every taste. Step out onto the sixth-floor roof terrace for a city view which pays homage to Welsh design and heritage. Welcome drinks featuring Welsh gin and cider, a short performance by a local choir or harpist, and a modern Welsh three-course dinner. Overnight: Hotel Indigo, Cardiff.

  2. 2
    Day 2 — Capital culture & Cardiff Bay

    Morning — Cardiff highlights. A panoramic city tour taking in the exterior of Cardiff Castle, the Civic Centre and the Principality Stadium, followed by a guided visit inside either Cardiff Castle or the Principality Stadium, depending on the group's profile. Afternoon — Cardiff Bay and the coastal feel. Transfer to Cardiff Bay for the Senedd, the Wales Millennium Centre and a waterfront walk, with an optional boat trip in the bay (weather permitting) and free time for coffee or light shopping. Evening — dinner in Cardiff Bay. A relaxed dinner at Bill's Cardiff Bay, just a short stroll from the Senedd and the Wales Millennium Centre and right by the water, for breathtaking harbour views and fantastic food. Overnight: Hotel Indigo, Cardiff.

  3. 3
    Day 3 — Brecon Beacons countryside & the North Wales coast

    Morning — into the Brecon Beacons. A scenic drive into the national park with a short guided walk or viewpoint stop. Eryri is the Welsh name for Snowdonia, which attracts visitors from around the world; Snowdonia also has a rich Welsh cultural heritage, with historic castles, charming villages and opportunities to experience the Welsh language and traditions. Afternoon — a stop for lunch at The Stables bar or in Betws-y-Coed village, then the transfer north to Conwy on the North Wales coast, continuing with commentary and comfort stops along the way. Early evening — arrival in Conwy and check-in at the seafront hotel. Dinner is a relaxed meal at The Mulberry, a waterfront restaurant with sweeping views across Conwy Marina towards the Great Orme — a picturesque location and the perfect way to spend your first evening on the coast. Overnight: Quays Hotel, Conwy.

  4. 4
    Day 4 — Castles, coast & gala night

    Morning — Conwy Castle and harbour. A short transfer to Conwy, a guided visit of Conwy Castle, and time to explore the harbour and the town walls. Afternoon — free time in Llandudno: a promenade walk, the Great Orme tram (optional), or simply time at leisure. Final night — the “Dragons & Bays” gala dinner. A three-course Welsh dinner in the fabulous Ebb & Flow, an award-winning restaurant, with all the unique Welsh flavours, Welsh ales and an extensive wine list, overlooking the historic Conwy Castle. A drinks reception with local musicians, a Welsh-inspired gala menu, entertainment from a band or traditional musicians, and a small Welsh keepsake for each guest. Overnight: Quays Hotel, Conwy.

  5. 5
    Day 5 — Transfer to York city centre

    Morning — depart North Wales for York, with a private coach transfer from the Llandudno and Conwy area. Mid-afternoon — arrival in York city centre, with a central drop-off by mid-afternoon to connect with the main programme.

What's included

All ground transportation

Every transfer and coach movement across the five days, ending with the private coach to York.

Entrance to listed attractions

Admission to each of the attractions named in the itinerary.

Daily guided experiences

Guided tours and hosted experiences on every day of the programme.

Accommodation with bed & breakfast

Two nights at Hotel Indigo in Cardiff and two at the Quays Hotel in Conwy.

Evening dinners as noted

Including the Welsh welcome at Lefel 6, dinner at Bill's Cardiff Bay, The Mulberry in Conwy and the “Dragons & Bays” gala at Ebb & Flow.

Itinerary supplied by Croga Tours and subject to change. Final timings will be confirmed nearer the time.

Book your place

€1,000.00 per person
  • All ground transportation
  • Entrance to listed attractions
  • Daily guided experiences
  • Accommodation with bed & breakfast
  • Evening dinners as noted